The Notes November 2012

The Thacher Notes

Vol. LXXXII

November 2012

2012 Election Results

By Ana Urgiles ‘13

From the legalization of marijuana to a possible 51st state, the 2012 election results suggest unexpected changes.

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n the 6th of November the entire country tuned in to watch the 2012 United States Election where President Barack Obama was re-elected for a second term by defeating the Republican Party presidential candidate Mitt Romney in a contiguous race to the White House.

The results of a mock election held at Thacher displayed overwhelming support for President Obama who received 139 votes (77.2%) out of the 198 votes that were cast by students. Mitt Romney obtained 42 votes (23.3%) and 18 students voted for a third party candidate.

In the actual national election, Obama won 332 electoral votes with 50.6% of the popular vote, while Romney was only able to garner 206 electoral votes with 47.8% of the popular vote. However, it was not an entirely unsuccessful night for the Republican Party.

Although Paul Ryan lost h i s bid for the Vice

Presidency, he still won the election which secured his Wisconsin House Seat. The GOP was also able to maintain control of the House of Representatives, where they now hold 234 seats compared to the considerably lower number of 197 Democrats that are represented in the House. On the other hand, the Democrats hold continue to hold the majority in the Senate where, following these elections, two more Democratic Senators will join, bringing up the total number of the Democrats to 53. It is clear that there will be much divergence in the government that is now split between a Democratic President, a Republican dominated House of Representatives, and a Democratic controlled Senate.

It was also a victorious night for the LGBT community since voters in Washington and Maine approved gay marriage, while Minnesota struck down a constitutiona l law defini n g mar-

riage as a union between a man and a woman. In Wisconsin, the Democrat Timmy Baldwin became the first openly LGBT member to be elected to the Senate.

Also making headlines was the legalization of marijuana in Washington and Colorado. Now anyone over the age of 21 in these two states will be able to lawfully possess up to an ounce of cannabis. The enforcement of this new legislation will prompt serious debates over the next few months since the possession of pot is still considered unlawful under national law. As Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper said, "This is a complicated process, but we intend to follow through. That said, federal law still says marijuana is an illegal drug, so don't break out the Cheetos or goldfish too quickly."

Another surprising result was that of the Puerto Rican referendum concerning the island’s political ties to the United States. This voting night was the first time that Puerto Ricans vot-

ed in support of statehood. A majority (54%) rejected the current situation of staying as a U.S. commonwealth territory and in a separate question, 61% of voters supported a legislation that would make Puerto Rico the 51st state. However, there are many reports indicating that these numbers are skewed

and do not accurately represent the will of the Puerto Rican population. Experts who have weighed in on the topic say that even if there were considerable support for this legislation, it is very unlikely that Puerto Rico will become a state until at least 2015.

Although 2015 might seem far away, it has not stopped many people from starting to make predictions for the next election in 2016.

People like the Democratic Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Governor Chris Christie (R- NJ), Governor Marco Rubio (R- FL), and Governor Martin O’Malley (D- MD) have been considered possible presidential nominees, but for now, we will have to wait and see how the nation reacts to the changes in power and to the new regulations before thinking about the next presidential elections.

No. 2

Thacher’s cellphone policy: yay or nay?

Pg. 3

Fall Sports Wrap-up Pg. 7-8 T-Swizzle Review Pg. 3,6

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The Thacher Notes

November 2012

ISGP Results Reaffirm Thacher’s Unity Unjustified Nobel Prize

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he Thacher school prides itself on its ability to greet incoming students with its ever familiar sign on the first day of school, reading “the happiest place on earth.” But with such a bold statement come high standards to meet. The Independent School Gender Project (ISGP) survey provides solid evidence to support this claim, year after year.

The ISGP survey is a collection of questions pertaining to student perceptions of health and wellness related issues on boarding school campuses. The survey ranks schools in a number of different categories on a scale of A through C. In 2009, Thacher received 6 A’s and no C’s from the study, claiming the top spot out of the 23 boarding schools surveyed. The 2011 survey results conformed to the pattern, issuing Thacher 18 A’s and no C’s.

