April 22 Issue

the April 22, 2010 • Volume 90 • Issue 10

Dodge City High School • 2201 Ross Blvd. • Dodge City, KS 67801

Contents

DODGER 04.22.10

Dodger the

Dodger staff

Codi Ehrlich......................Co-Editor Anthony Reardon..............Co-Editor Trevor Otterstein..................Opinion Luke Bunker.........................Opinion

Kristi South....................... Lifestyles Rachel Wessel................... Lifestyles Meghan Lee.............................News Jordan Stevens.........................News

Ethan Hutchcraft.....................Sports Hunter Edwards......................Sports

Cristina Yeverino................Reporter

Lineup News Pop Concert

New Football Coach

pg 4

Prom

pg 18

pg 9

Alysia Garvalena.................Reporter Jean-Damien Bouyer...........Reporter Erin Finley..........................Reporter

Feature/Entertainment

Cindy Moore........................ Adviser

College Preparedness

Ethan Hutchcraft......... Photographer

Editorial Policy The Dodger is a publication produced by the Dodge City High School journalism department. The newspaper attempts to inform and entertain its audience in a broad, fair, and accurate manner on all subjects that affect the readers. The publication seeks also to provide a forum for the opinion of students, the staff of the paper, and the faculty to encourage an exchange of ideas on all issues of prominence to readers.

The Dodger staff encourages letters to the editor, as they constitute avenue for student opinion. Due to space limitations, not all letters can be published. The editor reserves the right to edit all letters for appropriate placement as long as the meaning and intent remain unchanged. The letter must be signed to be considered for publication.

The opinions expressed throughout the publication are not necessarily those of the faculty, the administration, or USD #443. Unsigned articles are a general consensus of the staff, while signed articles are the personal forum of the writer. All letters, columns, stories, photos and art become legal property of The Dodger at the time they are submitted.

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pg 12

Dodger EXCLUSIVE: pg 14 an interview with Chris Crutcher

Time Travelers Wife pg 15

Opinion The Amazon Kindle

pg 16

The Magic of Home

pg 15

Sports Golf

pg 20

Levi Shirley

pg 22

Baseball, Softball

pg 23

Column

04.22.10 DODGER

Reliving the Nightmare -Anthony Reardon

High School 1. High school: hī’skōōl; noun; A school generally attended for four years where all civil rights are relinquished, hormones rage, drama ensues, and all-out civil war plagues the lives of the unlucky and unwilling participants. I would go outside on this beautiful 80-degree afternoon, but I can’t because I’m in high school.

Synonyms: psych ward, jail cell, Russia, & hair parlor. See also: Torture Chamber.

2. High school: hī’skōōl; noun; A place where the soul goes to die and/or be murdered.

That girl was going to be an astrophysicist, but then she went to high school and her dreams were crushed –along with all her hopes and aspirations. Synonyms: dream killer.

I think for the better part of the last four years this has been my, and everyone else in my class’, definitions of high school. But recently a thought crossed my mind; If I could do high school ALL over again, would I? Of course, my second thought was Nooooooooooooooooooooooo…….. But then I really started to think about it. What would I change? Would I do anything differently?

Would I really want to change all of the things that have left such lasting memories?

Thinking back, the years have been pretty good to me. I have yet to be arrested. My ACL has yet to tear. I’m almost positive I’ve never been pantsed at a pep rally. And for the most part, I’ve managed to keep myself out of trouble

(*knocks on wood three-trillion times*). Yet still, I can’t help but to think back on some of the situations I would have rather avoided over the years.

Reminiscing on good ole freshman year, I definitely think I would have avoided falling down the stairs backwards in the dark and fracturing my left foot in two places. I would have also liked to avoided the two-week-long period of snow and ice storms afterwards considering I was on crutches (Have you ever tried to walk across an icy sidewalk on crutches?). I’m telling you a mild concussion matched everything else I was forced to wear to a T. The sad thing about that entire situation is that my foot wasn’t even broken as a result of the fall. Unbeknownst to me I actually broke my foot stepping on the stair, thus initiating my little tumbling session.

Luckily as a sophomore I somehow managed to evade any bodily breakage and there isn’t too much I can really remember about the year to change. I mean, aside, from the time that I backed my mom’s car into my boss’s golf cart.

I still maintain that cart had it coming.

Of all my years in high school, I think my junior year had to have been the epitome of my creative little definitions mentioned before. The year started out great. I had made quite a few new friends and my relationship with my old friends had become stronger than ever. And then semester two came. And with it came a bout of depression of apocalyptic proportions.

Let me describe the situation to you. Three honors classes at once. But not your typical ‘same as non-honors, honors class.’ No, these

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High Sc hool

classes happened to be what will probably be the hardest classes I will ever take—ever. I worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and worked, and I STILL didn’t manage to get a single ‘A’ that semester in any of my classes. A word to the wise, never EVER tell your counselor that you want to be an engineer –ESPECIALLY if you don’t want to be one.

But then, as junior year came to an end, the skies opened up and the choir of angels reined in what can only be known as Summer Break.

And with it my sanity returned. Once again I could finally enjoy the little things in life. The smell of the rain, the sensation of soaking up the sun, the fun of telling everyone to lighten up, I’m gonna soak up the sun *cue acoustic guitar solo*…….

My bad I was having a Cheryl Crow moment.

-The point is that I am nooo longer one big hot psychological mess.

And as I sit here in the final moments of my senior year, I can’t say I regret too much of anything. Assessing all of these little moments in my past, part of me wants to say, “Yes, I would redo high school.”

It would save me a lot of unnecessary pain.

But honestly, I don’t think my psyche could handle high school more than once.

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News

DODGER 04.22.10

Trip through Time

Pop Concert to celebrate 60th anniversary -Erin Finley It is time once again for the annual Pop Concert presented by the band Department. However, this particular Pop Concert is a special one. The band is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the concert.

“This year is the Pop Concert’s 60th anniversary; therefore, we felt that everything incorporated should reflect on the past of not just pop culture but of the band as well,” said Brittiny Moore, band vice president, 11.

This year’s Pop Concert theme is “Trip Through Time.” The Pop Concert incorporates music, drama, art, food and much more, according to Erica Lindberg, director of bands.

