Tamaqua Blue and White - Issue 2, Volume 1

Tamaqua Blue and White Issue 2

Table of Contents: Correction from last issue: The quote stated in the Driver’s Ed article, saying that there are driver’s ED certified faculty in the district was incorrect. Currently, there are no certified driver’s ED faculty members in the district.

We apologies for any confusion this may have caused.

Page 4 & 5 - Rev Fit! Page 7 - Temple Run Page 8 & 9 - Dance Marathon Page 10 & 11 - Guers, skook’s favorite drink!

Page 12 & 13 - Boys’ Basketball Page 14 & 15 - Girls’ Basketball Page 16 & 17 - Wrestling Page 18 & 19 - Swimming Page 20 - A Place to Showcase Your Talents Page 21- “Once you’ve wrestled, you realize how much easier everything in life is.”

Page 22 & 23 - Games!

Featured in this issue: Adam Bates Adam Frantz Alex Wagner Allan Duffy-Guy Amanda Solt Amber Gulick Amber Heffelfinger Andrea Whitley Anthony Iacoviello Anthony Lewis Ashley VanBuren Avery Banavage Bailey Hartung Boaz Rottet Brad Hossler Brandan Silkowski Brett Kosciolek Brianna Boyle Brianna Wittig Caitie Trainer Carly Sassaman Caroline Kanaskie Chris Hartung Christine Streisel Cody Houser Colin Mashack Dakota Vandimsky Danielle DeCindio Danielle Fox Denae Starry Derek Hill Dylan Rynkiewicz

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Emily Bumbulsky Emily Hansler Emily Pratka Emily Zancofsky Erin Fegley Ethan Hull Evan Mashack Gabby Freed Ivan Munoz Jaclin Valasek Jacob Gurksy Jacqueline McMullen Jake Fegley Jake Wentzel James Weeks Joann Butkus Joel Kulick Jordan Reabold Kayla Hope Kori Kabilko Kyle Weaver Laine Confer Lance Williams Luke Matsago Makia Stocker Matt DelBorrello Matt Yeakel Matthew Kurek Megan Wagner Miranda Amey Miss Fegley Miss Miller

Miss Stanek Mr. T. McCabe Mr. J. McCabe Mrs. Drum Mrs. Hascin Mrs. Hull Nick Toth Nikki Slivka Noah Troxell Olivia Morrison Paige Demetriades Peter Conforti Rachel Keich Sarah Paluck Savannah Szabo Shane McGeehan Suzanne Arner Tanner Kehl Tawnie Gerber Trevor Skripko Tyler Butkus Tyler Groner Tyler Resch Tyler Skripko Vanessa Solt Zach Oliveria Zachary Wargula Zack Ruba

Rev it up! Make the Change!

Surely, we all remember Wenzel’s Bakery. From cupcakes to cookies, it was Tamaqua’s quintessential destination for any occasion. However, the familiar store that once wafted the sweet smell of warm, savory temptation now reeks of determination, satisfaction, and a whole lot of sweat. HUH?! That’s right, it’s now a fitness studio! After several chaotic months, high school teachers Amanda Hascin and Caitlin Miller have become the proud owners of Revolution Fitness Studio, more popularly known as Rev Fit. Seeing the success they’ve managed to achieve in just three months, it is hard not to be curious as to how they managed to do it.

Like all success stories, it began with a simple idea. “We started seriously talking about opening up a fitness studio in mid-September,” explains Mrs. Hascin. Ms. Miller adds, “It took us less than 24 hours to officially commit.” From there, persistence was vital, for both of them lacked experience in business. In addition to such confusion, Ms. Miller explains, “The time crunch was stressful. We decided that January 2nd

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Miss Miller, left and Mrs. Hacin, right, are more than happy to finally be able to cut the ribbon on opening day!

Miss Fegley, Miss Miller, Mrs. Hascin, Jeff Bowe, and Mrs. Drum are all proud, and relieved to finally open their first business, Rev Fit!

would be our first class.” Imagine the stress of buying the studio, renovating it, advertising, and everything in between—in just a mere three months! Alone, this would have been impossible. However, with the help and support of others, their aspirations prevailed. “The support of the community and clients has been overwhelming. We have had more support from unexpected places than we anticipated,” claims Ms. Miller.

On the other hand, Mrs. Hascin gushes, “Personally, my husband, Dave, has supported me 110% and has been there every step of the way!”

often accompanied by the insistent encouragement of Mrs. Hascin and Ms. Miller, screaming, “Lower!

You can do it! Feels good!” Excruciating? Yes. Embarrassing? Hardly. Rewarding? Absolutely.

Just like they’d hoped, Rev Fit’s official opening occurred on January 2nd, 2012, just in time for New Year’s Resolution season! Their persistence didn’t stop there, though. With the new year came new obstacles to overcome, along with countless other learning experiences. Some may wonder how two best friends could manage to be fellow teachers and business partners while still maintaining a healthy friendship. How do they manage? “Communication!” exclaims Ms. Miller. “We both love to talk things out.

We are honest and don’t let problems fester. We can say anything to each other.” Of course, Mrs. Hascin agrees, “That is the most important part. When you are able to talk things out, nothing is too difficult to overcome.”

Many of their most loyal clients are actually students themselves! While Mrs. Hascin and Ms. Miller strive to help them live active lives, they’re also there to promote success as a whole. When asked what they would tell aspiring entrepreneurs such as themselves, Ms. Miller advises, “Find your passion and follow through. You cannot be successful if you lack effort.” Her partner insists, “Believe in yourselves. Stay focused and organized. Ask for help when you need it.” After all, they’ve got the proof that it works!

Keep in mind that these women are enduring eight workouts a week, five days a week. Sounds exhausting! Again, we can’t help but ask, how do they do it?! “The energy I get from the people in the class keeps me going!” Mrs. Hascin assures us. “As soon as the music starts and I see everyone working hard, I am ready to go!”

As for Ms. Miller, “Passion is my motivator. I love what I get to do both at school and at Rev Fit. As for exercising, I love that, too! I guess I am intrinsically motivated. It helps when you have 30 to 40 women standing behind you.” It is safe to say that these women are not only strong physically, but mentally as well. For them, the end of class is more than just a sense of relief—it is a revelation of empowerment. Mrs. Hascin, who has admitted to being a workout addict, says, “I feel absolutely amazing after a great work out! I feel motivated, accomplished, and healthy!” Same goes for Ms. Miller, who explains, “The endorphin release definitely occurs and I feel better than before I exercised.”

If you have yet to experience all that Rev Fit has to offer, get to it, and see what all the talk is about! Just one class is all it takes, and you’ll definitely be back for more. The only thing you’ve got to lose is an hour of your time, a few hundred calories, and about a gallon of sweat. Don’t worry, you’ll have Amanda, Caitlin, and a few other familiar faces there with you every step of the way.

Don’t you think it’s about time to Make the Change?

Along with providing each other with motivation, these teachers/partners/bffs ensure their clients that each of them will also have the opportunity to experience such strength. Everyone can admit that living a strict active lifestyle can be arduous, but Mrs. Hascin and Ms. Miller are determined to keep you coming! Ms. Miller claims, “We are dedicated to be as verbally encouraging as possible. We make a big deal about people setting a goal and celebrate with them as they achieve it.” Mrs. Hascin adds, “Our mantra is ‘Make the Change’ at Rev Fit. Therefore, we try to provide an environment that is always positive, encouraging, and upbeat.” They speak nothing but the truth. Anyone who has attended their classes can admit that the blaze felt in your thighs is

As for what to look forward to, Ms. Miller fills us in. “We would love to expand as our staff and schedule allows. We have some ideas but will have to see what the future holds before we put anything in writing.” Mrs. Hascin, also anticipating more success, tells us, “We have a lot of plans for the future! You will have to come and check us out to see what they are!”

So what do Tamaqua students think of Rev Fit? Rev fit is the perfect fitness studio! I love going there because of how motivational the instructors (Caitlin and Amanda) have been and how much fun they make the workouts! - Makia Stocker I think Rev Fit is an amazing workout for both guys and girls.

Mrs. Hascin and Caitlin are so inspiring with how dedicated and motivated they are every single day. -Amber Heffelfinger

Written By: Jordan Reabold Photos: Kyle Weaver & Andrew Leibenguth

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Temple Run - A quest for survival!

James Weeks, master of Temple Run!

Written By: Greg Gahmen Photos: Kyle Weaver

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Dance Marathon - “Kids Helping Kids”

Over 10,000 children in America have cancer.

Approximately 75,000,000 children live in America.

It was our turn to help others; our turn for…

Kids to help other kids

As winter break ended at the Tamaqua High School, most students were concentrating on how their midterms were going to turn out. However, the Tamaqua Area Student Government Association (TASGA) was buckling down to kick off the first annual Tamaqua Dance Marathon. The event was set for February 11 and, rain or shine, everyone was ready to put hard work to full force.

The proceeds that would come from the event were going to Camp Can-Do-a camp funded through the American Cancer Society. Camp CanDo is a camp for children with pediatric cancer.

One week is for the siblings of children with cancer and the other week is for the children who suffer from cancer. This may not seem like a big deal to many students in the school, but to children with cancer, this opportunity is incredibly rare. From radiation treatments to being on different tubes and machines, seven days of swimming, hiking, and playing games is similar to us going on an exotic vacation. Gretna Glen Camp, which is located in Mount Gretna, is hosting the 2012 Camp Camp-Do getaway. Children ranging from the ages of 8-17 may attend this camp; thus, resulting in close to 100 children within two weeks. Nonetheless, the results of this past week’s dance marathon will benefit these children and help change their lives.

The 2012 Tamaqua Dance Marathon was held in the high school gymnasium on February 11, 2012. From 12pm to 10pm, hundreds of people entered and exited the gym doors to donate to a great cause. Leadership council’s huge attraction (which is not an understand) of a giant Spiderman slide consumed the corner of the gym while right outside of the gym an airbrush tattoo station was set up. Many students really enjoyed taking part in the tattoo stand, especially Brianna Boyle (B),

a senior at Tamaqua. Brianna notes that “it was a fun addition to have people at any age take part in it.” This is very true; all of the activities, from the slide to the tattoo stand were capable of being used by children and adults of any age. Brianna also explains that she “got the Chinese symbol for courage because [she] thought of [her] gram when [she] was getting it because [her gram] has cancer.” Along with Brianna, many people found it important to recognize their loved ones who have survived or passed away from cancer. In fact, not only did the tattoo station help recognize family members; the Biology Club and National Honor society also joined together to create bears and hearts that would remember those who have suffered from the disease that effects so many people. Moreover, National Honor Society and World Language Club added hot food and desserts to the marathon to make it complete. The big attraction at the Tamaqua dance Marathon was the number of bands and DJs that performed throughout the day. They provided much of the entertainment and kept everyone in high spirits as their music echoed in the gym. Music provided by A.D.D, Story of Another, RC from T102, and DJ Aaron Bonner, all gave excellent performances that awed the crowd.

Overall, the Tamaqua Dance Marathon was a great accomplishment that will be sure to give many proceeds to Camp Can-Do. Although the exact total from the dance marathon has yet to be totaled, TASGA is looking to give a check for at least $3,000 to the American Cancer Society to give to Camp Can-Do. However, as all of the hustle and bustle comes to an end, it is vital to remember that this will be an annual event in the high school. Therefore, from now on, the students at Tamaqua Area High School will always be known for kids who help other kids.

Written By: Emily Zancofsky Photos: Kyle Weaver

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Guers Iced Tea Orange and yellow colorblocks hug and sheathe 16 ounces of the god’s ambrosia in a goblet of wax-paper. We’re talking Guers Iced Tea, baby! Produced in Tumbling Run, PA. The Tamaqua Blue & White took to the lobby to find out just how deep the love runs within our student body for these drinks of specially blended tea powder, fine grade cane sugar, and mountain water.

Over the course of 10 school days, we recorded what we hope is an honest record of the amount of Guers products consumed in the lobby during school hours. This was done with no thanks to supposedly good-hearted senior, Pete Conforti, who lied about his 9th period Guers consumption. It’s ok Petey, I still love ya! Over the 10 days, a collective group of Guers devotees consumed 92 cartons of deliciousness. That’s 1,472 fluid ounces of coal crackin’ goodness! Guers consumption was most consistent in periods 3, 6, and 8 with a record consumption of 11 cartons during an 8th period study hall!

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GREEN TIP: In place of buying cartons of Guers, buy in bulk. Buying a gallon of your favorite tea and bringing it in with the help of reusable cups will not only help save the environment, but will also save you some money, too!

Since Guers products are not readily available within the lobby, to get this “Official sponsored drink of RAMJAM” (Anthony Iacoviello), you have to travel outside the school grounds. Guers run! In most situations, the devotees would simply hop in their automobiles and cruise down to Hope’s to pick up the local necessities such as a Guers and a Tastycake good. At Hope’s, you can expect to pay just 50 cents per a carton. Venture out to Boyers or Fegleys, and it’s gonna cost you a little more for the luxurious liquid. Be a smart shopper when it comes to your Guers. Take a tip from the boy who tried to tell me he drank 25 in one period: “Why drink one pint when you can drink a gallon?!” (Pete Conforti). Don’t be afraid to buy in bulk; less is never more when it comes to Guers!

“When I get in the mood for a Guers, I get in the mood for a Guers” –Brad Hosler

“Confucius says, ‘Drink Guers’ – Anthony Iacoviello

“What’s water?” – Matt DelBorrello

“Still Guers runs deep.”

- Allen Duffy Guy

Some Guers devotees drank multiple pints a day! While we are proud of all of them for being such great contributors to our experiment, we strongly encourage all of our readers to buy their delicious milk, tea, and juice products by the gallon. One gallon of Guers contains roughly 8 pints. That’s a lot of Guers goodness and a lot of money saved! Look at you purchasing wisely and stuff; one would think you took honors economics! In continuance of smart shopping, do not be fooled by the Guers drink look-alike! Lehighton tea brand, Zimmerman’s, also dons a coat of orange and yellow. If you do not stay alert, you might find yourself accidently consuming the contents of this oddly throat-burning drink instead of delicious nectar.

One Guers devotee stood high above the rest. A man who was never afraid to answer the call to drive down to Hope’s and supplied all the children of the lobby with iced teas, sugarfree teas, green teas, lemonades, orange drinks, milk, and more. Not a day went by when this boy didn’t pick up a Guers and write down a quote.

The Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine would like to congratulate Brad Hosler for being our Guers Drinking Champion!

We here at the Tamaqua Blue & White Magazine would like to thank everyone who participated in the “GUERS EXPERIMENT!”. Keep on supporting a great local business and living life the 570 way! We raise our cartons to you.

Written By: Danielle Fox Photos: Daneille Fox & Kyle Weaver

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Boy’s Basketball Claiming that the boy’s basketball team had high expectations was not an understatement. In fact, with the team having Brett Kosciolek, Matthew Kurek, Tanner Kehl, and Tyler Krell in the height department, they knew there would be few problems there. However, as the season prevailed, the team came up just short of heading into the post season. Nonetheless, the Raider’s program is on the rise and this year they started what will be a program in the future.

The boy’s basketball team ended their season with a 5-17 record but some players, such as Brett Kosciolek, Matthew Kurek, and Jake Fegley, had a huge impact on the game and fill us in on their hard work.

Stats of the Season: 5-17

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On behalf of the Tamaqua Blue and White, we would like to say thank you to all of the seniors for showing their many talents to the Tamaqua area, and best of luck in the years to come for the basketball program. Your hard work and dedication was seen in every game, and for that everyone fully supports all of your successes. Congratulations to all members of the basketball team of an outstanding season!

Brett Kosciolek Standing at the center of the court to start the game off seemed like home for six feet three inches, Brett Kosciolek. This freshman walked off of the grid-iron and onto the hardwood to begin his first season of varsity basketball. Although he was nervous for his first game, he quickly settled into his spot and overcame his challenges on the court. With the new season, Brett was certain to overcome the challenge of playing with new teammates because “…it takes awhile for everyone to get accustomed to playing together”. Consequently, although the Raiders did not have the perfect season, he still learned so many new skills about basketball and had a great time with the older, more experience upper classman. Nevertheless, throughout this season, Brett can surely say that “Varsity is not any different from playing a regular basketball game; work hard and never give up”.

Matthew (The Kure) Kurek Matt Kurek, with his Tamaqua jersey soaked with sweat and pride, ran down the basketball court for the last time at the high school.

Finally a senior, Matt helped lead the team as a captain and boasted that he “…enjoyed the pressure and responsibility of being a senior leader this year”. In fact, Matt is so proud to say to all of the guys in the future basketball program to “…continue to work hard and fight through all of the hard times. With all of the talent coming up, they should have plenty of great years ahead.” This is incredible to see a senior so dedicated to his team; proving why the Times News called him the Kure(k), Matt was helping his team win games then and is helping them for future years. Although his days of blue and white are over, he considers trying to play in college. Nevertheless, Matt loved his teammates and the game of basketball, but as for the good ole Raiders Matt has “played his last basketball game”.

Jake Fegley While most of his teammates stood above him, Jake Fegley seemed to still stand tall on the court with his outstanding athleticism and dedication to basketball. In fact, although they were no specific traditions that the team had acquired, the pure idea of leaving made Jake miss the game already. Jake explained that he will not only miss “playing basketball, but [he] will miss EVERYTHING. Once more, Jake found that his favorite memory was not just the best layup or three pointer, but instead, “getting off the such a good start and sending the program in the right direction”. Jake, a captain for the season, helped lead the team and defined every meaning of the phrase “there is no I in team”.

Written By: Emily Zancofsky Photos: Flexer Photography & Mr. Hromyak

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Girl’s Basketball As the Lady Raiders basketball team heads into their post season, they realized they have had a very exciting, yet arduous journey. Although they did not start off with their best foot forward, the Lady Raiders finished their season very strong and are excited to hit the ground running. The girls have created a team bond that is both extremely acknowledgeable and incomparable. In fact, it is because of their team ambitions and hard work that led to their current record of 15-7. Kayla Hope (senior), Christine Streisel (junior), and Paige Demetriades (freshman) have all given their opinions of the season.

Social Connect!

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Stats of the Season: Season: 15-7 First Game of Districts

Tamaqua High School and the community have always stood by their girls throughout each season. The Tamaqua Blue and White would like to say congratulations to the seniors for an amazing and unforgettable season and best of luck for the years to come for the underclassman. Keep working hard in the off season and never give up! Let’s go Lady Raiders!

Christine Streisel Christine Streisal, a junior and “go-to” shooter for the team explained to us not only of her team but her bonds with the seniors. She starts by telling us about her favorite pre-game ritual that has been going on since middle school: “Our team says a prayer before every game with all the players and coaches.” When asked to describe the team season in just one word, Christine chose “Inspiring.” An important word to her since she realizes her time to fully lead the team is quickly approaching. Consequently, Christine, instead of looking up to the seniors will be the one being looked up to, but is “…going to miss the seniors because they really held our team together.”

Kayla Hope As Kayla Hope laced up her basketball shoes for the last time, she reminisced about her freshman year. When asked how she now feels about freshman playing up on varsity, she thinks “It is crazy to see them play and to think I was once in their shoes. It is also really special to watch them and see the potential that they have to be successful in the future.” From freshman to senior year, Kayla finds it hard to believe that it is almost over and is saddened by the thought of leaving such a great program. Through all of the years, her favorite moment had to be beating Allentown Central Catholic in districts.

It was a game remembered for its superheroes both on the court and in the fan section. Kayla Hope has given a lot to this program and leaves the remaining player’s this advice, “Don’t take the game for granted because it is over before you know it. Also, play every game like it is your last because one day…it will be.”

Paige Demetriades

Paige Demetriades, a freshman on the varsity program, hopes to continue picking up where Kayla and the others are leaving off (even though she begs them not to leave!). Being on both teams, Paige had a chance most student athletes do not have, and “…enjoyed seeing both the JV and Varsity team improve throughout the season.” She pleads for players like her to “Try to be confident in yourself and do not be afraid to make mistakes.” A well said statement for the hard working freshman.

Written By: Emily Zancofsky Photos: Flexer Photography & Mr. Hromyak

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Wrestling This year although small, the wrestling team has been working harder than ever throughout the season.

Wrestling is a difficult sport, requiring great amounts of mental and physical strength, and the team has been conditioning for quite some time. With such a small number of wrestlers, the team has faced great challenges, yet they have still come out victorious in the end. Seven of our wrestlers placed at leagues, and one, Colin Mashack, will move onto regionals. The team has grown close during the season, and they’re always there to support each other. Next year, the team will lose three seniors, and the underclassmen will have big shoes to fill.

Districts Stats:

Colin Mashack: 2nd Dylan Rynkiewicz: 6th 16

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Coach McCabe to Retire

After 13 years of hardwork and dedication, Mr. McCabe will be retiring from his position as head wrestling coach in order to devote more time to his family. According to Mr. McCabe, he slowly cut back his activities when his children were born. After giving up track and football coaching positions to spend more time with his family, he decided to continue on helping with his favorite sport, wrestling. Mr. McCabe says, “My children need to be my favorite. If I stay, I will neglect them because of being obsessed with helping others.” ...continued on page 20

Brandan Silkowski says, “The part I’m gonna miss about wrestling is probably how close we all are. We are all close; it feels as if we’re almost a family.” This will be Evan Mashack’s eleventh year of wrestling, and he says, “Besides not being able to wrestle anymore, I will miss hanging out with the team in the locker room before practice.” This year, the team has only one freshman: Dylan Rynkiewicz. Dylan has been wrestling since kindergarten, and he placed fourth at leagues and sixth at districts. When asked how it is being the only freshman, he said, “Sometimes, they just fool around saying, ‘Oh, make the little freshman do it,’ but it’s all just joking around. I love the sport and being with all the upperclassmen.

I like all the awesome life skills I learn.” Junior Luke Matsago says he “joined in second grade only so [he] could waste time until biddy basketball.” However, he loved the sport and decided to stick with it. Luke says, “The thing I like the most is the feeling you get after beating someone then looking up into the stands as the ref raises your hand. It’s amazing.”

Before wrestling practice, the team sometimes plays a game of dodge ball for fun, and it also helps them to lose weight. Brandan gives an insight to what it’s like trying to maintain your weight: “For some people, it’s hard. My sophomore and junior year I spent a lot of my time dropping weight and trying to maintain it, but this year was easier because I wrestled up. The key is really just to eat healthier and not pig out after weighing in.” Wrestling is difficult in many different aspects, and yet they continue to strive and push themselves to the limit. With a little determination and practice, they have come very far and accomplished a lot this season. Congratulations to all of our wrestlers on another successful season!

Written By: Jacqueline McMullen Photos: Kyle Weaver & Mr. Hromyak

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Swimming League Champs Like any other sport, swimmers work hard—plain and simple. But how often do you hear about them?

It’s about time you do! After four months of strenuous practices and lack of sleep, they deserve all the praise and gratification that the school can offer. Swimmer Joann Butkus agrees! “People say it’s just going back and forth, how hard can it be? They think it’s easy because there’s no contact and it’s not on a field. I’d like the school to realize that just because we compete in a 25 yard lane, it doesn’t mean that we don’t work hard,” she states. One of the hardest things that all swimmers agree on is the fact that they don’t get enough sleep.

Sate Qualifiers:

Caroline Kanaskie - 200 Free Style Joann Butkus - 100 Fly & 100 Free Style

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Coach Ashley

This school year, our beloved Spanish teacher, tech guy, and swim coach, Mr. Lech, relocated.

His absence created a whole new swimming experience here at Tamaqua High School. Miss Ashley Stanek, a third grade teacher at West Penn Elementary and TAHS alumnus, stepped up to the challenge and became head coach of our girls’ and boys’ swim teams. Coach Ashley has introduced the team to new practice techniques, and the whole team is looking forward to amazing swims at the District XI Championships. Coach Ashley says, “I’m really proud of the swimmers this year. They’ve all worked really hard which has helped to make my first year as head coach very enjoyable.”

It takes a lot of experience to be a good swimmer, so most of the team started out young for numerous reasons. Interestingly, Joann shamelessly admits, “The reason my parents put me in swimming was because I failed at every other sport [laughs]. True story, I swear.” Looks like she found her calling!

Above all things, they received a new coach, Ashley, this year following the relocation of Coach Lech. Though wary at first, it ended up being a positive experience overall.

Joann fills us in. “I have complete respect for what she has done and will continue to do for our team. She has taken this team to a new level, stepping up the distance and intensity of the practices, but while doing all of that, she is still one of the girls and almost like a friend to us.” Coach Ashley feels the same and says, “I’m really proud of the swimmers this year. They’ve all worked really hard which has helped to make my first year as head coach very enjoyable.”

is usually a tendency for everyone getting on each other’s nerves, which is completely normal for being together for everyday for nearly 4 months, but we usually find a well balance to get along with each other, at least this year for sure.” When asked what she will miss most, her answer remains the same: “It’s always so hard after every swim season not seeing those people you’ve grown so extremely close to, to only seeing them in the halls and the occasional hanging out.”

Other than being recognized for their true team loyalty, it should be known how far they’ve come! First was Leagues.

Emily shares, “Standing on the podium with my team getting that league medal for the second year in the row was pretty awesome.” As for Districts, Miranda is pretty stoked.

“Making districts is a huge accomplishment. Right now, I’m extremely excited for them and am counting down the days. Our team is seeded really well and I’m so pumped to By: Jordan Reabold get out there and swim.” Written Photos: Kyle Weaver, & Caroline Kanaskie

All in all, it’s safe to say that swimmers don’t exactly have a stress free winter, just as all other winter sports experience. Sure, the natatorium is hot and swim meets are long, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve support! Respect them for being determined, for winning, and for portraying what a team should be. Miranda Amey, upon being asked in regards to the last time she swam for fun, interestingly responded, “I love swimming. I’ve met some amazing people doing this sport and have had some of the best times traveling with my teams and making memories that I’ll remember probably for the rest of my life. So you could say I always swim for fun.” As the season comes to an end, the girls hope that next year’s team will provide the same positive attitude. Looking ahead, Joann explains, “Stick with it. The first few weeks are going to be very difficult adjusting to the workouts and to the new team, but if you stick with it and work hard, it will pay off—not just with huge self improvement, but also with making lifelong friends and memories throughout the season.”

Again, Joann admits, “Whenever I feel like I don’t want to swim or lift or work hard, I think about who my competition is going to be at districts and states. I think about how they’re probably training hard right then, training to be the best—training to beat me.” Clearly, swimming would be much more difficult without some type of motivation.

As for Miranda Amey, family is what keeps her going. “My parents have always supported me 100% in swimming, and I wouldn’t be the swimmer I am today without them.”

For some it’s competition, for others it’s family, but it seems that above all else, they do it for each other. Emily Bumbulsky shares the love. “The friendship on the girl’s team is extremely close. I know there is usually a tendency for everyone getting on each other’s nerves, I know there Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 2

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Written By: Jacob Gursky Photos: Andrew Leibenguth & Jacob Gursky

A Place to Showcase Your Talents The Tamaqua Area Community Partnership (TACP) is responsible for many of the better things that go on in our town of Tamaqua, such as the Spirit of Christmas Festival and Depot Square Park. Recently, they purchased a vacant church in the downtown area by the Family Dollar. The plan for the purchased vacent church depot is that it is to be turned into a place for, quite simply, he community. This humble church is going to be turned into a community center, similar to the Bethlehem Banana Factory (Google it). Now, you’re probably wondering what exactly this place will be used for, but that’s exactly it! The people from the TACP don’t want to decide, they want us, the people of the Tamaqua Area, to decide! That’s why, on Sunday, February 12th, 2012, they held a public meeting so that anyone and everyone could put in their ideas as to what should be in our community center. After taking a tour, the large turnout of youth and adults alike gathered

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on the first floor in a World Café setup.

Everyone sat at a table with sharpie markers and huge white sheets of paper. They wrote their ideas down and then switched tables so they could see other ideas. Then, someone from each table rose and explained the ideas at the table. Our very own Ethan Hull presented for his table.

Every table said they wanted space for local band to play, but from there the ideas just got better! A film festival was mentioned, in addition to art classes, comedy nights, cooking classes in the downstairs kitchen, and even an annual Kielbasa eating contest! One of the most unique ideas was to have a concert in the center whenever there’s a snow day. The best part? Any of these ideas can come to fruition as long as the community supports them! Please check out www.TACP.info for more!

Any suggestions? Let Miss Schmauch know in room 105A! We’ll pass it on to the proper people!

Mr. McCabe, continuation from page 14..

He initially began coaching because he enjoyed participating in sports and thought of it as a way to show his gratitude for the coaches who made an impact on his athletic career. Not only has he spent 13 years coaching, two at Mahanoy Area and the remaining years at Tamaqua, but he has also “wrestled 3 years for the varsity and was a district and regional champion and state qualifier.” He has overcome tremendous obstacles during these years. Slowly, he helped to improve the team’s record which led to the team’s first district dual match victory in 2010-2011, district semi-finals, and the school’s first state champion, Garth Lakitsky. Throughout the years, Mr. McCabe says his most memorable moment was discovering Garth’s victory after thinking he was tied.

“I’ll miss coach McCabe pushing me to give my best every day and become the best I can be.”

-Luke Matsago

“Coach taught us to never give up especially when times are hard, and after everything is accomplished, you will be a better and stronger person.”

-Nick Toth

According to Luke Matsago, he will miss “conversations and adventures after school and Coach McCabe pushing [him] to do [his] best everyday” once the season is over.

This year, many of our wrestlers were victorious at leagues and districts. Dylan Rynkiewicz, a freshman, placed fourth at leagues AND BLANK at districts. He likes to spend time with the upper classmen even with the pressure of being the only freshman. Hopefully next year, more people will join as many seniors will be leaving. Brandan Silkowski says he will miss how close they are because they consider each other to be like family. Overall, the wrestlers have had a successful season considering their small team. Wrestling is an intense sport; it requires mental and physics endurance. The team spends a great amount of time conditioning for the season.

According to Brandan, the hardest part of wrestling is “trying to stay motivated when physically exhausted and things aren’t looking so good.”

Mr. McCabe says he always liked helping the students he coached “to become independent and successful by not winning all the time but by finishing all the time.” Mr. McCabe says he will miss the athletes, and the feeling is mutual; he will be missed by all, but as he says, “This is just the end of a chapter of my wrestling life, not the end of the wrestling book.” Mr. McCabe has made a great impact on the Tamaqua wrestling program, and he will never be forgotten.

Written By: Jacqueline McMullen Photos: Kyle Weaver & Dylan Rynkiewicz

“I’ll miss how he always tries to trick the newcomers, and he’s helped me to always keep going when things are hard.”

-Evan Mashack

Famous McCabe quotes: g matters in wrestlin The only thing that else, ur team. Anything yo d an h et te r u yo are whining. keep wrestling; stop

“

l show better, then you wil t ge a n an w to e ic “If you pract ches results in your mat

“

”

““Wrestling isn’t for

the we hearted or weak mind ak ed.

”

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 2

” 21

Games, Games, Games!

Oh My God…Shoes!

FESSFCYSYKSDHDS LKIDLLLJZRRHNOL AIDODIISREFAOLE TNGWPOAPFOPKUXD SSBPUMZSFSPMUPN MNEEUSGZLLFTZSA LRAPARHWKCOFNNS SIWDQMFDZCKPKEY IWIARHIGHTOPSAK EDYFWOYSJBBJLKB AQFMQJJHTZLBKEA ZRYQSDYSEOLEGRN BNZPLVZCQEOHTSJ HGUGGSNOKXLBNUI SREEBOKQGWOSCYS ADIDAS BOOTS CLOGS FLATS FLIPFLOPS HEELS HIGH-TOPS JORDANS LOAFERS

Unscramble each of the clue words.

Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number.

22

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 2

NIKE PUMA PUMPS REEBOK SANDELS SHOX SLIPPERS SNEAKERS UGGS

Try To Escape This Mess of Paths

Try to fill in the missing numbers.

Use the numbers 1 through 36 to complete the equations.

Each number is only used once.

Each row is a math equation.

Each column is a math equation.

Remember that multiplication and division are performed before addition and subtraction. *First three people to solve and return to Ms. Schmauch will win a prize!

Tamaqua Blue and White Magazine - Issue 2

23

“Bringing Good People Together” Your Local Website For Tamaqua Area Events, News, Photos, Videos, Links, Community Information, Businesses, Organizations, and More Great Stuff!

TamaquaArea.com website brings all the great people, families, organizations, and businesses in and around Tamaqua together in one place to share events, photos, and much more.

TamaquaArea.com community website isn’t your normal boring or non-updated community website. I routinely upload and maintain my site by adding events, businesses, photos, videos, community news, and much more.

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Send your request to: Tamaqua Area High School ATN: Blue and White Magazine 500 Penn Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252

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