Thacher students are especially aware of health and wellness issues prominent in this day and age.Whether it be through dorm meetings or Human Relations and Sexuality (HR&S) seminars, students are always encouraged to engage in discussion with each other to address the more sensitive topics they face in their lives.

Sabina McMahon, Dean of Students, said, “We try to have many discussions individually and in groups about health and wellness so that each student has as much information as they can so they can make healthy decisions.”

Ana Urgiles, a current senior, attended the ISGP

he Nobel Committee ment of hope for the future: will officially award the “Similar to the Nobel ComEuropean Union the Nobel mittee recognizing PresiPeace Prize this December. dent Obama in 2009 after The EU is a collection of only a brief stint in office, 27 European nations, unit- this choice appears to be ed by a common currency, built, at least partially, on working together to create hope of what can be accominternational political and plished. And hope is what is economic policies. The lin- needed right now given Eugering question is, did the rope’s current economic criEU really deserve such a sis, particularly with regard prestigious award? to Greece.”

Those supporting the deMany argue that the Eucision argue that the EU has ropean Union has earned achieved an incredible feat the peace prize by ensuring in terms of international the rights of millions and amnesty by uniting Europe. creating a strong and stable Dr. DelVecchio argues union in Europe. Others arthat the EU’s incredible gue that the EU can hardly Conference held at The new things that will benefit ability to unite Europe mer- be credited with the peace Hotchkiss School this sum- themselves rather than do its the award: “What Europe in Europe. During the Cold mer, along with a number harm. needed and failed to ac- War, it was NATO that preof other students and facSimilarly, Thacher re- complish after WWI was to vented any physical conulty members. The purpose ceived high praise in the bring Germany and France flict. Moreover, the EU isn’t of conference was to call category that addressed per- together. The EU has ac- maintaining peace. The attention to the impact of ceptions of respect on cam- complished this to the point crumbling economy has women’s portrayal in the pus. where a war between those led to large-scale civilian media and strengthen the atDean of Students, Sa- two nations is now unthink- protests and left Germany tendees voices in their own bina McMahon, said “Be- able. But the EU has done and Greece clawing at each communities. cause students feel such a even more: it has brought other’s throats. The ideoloUrgiles described that high level of comfort on our Greece, Portugal and Spain, gy of a common currency is the other students attend- campus, they are more like- now democracies, into the failing in reality and the EU ing the conference were ly to be who they really are as “eager to discuss topics and go after what’s interestsuch as gender issues that ing to them, without being we may face at independent mired with worry that their schools” as she was. peers will criticize them.

“It definitely made me It’s incredibly freeing.” aware of the challenges that The combination of a women have faced for de- pressure-free environment cades and continue to face and an accepting student today,” she added. body creates the the ideal The ISGP survey results place for students to grow simply restate what our and think on their own, free school already knows, that of judgement and worry.

Thacher students are not The cultivation of such an only aware of the issues attitude is incredibly rare they face, but have worked in the high school medium, through solutions with one providing Thacher students another and determined with a significant advantage European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso (left) receives flowers from Norway’s Ambassador to the Europehow to approach them. during these highly influenan Union, Atle Leikvoll to celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize.

Ranging from general tial years. http://news.yahoo.com/nobel-peace-prize-could-dissidents-eu-relihealth to social pressure, The skills acquired during gious-leaders-000634747.html the ISGP survey questions a student’s Thacher career provide an extensive and are vital to leading a happy fold.” is falling to pieces. Those varied foundation of raw and healthy life. As long as Prior to the end of World unhappy with the decision information from which to a students are not worrying War II, Europe spent cen- to award the EU the prize draw conclusions. Thacher about what is “cool” and turies tearing itself apart. believe the European Union received the highest pos- what others think, they can France and Germany were hardly deserves a peace sible marks in the category focus on what really matters bitter enemies keen to over- prize when it is on the verge that focused on pressure of and work towards achiev- see the other’s downfall. of splitting up. all kinds, including both ing true happiness. The re- The EU unified Europe and academic and social. sults of these surveys do a transformed France and From these results it can tremendous job of accredit- Germany’s relationship into be deduced that Thacher ing Thacher’s reputation as a powerful alliance; constudents are free of the pres- “the happiest and healthiest flicts once resolved on the sure to experiment with place on earth,” while bring- battlefield are now resolved tobacco, alcohol, drugs, ing to the school’s attention diplomatically. Additionalor sexual activity. Without just how lucky we are. ly, the EU has ensured basic these pressures, Thachhuman rights and fair trade er lacks a distinct “fastto all of its member states. crowd,” or a “popular” soMr. Carney reasons that cial group. Students are free the award is not only deBy Sydney Wilder ‘15

By Taylor Bacon ‘15 to be themselves and try served but is also a state-

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The Thacher Notes

November 2012

Cellphones For More Than Communication

As cellphones have vastly evolved over the past 10 years, perhaps it is time that Thacher evolves its policy regarding their use.

Students and Mr. Mulligan have recognized the notion that cell phones have become much more than a simple communication device. The ability to access internet, e-mail, calendars, reminders, and apps have transformed cell phones into “smart-phones,” or as Mr. Mulligan regarded them, “small computers.”

The advancement of cell phone technology poses the following question for Thacher: should students be allowed to carry their cell phones daily if they are being used as helpful tools?

One thing all members on this community can agree on is the beauty of working at or attending an institution like Thacher. We do not witness kids walking around campus talking into cellphones, something that could greatly degrade from the school’s beauty.

Overview of the Teaching Chairs

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eaching chairs are more than nicely carved, wooden chairs that are given to stellar teachers. They are financial endorsements given to those teachers who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields of expertise. Established in 1986 as a part of the Centennial Campaign, these awards are formally called the Jerome H. Berenson Faculty Incentive Chair, The Phillip Bard CdeP 1917 Great Teacher Chair in Science, and the Bonnie Moon Robinson Chair, and were presented to Dr. Sarah DelVecchio, Dr. Chris Vyhnal, and Mrs. Joy SawyerMulligan, respectively.

Therefore, how can Thacher condone the use of cellphones around campus?

There is no way to truly monitor a student’s activities on his or her cellphone.

But we are all too familiar with the temptation to answer an incoming call or

text message; it can be too great to pass-up.

However, there is no doubt that cell phones have their benefits. For example, they serve as alarms to keep a plethora of couples from being JC’ed each night as they scramble to their dorms

Top Ten Strategies for Coping with Homesickness

Taylor Swift Back, Transformed

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Stop calling home all the time.

2. Use your homesickness as an excuse to write letters (the old fashioned way) to family and friends back home. Tell them to write you back and discover the delight of receiving real mail.

3. Remember that homesickness is only temporary.

4. Use it as an opportunity to think fondly of your siblings…

5. Take comfort in fatty foods (much more effective with a friend.)

6. If mucking reminds you of the comforts at home, remember: you’re building character.

7. Talk to your prefect.

8. Stay busy. Do anything to avoid thinking too much.

9. “If you don’t have a friend, be a friend.” –Mr. Mulligan 10.Your home will always be there to go back to.

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t has been hard to escape the sweet voice of this girl on campus this year.

It seems like few people have been unaffected by the much anticipated release of Taylor Swift’s new album Red in late October. Chances are you and your EDT buddies were singing “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” this fall to pass the time on a long hike or heard Reed Gulick-Stutz and Jackson Dolphin’s rendering of “Begin Again” at Coffee House. I know I’ve heard the dubstep-influenced “I Knew You Were Trouble” blasting from at least six different rooms in Upper School. I heard that there was even a “Redthemed” munch-out in the Courts recently.

Speaking of “Trouble,” that track was a surprise coming from Swift, who has always released country

Cont. pg 6

from their evening walks.

A senior may remember an important senior exhibition meeting because of the reminder set on the phone.

Or a student could capture the exquisite Ojai sunset to marvel at for years to come with a phone.

So in conclusion, because the line drawn between a helpful tool and an excessive commodity is fuzzy, it may take some time before we can revise anything about our cell phone policy.

By Leo Turpan ‘13

The Thacher Notes Editors-in-Chief Irene Limb Ana Urgiles Managing Editor Sandy Ballou Advisors Bonnie LaForge Joel Sohn Staff Taylor Bacon Inga Conyngham Olivier Domergue Wallace Kalkin Jean Li Marissa Lopez Leo Turpan Sydney Wilder

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The Thacher Notes

Robin Riley

obin’s cookies. We’ve all had the fortune of tasting these culinary masterpieces, but just like Avery from Avery’s Fruit Stand, you might be wondering who Robin is. Robin Riley, a California native, has been baking delicacies at Thacher for 11 years. She makes the morning pastries, bread for formal dinner, and the mouth watering desserts for lunch and dinner. I chatted with Ms. Riley about Thacher, her upbringing, and her culinary secrets.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Los Angeles.

I’m a California native. I moved up to Ojai about 15 years ago.

What are your favorite desserts to make?

Well, I love making desserts that are associated with cultural traditions. Just last week when it was Dia de Los Muertos, making the sugar skulls was really fun.

I love food as an insight into cultural anthropology. I don’t have a specific favorite dessert.

What are some of your hobbies or interests?

I love to hike. We fortunately live in Ojai, which is a beautiful place to hike. I do pottery for a hobby, and I like to dance and I like to travel.

Have you taken formal culinary classes or are your creations mostly original or family recipes?

I went to culinary school in Los Angeles, L.A. Technical School, and then I served an apprenticeship in a hotel. I worked for some celebrity chefs, Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger.

Mary Sue’s mom was a pastry chef and she mentored me. I became the pastry chef when she left.

November 2012

Commu

Did you always want to be a baker from when you were very young?

I look back on it now and I can see from the age of 12 that I really loved to bake. I was always the one in the family making things and it wasn’t until I was in my mid twenties that I thought about what I really wanted to do. I love food and I love how people appreciate it so that’s when I thought, “that’s what I’m going to do”. I went into the culinary field to be a chef and then the pastry part became a natural progression.

What is your schedule like at Thacher? What time do you come in and what time do you leave?

I work from 4:30 am to 1:00 pm. Early morning are baker’s hours. I am here the earliest.

What would you advise aspiring bakers?

I would say immerse yourself in baking. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself, don’t be afraid to fail, but learn from your failures.

Analyze what did not work and talk to people. You don’t have to have formal training; I know chefs who never did, but they always listened and were willing to learn.

Food in general is a lifetime thing.

Ms. Riley makes a banana cake with meringue toping, one of her countless desserts that students devour on a daily basis.

There’s a never ending array of things about food you can learn.

Let’s say it’s your birthday. What would you like someone to make for you?

Well, because I bake for a living, I try not to be too hard to please. I appreciate the effort. I like simple things.

I would be happy if someone made me a crème brulée for my birthday or an ice cream parfait with yummy, gooey brownies. I appreciate the effort and I know it can intimidating. No one in my family ever makes birthday cakes for me.

I haven’t had a birthday cake for about 30 years.

Is there anything else I can ask you that will help us get a better insight into who Robin Riley is? Have I missed something that is very important to you?

About working at Thacher, I can say how it’s so important to me to get feedback from all of the students, what your likes and dislikes are. I love that for the most part everyone is happy with the baked goods. It’s very nurturing to me. I feel like a surrogate mom making cookies and things like that that everyone likes.

Comfort food. I know its hard because a lot of the students don’t see their parents on a regular basis because they’re here and I just

hope to provide a little bit of home.

You definitely do. I’m sure you’ve noticed how people rush to your cookies.

What do you think makes them so special?

Oh, just lots of love and chocolate chips. That will do it.

So next time you bite into one of those exquisite cookies or brownies remember that they are made with much affection and care from Thacher’s one and only, Robin Riley.

By Ana Urgiles ‘13

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The Thacher Notes

November 2012

unity Spotlight his compositions something different from art, “I have never desired to be an artist and have never thought of myself as one. To me an artist is someone who seeks to depict the world in a way that has not previously been done. That is not what interests me most about woodworking. My primary objective as a woodworker is to make things to the best of my ability; [things] that will stand the test of time and be enjoyed and appreciated by the people that I make them for.”

His recent collaboration with Dennis Shives on the Table of the Mountain Dreamer emphasizes the skill and elegance of his compositions.

Top: Mr. Bueti examines the Table of the Mountain DreamInside the woodworker, a collaboration piece with Dennis Shives. ing studio, Mr. Bueti shows Below: The table shows intricate detail work and the peaks a high regard for both his seem like they are piercing the table surface. students and his work, embodying the balanced relationship of teacher to student to work.

He offers an unbiased view on art produced by various ages, “I don’t think that teaching art to high school students is he Thacher community wife, Allie, and her father, significanthas always put an em- who he describes as, “an ly differphasis on its art program, intriguing fellow who was ent from and while students take part entrepreneur, part en- t e a c h advantage of these oppor- gineer/builder/inventor, and ing art to tunities, whether in the the- in terms of my career, the other age ater or the studio, we must biggest influence.” With the g r o u p s . still recognize those who inspiration from this proj- I believe have taught us how to ap- ect, Mr. Bueti attended the that interply a knowledge of beauty North Bennet Street School est and instead of just appreci- in Boston, and later opened d e s i r e ate it. Mr. John Bueti, the a woodshop where he built m a t t e r s woodshop teacher, is such a custom cabinetry and furni- more than teacher. ture. age.

The Mr. Bueti’s passion in Despite the remarkable students who wood design began when beauty inherent in wood- take my class he built a house with his work, Mr. Bueti considers are there because

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John Bueti

they want to be there; this factor, combined with the small class size, makes for a great working environment.”

Mr. Bueti’s work displays a relationship with the wilderness that inspires each one of his students. His class gives them the ability to take something found in nature and define it as their own.

On the range of concepts of woodwork, Mr. Bueti says, “Kids are supported and encouraged by their peers and their teachers so they are not afraid to take risks and to challenge t h e m selves.

As a

result we get a large variety of projects in the woodshop that reflect the character and vision of the students who make them.”

Mr. Bueti’s passion in woodwork and exceptional teaching inspires students to expand their relationship with nature and encourages them to broaden their views of beauty in the wilderness.

By Inga Conyngham ‘15

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The Thacher Notes

Fall 2012

Taylor Swift Back, Transformed cont.

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Taylor Swift performs many of her new songs live on “Good Morning America,” October 23. http://www.broadrippletickets.com/blog/category/concerts/

or at least pop-rock sounding singles since her selftitled debut album. Now on album number four, she dives headfirst into synthdriven Euro-pop with “Trouble,” “Never Ever” and the cut “22.” In fact, these songs were produced by the same people who formulated songs like “Tik Tok” by Ke$ha and “California Gurls” by Katy Perry. While some say she has lost touch with her roots, I personally applaud Swift’s daring exploration into new sonic territory The genre-bending smash singles on Red have indeed attracted much attention, but it would not be fair to say that there aren’t any great country songs on the record.

“Begin Again,” the first country radio-oriented sin-

gle from the album, the title track, and “Everything Has Changed” (feat. Ed Sheeran) are among the standout country songs.

Overall this newest record not only proves that Taylor Swift is going stronger than ever, but also that she is a much more diverse and talented artist than many people had thought.

Based on the response within the Thacher community and around the country, where Swift’s album sold a record 1.21 million copies in its first week, I think most people would agree with me that Taylor Swift has succeeded once again.

By Olivier Domergue ‘13

November 2012

Girl’s Tennis Teams Demonstrate Superb Teamwork

very afternoon, a group composing of fun-loving and hardworking young ladies gathers on the upper and lower courts. The Thacher tennis tradition has been alive for years, and this year, both teams have come with their game-faces on and ready to play.

With coaches Mr. Peter Fagan (varsity) and Mr. Jason Carney (junior varsity), the teams have improved tremendously while having “more fun than any other team,” as Nu Xiong ‘13 claims. Whether that is true or not, it is obvious that the tennis girls share a love for the sport.

On the lower courts, Mr. Carney fondly referred to as “Carnitas” or the “Silver Wizard” gets the junior varsity (JV) tennis girls excited and adds a competitive flare to the practices by offering anyone who outplays him a delicious Ruben’s burrito.

The atmosphere on the lower courts is “relaxed, yet the improvement of the players is evident,” adds Ana Urgiles ‘13.

The JV squad consists of girls who have played the sport previously as well as novices who are just starting to learn how to play the sport with the help of Mr. Carney’s enthusiasm and humor. The senior captains of the JV team, Ana Urgiles ‘13, Brisha Howe ‘13, Sarah Ratsimbazafy ‘13, and Nu Xiong ‘13 unanimously agree that Mr. Carney is a fantastic coach. He is truly invested in the girls’ improvement and the Thacher Tennis program is very lucky to have a coach like Mr. Carney.

Moving to the upper courts, the varsity tennis team is also a menace to be dealt with. Through their hard work, they were able to make it to the pre-liminaries and always smiled whether they won or lost.

Led by Kelsey Hartman ‘12 and Shelby Luce ‘12, the captains call their team persevering and focused on fun and improvement. The varsity coach, Mr. Fagan is dedicated to the players.

Residents of the Courts Dormitory can attest to this as they often see him on Saturdays and Sundays mornings on the courts working with players. The captains and Mr. Fagan make a terrific trio and although the captains will be leaving us, they can be sure the team will continue the legacy of hard work and excellence.

The Thacher community congratulates the junior varsity and varsity tennis teams on a hard fought and inspirational season. The junior varsity tennis players would like to recognize: Nu Xiong ‘12 as their most valuable player, Sarah Ratsimba-

zafy ‘13 as their most inspirational player, and Ann Han ‘15 and Jillian Elkin ‘14 as their most improved players. By vote, the varsity tennis team has elected the following people to be publicly recognized: Grace Bingham ‘15 as the most valuable player, Joanna Knutsen ‘14 as most improved and Auden Ehringer ‘14 and Shelley Vohr ‘14 as captains for the 2013 varsity tennis season.

By Marissa Lopez ‘15

Cassie James ‘15 gets ready to hit a forehand.

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The Thacher Notes

November 2012

2 Sports Finale A

Cross Country Dominates

journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For cross country runners, this isn’t just metaphorical. Each time they step onto the course, they start a journey that they cannot take back.

Led by Fred Coleman, affectionately known as “Derf” to most, the crosscountry team has flourished. With Derf’s 44 years of running experience and the spirit and enthusiasm of each and every student involved, cross-country is anything but dull. As Derf says, “Miracles happen [and] lives are completely transformed just by putting one foot in front of another.”

So why exactly do the runners bother to keep running in the midst of yet another muggy afternoon in Ojai? There’s no clear reason. Novice runners find themselves somehow drawn to the sport, not knowing exactly why. As Isobel Hayne ‘14 said her first year running at Thacher, “There’s just something about it.”

The intricacies of the sport do not end there. The sport is special in countless ways. Arianna Finger ‘15 describes it with ease stating, “I just feel free when I run.” Hayne also adds, “I think [what is] most important is the feeling you get when you run with a team.

Our team this year is awesome and it’s mostly because we push each other and want to do well.”

The simplicity of crosscountry (really, just putting one foot in front of another) is possibly the most amazing aspect of the sport. Captain Justin Myles ‘13 notes, “One of the great things about training with the cross country team is that it’s a great equalizer. The pain you feel when you’re giving 100% on a hard day is the same pain Usain Bolt feels

Top: Captain Justin Myles ‘13 leads the boys cross country team as they warm up for the race.

Bottom: Julianna Childs ‘13, Arianna Finger ‘15, and Melanie Reimer ‘13 lead the race.

when he’s giving 100% on a hard day. The workout is different and you’re obviously slower than Bolt, but the feeling is the same. And how you respond to that

feeling means everything.”

So what happens when it comes to a race, where it is no longer just stepping forward but trying to go faster? How do the runners

feel about running then? It seems that all runners have an unsurprisingly similar reaction. As Spencer McCune says, “Very nervous.”

Hayne provides words of

wisdom for those who are tense right before a race.

“Everyone is feeling the same pain and nerves and excitement, and as soon as I remember that, I stop being nervous and start getting excited.”

The cross-country team joined up one more time in front of the Pergola to bid their senior members a farewell. At the same time, they presented awards for the most valuable runner, most improved novice runner, most improved veteran runner, and most inspiration runner. Melanie Reimer and Simon Novich were voted the most valuable runners for the girls’ and boys’ team respectively.

Mahogany Monette and Liam Carpenter-Urquhart were voted the most improved novice runners. Hutton Becker and Alexander Zaldastani were voted the most improved veteran runners. Finally, Mahogany Monette, Justin Myles, and Shravan Rajasekaran were voted the most inspirational runners.

As a wrap up to the season, the cross-country team also decided on their new captains for the coming year: Isobel Hayne and Simon Novich.

Whether it is just a trail run through the mountains or a sprint for the finish, there is something irreplaceable about the run. As John Bingham said, “The miracle isn’t that I finished.

The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” Put one foot in front of another.

Don’t give up. Go and join the cross country team.

By Jean Li ‘16

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The Thacher Notes

November 2012

Fall 2012 Sports Finale cont.

Coach Hooper Takes Football to a New Level

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hacher football soared to incredible heights this season, achieving a record of 9 wins and 2 losses. Although the obvious explanation for this record is simply a fantastic team, it would appear that there were a multitude of other factors that influenced the team’s runaway success.

As a former football player myself, I can attest to the extreme amount of time and effort that every player must put forward that they might bring the most to the team. Unlike some other Thacher sports, the longevity and success of the team as a whole relies heavily on every individual pulling their own weight (and then some, as is often the case).

The only way for this sort of mindset to endure is through fantastic leadership, by coach and player alike. Coach Hooper says “The leadership was outstanding, as we have come to expect from our seniors”.

This leadership helped build upon a team that was already “confident, enthusiastic, and unified throughout”.

Senior Leo Turpan says “I think football is the best sport to play at Thacher because everything revolves

around being a team, and Coach Hooper does a fantastic job of fostering that team bond.”

That said, there were certainly a few factors other than terrific teamwork that helped push the football team so far.

There were “an unusual number of experienced players returning”, Coach which is an obvious blessing in a school where students almost always leave as soon as they be-

gin playing close to their true potential. The team also had a “very productive preseason”, which from my experience means they worked their tails off in Hell Week (err... “Team Week”).

S o m e highlights of the season include: an away victory at FaithBaptist, which has been a tough Hooper game historically, as well as resounding victories over Joshua and Calvary Baptist. Although the loss at

“The leadership was outstanding...”

Thach- Match

home again Cate was a bit tough to swallow, the team was obviously able to band together and bounce back even better than before.

Never one to dwell on past victories, though, Coach Hooper is already looking forward to next season. In his words, “Each season builds on the ones before it and all those who contributed this year have helped to build a stronger foundation for next year.

We’re excited to get that underway.”

By Sandy Ballou ‘13

Guess who? Send your answers to thenotes@thacher.org!