Pop Concert always centers around the theme and is mostly planned by students with assistance from directors and parents.

“Our students work very hard to put together this concert. It is comprised of several committees such as set design, public relations, food, decorations, music selection, script, tech, etc. that lead the entire concert,” said Lindberg. “The president oversees the workings of all committees and committee chairpersons meet on a weekly basis for two to three months prior to the concert.”

This year’s president is Nikki Nystrom and the vice president is Brittiny Moore.

“The position of vice president is very stressful. As vice president, you are thrown into many new re-

sponsibilities. You not only have to worry about your job, but also the jobs and tasks of the many student-based committees that help put all the aspects of pop concert together. You have to make sure things are done right and on time,” said Moore.

Most of the band students are part of a committee that is responsible for different parts of pop concert.

“I’m a committee member because I accepted the challenge and it’s fun to work with the people you know,” said Bryan Sanchez, 10.

Students enjoy being on committees because they like to know that they played an important part in the concert.

“I enjoy being part of a committee that contributes to the whole concert,” said Blake Rumbaugh, 11.

The concert is split into two halves. The first half is for concert band performances from music festival and the awards ceremony according to Lindberg. There are also special senior awards and lettering awards.

The second half is centered around the theme. It will incorporate music and drama and will be a musical adventure that relives the previous years of Pop Concert according to Lindberg.

This year’s emcees are Amanda Dahna and Hilary Pingsterhaus.

They are both seniors and were selected by a vote among band students. Pop Concert has another

Pop Concert 2009. Amanda Dahna, Brett Eichman, Hillary Pingsterhaus, and Ethan Reimer perform at Pop Concert 2009. The theme for last year’s concert was Famous Duos. Photo Hicks

extra special feature.

“A former DCHS Band alumni has put together a special commemorative book honoring the past 60 years of the pop concerts at DCHS,” said Lindberg. “It’s an awesome book that pays special tribute to each year of the band’s history. We will be selling the books and hope that many former bandies will attend.

Pop Concert is set for May 15 in the DCHS auditorium at 7 p.m.

The meal will start at 5:30 p.m. For the meal and concert the admission is $8 for adults; $4 for children. For only the concert, admission is $5 for adults; $1 for children.

“People should come to Pop Concert because they will enjoy the variety of music, and for many people it will bring back good memories,” said Mikayla Eichman, 10.

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News

04.22.10 DODGER

Building Trades Students learn practical skills in house construction -Rachel Wessel 10712 Overland Trail West is where students from the Building Trades 2 can be found these days.

They are busily working on their yearlong project—building a house.

“Students who have successfully completed the Building Trades 1 course with a “B” or better are allowed to enroll in Building Trades 2 where they will build a house,” said Herb Watson, Building Trades instructor.

Students enrolled in Building Trades 2 work on the house all year long through fourth and fifth blocks, and must be finished by

the end of the school year. The proceeds made from the sale of last year’s house is used to buy the supplies needed for this year’s house. They will use the profits made from the sale of this year’s house to put toward next year’s.

The house is sold on the open market.

“We try to buy land in an area that we think is desirable to aid in selling the completed project,” said Watson on where they decide to build the house.

In the end Watson grades students on three characteristics: individual effort, attitude, and participation.

Putting it all together. Cesar Carmona and Daniel Archuleta, both 12, work on cabinets in Building Trades 2. Students enrolled in the two block class learn the construction trade by building a house. The house is later sold on the open market to raise funds for next year’s house project. • Photo Wessel

Meeting Expectations

Science Olympiad team returns from State with two gold medals -Codi Ehrlich In any sport or activity, making it to State is a big deal. But for the DCHS Science Olympiad team it was nothing new, it was an expectation.

This year the team not only made it, they placed in three events and had a more successful showing than they have ever had in the past.

Overall, the team placed 13th out of 29 schools.

“This year at State we did really good,” said Friyana Shah, 11.

“I think everyone worked harder to prepare for their events going

into the competition and it really showed.”

The team took first place in two events. In Write It/Do It, Codi Ehrlich, 12, and Brett Mock, 10, followed up their first place finish at the Kapaun Invitational with another gold medal.

“I was surprised when they called our names announcing that we won first,” said Mock. “Getting first out of that many teams was a great accomplishment.”

Tanner Miller, 11, and Tim Spencer, 11, also placed first in their event the Egg-O-Naught. In

this event, the teams were required to build a bottle rocket that would house an egg that would be released in the air attached to a parachute.

“We had an 80 second hang time which sealed the deal for us to snag the gold,” said Miller. “The wind was right at the right time and really caught the parachute.”

Capping out the day with a third place finish were Eduardo Acosta, 12, and Ehrlich in the Anatomy and Physiology event.

Other notable finishes were in Environmental Chemistry where Shah and Emily Scheck, 12, took seventh place, and three 10th place finishes in Ecology, Experimental Design, and Physics lab.

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DODGER 04.22.10

2010-2011 cheer squads are named

-Alysia Garvelena Cheerleading tryouts were held March 26. Practice began since March 22. Seven morning and afternoon practices were held to learn a group dance, group chant, group cheer and an individual cheer to perform at tryouts.

“Practices required a lot of hard work and concentration,” said Makenzie Koehn, 10. “Tryouts weren’t bad, it was just the build up of anxiety.”

Potential squad members were judged on crowd communication (eye contract, self-confidences, poise and smile), cheering motions (distinct, sharp and coordinated), voice control (loud, clear, control and projection), jumps (variety, skill and height), enthusiasm (spirit, pep and vitality), tumbling and cheer appearance (neatness, grooming and posture).

“For me the scariest part about tryouts is waiting for your turn to go in the gym,” said Paige Bangerter, 09.

In order to be considered for the

team, each person had to score at least above 60 except for varsity where they had to score at least a 75.

The top 13 female scorers of any class that met all the varsity requirements make up the varsity squad. The next top eight females who meet fall and/or winter junior varsity requirements make up the fall and/or winter junior varsity squad.

Once the varsity and junior varsity teams were selected, the freshman team was then selected.

There were only eight positions for the fall and winter freshman squad.

The top four yell leaders who scored above 60 that meet the fall and/or winter requirements make up the yell leader squad.

The panel of judges for tryouts consists of adults with previous cheerleading experience and knowledge.

“All the judges are just looking at you and you’re thinking, ‘oh my gosh, don’t mess up,’ ” said Valerie Crone, 09.

News

The results of the tryouts were posted April 6 after drill team tryouts.

“Seventy percent of every squad can be on both cheer and drill team,” said Crone.

The top scores have first dibs on being part of the 70% on both

cheer squad and drill team.

Each squad member is required to follow is list or specific regulations and requirements at all times for the following school year.

Summer camp and practices are required for each cheerleader and yell leader.

Varsity

Junior Varsity

Paige Bangerter Alex Marie Davis Jessica Eaton Jordan Koehn Makenzie Koehn Rebekah Shirley Katie Smith Rachel Smith Jessi Stecklein Kaitlyn Trent Jaclyn Vogel

Nathaly Aguilar Valerie Crone Perlita Dominguez Viviana Mondragon Lauren Oldham (winter only) Regan Parsons Sara Robinson Maddison Schlegel

JV Yell Leader Michael Castro

Freshman

Varsity Yell Leaders

Mackenzie Brock Kennedy Burks Kylie Gifford Chelsie Hall Keysha Howard Jordan Olivarez

Brett Mock Jacob Montoya

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04.22.10 DODGER

Twelve new members make 2010 Drill Team -Cristina Yeverino What group of ladies shows their moves during half times of football games, impress the audience at T.O.C., and learn choreography from the Dallas Cowboys? The DCHS DRILL TEAM! On April 6th a new group of girls became a part of the Drill Team.

Before they tried out they learned the choreography to three dances during practices that were held at 6:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M there were seven of these practices and in order for a girl to be qualified they needed to attend five out of the seven.

“Knowing that I was going to learn new dances kept me motivated to wake up that early in the morning,” said Fabiola Hurtado (10).

The girls were judged on their hitch kick, double turn, toe touch, splits, split leap,

pom routine, kick routine, hip-hop routine, showmanship, command and marching.

“I thought that the cancan (kick routine) was the most difficult one because it took more memory to do it, you had to know when to do the kicks and what types of kicks, and it took the most energy,” said Nathaly Aguilar (9).

Girls were able to receive a total of 100 points based on their performance. Girls who scored 75 points or more made the team.

Twelve out of 38 girls made the team.

“I was really impress with the quality of dancers that tried out for the drill team this year,” said Drill Instructor Debbi Conrardy. “I am losing some really dinamic seniors, but I already have verterans that will step up and fill those shoes.”

New Drill Team Members Mackenzie Brock Kennedy Burks Valerie Crone Veronica DePinho Jessica Eaton Keysha Howard Fabiola Hurtado Katelyn McClure Lauren Oldham Regan Parsons Jessi Stecklein

‘The Matchmaker’ woos audiences with laughter and romance -Jordan Stevens The DCHS Drama Club has embarked on another adventure into the realm of entertainment with the latest sensation to hit the DCHS auditorium, The Matchmaker.

The Matchmaker is about Horace Vandergelder (Shamus Hager) who is a rich man that lives in Yonkers. After becoming successful, he ventures out to find a mate. Aided with the help of Dolly Levi (Amanda Dahna), the matchmaker, he hopes to patch up his love life and find his one true love.

The Matchmaker was directed by Anne Kaiser, with the help of student Anna Parsons.

When asked about the theme of the story, Kaiser said, “If you accept human beings and are willing to live among them you acknowledge that every man has a right to his own mistake.”

The students who made up the cast and crew only had six weeks to prepare for the opening night; even helping during spring break to ensure the play would be on schedule. The cast,

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lead by Amanda Dahna, Shamus Hager, Tanner Slattery, and Cale Morrow, not only had to help get the set ready, but they also had to memorize their lines.

“It was hard to find time to memorize all my lines,” said Dahna. “But it got done and the whole cast succeeded in learning the script.”

In the end the lines were memorized and the play, which opened on March 26, went on without a hitch. Along with the laughter and joy, the cast and crew hope the audience take something away from the play, and learn a lesson.

“We hope that people learn that love is more important than money,” said Morrow.

“It’s A Pleasure!”

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News

DODGER 04.22.10

Knowledge is Power workshop covers “plethora of topics” -Anthony Reardon On Feb. 26 Melody Head and 77 DCHS students attended the “Knowledge is Power” workshop.

The workshop, which was held at the Dodge City Community College, covered a plethora of topics; including theft, financial literacy, and contracts and lease agreements.

The Kansas Attorney General’s office sponsored the workshop, and working with DCCC and Meritrust were able to get many prizes to be awarded at the event. The prizes included t-shirts and backpacks, netbooks, $250 scholarships, and a $1000 scholarship.

Prizes Awarded From Meritrust

Melissa Ramon - $1000 College Scholarship Nancy Hernandez - $250 College Scholarship Robert Escobar - $250 College Scholarship Cristabell Bernadac - Netbook Mori Lobe - Netbook

From DCCC

Isak Cabrera - T-shirt and Backpack Eva Munoz - T-shirt and Backpack Juan Pena - T-shirt and Backpack John Son - T-shirt and Backpack

Students were awarded their prizes for correctly answering questions about the different sessions they attended at the workshop. “[The workshop] was mainly beneficial for the students because of its session on Identity Theft,” said Head. That session, as Head explained, tricked students into giving away personal information in hopes of winning one of two nonexisting iPhones as a lesson for not giving away personal information.

Head also went on to complement the other sessions over budgeting, contracts, leases, etc.

Fresh out of regionals, Forensics prepares for State -Cristina Yeverino Forensics students are heading to State again this year, as their placing has been high.

“Last year I went, and it was really fun and I’m looking forward to it,” said Tanner Slattery, 11.

So far the Forensics students have traveled to seven locations and placed in the top ten schools.

They first went to Scott City on Feb. 13 and the team placed sixth in sweepstakes out of 17 schools.

A week later they traveled to Greensburg where the team placed fifth in sweepstakes, which also had 17 teams. On Feb. 27 the

students traveled to Kinsley where they placed second in Sweepstakes and brought home nine medals. On March 3 the novice group traveled and competed in Greensburg and brought home a second place sweepstakes plaque. Three days later the advanced group traveled to Pratt.

“My favorite was Scott City because we actually had really good draws,” said Slattery.

Tanner does Improvised Duet Acting and his partner is Cale Morrow.

“I liked Deerfield because it was not as stressful. We normally

in solo humorous, Cale Morrow in solo serious, Kelli Enlow and Bryce Hostetler in Duet Act, Tanner Slattery and Cale Morrow in improvised duet acting, and Bryce Hostetler in prose interpretation.

“Congratulations to all these students for their talent. They made me very proud of their accomplishments,” said Kaiser.

State Championships will be on May 1 in Wichita. In order to place or receive recognition students had to take first or second place.

“The goal is always to give the best performance at every tournament,” said Kaiser.

Regional Speech & Drama Results

Greensburg Novice

Prose Interpretation - First Place Amanda Dahna, Jenny Locy, Jacquelin McKenzie, Amara Rutschman

First Place Duet Act: Elli Enlow and Byce Hostetler Improvised Duet Act: Gentry Cork and Terry Kirkby

Prose Interpretation - Second Place Alexandra Vielmas, Stephen Fergerson

Second Place Solo Serious-Cale Morrow

Improvised Duet Act-First Place Cale Morrow, Tanner Slattery

Third Place Solo Humorous- Gentry Cork Duet Act- Amanda King and Terry Kirkby

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Improvised Duet Act- Second Place Stephen Fergerson and Angel Martin, Stephan Bohling and Pablo Martinez, Kelli Enlow and Amanda King 8

perform three times, but in this case we only performed once. It was just for fun and I enjoyed it a lot,” said Morrow.

The group received a one from a scale of one to four, one being the best.

“I have never has this much fun watching my students compete and enjoying their trip,” said Anne Kaiser, coach.

Regionals took place on April 17 and all of the students took either first or second place. These students are Amanda Dahna in prose interpretation, Jenny Locy and Dahna in Duet, Gentry Cork

Wednesday, Mar. 3, 2010

Fourth Place Prose Interpretation- Maria Marquez and Bryce Hostetler

News

04.22.10 DODGER

New football coach to lead Demons next season

Next season, a new mad hatter legacy will begin under recently hired head football coach Dave Foster. Formerly head coach at Elk City High School in Oklahoma, Foster was chosen out of nearly 60 who applied for the job.

“I and the committee were attracted to Foster because of his experiences thus far and winning everywhere he has gone,” said athletic director Jay Gifford, “but more importantly the types of things other people said about him [caught our attention].”

After graduating from Fort Hays while playing football, Foster was an assistant coach at Hays

High School. His next stop was a important in the resurgence of this head-coaching job at Ness City for winning tradition.” two years compiling a 17-3 record.

Gifford also noted Foster’s He then left for Haven where he work ethic and ideals. The district turned the program from not win- wanted to have immediate success ning a game to posting a 6-3 sea- with the new program so the curson. His last stop on the road to rent players can also buy into the Dodge City was at Elk City. There success and enjoy it too. he led the program to the 4A state Although he has never coached playoffs in in a 6A disfive out of Foster “Consistent success over a long peri- trict, the last six believes od of time is my main goal for this Red he can easyears.

Clear- Demon football program. I want to ily make the ly, winlead a program that is community and transition. ning is “Footsomething school can be proud to be a part of.” ball is foster has football – been well acquainted with and whether it is 6A in Kansas of 4A plans to keep in his reach while at in Oklahoma. The talent pool is DCHS. larger in a 6A school like Dodge “Consistent success over a long City, but it is relative to other 6A period of time is my main goal schools. The transition for me as a for this Red Demon football pro- coach will not be as difficult for me gram. I want to lead a program as it will be for my coaching staff that is community and school can and players to learn new terminolbe proud to be a part of. The tradi- ogy and a new system.” tions of Dodge City football will be Foster said that he chose Dodge

-Codi Ehrlich City because of the school system and he felt it would be a great place to raise his family and also to coach football.

“A former DCHS graduate and coach, Bill Keeley, has always spoken highly of his times in Dodge and this sparked my interest as well,” said Foster on why he was attracted to DCHS. Many great coaches have walked the halls of DCHS, and Foster will join the ranks. He is taking a program still in its prime and will hopefully bring many years of success to Dodge City— especially making it home to the hatchet for a few more decade.

“It doesn’t take many conversations for me to pick up on the importance of [the hatchet]. Don’t think for a second that I have and plans of handing the hatchet back over to Garden for many years. I think it looks pretty good in its case down by the weight room in Mad Hatter country!”

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News

DODGER 04.22.10

DCCC offers Non-Traditional Career Event Team Thunder will be presented April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon at Dodge City Community College.

They will be participating in the Non-Traditional Career Day. This event is open to juniors and seniors.

Team Thunder will demonstrate how technical careers can help you relate and that what you learn in class is relevant in the real world.

They travel around the country giving presentations showing the benefit of classroom learning in any subject.

After the presentation, participants will tour and learn more about the technical programs offered at DC3 Technical Center.

The focus will be on non-traditional careers.

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Non-traditional careers emphasize that there is no such thing as females in a ‘male’ job or males in a ‘female’ job for any age group.

Job choices should be based on abilities and interests, not gender.

Team Thunder will start its 300-horsepower top fuel dragster for the participants on the Exploration Day. Prizes will be given.

A few of the technical careers options available at DC3 include: business technology, cosmetology, floral design, nursing, equine science, farm and ranch management, flight instructor, and manufacturing technology. For a complete list, contact DeeDee Herrera or Rhonda Weil at Dodge City Community College.

Lunch will be provided.

Registrations need to be returned to a counselor. Parent permission forms will need to be picked up. DCHS will not provide

transportation for the event. Parents must call in the absence.

For more information, contact Mrs. Lloyd in the Counseling Center.

Knights of Columbus Honors Banquet

When: May 3, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

Where: Knights of Columbus Why: Honor students for outstanding performances in the academic area.

Cost: $10 per person Honored students get in free Sold: April 19-29 in Student Service Center See Mrs. Edwards

News

04.22.10 DODGER

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Lifestyles

DODGER 04.22.10

20 Ways to Survive Freshman Year

• Go to orientation.

• Get to know your residence hall.

• Get organized.

• Find a study place.

• Go to class.

• Know your course requirements and due dates.

• Meet your professors.

• Know your academic advisers.

• Get involved on campus.

• Strive for good grades.

• Take advantage of campus resources.

• Don’t make a hasty decision about a major.

• Be responsible for your actions.

• Connect with students in class.

• Find the Career Services Office.

• Stay healthy.

• Cope with homesickness.

• Keep track of your money.

• Don’t cut corners.

• Be prepared to be overwhelmed.

Are You Col G

Your Guide to Getting Prep

etting ready for college is probably the most difficult transition that students face. Knowing what school to go to, whether or not they want to live on campus, and even what they wish to go into are all difficult decisions that they must make. It is the goal of this guide to help make students start thinking about these choices and to make the best decisions possible before they set foot on campus.

Take the ACT, talk to your counselor, go visit schools, and most importantly, talk it over with your parents.

Sen

Count down to

From A

only 30 days left till graduatio ..

10 Things for High School Students 1 2 12

Take time to think about what you like to do; imagine your ideal career.

Challenge yourself, but not so much you’re overwhelmed.

3

4 5

Work or volunteer.

Just get some kind of work experience.

Get as much education you can before you go out into the real world.

Talk to adults about careers and colleges.

6

Remember t everyone mu follow his/her path in life

7

Don’t feel loc into any colle or career. It’s o to change.

Lifestyles

llege Ready?

pared for College

-Kristi South Rachel Wessel

Taking the ACT allows colleges to see just how well you know your stuff, but don’t fret if you do badly, you can always take it again. Get an ACT packet from your counselor in the student services.

Next, pick a few schools you would like to visit. Check the school’s website for upcoming junior and senior days and plan your trip.

Finally, talk to your parents! There are a lot of issues to think about when deciding what to do with your future, and your parents can help.

In the end, make sure you prepare yourself, and you’ll be just fine.

niors

o Graduation!

April 22nd

on and only 21 school days left

s to Remember

that ust r own e.

cked ege okay .

8

Don’t let anyone control your dreams and ambitions.

9

It’s never too early or too late to get organized and to begin making plans.

10

Never stop learning, read, grow, and expand your mind.

04.22.10 DODGER

Dodger Asks...

What do you wish you would’ve known about college as a senior?

McKenzie Fergerson, 2004 “I wish I would’ve paid attention all those times in class that I thought to myself, ‘Why do I need to know this? I’ll never use it in college.’”

Anosh Shah, 2005 “What really sets you a part and makes for a unique college experience is what you do outside of class. Take advantage of all of the resources surrounding you.”

Tommy Wessel, 2006 “[I wish I would’ve known] how much money you need to save before you go, and that I needed to learn better study habits.”

Ben Hutchcraft, 2007 “I wish I would’ve known that success in high school doesn’t automatically transfer over to college work. Here you have to work even harder for that “A” grade.”

13

Entertainment

DODGER 04.22.10

His writing advice for teenagers: “Read like crazy and write every day. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.”

Q&A with Chris Crutcher

Award-winning author of Stotan! and Deadline participates in a Q&A with the Dodger

Luke Bunker: Your books touch on a number of tough issues. What issue(s) do you wish to tackle in the future?

Chris Crutcher: Actually I never think of books in terms of issues. I find characters that are interesting to me and situations that are interesting to me and start writing. The Issues come out in the telling of the story, so I usually can’t say ahead of time what they will be.

LB: A recent book of yours, Deadline, focuses on a high school student who has one year to live, and who tells no one about his illness. Where did your inspiration for this book originate?

CC: I was simply looking for a way to make life important through that age.

Early on, it made sense that he didn’t tell anyone because on the surface it seemed the best way to make his year “normal.” But then he discovers there is nothing normal about having a year to live, and the truth becomes more important than appearances.

Your books focus on athletics and sports. As a child/teenager/adult, have sports been a major part of your life?

Yes. I went to a very small high school and played three sports simply because if almost everyone didn’t play there weren’t enough for a team. Then I found I actually had some talent when I went to college and joined the swimming team. That’s where I learned that challenging my body wasn’t all that different from challenging my mind. I carried that on into adulthood. Though they didn’t have the designation at the time, I was probably ADD and hard work kept my mind less chaotic.

Do you try to read reviews on your books, or stay away from them? If so, has a review ever changed your perspective on a work?

I don’t go looking for them, but I don’t stay away from them. In the early years I was a little more likely to think that critics had something to say to me, and I’m sure some of them do, but I’ve had too many of them hate the parts of a story I love or love the parts that didn’t even blip my radar to let them 14 influence the next story. I can usually

tell if a reviewer has personal issues with a story because they will either laud it or get particularly nasty. If you start thinking of critics when you write, you can really compromise a story.

Your website states that you have several book/movie projects in the works. Can you tell us a little bit about these?

Actually, Hollywood knows far better how to have projects in the works than it does actually coming out with the works. Lately I’ve taken the stance that if they want to consult me on the story they are adapting, I’ll be available.

But I expect nothing from them. In Hollywood, when all is said and done, there’s a lot more said than done.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing? How long does it take you to write a book?

When I’m writing, my work schedule is chaotic. Just like it is any other time.

I can’t tell you how long it takes...

I’ve taken as long as four years and as short as seven months. There’s an average in there somewhere, but I can’t find it. What I can almost always promise is that a project from me will be late.

Has being a therapist influenced your writing in any way?

In almost every way. It’s the place I’ve learned the most about the subtleties of human behavior, and the place I’ve found so many of my heroes.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I actually got one published, and some of the responses they got; as in the connections they’ve made.

Who is your favorite author? What is your favorite book?

My favorite author is me. Not as an author, just as a narcissist. Actually, there are too many great authors and too many great books to have a favorite.

Has one specific book or character of yours impacted you personally? As a writer?

The characters don’t impact me as much as I impact the characters.

When I’m writing them I’m more worried about the craft, about getting it just right. I suppose they impact me most when I get responses back from readers. At that point, I understand what effect they’ve had.

Are any characters in your books based on anyone in your life?

All my characters are based on SOMEbody in my life. I don’t have a great imagination so I have to start with something real. The character then folds into the story and becomes someone different than the person who inspired him or her, but they all start out as someone real.

What, if anything, do you hope readers take away from your books?

First, that they get a good story. Then, that, because of the story, they come away with some different perspectives, and some things to think about.

Where is your favorite place to read?

Write?

I don’t have one. My favorite place to read is wherever I have a good book and my favorite place to write is wherever I am when I get a good idea and have my laptop with me.

What has been your favorite vacation, and why?

Actually I don’t take vacations. I do a LOT of traveling to make presentations, etc., so I see the world that way.

Do you ever find yourself reading or not wanting to read your own works after their publication?

I almost never read them after publication.

By the time they’re published I’ve read them so many times I know everything in them. It would be a waste of time to read them through again.

In your opinion, what event(s) in history have had the greatest impact on our world?

I have to qualify that, because I see the world through the eyes of an American, and that’s a pretty narrow view. That said, I think World War II was big in that, had we lost and Hitler won, the world would be a very different place.

I think 9/11 had a big impact because

of how badly we read and responded to it. I think the influence of that is yet to be seen. I think going into space had a huge impact that will also be seen far in the future.

Which books of yours has been the most difficult to write?

Chinese Handcuffs was hard to write because of the difficult subject material (incest, suicide and molestation). The Sledding Hill was hard because I had a difficult time getting the narrator’s “voice” right, and when you don’t have [a] voice, you don’t have a story. Stotan! was hard because it was my second book and I had too many doubts about whether or not I could do it again.

Is there anything in particular that upsets you as a writer?

Getting started. I have a very hard time with the actual discipline of writing. I don’t get upset about being banned as a writer. I kind of like that fight.

If you could work with any author, who would it be?

Harper Lee. How do you feel about the Kindle, nook, and other e-readers?

I think anything that gets people reading is good, and I think electronic books are going to be big.

FURTHER READING: For more info on Crutcher and his works, please visit his site at:

www.chriscrutcher.com

Entertainment

04.22.10 DODGER

The Time Traveler’s Wife

Book is always better than film -Kristi South Everyone knows that when a book is made into a movie, the book is better. This holds tru for the The Time Traveler’s Wife.

The book, written

by Audrey Niffenegger was published in 2003 and soon after, the movie appeared.

In The Time Traveler’s Wife Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana) is a time traveler. He started time traveling when he was about six years old when his mother died.

Later in his life he meets Claire Abshire (Rachel McAdams) who knows him, but he has no idea who she is. She explains that later in HIS life he travels back in time to meet Claire as a little girl.

The movie and book both go on

to explain how their lives played out from there. The main thing that makes the book so much better than the movie is the attention to detail. It shows every moment

where the movie probably didn’t have enough time to include all the details. The book adds drama with an affair and the coming of their child. You get to know the characters personally in the book.

The movie is still a great movie, just not as detailed as the book which is expected. The movie has also changed some details of the book, like the fact that Henry lived above an old Chinese woman who was practically his mother after his mother past away. They also changed some subtle things like hair color and attitudes.

All in all, both the book and the movie are great. I suggest that if you want to read the book, you should watch the movie before you do so. Then you can picture the people and just add to what you’ve watched rather than reading it and getting angry at the movie for changing so much.

ACM Awards Carrie Underwood

Entertainer of the Year

Brad Paisley

Top Male Vocalist of 09-10

Top Female Vocalist of 09-10

Miranda Lambert

to be reformatted for television viewing so that the picture is amazing.

Bright, vibrant, and sharp images are not at all at a loss in this film.

Playing the voiceover for Flint is Bill Hader of “Saturday Night Live” fame, who does a decent job of voicing the uber-nerd.

Hader however is a bit outshined in the voiceover department by his.. costar Anna Faris, who is most well known for her lead role in all four “Scary Movie” films. Faris manages to bring her normal expected hilarity to the film, regardless of the fact that only her voice is in it –a department that Hader is a bit weak in.

That said, Cloudy with a chance of meatballs is a pretty good family film. It does manage to be almost too childish at times, but is still a great film to sit down and watch with younger kids.

Ten of the most popular movies based on books

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Shutter Island Dear John Twilight Sagas Alice in Wonderland Chronicles of Narnia

Diary of a Wimpy Kid How to Train Your Dragon The Last Song Harry Potter

‘Cloudy’ a great kid’s movie -Anthony Reardon It’s raining…

Meatballs?

Yes that’s the case in the newly released on DVD movie “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.”

‘Cloudy’ is about an aspiring nerd-turned-inventor named Flint whose soul purpose in life is to invent something that will change the entire world.

Of course Flint eventually achieves this, and he does so by creating a machine that turns rain to food.

And so all couldn’t be better in the life of Flint Lockwood… until the machine begins to malfunction and the entire world is in danger of being devoured by a giant potluck.

Thus the scenario is set for the 1hr. 21min., PG movie produced

by Sony. And production by Sony is definitely not lost to the viewers.

Even though the movie was originally intended for 3D theatre release, it has somehow managed

Books 2 Movies

Time Traveler’s Wife Source: themovieblog.com and Kristi South

Top 10

Animated movies from the American Film Institute

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Pinocchio Bambi The Lion King Fantasia

Toy Story Beauty and the Beast Shrek Cinderella Finding Nemo Source: Film Database Top 10 of Everything 2010, Russell Ash

15

Opinion

DODGER 04.22.10

A Review of the Amazon Kindle by Luke Bunker When I first heard about the Amazon Kindle 2, I was wary about whether or not to purchase it. I, like many others, thought it was a cool device, but that it was not worth the $259 price tag. What I found, however, is that the Kindle is now one of my most favorite devices, and that I use it almost everyday. I’m reading at a higher volume, faster pace, and with a more diverse collection (easily accessed with the Kindle store).

Most people I’ve talked to think the Kindle is a neat device, but that it simply costs too much. The truth is that the Kindle is an investment. However, with the large number of free books (95% of classics are free) and heavily discounted prices (versus DTBs, or deadtree books), my Kindle has already paid for itself, and has allowed me to purchase books I wouldn’t have purchased at a traditional book store.

The Kindle, with its ability to download books on the go (it utilizes 3G/EDGE data signals), whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad, allows you to purchase and read whatever books (you can pick from a collection of 480,000+), blogs, newspapers or magazines you want within a matter of seconds (most items download within 60 seconds of pressing “Buy”). When you have those items downloaded, you can seamlessly read between a slew of devices, from your BlackBerry to your iPod or computer, without ever losing your place - a great feature that has come in handy when I didn’t have access to my Kindle.

My two most favorite features of the Kindle and Kindle store are how easy it is to read on the device, and the availability of free samples before you buy. I didn’t at first believe those who said that reading was easy on the Kindle; through actually using the device, however, I saw that it did read well in bright sunlight, and is actually easier for me to read than print books. The only con is the absence of a backlight, but that technology hasn’t come along yet for the special e-ink screen (and a booklight can easily solve this problem).

Additionally, with the option of downloading free samples or trials of every item on the Kindle store (which has a great layout), I have ventured into reading different genres and authors, and have been able to decide whether or not I really wanted to read the rest of that book; in this sense, Kindle is very close to an actual book store experience.

Perhaps the most important feature of the Kindle (that doesn’t get much coverage) is Amazon’s truly amazing customer service. When I, through my own fault, broke my first Kindle while on vacation, I called them, spoke with a calm-headed and kind representative, and was given a generous replacement offer; additionally, I received a refund of nearly the entire cost of my first Kindle - even though the breakage of the Kindle was my fault.

That really says something about Amazon, and how they stand behind their product.

All in all, the Kindle is a device packed full of features (visit www.amazon.com for an enhanced list) that is well worth the price, even if it seems shocking at first. If you’re a heavy reader or traveler, this device is simply a must-have.

16

Opinion

04.22.10 DODGER

The Magic of Home Dodge City will always bring you back

-Trevor Otterstein

W

hat’s wrong with this town?” I don’t know how many times I’ve asked myself that question, but I do know that I say it way too often. Everyone who has lived here in Dodge his or her whole life, and anyone else who has somehow ended up in this unique town, can probably agree that things could be done differently.

We all have those small things that frustrate us about where we live, and we enjoy getting some time away from it. While that is the case in some situations, I’ve still come to a very bold conclusion about Dodge City. It’s something that’s hard to explain, but still so evident when you stop and think. This town has some magic.

That’s right, I said magic. This is our town, and I’ve grown fond of and bored with everything here. When I say that, I mean 18 years here has left me with me with many memories as well as a desire to explore the world. For anyone who yearns for a change of scenery, go out and get it. Live in a different town, meet new people, and learn new things. Take that time for yourself because eventually Dodge seems to pull us back like it has its own gravitational pull. Few will never come back, and some just come back now and then to visit. But it’s not unlikely for some to move back because the lifestyle is so much simpler here.

I find myself complaining that there’s nothing to do for fun in Dodge. Besides driving around town, cruising Wyatt Earp for something to eat or drink, or going to the Dodge City Days events, there is not much to keep a person entertained year round. Granted the city tries to set up more events and the Casino is trying to be a source of entertainment, but we still seem to fall a little short. But as much as I may complain I can’t stop loving the town.

As a teenager I like to hang out with my friends on the weekends and have as much fun as I can. But since this town is more laid back, and there isn’t always going to be a big party, sometimes I like to spend weekends just relaxing. I might end up hanging with a couple friends, but just taking it easy. There’s a time to go to the clubs, party and make some iffy deci-

sions, and there’s time to chill. And I think I’ll carry that type of attitude throughout my life, along with the morals I’ve learned growing up in this town.

We grow up with a certain respect for other people that you don’t find everywhere else. We have a 6A school, one of only two in our whole area, so we have a fairly big population, but there is still a small town ambience everywhere.

That’s another thing that makes Dodge so odd.

When people want to explore and see places like California, Chicago, New York, and so on, they usually encounter people with a completely different attitude. Big town people tend to look out for themselves more than others and are slower to be friendly.

We have a relaxed town where it’s one of the first thoughts to hold the door for someone, or to say thank you, or apologize for maybe a tiny mistake. But in these big cities, you could hold the door for someone who rushes out on their cell phone, bumps your coffee and spills it all over you, then mumbles, “watch out” as he walks away. You may love the new city and its opportunities and different atmosphere, but the little things about home always tap at the back of your mind.

That is why I feel as a person raised in Dodge City you will not be able to completely detach from this town. I’ve been thinking lately about my friends. I’m not sure who I’ll talk to forever, and who I’ll never see again after high school. And while it’s kind of sad that we’re all going separate ways, none of us will forget who we were at DCHS. Whether you’re an athlete, a drama student, involved with music or clubs, or just a student, we are part of this school. And everything we do in our time here leaves a mark on the town and school. This place is home, and if 20 years down the road, my life was at a standstill and I was at the end of my rope, I know home is the first place I would head. A place I remember, that’s impossible to forget anyway.

I would always have to say the simplicity of Dodge is it’s most attractive feature. It’s magnificent, and after you’ve been away for a while, everything about it has its own kind of beauty.

So as anxious as us kids are to see new places and meet new people, I just want you to always remember where you came from at the end of the day. Even though you didn’t grow up in the place with all the malls and attractions and restaurants and such, you did grow up in DC. And only you know what really makes this place special.

It’s our town, people. I know I’ll never forget the subtle magic of Dodge City.

Dodger Asks What would attract you back to Dodge City after you left?

Senior

Junior

Sophomore

“I would come back wanting to see some family and friends, but mostly I would want to see how the town changed. I would go to all the places I have memories with everyone I grew up with.”

-Jonas Herrera “I feel most of my friends would leave, but I would visit family here, and it would be nice to see the difference in the town, but family would be my priority.”

-Jesse Trent

“I would come back for the food that I missed - the little things that you find in Dodge. I would of course visit my friends and family, and I think if I came back I’d be likely to stay awhile.”

-Katie Smith “Right now I don’t feel like I’ll ever come back to Dodge, but if I did, it would be nice to see anyone still living here, and the progress the town had made.”

-Hannah Thomas

Freshman

Faculty

“I came back for the obvious reasons, but I really came back because I loved my time at DCHS. I enjoyed the teachers, coaches, and everything they did for me.

I wanted to give back to the town that gave me so much.”

-Dustin Fergerson

17

News

DODGER 04.22.10

Adventures in Candyland -Meghan Lee Prom 2010 was held on Saturday, April 10 with announcements beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Pictures were at 5:00 p.m. and ran through prom. Prom will ended at 12:00 a.m.

The theme for the event was Candyland.

The junior class came up with a large list of theme ideas and then eventually narrowed it down with Candyland coming out on top.

“Prom was a blast! It was really fun to see all the different dresses and everyone dressed up! I’m already looking forward to next year,” said Ashley Stephenson, 10.

The junior class funds were used along

with monetary donations from parents and local businesses to pay for prom. Junior parents also contributed a lot of their time and energy into putting it together.

“I wasn’t impressed with the music, but for my first Prom, I really did enjoy it,” said Kris Gonzalez, 09 Only DCHS students (junior/senior) and their dates were allowed to attend and be announced.

“I had such a blast at Prom. I love getting to see everyone so dressed up. The decorations looked great and I think everyone really enjoy the night, ”said Carly Richardson, 12.

1.

2.

3.

5.

4.

1.

2.

3.

4.

18

5.

Just Dance. Caleb Austin, 09, Taelyn Shuckman, 11, and Jared Stremel, 11 dance enthusiastically with their friends. • Photo Acevedo Taking it down a notch. Rebecca Oberley, 11, and Aaron Delzeit, 11, enjoy each other’s company during one of the many slow dance songs. • Photo Acevedo Having a Ball. Kasandra Linnebur, 12, and Jonathan Gatlin, 12, dance the night away without a care in the world. • Photo Acevedo Can I Have this Dance? Students partner up as a slower song comes into the mix. • Photo Acevedo Senior Chant! Senior students dance and chant on stage after prom announcments are finished. • Photo Acevedo

News

04.22.10 DODGER

Sick of turning pages? Start clickin’!

Stay up to date with the Dodger online -Luke Bunker Missed an issue, want to see breaking news updates or re-read an article or feature? Good news – the Dodger is now online! The Dodger currently has a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Issuu.

To become a fan of the Dodger on Facebook, just search for “The Dodger” on www.facebook.com and click on “Become a fan.”

On Facebook, readers will find breaking news updates, polls whose results may appear in the print edition, sneak peeks of future issues, and so much more.

Additionally, readers should feel more than free to share their feedback about the Dodger (things they like or don’t) on this Facebook

fan page. The Dodger Online staff is currently working on getting Staff Bios and complete issues uploaded on Facebook to enhance the readers’ online experiences.

Readers can locate the Dodger’s Twitter page by visiting and following us at www.twitter.com/ dcdodger. Breaking news updates, such as scores of games and other information, will be updated as much as possible on this page.

Readers are also encouraged to share their feedback about current and past issues of the Dodger with the Dodger staff on this page.

To access complete issues of the Dodger online, readers can visit the site at www.issuu.com/thedodger.

This interactive viewing site will

allow readers to view all of this year’s issues of the Dodger, and will allow readers to “flip through” the online edition similar to how they would read the print edition.

Also available is the online home base for the Dodger, located at www.my.hsj.org/ks/dodgecity/ dodger, with current stories, stories that weren’t able to go to print, and so much more. Breaking news updates, polls and feedback forums, and more will be coming soon.

If you’re a Facebook addict, a compulsive Tweeter, or just want to read complete issues of the paper, there are now a number of ways the Dodger can be accessed for breaking school news online.

Don’t wait – become a fan of the Dodger and tweet with us!

Dodger Websites www.facebook.com

• Search “The Dodger” • Become a fan

www.twitter.com/ dcdodger www.issuu.com/ thedodger my.hsj.org/ks/ dodgecity/dodger

Choir students hit contest with a bang!

-Kristi South The Fine Arts department is at it again. Every year DCHS hosts the Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest and then a week later hosts State Large Group Festival.

They spend months preparing for these events.

For the solo and ensemble contest, director Kelly Knedler took 11 students singing solos. In order to qualify for state, soloists must receive a one rating on their solos. Out of the 11 soloists who competed, seven of them qualified for State.

“We generally have about the same number of students attending state each year,” said Knedler.

“We will perform in Emporia, KS at Emporia State University on Saturday, April 24, 2010.”

Regionals were held on April 10 from 8 a.m. to around 5 p.m. in which students from schools all around Dodge City came to compete in front of a judge. This year DCHS brought in multiple judges for the contest, although not as many as previous years because of fewer performers. The students had the choice of picking their pieces to sing, which they’re

required to sing two pieces. Most of the contestants had accompaniment for their pieces, and most chose one song in English and another song in a foreign language.

They were assigned a time to perform and the judge had criteria they judge them on and give them a score usually between one and four, one being the best, according to how well they fit the criteria needed.

This year’s solo State qualifiers were Amanda Dahna, Talia Falcon, Shamus Hager, Cale Morrow, Emilyjane Pyle, Kim Schmalz, and Kristi South. As well as those soloists, some ensembles made it to State. Those include Madrigals, The Morrow Quartet (Caleb Austin, Talia Falcon, Cale Morrow, and Tylyn Shrader), and The Oberley Trio (Rebecca Oberley, Emilyjane Pyle, and Friyana Shah).

“Through the years we’ve grown in our ability to sing together and you can really tell the difference,” said Rebecca Oberley, 11.

After solo and ensemble DCHS hosted State Large Group Festival on April 14. Choirs from 15 different schools came with their

largest choirs to compete for their top rating. This competition is like the choir’s state assessment. How they do here determines what they learned throughout the year.

This year Class Act Chorale earned three superior ratings.

Large group is a little different that solo and ensemble. In large group there are three judges who watch and record themselves talking about what was good and bad and each judge gives the group a score between one and four. