SEPTEMBER 9, 2005
1111 S. DEE ROAD • PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS 60068
VOL. 42, NO. 1
Welcome back get comfortable photo by Katie Katz
NEWS Hurricane Katrina strikes the South
FEATURES A letter from Student Council President Nick Cosgrove page 6
ENTERTAINMENT COMMENTARY SPORTS Our review of “The 40-year-old Virgin”
Ch-ch-chchanges...
Hawk football playing great -as usual
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NEWS SEMTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO. 1
Fine arts marches on without a sour note by Melissa Hansen The fine arts department at Maine South has faced a shift of teachers, classes, and activities due to the recent departure of Mr. Michael Pressler. Mr. Pressler is filling in for the Assistant Principal of Instruction at Maine East while the former assistant principal is away on maternity leave. His absence is anticipated to last 14 weeks, ending during October. While Mr. Pressler still holds the office of Fine Arts Department Chair of the Maine 207 District, it was evident when he received this new position that he could not attend to all the duties he used to do at Maine South while he is holding the job of assistant principal at Maine East. This has led to a new distribution of jobs in the fine arts department.
Mr. David Danckwart has been appointed Fine Arts Lead Teacher. He is attending to the day-to-day running of the fine arts department; essentially, along with directing three choirs and teaching a music theory class, he is filling in the gaps left by the absent Mr. Pressler. One gap Mr. Danckwart will be filling will be IMEA organization for the early fall. Ms. Rebecca Pascal has taken over Mr. Danckwart’s responsibilities for running Tri-M. The formerly combined girls’ glee and mixed choir have been divided back into their essential components. Mr. Boyle, a recent addition to the fine arts department, is teaching girls’ glee, as well as guitar and music theory. Another obstacle was that Mr. Pressler also conducted the Symphony A Band while he was based at Maine South. Because of his absence, the Symphony A and B Bands have been combined and placed under the tutelage of Mr. Joel Matter, who conducted only the
Symphony B band previously. New music has been picked for concerts that will highlight the bigger band. Mr. Matter, in tandem with Ms. Bannon, is addressing the band logistics that he and Mr. Pressler used to address together. There are two marching bands performing routines created by Mr. Matter; the bands are divided by period. Concert Band will play at one varsity game and at JV games; Symphony will play at home games and at the playoffs. Mr. Matter has also recruited his brother, Jeff Matter, to help write and run drumline once a week. Overall, the teachers in the music program are their usual enthusiastic selves concerning their students’ ability to perform professionally with great work ethic. Ms. Pascal, who flaunts a bigger orchestra this year than in previous years, is happy with all of her experiences at Maine South. “We always have, and always will, support each other,” she says.
What’s new in 2005: MSHS News Briefs In case of fire: The new fire doors controversy by Luka Dukich There is one thing that everyoneis commenting on as the school year gets going: the new fire doors. Set strangely in the middle of hallways for seemingly no reason, nearly every student seeing them thinks the same thing: what’s the point? And more importantly, what exactly can a fire door do to stop a fire? When asked about the new doors, Principal Claypool responded, “The fire doors were installed so our building could meet fire code regulations for safety. There have been new standards implemented, and given the size of our building we needed to have more of them in place in the event of a fire. The idea behind fire doors is that when the fire alarm sounds, the doors automatically close, with hopes of minimizing the spread of fire. The doors do not lock; they simply shut.” While the reasoning behind the new doors is sound, many students still are unhappy with the fire doors. The doors create more congestion in an already crowded school. That, along with the remarkably large freshmen class, have caused the hallways to move more
slowly than ever, making many people grumpier. When asked about the complaints of the students, Mr. Claypool said, “I agree with them. Unfortunately, we must abide by state laws and codes, and this is one such case.” Since the fire doors not only help minimize the spread of fire and smoke—a meaningful consideration, taking into account the auditorium fire last year—and are required by law, it looks like students are going to have to live with them.
Making it count:
P.E. in the GPA By Eric Forbes Starting this school year, Physical Education classes will be added into students’ GPA. Dr. Millies proposed this idea to the Board of Education last fall. According to Mr. Don Lee, Physical Education and Health Chair, “This change was a collective movement by Dr. Snider, Dr. Millies, all three principals, and department chairs.”
photo by Katie Katz
Students will have gym grades in their unweighted GPA. P.E. will be in the unweighted GPA, so students taking A.P. classes will not be affected by the change. “The change was made because the Board of Education recognized how strong the program was district-wide and saw the change as having a positive impact on the student’ learning and overall hearth,” Lee said. There will be no change in the criteria used to grade Physical Education classes. The grading has always been based on the cognitive, affective, psychomotor and fitness components. “Psychomotor is activity based, skill development, and fitness enhancement,” said Mr. Lee. There are many different methods to evaluate these four criteria,such as fitness rubrics, heart rate monitors, local assessments, and written tests.
NEWS SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL 42, NO. 1
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Katrina strikes the Gulf Coast by Annette Dean
Unfortunately, there are also people who took advantage of the situation. Police stepped up patrol to try and prevent looting, and they arrested seven people, at press Many teens who live time in New Orleans. on the Golf Coast were The effects of Hurricane Katrina will be forced to abandon their felt throughout the nation. Many of the oil daily routines, when Hurricane Katrina struck refineries in the United States are located on August 29, 2005. near the Gulf Coast and were forced to Hurricane Katrina was a category four storm close because of the hurricane. This has that caused a lot of damage. Many people left already resulted in an increase in the already-high gas prices. There are, however, people who are trying to help those affected by the hurricane. Before the hurricane struck, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began making preparations. They had teams ready to help with food, water, generators, and other necessities to move in to the devastated areas. The Photo courtesy of news.yahoo.com American Red Cross also has A helicopter oversees the damage done. many volunteers waiting to help. Red Cross spokesman, the Gulf Coast to seek shelter. Others went to Bradley Hague, said it is, “the largest single refuges like the Superdome in New Orleans. mobilization that we’ve ever done for any Even the Superdome wasn’t safe from Katrina; single natural disaster.” it lost power and part of the roof fell off. Many people expected New Orleans to suffer the most damage because most of the city is below sea level. The destruction in New Orleans was unimaginable. The famous arcitecture in the French Quarter suffered major damage. 80 percent of New Orleans was left underwater, and many people had to be rescued from their roof tops. However, rescuers Photo courtesy of chicagotribune.com were not able to reach some areas because the flood The damage caused by Katrina has been catastrophic. waters were too high. Louisiana was not the only state affected by the hurrican. Mississippi So, as you go through your busy day at faced the most intense wind, with speeds up to Maine South and stress about all those 150 m.p.h. As the Governor of Mississippi quizzes and tests you have today, think Haley Barbour said, the storm was “like a ton about how lucky you are. A math test is of bricks.” President Bush declared a state of not really a big deal when you consider emergency in both Louisiana and Mississippi. what everyone on the Golf Coast is facing.
By James Mantas Not a good summer for good news. Here’s summer’s cream of the crop: Some kids get all the luck: On August 24, police found a 7-year-old alone in a South side apartment with a TEC-9 assault rifle – loaded with 27 bullets remaining in the clip – a loaded shotgun, and six loaded handguns hidden elsewhere in the apartment. Naturally, everyone will blame the mom and nobody will say a thing to the NRA; and sooner or later, it’ll be a video game’s fault. Got barf?: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brad Penny bet a batboy $500 – a sum that more than doubled after other players got in on the action – on August 20 that he couldn’t drink a gallon of milk in an hour and not puke. He finished the gallon but didn’t hold up the other end of the bargain. The batboy later got suspended for six weeks. Is it not according to Maine South legend that Tony Colletti succeeded in the same labor last year? He could’ve been $1,000 richer. All we can do now, though, is remember and revere. I wonder what that sounded like on the phone: In June, a man was knocked unconscious by a train as he bent over the platform rail to look for his fallen cell phone. Finally, proof that cell phones actually do cause brain damage. Paramedic to unconscious man: “Can you hear me now? Good.” I don’t think they’re in Minnesota anymore, Toto: One of the four pairs of red slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” was stolen from a museum in Minnesota. The police could find little evidence and at press time were hoping that at least someone saw something. Damn those flying monkeys.
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FEATURES
SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO. 1
Crying at the gas pump? Buy a hybrid by Bettina Chang Think of the last time you journeyed to your local gas station. Did you see people staring at their receipts in disbelief? If so, you have witnessed the effects of the modern phenomenon known as rising gas prices. Luckily, a possible antidote to this problem is on its way. Carmakers are keen on producing gas-efficient hybrid vehicles, which are quickly becoming the most in-demand cars on the market.
Always Pointless...
Hybrid technology in cars is becoming more and more popular as public awareness of fossil fuel dependence and air pollution rises. Currently, it is available in cars ranging from the compact and economic Honda Civic Hybrid to the pricey, but luxurious, Lexus RX400h. The reason a hybrid car is so gas efficient is because it actually has two engines. One is electric, and the other uses gas. The car also has two batteries. A hybrid car can run up to about 20 m.p.h. solely on the electric engine, without using any gas at all. After that, the gas kicks in to provide an extra boost. The special
by Gina Tingas
part about a hybrid is its ability to self-recharge. When any car is braking or simply cruising, excess energy is always given off. A hybrid is able to collect this energy and charge its batteries with it. In this way, it is a selfsufficient vehicle that can operate much further on one tank of gas than other cars. One of the biggest misconceptions about the hybrid is that it must be plugged in to charge. This is untrue for any hybrid on the popular market today. Also, it is untrue that the batteries will wear down and need to be replaced often. Another concern is that there is not enough horsepower in hybrids. That, too, is not completely true, as those numbers usually only recognize one engine, when in actuality, both engines in a hybrid have their own horsepower. When choosing a hybrid, one must take into account the purpose of the car. For instance, it may not be worth it to buy a car simply to save on gas. Hybrids can cost anywhere between $1,000-6,000 more than their regular engine counterparts. However, many of these fuel efficient cars are also very advanced in (continued on page 5) A student-produced newspaper of:
Maine South High School 1111 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 Signed letters to the editor should be delivered to room V-131 or given to a member of the editorial staff. SOUTHWORDS reserves the right to edit material for clarity and brevity and to reject obscene/libelous submissions.
Editors-in-Chief News Editors Features Editors Entertainment Editors Commentary Editors Sports Editors Production Editors Core Photographer Core Staff Artist Advisors
James Mantas Greg Mitchell Annette Dean Melissa Hansen Atra Asdou Bettina Chang Ron Feiereisel Katie Johnson Kelsey Keith Anna Wolonciej Alexa Karas Frank Lukes Maxwell Hester Joshua Sissman Katie Katz Gina Tingas Mr. Ellefson Mr. Stathakis
FEATURES SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO. 1
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(continued from page 4) technology. For instance, the Toyota Prius has Intellichoice Best Overall Value of the Year benefits from a reduced dependence on a smart-key system where the car can recognize for two years running, and the city of New York foreign oil, and the entire Earth is a cleaner if the key is within a place. Most hybrid vehicles small radius of the are government-classified as front doors and will Partial Zero Emission unlock automatically; Vehicles (PZEV). Cars with the Lexus RX400h a PZEV rating are gaining comes standard with a nationwide attention, as navigation system. major cities like Los Angeles These extra luxury offer tax deductions and features tend to bump parking meter exemptions up the prices of for them. hybrids as well. Unfortunately, Amercians Also, it might be are so used to seeing a big helpful to know that $3.00 up on gas station signs the first company to now that most of us simply produce hybrid attempt selective amnesia Photo courtesy of Toyota.com technology was when it comes to filling up The Toyota Prius uses Hybrid Synergy Drive to conserve gas. at the pump. It does cause Toyota. Toyota, in quite a numbing effect when turn, has sold its information to other companies such as Honda is planning on using Priuses for new taxis. a tank of gas can cost more than forty dollars. and Ford. However, since then, Toyota has The best part about this new trend in For those who truly suffer at the pump, an developed newer, improved hybrid technology. automotives is that it benefits so many people. alternative may be a hybrid vehicle that’s The Toyota Prius has been rated the The car owners save money on gas, the nation waiting for you at your nearest car dealership.
Back in the swing of things by Nicky Priovolos It seems like this summer just flew by, and before we know it we’re back in the classroom. Whether a frazzled freshman, active sophomore, experienced junior, or laidback senior, we are all finding it extremely hard to get back into the routine of balancing school, homework, and our various extra-curricular activities. Maine South is swirling with activity as thoughts of sunny summer days at the pool pop into our heads. However, daydream as we may, the fact remains that we must snap back into reality. Everyone has his or her own way of waking up and preparing for the beginning of first semester. Drinking excessive amounts of coffee, hurling alarm clocks at the wall, staring blankly at the cereal box, and chasing after the bus seem to be favorites. First period rolls around, followed by second and third as the hallways swarm with activity. Freshmen are running through the C-Wing looking for an algebra class that’s actually in the Awing; sophomores are frantically trying to drop books off after every period in order to forego the overloaded freshman backpack. Juniors are calling out greetings to their friends, and the seniors realize that this will be the last fall they walk through the Maine South hallways as students. Entering our classrooms, we are
greeted by smiling teachers who are doing their best to help us adjust, while they themselves try to get back in touch with their surroundings.
friendly conversation with classmates, or hurriedly scribble the last answers to the previous night’s math homework. After the quick twenty minutes are over, we turn our minds back to learning. Students stare blankly at the wall clocks for the last three periods of the day, counting down to the magic hour. Two more hours… thirty more minutes… one minute… three seconds… ding! ding! ding! Breathing a sigh of relief as the threefifteen bell shrills, the students scamper outdoors to bask in the last few rays of sunshine before Chicago’s winter comes. Those who still longed for leisure time counted the days until Labor Day. Moaning and groaning about coming back to school is normal, but there are plenty of exciting things about it too. Not only do we reconnect with our old friends, we meet new people photo by James Mantas and make new friends. The thrills of Does this look familiar? attending exciting events such as football games and the Homecoming As the day wears on and lunchtime arrives, dance can’t be matched. Going to the Vthe cafeteria is alive with nervous teens Show, plays, sports events, joining clubs, and scanning the sea of students for a familiar face. getting involved are all great ways to make The freshmen are anxiously experimenting the the most of high school. Each day, cherished unfamiliar flavors of Café Maine South after memories are made that will make us smile finally spotting a friend. The upperclassmen when we think back upon our high school casually stroll across the cafeteria making
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FEATURES
SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO. 1
Student Council: make a difference by Nick Cosgrove Student Council is an organization at Maine South that is involved in almost every activity that takes place during the school year. Whether it be Homecoming, VShow, school assemblies, the food drive or Blood Drive, Student Council is responsible for making sure each of these activities runs smoothly. Homecoming is an enormous undertaking for Student Council. This year we are playing the Glenbrook South Titans on October 1, and our theme is “Rock the Titans.” Activities during the week of Homecoming include the window-decorating contest, spirit week dressup days, and queen nominations. Student Council runs the parade every year as well, which sets up in the jock lot and begins at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 1. The Maine South Variety Show takes place every fall in the Watson Auditorium. The title
of this year’s V-Show is “Night of the Living submit your designs in the Student Council V-Show 2006,” and it will be performed from Office as soon as possible. Our mission is to help lead our school and its November 17-19. Student Council works with the V-Show staff to come up with the reputation in a more positive direction.I feel that poster design, and is responsible for we, as a student body, need to work together supplying a portion of the funds for the more in order to be able to make change. If more students took the time to be involved in activities performances. In addition, Student Council and Ecology such as Student Council and Hawk Pride, their views could truly be heard.ºYou can Club are planning to make a difference.ºIt’s as easy as getting work together on a involved, treating others the way you project to develop want to be treated, and making the right ways to improve decisions. recycling at Maine Student Council would be nothing South. without its sponsors, Ms. Muir and Mrs. During the year, Andrews. They put their heart and soul we also ask if any into everything they do, so it’s no students are interested wonder why each year has been a in creating designs. success! We need an We’d love to have more members interesting, catchy actively participating in Student design for the Council. You can join us no matter what Homecoming button, which should include photo by Katie Katz grade you’re in. The more input from the student body, the better! We meet the phrase “Rock the The Student Council office. on Tuesdays and Fridays every week Titans.” We’re also looking for the V-Show t-shirt design which must include the title from 7:10 a.m. to 7:25 a.m. in Room C101. Come “Night of the Living V-Show 2006,” and a and be a part of every school-wide event this cover for the 2006-2007 Busy Signal. Please year.
Finding a college: do or die by Atra Asdou “You’re a senior, huh? What college are you going to?” my aunt asks. “I have no idea!” I joke. “Oh.” Insert awkward pause. “Well, not much time left, you know?” Well, of course I know. I know because I’ve been reminded of it since I was a sophomore. Ever since tenth grade, I’ve been told by the adults in my life that I should start looking at colleges—everyone except my parents, that is. My parents didn’t start up until junior year. Junior year is when the pressure really hit high, with the ACTs and SATs looming, all the while trying to maintain the perfect GPA, get involved, and find some time to get a blink of sleep every night. Then senior year arrives, and you realize: This is going to have to happen sometime. The pressure that everyone had put on you manifests itself into the phrase “I have to find a college that’s right for me, or I’ll never succeed in life.”
It shouldn’t have to be this way. The idea of not choosing a college ein time, or not choosing one that’s “right for you” always ends on a note of negativity. As high school students, we’ve worked since freshman year on taking a path towards success. The only problem is that fear has been stricken into us to pressure us to go to college. The words “If you don’t turn in your applications on time, your future is flushed down the [proverbial] toilet,” make some students feel as though they’re going to explode with anxiety. They feel like they have to sell themselves to colleges—which is basically what we’re doing when we apply to the school of our choice. Now, a little motivation and a few reminders of dates are very helpful from adults, not to mention much-appreciated. However, when it gets to the point of “do it or die,” it’s gone too far. College can help you succeed in life, that’s a pretty well-known fact. It will indeed get you ahead with
whatever you want to do. What won’t help is the all-or-nothing attitude adults present to college-bound students. Nothing is ever set in stone, especially not education. You can always start, end, and/or restart whenever you wish. If something just doesn’t work out, the student has the power to make the right decision, whether it be starting anew or no longer pursuing something they’ve dreamed of since childhood. Life is all about second chances—you’ll always have something to do, as long as you have the will to do it. Actually, that’s one of the best things education has to offer us—it’s a never-ending option for us. Even now, most people probably know of an adult who’s gone back to school to learn a new trade or excel in a degree they earned years ago. Education is always going to be out there for us. So this decision-making season, don’t let your nerves get to you. Get out, explore your surroundings, and try to find the grey between the practical norm and what feels right for your future.
7 40 Years--worth the wait ENTERTAINMENT
SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO. 1
hits all of the major plot points any basic romantic comedy does. To the lesser comedian, a near obsessive collection of action figures, including forty*** seven G. I. Joes (all in their original packaging) and The Six Million Dollar Man’s boss would prove a little too weird to be good for anything Carell’s Steve other than a simple, “Wow look at performance in “The 40 Year-Old those,” type of gag. But something about Virgin” is the kind of thing that the way Andy displays the figures and guarantees he will become a huge star takes pride in his collection makes it similar to the way Will Ferrell’s funny. It gives you a sort of respect for celebrity has risen since he left him because he’s had the things so long “Saturday Night Live.” Carell has and has refrained from caving in and already established himself as a opening them. comedic talent on “The Daily Show” The bottom line is that Carell makes and the Americanized version of the Andy so likeable, it’s actually kind of British hit, “The Office.” On the big hard on the ears to hear him swear screen, Carrel has stolen scenes from (which he does quite often) because it the likes of Will Ferrell and Jim Carrey. seems so awkward for the mild In the “The 40 Year-Old Virgin,” mannered, often confused man to do so. Andy Stitzer (Carell) works as an By the end of the film, you’re actually electronics stock boy who leads a kind of rooting for him, like a warped simple and enjoyable life. He reads version of “Rocky.” comic books, plays a couple hours of Don’t be fooled, though. Despite “Halo” a night, and watches “Survivor” Carell’s likeability, the movie is really with his upstairs neighbor, Joe. One vulgar. When the plot of the movie is night, because his work buddies are “Andy tries to lose his virginity” can the short a man, Andy is invited to play movie be anything but vulgar? The poker with them, despite the fact that vulgarity isn’t a surprise that you they think he’s an oddball. During the discover halfway through the film. In Photo courtesy of rottentomatoes.com game, the guys are swapping raunchy the very first scene, the movie stories and making fun of Dave (Paul Rudd) Steve Carell stars in “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” establishes its “R” rating. It really about his obsession over his former doesn’t leave you any illusions to the girlfriend. They turn to Andy, who tells overall offensiveness of the movie. The them a bumbling yarn about his “nasty” film is vulgar, but rightfully so. former girlfriend. Andy ends up The movie isn’t all jokes humiliating himself, and the guys realize about Andy’s situation though, because why he’s “a little bit off.” They then the very funny supporting cast take it upon themselves to help Andy get improvises a large part of the film. They out of his situation, and despite their rip on Andy constantly, like guys do. best, and well-intended, efforts, it ends Whether it’s making fun of Andy’s in hilarious disaster more than once. action figure collection, his situation, or Sometimes the suggestions work like a how they know that one of the other charm; like the idea of not really talking guys is “batting for the other team,” the and just asking everything back in scenes have a lot of natural dialogue and question form, or being a little bit of a hilarity to them. jerk, “Like David Caruso in ‘Jade’,” as Overall, despite the movie’s one of his new friends tells him. It isn’t pervasive vulgarity, which without until Andy meets Trish (Catherine Photo courtesy of yahoomovies.com Carell’s good-natured Andy would have The guys at “Date-A-Palooza” Keener), a divorced mother of three, that made the film decidedly un-funny and he finally decides to go for it. somewhat disturbing, “The 40 Year-Old friends. creepy borderline his concerning Earlier this summer, we were treated to Virgin” turns out to be the best comedy of the as feel doesn’t movie the this, of Because “Wedding Crashers,” and even though it was summer. it though even Crashers,” “Wedding as plotted funny, it was broken up by the un-funny, but
by Ron Feiereisel
ultimately harmless, Owen Wilson/Rachel McAdams romance story. “The 40 Year-Old Virgin” takes a different approach, in that it trims down the slower parts of the movie by adding humor that doesn’t apply to Andy losing his virginity, like his extensive collection of childhood knickknacks, or sub-plots
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ENTERTAINMENT
SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO. 1
“Red Eye” won’t cause shut eye by Katie Johnson
** Wes Craven tried his hand at the Hollywood thriller in his latest, “Red Eye.” While most people think “terror” when they hear the name Wes Craven, “Red Eye” far surpasses his last horror attempt, “Cursed.” “Red Eye” concentrates on the story of Lisa Risert (Rachel McAdams), a hardworking hotel clerk. While waiting in line for her flight to Miami, she encounters the character Jackson Rippner (Cillian Murphy). The usual flirtation is present, but so is a sense of uneasiness. As the movie progresses, the audience learns that Rippner is really an assassin who needs Lisa to help him in his latest assignment. But Lisa isn’t as willing as he planned. Both Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams give performances worthy of mention. Murphy’s cold, blue eyes and eerie countenance create a startling character who is difficult to read. McAdams, who has previously starred in movies such as “Wedding Crashers” and “The Notebook,” effectively
portrays a strong individual caught in terrible circumstances that she is not about to let take control of her. Together, they create engaging dialogue that holds the viewer’s attention. The airplane setting works well, creating a claustrophobic environment that only increases the tension. Some scenes on the plane are particularly interesting, especially when the other passengers on the flight intervene. Yet, the suspense factor is low. There were only a couple instances where I found myself gripping my seat. This is a little surprising for Wes Craven, who is also known as the “king of terror.” Sometimes, it seemed as if most of the film’s money went into McAdam’s paycheck. The special effects were lacking, and the score seemed somewhat non-existent. Since the majority of the movie takes place on a plane, though, it doesn’t become incessantly annoying. “Red Eye” plays out like the usual thriller; bad guy attacks, victim fights back. There is no mind-boggling twist that will have you talking for days, no gut wrenching ending, it’s a decent thriller to spend some money on. Craven is successful in manipulating societies’
Photo courtesy of Yahoo movies
Rachel McAdams gave a good perfomance in “Red Eye”. fear of terror in the skies into a short, but sweet film.
The Matches have struck it by Julia Phillips Originally from Oakland, California, the four-member band, the Matches, formally known as The Locals, have slowly started to become “more than local boys.” With song titles like “Chain Me Free,” and “Destination Nowhere Near,” it appears that all they can sing about is getting away from their suburban hometown, a topic many can relate to. Their new album, “E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals,” proves to be much more than just a local hit. There is an interesting story behind the title of the Matches new album. Yvonne Doll (a.k.a. E. Von Dahl) threatened to sue them for having the same name as the Chicago band, The Locals, so they changed their name to the Matches and titled their debut album “E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals.” Their CD, which was previously only released in Europe and Australia, has now hit
Photo courtesy of gauntlet.ucalgary.ca
The new Matches CD. stores in the US. The Matches signed with Epitaph Records in early 2004 and re-released their debut album. After playing several years in a row at the annual Vans Warped Tour along with other big names such as The Offspring,
Bad Religion, Fall Out Boy and many others, The Matches have become better known to alternative and punk rock fans. Their four-piece band consists of Shawn Harris (vocals and guitar), Justin San Souci (vocals and bass), Jon Devoto (vocals and guitar) and Matt Whalen (drums). They are swelling with original lyrics; the fact that it takes more than just one read-through to totally understand them makes their songs that much better. After seeing the Matches for the first time when they opened for Yellowcard at a concert in 2004, fan Steve Nardi comments, “Their music is unique and fun to listen to; they are such a down-to-earth band; they didn’t seem stuck up like some bands are when they make it big.” The Matches have many upcoming concerts; unfortunately most of them are in the UK. To find out more about the Matches, go to www.thematches.com. They are a classic example of a small town band making it big.
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COMMENTARY
SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO. 1
Time to ride that same old rollercoaster by James Mantas
It’s that time again. The daylight hours dwindle, as do hours of sleep; homework returns from the bowels of the pit; summer’s long lost friends are back and as cool as you remember they were, even while you were too lazy to call them for two whole month. School is back in session with a terrifying, bloodthirsty vengeance, y’all. How was the sorry-excuse-for-a-long-weekend-sized summer, everyone? Nobody cares. School is back in, and according to a lot of parents, that’s all that really matters in our tiny little lives. So I’m ready, like most of you, to make the most of this year, my last.
First, a friendly hello to the billions of newcomers to Maine South: Howdy freshmen. Get involved, do your homework, and just say no. Keep your chin up and your voices down, and you should come out alive. It’s different, but it’ll be fun, and I guarantee you’ll be a better person when you leave; if I’m wrong, then at least you’ll be older. Among other things, you might notice the jacked up lunch prices. Who seriously wants to pay a dollar for Cheetos? How about $1.25 for a slushee? I know it’s because people steal from the lunch lines, but I think the school can handle the shrink damage, seeing as all the new cash registers – and about every other computer in the school – are ten times cooler than last year’s machines. Fear not, peers, for I have a solution: either we all pay for our lunch, or we all steal.
Otherwise, the people playing fair are getting ripped off and the thieves are getting a good laugh. We need to stick together. On a related note, I’d like to share that my lunch period looks like Dairy Queen on a hot summer day. You’d think that with nine periods and some people still having no lunch whatsoever, it wouldn’t take a fortnight in line to buy food. As I write this, 75% of the school still lacks I.D.’s. Who knew that wearing I.D.’s is just another ridiculous rule of which no purpose is served save to spawn monotonous articles in Southwords for seven years straight? With nothing to yell at us about, hall monitors look even more bored than is usual. There are, obviously, other changes to the school that I am too lazy to recite. Maine South ’05-’06 promises to be another crazy year and I promise to help. Who’s with me?
Squeezing through the crowded halls by Paula Zelkowska As students, we have to understand the changes that are made every year to our school. We have to adapt to and understand the good intentions. Truly, it can be quite a nuissance and a bit hard to bear. When I entered my classes on the first day of school this year, one of the first things my teachers told me was that tardiness was unacceptable in their courses. They believe that there is no plausable reason why you should be late. So then, why do we frequently enter the classroom after the bell has rung? During the school hours it is almost impossible to get from the C-Wing to the A-wing fourth period, or any period for that matter. I am not even considering a trip from gym or the V-wing. A lot of shoving takes place, and if you aren’t strong enough to push through the crowds you end up being late for your class. In the A-wing, we have three staircases. Throughout the day, most Maine South students choose to use the middle one. This is mostly because there is only one hallway leading from three floors and three different staircases. The area around the stairs can truly be intimidating for a young student just trying to
make it to class on time. There are so many possibilities to help alleviate this congestion problem. One possible improvement would be building a second hallway on the other side of the currently crowded glass hallway. Many students use the glass hallway to get to their lockers and back to their classes. Although taking an outside path is an option in the few spring and fall months we are in session, the winter months are accompanied with even more crowded hallways because of the freezing weather. Some students do not use that path because by the time they get to the other door, it’s locked and they cannot get in the school. In the morning, a person might walk in and say, “Wow this is a big school.” Compared to other schools, it might be, but it’s nothing when you see hundreds of students crowding the halls. It’s just too narrow of a passage way to get through, especially with some people blocking the way when they strategically clump with their friends right in the middle of the corridors. Teachers expect us to be prompt to class. With the nine period days, we have more classes. This added class adds to the amount of trips we make to and from our lockers.
Another possible solution would be adding an extra minute or maybe even two to our passing schedule. Not only would a second hallway be a comfort issue for a lot of students, but it would also decrease the obscenities you get called when bumping into someone in the hall. Stress from getting to class on time would be eliminated as well. Last year, we had 2,487 students enrolled in Maine South. We had 618 seniors graduate. As of July we have 673 freshmen. The quantity of incoming freshmen keeps increasing every year. Not only do we have more students, but new doors were added in the middle of the hallways as well. These only further add to the traffic difficulties. Our schedules aren’t all the same. So, while we have kids rushing to go to PE, we have others slowing down because they have lunch. Getting from one class to another is incredibly hard. It’s horrible to imagine doing this all year. So what do we expect as students? Possibly a longer passing period, or more understanding from teachers when we arrive to class a few seconds after the bell rings.
Saving our future...with Marky Mark wouldn’t you want to try it? And it can only get better from there. Other popular icons can be used, like Mr. T or John Stamos. Oh, I’m sorry. I meant Jon Warning- What you are about to hear may Stewart. John Stamos isn’t cool. disturb and alarm you. The intelligence of In these times where the intelligence level America’s youth is dangerously low and getis at a record low, it would be great to see stars ting lower. That’s right, the average American like these take a stand. But why stop at televichild has roughly the intelligence of a comsion? mon flea. It has been proven time after time that muMany of our children can’t even name all sic aids in learning. But most kids won’t listen forty-seven states or name the Prime Minister to Mozart. Instead, we should use a band of England, Don Knotts. No, wait...that’s wherein the real popularity lies: Marky Mark wrong. The prime minister of England has to and the Funky Bunch. Mark Wahlberg can bring actually be from England. It is, of course, his band back and make learning fun again. He Anthony Hopkins. can again make songs with a catchy beat and According to Whitney Houston, children give them titles from Beach Boys songs. Who are the future. If that turns out to be true, then wouldn’t want to hear “Spellin’ Safari” or “Do the future is going to be pretty dumb. You Wanna Add?” Did you know that Japan is smarter than Or why not combine music and acting into us? Remember them? We beat them to nuclear a star-studded, educational musical. It can be weapon, and they beat us to video games and called I Pity the Fool (That Doesn’t Learn)! great marketing. And Iraq? They were smart Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch can provide enough to create invisible weapons of mass music for Mr. destruction. T and Chuck And here Norris. And we are, still not just for the able to open sake of fun, child safety we could caps without throw in Bob yelling. Saget. If Mr. T, America’s Chuck Norris, children are and Bob Saget dumber than singing and the average dancing to bear. You don’t “Spellin’ Saeven know fari” on the what a bear is, same stage do you? Think isn’t an instant Chewbacca but classic, I don’t dumber, fatter, know what is. and unable to The present fly a forty-ton state of intellihunk of metal gence is inthrough space. deed grim. The only The future way to solve doesn’t look this frightening much better. photo courtesy of cnn.com problem is to However, with use the reWalker stands defiantly in the Marky Mark sources we face of danger. and Mr. T at have. We must our side, the future can be changed into a betuse something popular. We must use someter place. It can be a place where people love to thing that everyone likes. We must use learn. It can be a place where children can re“Walker, Texas Ranger.” cite states and capitals from memory. Think about it. If you saw Chuck Norris And Chuck Norris can be the president. take down the world’s hardest spelling bee,
by Marty Diamond
SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO.1
What was your summer job, and did you like?
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COMMENTARY
”I liked my job as a caddy at the Park Ridge Country Club.” -Andrew Juiris ‘06
“I worked at Doggy Day Care and I hated it because I got attacked by a German Shepherd.” -Laura Zimmerman ‘06
I was a camp counselor at Maine South and I didn’t like it because I hated the kids.” -Matt Kelly ‘06
“I didn’t like my job as a camp counselor at Maine South because the kids were bratty.” -Emily Livacari ‘06
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO. 1
Looking out for the next guy by Kelsey Keith
thing you can do in life. You have the ability to make an elderly person’s day just by listening to their anecdotes It is very easy to be about their grandchildren. By the end of a completely consumed in Nintendo session, you are a five-year old’s best our own affairs. friend and hero; they sometimes even Once in a while, it is pout when you have to go home. necessary to be this Even if the results of your work way, but almost always it is just more are not clearly apparent, the satisfacconvenient to satisfy our own personal tion within still comes, and it feels just needs and wants before looking to help as good. out the next guy. Sadly, some people go It is not necessary that you go through their entire lives without particisearching high and low for an opporpating in any type of service work or tunity to participate in a volunteer community outreach. project; that work has been done for I don’t wish that upon anyone. you. Just among the Maine South I believe there are many misconcepcommunity, there are two service-oritions among the Maine South student ented organizations. body about volunteering. It is not always Brotherhood’s mission is to prowork. There are so many different types photo by Mrs. Zelk mote community service and of service opportunities that every pervolunteerism among its members. son can find an activity that he or she Key Club participated in the Walk for Autism last May. KEY (Kiwanis Educating Youth) would enjoy. Club is an international community If you love to socialize and play games, you could visit a nursing home to remi- rica, sort food donations at a food pantry, or service organization. As the new school year gets to full swing nisce with the elderly about their favorite pas- even participate in one the many walk/runs proand these clubs begin to have meetings, think times, play a game of rummy, or even help the moting disease research. ladies paint their nails. Although volunteer work is about helping twice about going. Neither club expects perfect If you love to be around children, you could others, many times the volunteer gets the bet- attendance or participation in every activity, so volunteer at a day care, preschool, or even a ter end of the deal. Volunteer experiences can even if you have prior commitments to sports, children’s hospital. The little girls love to have be life-changing. You are able to see the power fine arts, or work, there is an opportunity for someone to play Barbie or house with them, of your actions; they can impact people’s lives you to have a volunteer experience. You won’t and the boys couldn’t be more eager for an X- in positive ways, which is the most fulfilling regret it. Box challenger. Even if you are not comfortable in a setting with strangers, there are things that you can do: fundraise for HIV-positive children in Af-
Life after high school... college By Kaitlyn Geishecker Ever since the time I started kindergarten, I knew that I was preparing myself for college. In the younger years of elementary school it was disguised as “preparing for middle school.” Once in middle school, it was “preparing for high school” and then, once we reached high school, the teachers stopped masking the truth. We were being prepared for the four (or more) years that would supposedly make or break our lives. This life after high school wasn’t such a big concern when our grandparents were 18. They hadn’t all been conditioned to believe that college was the only way to live a good and decent life.
But now, in the days of A.P. testing and frequent college exploration nights, it seems almost unthinkable to not go to college. I only know one or two people who are considering not going. Because we grew up in Park Ridge, it seems that a college education is expected, but most likely it is a wide spread belief: no college, no income, no life, no happiness. The second I mentioned taking time off before matriculating into college, my parents freaked out. Was this the same girl that agonized over what classes to take her senior year so colleges would think she wasn’t slacking off? The girl who took an ACT prep class in preparation for a score that could determine the college she went to?
The truth is, there is no time between the moment we step into our kindergarten classroom to the time where we sit down to write our college applications to think. Every year we do homework, sit in classes, and study for tests. Most of us have never experienced what real life is outside of our educations, a life that can teach us more than calculus. How are we supposed to know what we want to do with our lives when we don’t know what life can offer us? Society is throwing us onto this crazy treadmill that is our education; before we know it we’ll end up 40 years old in a job that we picked out of a long list of majors when we were 18, thinking “Where did my childhood go?” I know where mine went. To school.
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Boys’ soccer tuned in for a winning season by Jon Woo Last year for Maine South boys soccerwas an important year. They did not have a winning season, but a losing one - and a lot of losing at that. But at the end of their season, when they lost the Regional championship, it fueled them to train for the next season. It showed them that any high school team can beat anyone if they want it bad enough. Rankings, high profile players, and reputation don’t mean anything when both teams step onto the field. It is the pure determination and heart that will decide the victory. This year’s team wants to prove to the state that they are not the team they were last year. They started their pre-season by playing indoor and outdoor soccer.
Photo by Katie Katz
Matt Johnson goes after a ball in practice.
Coaches Tim Spiegel and Dan States have invested their time in the summer camps and summer leagues. In late July, the team went to the Bradley soccer camp where they stayed overnight for a week and just played soccer. It was not only a soccer camp, but it was a camp that let them bond and learn each others’ playing styles. Although the Varsity soccer team is not star studded in the eyes of newspapers and scouts, they play cohesively and act as one. Soccer, like football, is a team sport where each player is given a role. Everyone on this team knows their specific role and is ready. This team has the combination of leaders, skilled athletes, and role players.
Golf team tees off for another great season by Nick Ryter team this year without a star player,” said coach The growing game of Scott. The absense of graduated seniors has given golf is played on all levels, from children to the many other members of the team opportunities professional ranks of the to excel and shine at any given meet. “We’ve had a PGA different medal t o u r. winner for every More and more young meet so far in the players pick up the game season,” Mr. everyday, which would Scott added. That explain why the Boy’s kind of depth and Varsity team that Coach variety has Scott fields this year is so allowed junior deep. Ryan Mirow and The 2005 team includes sophomore Kevin seniors Dave Douglass, Berena to catch Ryne Krug, Mike their coach’s Magnuson as well as attention with juniors: Teddy Adamczyk, their hard work in Bobby Tazioli, Ryan the off-season Mirow, Chris Dardi, Mike and consistent Atas, Max Hester, and play so far this Carmen Corvino. year. The members of the As a team, the Varsity are ready to Photo by Frank Lukes scores are produce wins as a team Mike Magnuson approaches the ball. compiled based without the help of two-time on the six lowest team MVP Scott Berleth, who graduated last June. It’s no question that individual scores from the team. So far the losing Berleth will make life harder for the golf Hawks have been hovering around .500. At program. In his absence, this year’s group the first meet of the year, the Hawks finished heads into the year as a better all around team. second with a team score of 179, behind Lake “Scott was a very good golfer, voted all- Park, who shot 164, and ahead of host conference, but I think that we’re deeper as a Mundelein, who shot a score of 184.
In the rest of their meets, the Hawks have placed second twice, while losing at Maine West in a two team duel, 153- 169. The Hawks, who normally play nine holes per round, recently shot a 366 at Glenbrook South in their first 18-hole meet on Monday, August 22. Contributing to the players’ goal of lowering team scores is the assistance of PGA pro Scot Nei from Tour Bound Golf. Nei, along with Coach Scott, has helped the guys with their technique in preparation for tough opponents such as New Trier and Glenbrook South. “The key for our team is to get our group scores under 160. If we do that, then we will find ourselves in third place or above in a successful season,” said Coach Scott. The Hawks will face their rival and perennial powerhouse New Trier on Monday, September 12 at 3:30pm at the Park Ridge Country Club.
Hey Sports Fans, Southwords needs Sports reporters. If you would like to write for a sport, contact one of the editors, email one of the sponsors, or leave a typed article -with an electronic copy on a disk -- in the Southwords office, V-131.
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SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 • VOL. 42, NO. 1
Girls’ tennis team back on the courts players adding to that with their experience. by Frank Lukes The girls’ tennis team, “I am excited to be co-captain with Danielle after a very successful this year. I hope we will be good role models campaign last year, is for the new Varsity players,” said Koralik. The girls have been training in the offready to work hard. This year’s team is stacked season to improve their skills and get into top with seniors, juniors, and form. “A bunch of the girls went to the Nike tennis camp this one lone sophomore. “As a summer and worked team, I always look for girls really hard,” said that have natural talent, and Eckhardt. also that have the drive and This year, the team determination to become has a lot of depth, with better players,” said head Koralik as a very coach Liz Eckhardt. strong singles player, Seniors Kathryn Koralik, as well as Hoglund and Danielle Burian, Megan Wisniewski partnering McCue, Megan Wisniewski, Photo by Frank Lukes up to form a very solid Sara Gliwa, along with Courtney Hoglund serves the ball. doubles team. “Of Juniors Kate Paczkowska, course, it isn’t going to be the same kind of Caitlin Wilde, Teresa Loera, Stacey Svetlichnaya, Katherine Gaudyn, Kasia standout year like last year, but it should be a Kociuba, Courtney Hoglund, and Sophomore strong year. I am not anticipating any Megan Magnuson make up this year’s Varsity disappointment,” commented Eckhardt. The returning varsity players are going to squad. Koralik and Burian will lead the team as play an important role in the success of this co-captains, along with other returning Varsity season. Last year, Koralik, Wisniewski, and
Hoglund all qualified and went down to the state meet. This will hopefully give the team a boost and will make going downstate more achievable to the newer girls when there are girls on the team that have already been there. There are a lot of new girls on varsity this year, which is something Eckhardt is enthusiastic about. “It’s exciting,” she said, “because they’re young and we can train them together as teams, and hopefully in the upcoming years, we’ll have more state qualifiers.” The team’s schedule is packed with meets on every possible date, as well as meets on every Saturday. The girls will be very busy but will be playing some strong teams and new competition, which will only help them in the end. It will certainly take a lot of hard work and determination. The team is looking to do well in conference, win the sectional championship again, and have some players qualify for the state tournament. “My biggest hope is that the girls can maintain the enthusiasm throughout the entire season that they have right now,” commented Eckhardt.
Jock Talk:From the Field to the Fans “Coming off a strong finish in track, we are “We’re looking forward to a great season. looking forward to a season filled with success on and off the course, which began with our hard work With strong returning seniors, and a great group during the summer.” -Greg Mitchell, Boys’ Cross Country of Juniors, we’re looking to “The girls are really fun and I wouldn’t be doing it if it weren’t for them.” go far in the playoffs.” -Andrew Juiris, Boys’ Soccer
-Dani Oberman, Girls’ Cross Country
“Golf is so exhilarating; being outside “The season started out rocky, but with young in nature brings me inner peace ” members on the team, we hope to get on track again.” -Emily Miller, Girls’ Golf
-Dave Douglass, Boys’ Golf
“We’re waiting and ready to take on our opponents this season… so they can bring it on.” -Courtney Hoglund, Girls’ Tennis
“The heart and soul of the “3 1/2 hours a day, 5 days a week, it’s tough, football team is in the fan section!” but it will pay off.” -Vince Kovacs, Football -Kasia Cien, Girls’ Swimming
BOYS’ GOLF • GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL • GIRLS’ GOLF • GIRLS ’ SWIMMING • GIRLS’ TENNIS • FOOTBALL • CROSS COUNTRY • BOYS’ SOCCER
Football enters season with a nailbiter by Greg Mitchell On the night of August 26, with Garrett Edwards and the freezing rain of last November in the rearview mirror, the 2005 Hawks took the field in Bolingbrook, embarking on another journey toward Champaign. For the first time in three seasons, it was not Sean Price behind center, but the absence of number five was not a concern for Maine South. After getting six starts at quarterback due to Price’s injury last year, Tyler Knight took the reigns as signalcaller and led the Hawks to a wild 23-20 victory. The game was a rarity for the Hawks, who have been involved in very few nail-biters outside of Champaign over the last few years. However, a good team is defined by its ability to win games like this one. The first quarter started off ominously enough for the Hawks, as Bolingbrook scored on its first possession. The drive was
highlighted by a long connection between quarterback Javon Stewart and highlyregarded receiver Carl Fisher. The Raiders missed the extra point, which would prove to be crucial later in the game. Runningback Jake Bachemeir went down with an ankle injury during the first offensive series and did not return. Knight, however, picked up the slack, and after a drive filled with key third-down conversions, scampered into the end zone to tie the game at six. His extra point gave the Hawks their first lead, and Knight would finish with 54 rushing yards on 12 attempts. Bolingbrook took the lead again, but once again, Knight responded, this time hitting Anthony Borsellino with a shovel pass that he took 16 yards for the score. The game was tied at 14 at the half, with no team having a definite edge. After a third quarter filled with turnovers by both teams, Raiders’ running back Dale Martin broke the tie with a long touchdown run. After an unsuccessful offensive series, the Hawks recovered a Javon Stewart fumble deep
in Raider territory, but were only able to get a 35-yard Knight field goal out of it. However, after another stop by the stingy Hawk defense, Knight and the offense strung together a 61yard drive, capped off by an 11 yard touchdown pass to tight end Adam Fee. This would put the game at 23-20, and the Hawks wouldn’t relinquish the lead, finally ensuring victory after a Javon Stewart fumble with less than two minutes remaining. All in all, the defense shut down an extremely talented and experienced Raider offense when it mattered most and were led by Adam Fee (15 tackles, two for loss) and Chris Catino (13 tackles). As a unit, the defense racked up 10 tackles for losses and only allowed five completions against them. Offensively, Knight completed 14 of 24 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, with Fee (five receptions for 54 yards) and Mark Sagerstrom (three receptions for 58 yards) being his favorite targets. The Hawks will travel to Glenbrook North this weekend to take on the Spartans.
Hawk girls setting up for a winning season by Alexa Karas With a new Varsity coach and a young roster, most would think this year ’s volleyball team is headed for a bumpy season. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case. There are four returning seniors who plan on leading the team to victory. They also look to improve their record from last year when the girls went 16-17 during the regular season and playoffs. Their season came to an abrupt end with a loss to Wheeling in the regional championship. The team’s main goal this season is to compete in their conference, especially against their biggest rivals, New Trier and Glenbrook South. Because of the young team, the juniors will be required to make a big contribution, and the seniors must focus on leadership.
“All of the girls on the team seem very motivated and ready to play,” said junior Blair Smith. The Hawks even hope to have a bid for sectionals later in the season. The players push each other and put pressure on themselves to succeed. The new Varsity coach, Phil Butera, is faced with a huge challenge in guiding the team to a victorious season “I’m excited and definitely prepared. This is a position I feel comfortable with,” said Butera. He has a lot of experience with volleyball from high school and college. He also coached the JV team and assisted with Varsity last year. Fortunately, he will not be alone. Assisting the team will be last year’s Varsity coach, Jim Lonergan. In the past, Coach Lonergan has only coached the JV team, but he filled in for the head coaching position last year. “I also have the opportunity to learn from Coach Lonergan,” said Butera. “I couldn’t ask
for a better assistant coach. He has so much experience.” Starting for the Hawks will be seniors Cristina Solari, Chelsea Petersen, Julie Davis, and Krista Porterfield. The veteran setter, Petersen, will play a major role in the play execution on the court. Solari is also a key component because she is one of the only members of the team that has had significant experience from last year’s season. Besides the pressures of the season, the girls are just trying to have a little fun playing the sport they love. Finishing each other’s sentences, Davis and Solari said, “We’re really excited about our team. We’ve got a lot of potential. We work well together.” It may take a lot of hard work and determination, but the Hawks are willing to make the sacrifice in order to have an outstanding year. Everyone is excited to play and they hope to have a lot of fan support.