Vol 41 issue 2

In This Issue:

NEWS National Merit Semi-Finalists

-2

FEATURES McCann, Harman Remembered

-4

ENTERTAINMENT COMMENTARY Great 2004 Hair, Presidential Bad Election Movie

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-11

SPORTS Cross Country

-14

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NEWS OCTOBER

1. 2004 • VOL. 4 1 . No. 2

Bowling for success •

By Alex Schalliuo There exists a club in Maine South dedicated to the acquisition of knowledge of all things trivial, of all things both complex and simplistic: Scholastic Bowl. Scholastic Bowl competitions involve five team members competing against one other team of five, testing the students with questions in math, science, literature/arts, history, and

miscellaneous categories. Competitions are run in a jeopardy-style forniat with each competitor receiving a buzzer.

Questions can range from. What is the largest mountain in the world? (answer: Mt. Everest), to What was the Academy Award winning film for 1994? (answer: Forest Gump). Teams work together to accumulate points from answering the questions, which have different points awarded for a particular question.

Last year, the Maine South Hawks won

their very first Scholastic Bowl Regional championship, over the Loyola Ramblers, a team ranked third in the State of Illinois at the time. The Maine South team ended the season, ranked in the top twenty teams in the state of Illinois.

The Maine South Scholastic Bowl team will begin its new season on September 28, 2004. It is open to all students interested in competing. For more information, please contact Mr. Biondo in the Social Science __ Department.

National Merit Scholars

By Dan Widing Recently, the names of 16,000 national merit semi-finalists were announced in the news. District 207 has eight Semi-Finalists at its member schools. Maine South is proud to be home to six of those Semi-Finalists. The six are Donnie Bungum, Erik Johnson, Kevin Kane, Jessica Strains, Corinne Ullrich, and Dan Widing. Despite the honor, many, including some Semi-Finalists, don't understand what it takes to receive a rank once bestowed upon Hillary Rodham.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1955. It functions without government assistance through the donations of independent sponsors. Five hundred businesses and education institutions have provided millions of dollars for scholarships that are distributed across the country.

In order to be considered for these scholarships, last year, juniors nationwide

took the PSAT test. Approximately 1.3 million students took the PSAT qualifying test.

Of those 1.3 million, 50,000 were designated high scorers. Then, from the high scorers, 16,000 semi-finalists were chosen. The other 34,000 students received Letters of Commendation, but were removed from competetion for National Merit Scholarships.

To reach the level of finalist, the semi-finalists all filled out an application similar to a college's. In February, the pool will be narrowed down to 15,000 Finalists.

Finally, the process comes to distributing scholarships. There are three possible scholarships that can be awarded. 2,500 Finalists will receive the basic one time National Merit S2,500 Scholarships awarded by state representation. Also, 300 businesses have provided for 1,100 corporate-sponsored scholarships to be awarded based on varying criteria. The last possibility is a college

sponsored scholarship. Nearly 200 colleges and universities have financed 4,600 scholarships for those applying to the respective institutions. Scholarships o f f ^ ^ by businesses or colleges can well exceeo^R basic $2,500. They may be either lump sums or renewable scholarships, possibly up to $10,000 a year. In total, approximately $33.9 million in scholarships will be offered to students.

Even without being National Merit Scholar there is great value in participating in the program. The names of Finalists, and SemiFinalists are released to the media.

Furthermore, the designation is a good addition to a college application. Also, those who at any point don't reach finalist are capable of receiving one of 1,600 Special Scholarships from corporate sponsors. Good luck to Donnie, Erik, Kevin, Jess, and Corinne with your scholarships.

Homecoming week activities 2004: "We're Not Afraid of the Big Bad Wolves!''

Monday 4 HawaSan Day

Tuesday 5 Clash/Cfazy hair Day

Wednesday 6 Ctecades Day Homecxsming Queen Election

Thursday 7 Fairytale Day

Saturday

Friday 8 School Colois Homec»mlng Assembly

9 Homecoming Parade-10:00 Game Da nee-7:30-10:30

1

i

NEWS OCTOBER

1. 2004 • VOL. 4 1 , N O . 2

3

•Terror in a Russian school h\ Anna Wolonciej The ongoing conflict No one knew what was going on inside the between the southern school until early Friday morning. At this time.

Russian territory, authorities were able to retrieve fifteen dead A Chechnya, and the 3%|Âť R u s s i a n government has again been thrust into the world's limelight. On September 1, more than 1,000 people were taken hostage in a school in Beslan, Russia. Chechen separatists are responsible for this three-day siege, which resulted in 335 deaths, 156 of which were children.

Chechnya's rebel leaders are demanding a separate country since former President Boris Yeltsin regained power over the territory in 1994. In 1996, Chechnya fought a war with Russia. The fighting resulted in Russia Russian soldiers rescue a girl from the school. recognizing the Chechen government but not declaring its independence. The ^^pgnition didn't last long. In 1999, President bodies. A few minutes later, gunfire and ^ R i d i m i r Putin sent in troops because the explosions came from inside the building.

Chechen terrorist group launched an Right after this chaotic detonation, a group of unsuccessful uprising in a Muslim region. hostages was able to escape. The attackers fired Since then, the Chechen separatists were at them, and the authorities fired back. blamed for many of the terrorist bombings that The special troops stormed into the school, occurred in Moscow. Russia does not want though it was unplanned. Russian President Chechnya to separate, mostly Putin later said that the troops because of the fear that other had to go in once the terrorists Muslim territories will do the started shooting at children. same.

About an hour later, the On the first day of the Russian commander said that school year, the attackers they had almost gained control stormed into the Beslan of the building, but fighting school, forcing everyone into was still going on. Soon, most the gymnasium. The thousand of the bombs inside detonated hostages were crammed into and created holes in the walls. a space no larger than a Almost immediately after that, basketball court, and the rising the roof caved in. temperature in the gymnasium All of the uninjured caused many people to faint. hostages escaped at this point.

The terrorists did not allow Since there was so much any food into the school. The commotion outside with armed attackers periodically fired Russian Security forces hide relatives of the hostages and their guns to scare the behind school walls during a Special Forces, some of the ^^Btages and surrounded them military operation. terrorists fled to a house south ^ ^ tTth l mines and bombs strung together on the of Beslan. floor. Two large bombs were placed in However, later that day. President Putin basketball hoops. Investigators say that the reported that all the terrorists were either attackers might have gotten the ammunition caught or killed. There have been in the school a couple of weeks before the contradictions to Putin's reports, none of which have been proven. siege.

In light of the tragedy. Putin is taking some drastic measures to protect his country from terror. He believes that Russia was not prepared because the attack occurred unexpectedly. He also said that tears and words of support are not enough to justify the hundreds of deaths at Beslan. He wants full protection against anything like this happening again in Russia.

According to Putin, protecting Russia also means a change in the government. He wants all the candidates for local government positions to be first nominated by the head of state, himself Putin thinks that during the reign of his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin, too much, power was given to regional governments. He wants some of this power back for protection and to help the Russian economy.

Beslan and all of Russia are mourning for the losses of innocent children. Other schools in Beslan reopened two weeks after the siege.

However, there are still kids who are not attending school. Many of the survivors of the siege are still in the hospital with their injuries.

Most parents, though, are too frightened to let their children go back to school.

You can help!

World Vision, an organization aimed to help children in need worldwide, gave an initial relief fund of $75,000 for this crisis on September 6th. The aid is being used in Beslan and Vladikavkaz to help the wounded children and adults by providing hospital beds, medical supplies, and counseling. If you would like to help with the Beslan Hostage Crisis, go to www.worldvision.org or call 1-888-511-6598.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated.

4

EATURES OCTOBER

1, 2004* VOL. 41. NO. 2

McCann, Harman remembered

by John Mallory and Kelsey Keith

outstanding wrestler for Notre Dame High coached him and he upset an amazing wrestler.

School. He traveled downstate to the It was a lot of fun."

There are times in our lives when we lose championship tournament both his junior and "Brett spent his whole life trying to make someone we dearly love. These are some of senior year. He was the sectional everyone happy," said Andy the most difficult times in our ,„„„..,___^„. .-,m..,u^...ut.,i,j..-..u..n. champion his senior Glamer. a friend. "It fueled lives. When we lose someone we year. In addition, he him." Glamer said Brett was love, it can affect the entire also played on Notre "more alive than anybody community. It's times like these Dame's football team.

I've ever met." that we have to celebrate their He was considered one When a tragedy like this lives and mourn at the same time. of the best athletes in happens, many people wish his class at Notre Dame.

We cannot forget who they were fvOttl CUV tO they could turn back and "He was the kind of and what they did. We need to prevent it from taking place.

Jf player everyone wanted We have to understand that remember their accomplishments we can't do this. What we and commemorate how they lived. ,„„„«„,,,«,«,,«,^ _______,,_^ on their team," said Brett Harman can do is remember these Mike Hennessey, When Brett Harman and Kevin McCann were killed on September 4th at a McCann's former football coach at Notre guys and everything they accomplished, think tailgate party in North Carolina, it was a Dame. "He wasn't the biggest guy on the field, about all the examples they set, and recall the but he played with the most heart. legacies they both left. terrible tragedy that shook the That's why he did so well."

Maine South community and "Some things in life are unexplained," Park Ridge to the core. These Brett Harman wrestled on the Fallico said. "This is certainly one of them. If two men were amazing role varsity team at Maine South for all four you live your life the way you want to be models, great leaders, years of his high school career. He also remembered, you will leave a legacy. Kevin excellent athletes, and so traveled to the state tournament his and Brett both leave great ones." much more. junior and senior seasons.

Harman and McCann "Brett set a new standard for Maine were two of the best people South wrestling," Coach Fallico said.

SOUTH WORDS that this community had seen.

"He was the first to be All-State, phou) i.i)iiiiL's\ ol u w u abt.hn.al com A student-produced newspaper of: This was especially evident in nationally ranked, and compete Kevin McCann the days following the Maine South High School internationally. He put Maine South incident, when there was an outpouring of love wrestling on the map. Even when he graduated, 1111 South Dee Road from the community. he was not done with the program. He came Park Ridge, IL 60068 Although Hannan and McCann never went back and helped the team out on all his breaks."

Signed letters to the editor should be delivto the same school, they became friends at a Both of these men were also amazing ered to room V-131 or given to a member of young age and were leaders and role models the editorial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves almost inseparable. They ""'""''""'"' for the many people the right to edit material for clarity and brevmet doing what they both with whom they came ity and to reject obscene/libelous submisloved and excelled at: into contact. sions. wrestling.

"Brett had a great Editors-in-Chief Carly Calkins Both joined the influence on every kid, Kale Funkhouser Rosemont Cobras all the time," Fallico News Editors Ashley Rezaeizadeh wrestling team when they said. "Whether it was Alex Schallmo were 10. They quickly taking the team on Features Editors Kelsey Keith became close friends and ^, ^ _, ^,_^ ^____ summer runs or lifting in John Mallory grew into two of the best the weight room, he Entertainment Editor Melissa Hansen wrestlers in the state. always showed unprecedented leadership."

Commentary Editors Mike Bielaczyc "Kevin and Brett were best friends, "His smile went from ear to ear," said Craig Rebecca Christopher practically brothers," said Craig Fallico. Djiewiatkowski, McCann's wrestling Corinne Ullrich Harman "s former wrestling coach at Maine teammate at Notre Dame High School. "No Sports Editors Steve Contori )ri^L South. "The best thing about their friendship matter what, you would always laugh around Greg Mite was that they never attended the same school." Kevin."

Production Editor Bobby Crismyre Both were athletes, and they were One thing that these men both leave behind Core Photographers Katie Katz amazingly hard workers. is all of the great memories that their friends Audrey Russell When Harman and McCann entered into and family will carry with them forever.

Core Staff Artist Jon Markowski high school, they were already excellent "My favorite memory of Kevin was his Advisors Mr. Ellefson wrestlers. They would become legends at their eighth grade sectional wrestling meet," said Mr. Stathakis respective schools. Kevin McCann was an Fallico. "His older brother, Terry, and I

''[Kevin 'sj smile went ear.

''Brett had a great influence on every kid, all the time. ^'

FEATURES OCTOBER

1, 2004 • VOL. 41, NO. 2

5

#1 wouldn't do it for less": true heroes at Maine South hy James Manias Students of Maine South whine on a daily basis about being at school 37.5 hours a week, having to wear IDs, and dealing with the congestion in the hallways, among other things.

I mean, who has it worse than us? At least the teachers get paid. The lunch clerks have radios. And everybody knows that as soon as the passing periods end. the hall monitors have kickball tournaments.

Who are the unsung heroes at Maine South?

They're here during the day and after school, all day long, and most of us ignore them completely. There isn't an hour when one of them isn't here.

1 took the liberty of interviewing three custodians—Dale Leonard, Mike Gleason, and Niko Paladin to find out the story from the real unsung heroes.

The interviewees were easily the funniest pe people I had talked to all day. They were very high spirits before their 8-hour shifts, a stark contrast to students at 7:45 in the morning.

While most students would be going home to relax in a few short minutes, they were just about to begin their day of cleaning up after another messy day at Maine South. Cleaning

t

up after 2.500 students is quite a task, especially when most of us don't clean up after ourselves.

"It's not a job with a lot of "thank yous.'" said Dale Leonard, who's been a custodian for 24 years. "[Students] generally don't pay attention to us unless they need something," added Mike Gleason, a Maine South custodian of 29 years, who has been here seven times longer than any of us have.

Being a custodian is obviously not easy.

How many times have you discreetly placed a piece of garbage in a drinking fountain?

Spilled something in your locker? Left something on the toilet seat?

Tasks like these deserve eternal recognition.

These men are heroes.

"The pay isn't bad. I wouldn't do it for less." says Dale Leonard, who smiled for nearly the entire interview.

Niko Paladin was laughing like it was summer again. In a few minutes, the three cheerful men would be punching in. and eight and a half hours later they would be punching out, heading home at midnight. So let's compare and contrast.

Custodians work regular shifts of eight hours a day. Students are here for seven and a half. Custodians spend most of their time sweeping, washing chalkboards, and cleaning in general. Students spend most of their time

sitting in class, and thanks to nine period days, a huge chunk of that is usually spent studying.

Custodians clean the school's bathrooms.

Students use them.

Most custodians are happy. Most students are not.

Most custodians are friendly and respectful.

Some students are not.

So what drives these men? What fuel, what spectacular miracle keeps them from burning their brooms?

I concluded, after long hours of pondering and an uplifting interview, that the answer was simply attitude.

They don't spend passing period complaining about the eight-hour day, they don't know "hall rage," and they wear their IDs with a smile.

Students could learn a lesson or two from our custodians. Usually we focus on learning from the teachers. And, no oflFense to teachers, but our custodians are way funnier.

The least we can do as students is say thank you to these men.

These friendly men clean up our mess every day, and all they get in return is a brief article in the newspaper.

These guys don't have much to request of you. But when I asked Mike Gleason, he told me one thing we could all do to make the job of being a custodian a little easier.

"Imagine if you had to clean it up."

.." by Jonathan Markowski T//Fr ARE GUARDINGAU THE DOORS...

DOH'T com m HeRe WITH

EVERY SINGLE MAN OR WOMAN WHO HAS STOOD THEIR GROUND, EVERYONE WHO HAS IGNORED A HAU MONITOR HAS . . . BEEN GIVEN DETENTION.

6

OCTOBER

1, 2004 • VOL. 41, No. 2

Homecoming fashions*

by Sahrina Dokas

At the beginning of every year there is always big hype over the much anticipated Homecoming dance.

Questions are constantly clouding our peers' minds: "Who are you going with?"

"Are you going to take a limo?" "Is he or she going to ask you?" "What are you doing afterwards?" Yet, the question that is on every girl's mind is, "What do 1 wear?"

Guys, on the other hand are not bothered by this question and are able to wear the same suit they wore the year before without having to worry if another person might have their same suit.

Simply put by junior Mike Walchli, "1 wear the same suit that I did in eighth grade." Girls have a more difficult time in that area. There is the constant hindrance that you might walk

in the doors and tragically find another girl with the same halter dress that you found at Marshall Field's for twenty-five percent off As freshman Jami Balgro says, "I'm going to try my hardest to get a dress no one else will have."

This year's fall fashion includes many different styles by different designers. While walking through the Bloomingdale's building last week, I approached the Jessica McClintock boutique where she has a line of many fashionable dance dresses, which include strapless shorter dresses with a corset top and a frayed look at the bottom.

Jessica McClintock is not the only one who has been found selling these kinds of dresses. They can also be seen and bought at stores like Nordstrom and Marshall Field's.

Another fashion statement which stores are putting up in their windows is the simple black halter dress frosted by tiny speckles of glittery studs. These dresses can be easily

found in such stores as H&M, Express, and Guess.

As far as the boys go, if you are looking for a suit other than the one you wore to your eighth grade promotion dance, stylish and somewhat inexpensive suits can be found at Express Men and J.Crew. This fall's fashion for men includes the black on black look with a colored tie as well as a dark blue or navy colored shirt and black pant fashion. Also, a white shirt and white tie go together well with a pair of black pants. It's a must to be able to match the girl with whom you are accompanying to the Saturday night dance.

So, girls and guys, there you go. There are many different fashions that you can choose from, not just the ones that have been mentioned in this article. But hurry and get shopping—you only have a week left until the big dance. If by some dreadful chance you do walk into the dance and spot another girl or guy wearing the same thing you are, simply smile and assume that they have the same great fashion sense that you do.

Good start makes dance memorable* ^^^^^ jK^

T!H ~

by Vince Ziols

It's that time of year again. It's time to get that suit out of the closet, get a haircut, shine your shoes, and buy those flowers.

Homecoming is almost here. But sometimes, it's not just about going to the dance. It's about how you ask someone to the dance.

Not everyone can just get a date to Homecoming.

Most people are in one of four situations: they are too shy to ask anyone to the dance they don't care, they missed the chance to ask, or they just flat out got turned down.

I wish I could read minds and tell you why you people get turned down, but I cannot d that What 1 can tell you is tl maybe it's because the way pei become too typical. They whip out the flowers or candy, and just blatantly say, "Will you go to Homecoming with me?" Some people have

a more creative way to make the asking process fun.

One senior had some creative flair when he put a sign in a girl's pool that said, "Will you go to homecoming with me?" He even came out of a shed in her backyard for the answer. Now that's how to ask someone to the dance.

Another student used the card game "Magic the Gathering" with the girl he was hoping to go with. He dealt her a specially made card asking her the big question. Of course, it worked.

There have been stories of this special question ritten on Maine South's walls, windows, and even said over the intercom.

Some people have even put balloons in students' lockers with "Pop M e " ritten on them. Inside was a card with everyone's favorite question on it.

Almost everybody gets into the homecoming spirit. One of my female friends asked a guy in an especially creative

way. They were doing math problems and she asked him for help on a problem. "Two trains leave the station at the same time, one at 75 miles per hour, the other traveling at 80 miles per hour," she said. "The thing I'm trying to figure out here is, will you go to homecoming with me?"

As original as this was, he still said no.

It may seem hard to think of ideas, but from all of the information I gathered, it looks like a lot of people aren't having trouble with it.

In the case of one student, the bedroom was the place where he decided to ask her. He switched her pillows. The one he put on her bed said, "Will you go to homecoming with me?"

Another boy asked his date during a game of tennis. He threw her a ball that said, "Can I serve you as a date to homecoming?" He even topped it off with some flowers.

Last but not least we have a girl who asked a boy to the dance by baking him a pie. Inside the pie was a card with "Will you go to homecoming with me?" written on it. That was one tasty wa way to ask.

A creative invitation to the dance can mak' difference.

All of these people went out of their way to make sure that the person they asked wouldn't forget their invitation. And I bet they won't. At least until next year.

7 movies...great hair ENTERTAINMENT

OCTOBER

1,2004 • VOL. 41, NO. 2

hy Mark Milazzo There's nothing more annoying than going to a movie to discover that the only reason the entire theater hasn't piled out into their cars in unanimous disgust is because one of the stars has amazingly great hair. No. seriously.

I was hanging out at the Village 18 Crown Theatres in Skokie over the summer with my friend, watching "Wicker Park" with considerably high expectations. About halfway through the movie, I realized that, unless I was a teenage girl who wanted to gaze longingly at Josh Hartnett. there was no real reason to be here. What was even more depressing than the snoring woman sitting in front of me was witnessing the snowy scenes of the movie when, in reality, the summer season outside was winding down too quickly. Whoever decided to release this movie in the waning ^|UTimer months needs to be fired... ^ ^ ^ l e d lately.

As we were exiting, I heard someone mention that this was a remake of a forgotten French tlick. and I thought to myself that this new and unimproved "Wicker Park" would soon be forgotten as well. The only thing that saved me from hating the entire excruciating experience was the actress opposite Hartnett, Diane Krugar, who played Lisa. She kept the audience engaged with little else but her perfectly done, golden locks.

On a separate occasion. I decided to check out "The Village" to see if M. Night Shyamalan could scare us within an inch of our lives just like he did with "The Sixth Sense."

Krugar of "Wicker Park " with fabulous hair Unfortunately, the only thing that frightened me that day was the amount of money I spent on popcorn.

One of the only redeeming aspects about this movie was that it did have a good idea and concept behind it which could have been played out brilliantly. However, the draggedout beginning, as well as the general somber tone it gave off, made me want to fall asleep and cry at the same time. If I had been in a slightly less critical coma, I would have smirked at Adrian Brody's portrayal of the village idiot—the key words being, "would haver Speaking of idiots, [ somehow didn't realize the character Ivy (Bryce Howard) was blind

The "actor.t" of "The Real Cancun " show ojf their one good quality: their hair

Howard covers her locks in "The Village. " until half of the movie was over and she wagroping for something when she walked. 1 guess I should have seen that coming after her unsuccessful descriptions of being able to see Lucius' (her love interest) color. Maybe I was so bored from enduring such a horrible experience that I blocked her out. Probably, though, Ijust figured the only thing obstructing her vision was her flowing, wavy red hair, which was probably one of the most captivating aspects of the movie. Poor Sigourney Weaver—I was under the impression that she's the only member of the cast with any potential for scaring people with her performance, and she doesn't have any good material. It's time to resurrect another "Aliens" sequel.

If you're one of the poor individuals who somehow ended up viewing a moment of "The Real Cancun".. .first of all, I'm very, very sorry.

Continuing, this movie had the cinematography of "The Blair Witch Project" and the overall plot depth of a high school pervert's home movie collection. (I won't name names.)

Even if you had an intimate desire to connect with one of the single-faceted characters, it was hard to because of the ridiculous things they were doing. Mary-Kate and Ashley's straight-to-video movies are cinematic triumphs compared to this new low.

Someone needs to to tell MTV that if they're going to make a shallow teenage summer blockbuster, they might want to try and at least lei the characters have really, really good hair.

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ENXERTA.LNMEN: OCTOBER

1, 2004 • VOL. 41, No. 2

Things to do in Parli Ridge*

by Rebecca Christopher

Maine South has. to the furthest stretch of my memory, always lacked a definitive list of activities in Park Ridge and the surrounding area. This has been mostly due to the corresponding lack of things to do in Park Ridge. This has long been the source of most student complaints, and yet we fail to recognize that weekends and collaboration days can be easily improved by choosing from just one of the myriad activities afforded by places near our city. So many, in fact, that the list merits more than one bullet point. This seventeen-item list is a useful addition to any life. Keep it at hand. Sew it into the lining of your favorite pants, or tape it to the bridge of your glasses, but simply don't lose it before it becomes outdated. If you are

confused by the list, please see item number seven.

Things to do in Park Ridge: 1.) Visit the train station.

2.) Attend the Grundy County Com Festival Oct. lst-3rd in Morris, for the primary purpose of giggling, unless you are actually interested.

3.) Wander around the Chicago Historical Society's (1601 N. Clark) Teen Chicago exhibit and appraise teen life throughout the 20th Centur}'.

4.) See the Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra perform at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 3rd.

5.) Visit the art gallery in the Summit Square.

6.) Visit the art gallery in Brickton mall.

7.) Capitulate on this list until you are less confused.

8.) Check on the progress of the Uptown redevelopment.

9.) See the Vitalist Theatre's modern adaption of Shakespeare's King Lear at the Theatre Chicago Building (1225\V. Belmont) through Oct. 24th.

10.) See the Borromeo String Quartet perform at the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall in Northwestern University on Oct. 3rd.

11.) Apply for a job at the local Jewel.

12.) See if the Public Library is hosting any art shows or campaigning for more space.

13.) Do your homework, in a public place.

14) Write to your state representative.

15.) Encourage passersby to vote.

16.) Get tickets for (and eventually attend) The Meny Wives of Windsor at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier (Sept. 10th through Nov. 21).

17.) Go to the Living Sea .A.cquarium. It's closer than the Shedd Acquarium (811 West Devon), and you can watch them feed the sharks every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00.

The danceable "Faint" returns they gave to their office, an abandoned warehouse they rented, full HpHHp, I Do you own any CDs of old washers and dryers. Ever>' ^ ' " ^ ^ T[ that you never grow tired weekday, they met to work on mu^ t of listening to? The Faint sic and videos, with an occasional has a knack for creating party to break the monotony. Tlie music like that, music thai result was an album that, in lead bcii > II > ow li mark because of the band's strong singer Todd Baechle's words, is desire to be original. Over the years, the band "more adventurous, more dancy, has progressed from it's indie-pop roots into less dancy. and rocks a bit harder." interesting and eclectic synlh-rock.

And it definitely rocks. Songs TTieir newest album, "Wet From Birth," is like "I Disappear." with its blaring bizzare and delicious. Produced by Mike Mogis bass, or "Birth," with it's heavy guiof Bright Eyes, it mixes synthesizers, orches- tars, loudly display the change of tra, dance beats, and rock riffs to create a very pace. The Faint still delivers their unique sound. Its lyrics are tongue-in-cheek trademark catchy and intense sy nthjests about America's youth, themselves in- club beats, but now they have fused their mucluded. Its very title is a play on the phrase sic with r(x:k. This influence directly comes "wet behind the ears." The album definitely from the new member of the band, former speaks on naivety and immaturity but also death-metal guitarist Dapose. makes some declarations.

Baelche admits to being more personal in After touring for their last successful album. his lyrics. The song "Birth" is about his cre"Dansc Macabre." the Faint felt they couldn't ation, from womb to ceasarian section. In make new music. They decided that they "Symptom Finger" he gives his opinion on needed isolation. "Wet From Binh" is the prod- brainwashing medicine commercials on teleuct of the band's year of work at a place they vision, and in "Dropkick the Punk.s" he calls called "The Orifice." The Orifice is the name for "counterpoperosionrevolution 101." Among bv Joe Blanski

these soungs are messages about the sociological aspects of relationships and how popularity or beauty separate people. The Faint explores many topics that aren't always sung about.

The album was released on September^ on Saddle Creek Records and can be found in some major cd stores. It is also available by mail order from www.saddlecreekrecords.com, or you can pick it up when they perform at the Metro October 6 and 7 with TV On The Radio and Beep Beep.

CoMMENmr OCTOBER

1, 2004 • VOL. 41, No. 2

•M^ - y 1' 1 Hostile hallways our fault 1 m e editors |_

^J

h\ Katie l-iiukhoiiser ^ F l|^k ^m*^ ^^m ^ ' *JP«

With the unfortunate exception of my gym uniform, everything I owned in the eighth grade was from Abercrombie and Fitch or Express. 1 hoped that this would somehow make me socially acceptable. For the same reason, 1 wore too much eye shadow and said the word "like" as much as possible. It was, like, probably really annoying to talk to me. In my defense, most of us did this during middle school. It's probably why so many of us disliked ourselves and why even more of us disliked everyone else.

Fast-forward to junior year, during which I become tired of trying to be someone I'm not. Slowly I learn not to care what people link. It makes me into a nicer and more mfident person. I've gotten to the point where I'm comfortable being myself (to a large extent) and care more about my personal happiness than how many people around me like me. While no person can feel this way all the time, I feel it increasingly more often. It's incredibly liberating.

During my final year at Maine South, I've decided to try something I've never completely understood: Mathletes. Beyond its clever (or dorktastic, or both) title, 1 couldn't picture a Mathletes practice. So 1 attended one. And loved it. It put me in a good mood, in fact, for days afterwards. I wish I'd joined freshman year; knowing how much I've missed out on that 1 could have enjoyed is disheartening. I'll enjoy the year as best I can, but I know I'll be sad that I'll only have one year. The pathetic thing is that, because I'm so new, I'm currently a benchwarmer Mathlete.

Yet I'm content. The school would be a much happier place if we all just tried things that piqued our interest. The "get involved" Message is horribly overused and I disagree ^ i t h it. What wasn't stressed to me as a freshman was why I should get involved— that these activities could make me happy.

The truth is that no one can make me happy but me. I just wish I'd had the self confidence to make that my goal earlier.

,

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by Joe Blansh

by Joe Blansh Maine South students go through a lot in one day.

Surviving nine periods, some with flaps, through packed hallways isn't a simple task. We have almost everything at our school: music, art. outdoor education, and chicken wings. But something is lacking. The absence of politeness is a major problem at Maine South. There is an underlying tone of hostility caused by inconsiderate actions.

Hello. Excuse me. Please. Thank you.

These are not common words spoken by staff and students. Maybe a few pleases and thank you's when papers are being handed out, but beyond that, it seems taboo at times. The main problem is with confrontations between staff and students. Most people still have faith in the old adage "treat others like you would like to be treated." Unfortunately, there are students and staff who have built up walls and act rude regardless. But for those of us who are respectful, when commands are barked out, it is no surprise that disrespect and indignation follow. It is not a good feeling to be interrogated while walking through the halls of your own school, or to be treated like a dog for sitting on a desk.

A hostile environment is a problem for schools across America. In the wake of scares like terrorism and Columbine, a feeling of

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comfort is what everyone seeks. Security is comtort everyone Security to is lightenedistowhat the point that seeks. we are required wear IDs whenever in the building. The administration thinks that this is supposed to make students feel secure.

Why is that students toting IDs all day don't share these sentiments? I think it is a reaction to the hostility received when not wearing an ID. IDs have become burdens for students, not comforts.

Some are even afraid of their teachers.

There should always be a healthy fear of authority, but not the fear of injustice.

Stereotyping is an issue for staff to consider along with students. Just because a student looks a certain way does not mean that they participate in questionable activities. Long hair and black make-up should not warrant suspicion and harsh action.

It does not need to be this way. To one's amazement, there are some people who practice respect. It's not that difficult. It only takes a few added syllables to each sentence.

A change in the tone of a voice. Time to consider a students and teacher's word. Time to care about someone.

The solutions are easy ones. Take the time to be polite. Follow the spirit of the law, not the letter. Remember that there are reasons behind rules, not just punishments for breaking them. Be respectful, even if you feel someone doesn't deserve it. These are things that everyone at Maine South can work on.

Nine periods make days "topsy-turvy99 paper and do not own their own personal copy machine.

It's four weeks or so into school and since There is some positive noise about this some people are already talking about progress extra-long day. Some think it's more relaxed, reports (though I'm not sure why), now is as as they can pad their schedule with study halls good a time as any to decide if the nine-period and lounges. Unfotunately, traffic is increased day is really working. because everyone who is not in band is arriving 1 heard many justifications for creating this at the same time. A few frantic students have nine-period day, everything from increased exited mini-vans into the calm environment of graduation requirements to an opportunity to four-lane traffic on Dee Road, because cars take another elective. wait in left lanes to make right turns and other Unfortunately, no one mentioned traffic such nonsense. Then, the surviving students jams, amazingly early start times for morning rush through their schedules, eat lunch at 2:00, activities like band and orchestra, and the most end school one hour and fifteen minutes later original creation of the nine-period day, the 8b at .^: 15. and wander home dazedly. It's almost lunch. Ouch. And with school starting earlier, time to sing "Topsy Turvy" from The the library now opens later, and at significantly Hunchback of Notre Dame, the new, uncannily more archaic hours. This is often distressing fitting theme song of Maine South's new nineto math students who couldn't find carbon period day.

by Kan- Bratko

10

.OMMENTARY OCTOBER

1, 2004 • VOL. 41, NO. 2

Yelling from cars with boys

by James Manias Apparently, the driving population of Park Ridge thinks I'm queer.

I was walking down the street, hands in my pockets, not wearing or doing anything that might have made them think so. I was wearing a Metallica shirt, and my high-top Converse shoes, and a few guys in a tiny red car yelled "Queer!" at me.

I thought it was funny. But there have been other occurences. Over the summer. I was walking in Harwood Heights with a few of my friends. A truck drove by. filled with what seemed to be an entire landscaping company.

One of the passengers in this truck actually whistled at the girls in our group. I. being the outspoken person I am, casually answered with a statement that will not appear in this article.

Know, however, it was quite witty.

Anyway, this occurrence made me curious; what makes people want to yell things from their cars?

Aggressive driving is linked to driving experience. Young drivers driving SUVs are more

aggressive than 80-year-old women in Volkwagon Beetles.

So. maybe the type of car has something to do with people yelling from cars. More expensive, more aggressive rides (such as sports cars and trucks) give the driver feelings of superiority at a very subconscious level.

Strangely enough, having a Porsche might just mean you feel a little better than everybody else. But I dont think that has anything to do with it; this particular car was really nothing to be proud of.

Is it the individuals companions, then?

Maybe.

TTiink about it: do you yell "Hey baby!" out of your window when your grandpa's driving? When you're alone? To a cop?

So, there's no real reason for yelling out of your window.

Now here's another crazy thought: what if people yelled nice things outof their window?

"I like your roily backpack!" I guarantee, will never be stated without irony out of a window.

But if we can't shout compliments from our windows, we can certainly stop shouting insults, or stop shouting from our cars altogether.

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Ms. Lane Staff

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'Someiinies you see it. but most of the time you don't."

Siobhan Lau -'05

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A jam of biblical proportions

by Paul Kazmierczak The pavement smolders in the autumn sun.

Heat and fumes emanate from countless exhaust pipes. Dozens of cars sit, creeping up inch by inch. A Los Angeles expressway during peak rush hour? The Kennedy after a horrific motorcycle accident? Nah, just the Maine South parking lot at ?>:2Q p.m.

If you haven't noticed, the traffic situation at Maine South has become atrocious. It's like the chaos of Sodom and Gomorrah out there. It's bad enough that we have to wake up while it's still dark outside l)ecause of the nine period day. but now we have to wait in a line to leave.

However, there are solutions to this problem. I was talking with a friend who pointed out that many seniors that drive to school have first or ninth period lounges.

Being slow on the draw, I replied, "Yeah, so?"

She went on to say that everybody in lounge just talks with friends anyway. So, why don't they have the option of coming to school before second period or leaving after eighth?

I replied, "So you're saying we could let these people do what they'd be doing anyway, and simultaneously alleviate the parking problem?" Yes, and juniors and sophomores with such lounges could get dropped off or picked up in the same way.

My next potential solution may be aggravating to some juniors and sophomores, but they'll understand when they're seniors.

It's no secret that many juniors and sophomores drive to school and park in the A-wing. That adds to the problem of waiting for a half-hour in the asphalt jungle when school lets out. The police check the lot once a week, so underclassmen who park in the A-wing pretty much just get away with it scot-free. Once a week? The police need to check for parking passes every day.

I'm not just writing this for laughs.

Something needs to get done. Although these particular solutions probably make too much sense to actually be implemented by the school, is it too late to rethink this nine period day with everyone leaving school at the same time?

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"Most of the time. But it's always a select few who don't."

Matt Walsh -'06

"No. Students are too busy just thinking about themselves."

Joe Ejnik -'07 h\ Audrey Russell

.. .%-<i'.\«/j.yjiiy*,jQxN.. X,X'\JL^

OCTOBER 1, 2004

• VOL. 41, NO. 2

U

if the flip-flop does notfit,you must acquit fore.

With a resume like this, why is George Bush still ahead in the polls? Why has John Kerry It really is sad when not been able to establish himself as a sensible Republicans lambaste alternative? Republicans would have you beJohn Kerry for having lieve this is because Kerry is a "flip-flopper" spent too much time in Eu- a politician more interested in saving face than rope as a child. 1 wish I were kidding, but it's having any courage in his convictions. They true. They claim he's too serious, too articu- have tried portraying him as an elitist or a snob, late, and too complicated to be president. His weak on defense, and a leader who would ask wife, Theresa Heinz Kerry, speaks five lan- Gennany for pennission to go to war. guages, is learned and honest, and always "Flip-flop! Flip-flop! " - t h e rallying cry at speaks her mind. These are. in the mind of Re- the Republican National Convention (where. publican strategists who aim at portraying the Democratic presidential candidate as unfit to lead the United States, the characteristics of John Kerry that they must discredit in order to win the White House because they cannot base their argument on any accomplishments of George W. Bush.

Sadly, it has become passe to mention the thousands of innocent Iraqi ci^ ^ i n s killed in Iraq. It has become ^ K i e w s to even mention that the main reason for attacking Iraq, that Saddam Hussein had stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction, was based on misleading and flat-out dishonest intelligence that was manipulated in order John Kerry speaks to the Veterans of Foreign to push a neoconservative agenda fuWars annual convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. eled by ideological fanaticism at best.

At this time one year ago. Republicans could of course Republicans spent more time tearing still stand up and proudly profess their loyalty Kerry's positions down than actually presentto "King George." They could claim that ing their party's platform) is also the key arguGeorge W. Bush battled terrorism and fixed ment of Republicans supporting their incumthe economy, that he held the world's respect bent. Key points that Republicans constantly after the tragedy of 9/11, and that, in the grand rely on include allegations that Kerry voted for scheme of things, he was a competent presi- the authorization that allowed President Bush dent. Now, it is almost laughable to honestly to wage war in Iraq, and yet he voted against claim that this president has made our country the eighty-seven billion dollar appropriation bill safer by invading a country that had no cred- that financed continued military operations in ible links to imminent threats to the our coun- Iraq. There are two facts, however, that need try. to be considered when looking at these votes.

The atmosphere that has been created by the First. Senator Kerry voted for the authoricurrent administration is one of secrecy and zation because he believes that, according to distrust. It seems that this administration holds the law of the United States, although Congress contempt for honesty and the American pub- allows the president to go to war, ultimate auI Questions directed towards Bush or his thority lies with the Executive Branch. Kerry inet are never answered directly, shadowy did not vote to go to war; rather, he voted to • links to corporate interests are never investi- give the president the power to make that decigated, no member of the leadership staff has sion. The fact that Bush did not exhaust alterbeen reprimanded or fired because of corrup- native options and has turned the war into a tion or dishonesty, and Americans are hated chaotic disaster does not make Kerry responaround the globe more fiercely than ever be- sible. Kerry simply believes in the traditional

by Mike Bielaczyc

J

decision that ultimate authority lies with the president.

Second, there were two versions of the S87 billion appropriations bill, one of which paid for itself by rescinding the tax cuts for the wealthiest citizens of the country. John Kerry voted for this version of the bill. It was struck down while one that took the money straight from more taxes was passed, making it seem as if Kerry voted against further funding the war effort. Republicans love this version of the story because it simplifies the issue (something George Bush have mastered) and makes Kerry look not only like a flip-flopper, but also completely unpatriotic.

If the "flip-flopper" label doesn't work, then it is also simple to believe conservatives when they claim that John Kerry is weak on defense, the main argument being that, in the early 90's, Kerry voted against some major defense systems. Again, two main points need to be considered.

First, the systems were a part of a major appropriations bill with provisions that the senator simply could not vote for.

Second, while conservatives go off on Kerry for not supporting every single last piece of defense legislation, they must remember that George H. Bush and Dick Cheney were also, at the time, not supporting the bill. The list included the Apache helicopter (that's right - the one that keeps crashing) and other major systems, but this in no way makes a senator a weakling or "girlie-man" on defense.

How can one be weak on defense when so many of our resources go towards the military while many domestic issues go unnoticed? The "weak on defense" argument simply doesn't hold up, reinforcing the thought that Republicans rooting for George W. Bush have no case for his re-election. Instead, they must demolish Kerry on false pretenses and unfounded accusations.

So, where does a desperate Republican turn?

"Kerry looks like he's French! He vacationed in Switzerland! He wasn't wounded enough in Vietnam! Every time you eat ketchup, Kerry gets a nickel!" If Republicans have to stoop to these lows, the avergage voter must understand the type of campaign that this is and I hope that people realize that, by now, we have to take things this administration and its supporters say with a grain of salt.

12 Revisions and decisions^ PORTS

OCTOBER

hy Greg Mitchell JHHK

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The Bears beat the Packers at Lambeau Field in a meaningful

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Repeat those words.

Let them sink in and enjoy them thoroughly. You'll have to do this to take the sting away from the reality of the days that followed the 21 -10 victory two weeks ago.

Mike Brown ruptured his Achilles tendon, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. If that wasn't bad enough, Charles Tillman is out for at least a month with a sprained knee. With Jerry Azumah already out with a neck injury, it leaves more of the Bear's starting secondary on the injured list than on the field. The lone member who isn't being hobbled by an injury is Mike Green, who despite two interceptions and improved play, lost his job last year to Bobby Gray. All of this comes at the worst possible time for the Bears who face the two best receivers in the NFC in the next two weeks in Randy Moss of the Vikings and Terrel Owens of the Eagles.

Tillman had success against Moss last year, highlighted by his interception against Moss where he basically took the ball out of his hands. Brown, and especially Tillman, are tough and not easily intimidated, which is imperative against Moss and Owens, both of whom have forged their gigantic reputations

Games of the week Football: Maine South vs.

New Trier Saturday, 10/2 1:00 p.m. at Wilson Field Volleyball: Maine South vs.

Waukegan Tuesday, 10/5 5:00 p.m. in the Spec Gym

through trash-talk as much as performance.

Instead, the Bears will rely on R.W. McQuarters as the primary corner and unproven veteran Todd McMillon or rookie Nathan Vasher as the secondary corner.

McMillon has gained the coaching staff's respect through great special teams play the last few years and Vasher is a speedy back who intercepted a lot of balls at Texas. They will be tested early and often because both the Vikings and Eagles have talented secondary receivers in Marcus Robinson and Todd Pinkston respectively.

The key for the Bears to overcome the damage done by the injuries to the secondary is the defensive line. Interceptions are caused by pressure as much as they are by good coverage. Adewale Ogunleye needs to start justifying his enormous contract and Alex Brown needs to continue the progress he was making last year. Both the Vikings and Eagles have good but not great offensive lines. The Bears will especially have to get to Viking's quarterback Daunte Culpepper, whose fumbles to games played ratio is the highest in NFL history. The damage to the secondary is bad, but with improved play from the defensive line and McMillon and Vasher, it doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Cubs have decision on Clement Not 10 blow off the playoffs, but the Cubs have a big decision regarding their rotation next year. Matt Clement's contract runs out and he will be one of the most coveted players on the

1, 2004 â&#x20AC;˘

VOL.

41, NO. 2

market this winter. Though Clement has had horrible luck with run support (he lost 1-0 games to Jason Schmidt of the Giants and Ben Sheets of the Brewers) he has only two wins in his last eighteen starts. He has arguably the best slider in the league, but has yet to learn how to throw it for strikes on a consistent basis.

With Kerry Wood, Mark Prior. Carlos Zambrano. and Greg Maddux all locked up for next season, Clement is very expendable. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Angels will most likely offer him enormous sums of money that the Cubs will be hard-pressed to match.

If Clement does leave, the Cubs have a few options to replace him. Ryan Dempster has shown he has fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and, with conditioning, could become a starter again. He was once a coveted prospect in the Marlins organization. Glendon Rusch has six wins and a solid earned run average that go very well with the fact he throws the ball left-handed. If they choo^ fill the spot from their farm system theri some options there too. Sergio Mitre showed some promise while subbing for Mark Prior in April and May and might finally be ready to be a productive starter in the majors. A long shot is Double A pitcher Bobby Brownlie, the former first round pick who put up sizzling numbers at Double A West Tennessee.

Whatever the case, don't expect Jim Hendry to look outside of the organization. The Cubs need the money for other positions, such as left field, short stop, and the bullpen.

Picking it up ^v Jon Woo

The Maine South Boys'soccer team started out by not only losing four straight games but also by losing three key starters. Mike Vonesh was the starting stopper until a player from Hersey went cleats up and broke Vonesh's leg.

Mike brought intense varsity leadership and was the backbone of the squad. Andrew Juris, the left midfielder, was taken down and dislocated his left elbow. The depth chart took another hit as Junior Cullen McChristian also hurt himself when he was taken down and ended up tearing his hip flexor muscle.

The team competed in the Barrington Classic where they lost close matches to state

ranked Libertyville, a rising Barrington team, and Class A perennial powerhouse, Manmion Academy. They finished the tournament seventh overall by beating Lake Zurich 3-0.

The Hawks also competed in the prestigious Lemont tournament, which featured some of the top thirty-two teams in the state. The Hawks earned the number two seed g o i i ^ ^ ^ After a loss to Plainfield Central, the H^^R rebounded against Andrews and Providence, and tied Evanston. They tied for second place overall by beating top teams like Class A number one Fenwick.

B

SPORTS OCTOBER

1. 2004 • VOL. 4 1 . NO. 2

§Iawks football pays the Price

by Sieve Contonio The Hawks had a costly victory against the Deerfield Warriors on Friday. September 17. It came on a promising night, when the Hawks were able to take advantage of the Warriors and hand them a crushing 42-7 loss on their home turf.

However, in the fourth quarter, with the Hawks already leading by a significant margin, the Hawks coaching staff opted to leave allstate senior quarterback Sean Price in the game instead of pulling him. It resulted in Price being injured for at least four-six weeks with a broken left collarbone. This turn of events could be a crisis for the 4-0 Hawks. Their backup quarterback is junior Tyler Knight, who already plays defense and wide receiver. Knight also

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takes care of the kicking chores for the Hawks.

Before Price was injured, he was able to throw five touchdown passes. Three of those went to senior receiver Derek Walsh. Walsh, who was unable to play in the previous game due to a concussion sustained against Warren, contributed heavily to the Hawks success.

On the opening series, he was able to find the end zone on a quick pass from Price. Along with his three scores, Walsh also went over one hundred yards.

The ground game was also able to take off, but not in the usual Hawk fashion. Although senior running back Andy Cupp produced on several of his running opportunities, the majority of the rushing yards came from Price.

After Price had sustained the passing game as a threat, the Warrior's defense backed off into coverage. This left the QB draw wide open

for Price, who came close to one hundred yards on the day.

How ever, it was on one of these runs, in the fourth quarter, that Price sustained his injury.

He took off deep in his own zone, and scrambled past the first down marker before he was taken down. From the fan's perspective, the hit did not look like it could do the damage it did, but the hit was enough to keep Price out for almost the rest of the regular season, if not more.

The Hawks' next opponent is Glenbrook South followed by the rest of the CSL. How do the Hawks think they will fair under Tyler Knight? "You can't replace a Sean Price," says senior receiver and defensive back Matt Blair, "but we'll get the job done. Football is a team sport. We still have our same goals for the season."

Southwords is looking for people interested in girls' volleyball 0 o r boys' golf to write articles. Whether you're on the team or just a fan, Southwords needs your help. Stop by V131 or contact Steve Contorno or Greg Mitchell if you are interested. Thanks!

Hawks girls' tennis hitting the lines

by Frank Lukes

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The Maine South varsity girls'tennis team got off to a rocky start this season, losing their first two meets to York (2-5) and Deerfield (4-6).

They seem to be doing much better in tournaments, however, with a strong fifth place finish at the Buffalo Grove Invite. Everyone won at least one match, and Kate Paczkowski, who played in the number one singles spot, grabbed a third place finish, ^ ^ ^ t the Maine South Hawk Invite, the girls ^ ^ ^ e in second place behind Glenbard West, with some exceptional individual results.

Nicole Calabrese, at second singles, earned a second place finish with a win over Niles West; Teresa Loera. at fourth singles, earned a third place finish with a win over Fenwick; Axie Russell and Chris Dwyer, the first doubles

Shawn Hackett prepares for a return.

team, earned a first place finish with wins over Glenbard West, Niles West, and Fenwick; Courtney Hoglund and Megan Wisniewski at second doubles earned a third place finish with a win over Fenwick; Ashley Hunsader and Shawn Hackett. the third doubles team, earned a third place finish with a win over Niles West; at fourth doubles Liz Poli and Siobhan Lau, earned a third place finish with a win over Niles West.

The girls are playing these tournaments with their first singles player unable to compete on weekends, and one of their first doubles players out with an injury. With conference meets and tournaments against powerhouses Evanston, New Trier, and GBS approaching, they hope to be playing their best tennis to become contenders for state. Coach Eckhardt is (making plans) to go down state, saying.

"We're working toward a strong conference finish, and qualifying our whole sectional team for state."

PORTS F^i

I

2004

CROSS COUNTRY* GOLF • FOOTBALL* GIRLS' TENNIS • BOYS' SOCCER • GIRLS' SWIMMING • GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL

After injuries, season is full of potential

by Benz Ng The Maine South boys' cross country team is on a mission. That mission is to accomplish what no other team in the history of Maine South cross country has ever accomplished: to become the first team to quality and compete as a team in the IHSA State Meet in Peoria.

Varsity coach Greg Nordahl and new freshman/sophomore coach Dave Fermanich are both eager to take this team to the next level. The Hawks opened the 2004 campaign with the District 207 meet. The Hawks suffered a tough loss to an up-and-coming Maine West squad, but picked up a victory against Maine East.

The teamtraveied for an early season test at Lyons Township Invite. The underclassmen performed well and turned in some solid performances.

The varsity squad secured a seventh place finish at the thirteen team invite. Junior Pat O'Hara ran a brilliant race, finishing eighth with a time of 15:12 for the 2.85 mile race.

Peoria meet on Saturday. September 18th.

The meet was held in Detweiler Park, home of the slate meet. The Hawks placed thirty-fifth out of forty-nine in an extremely fast and talented field. Pat O'Hara finished first for Maine South with a time of 16:22.

The Hawks were one of the youngest teams there, with all but one of the seven varsity runners being juniors. The team was also at a disadvantage being without Junior Greg Udzeliak, who finished third overall on the sophomore level last year.

He has been out with a hamstring injury Ciu.'t.s cdtiiili} pruLlut'sJul llwu nt'M iiwcl for the majority of the season.

The rest of the top seven varsity runners inAlthough the Hawks have lost some close clude Mike Forde (16:33), Kyle Schriener meets, il will only be a matter of time b^BC (16:57), Dan MarUn (17:04), Mickey Mangan they come together and make a run towarc^^P (17:21), Mark Nagelvoort (17:50), and Jimmy state meet. Despite some key runners being out, Francis (18:11). the Hawks have only just begun to reach their After a good showing at the Lyons Invite, full potential. the Hawks were at home for a series of dual Senior captain Pat Moran looks to be in top meets against Fenwick and Glenbrook South. form after some injuries early in his season.

The Hawks fell short in both meets, losing by Moran, along with junior Pat O'Hara, form a a close margin. solid one-two punch as they lead the team toThe team ran in the prestigious Notre Dame- wards state.

Not just your average swim

by Frank Lukes The Maine South girls' swim team is back in the water and making waves.

The varsity team lost their first two meets against Prospect and Maine West, but went on to dominate Maine East, winning with a final score of 104.5 to 80.5.

From there, they traveled to the Hoffman Estates Invite, where the girls swam to a second place finish. The girls are in a tough conference, with powerhouses Niles West, New Trier, Glenbrook South, and Evanston all approaching.

Even with such a difficult conference, the team has set goals for themselves, including

A Hank swimmer finds her stroke. sending some girls down state, breaking the varsity 200 free relay record, receiving more conference medals, and placing in the top five in the sectional meet.

Leading the varsity team to achieve these goals are captains Erin Keating and Helen

Sapieka, as well as diving captain Jenny Poliwka.

On the J.V. side, the girls have had similar outcomes in meets, with losses to Prospect and Maine West, but a win against Maine East (12248). Led by captains Ana Franzen and Taylor McCleneghan. the girls also have goals including at least a fourth place finish at conference, improving their times to the varsity level, and developing a strong, supportive team.

The girls should accomplish these goals under the excellent coaching of the dyn| duo, Ms. Curley and Mr. Deger. When al what he thought about how the season would play out, varsity coach Deger said, "I think this year we are going to have a lot of surprises, which is going to make the season very exciting."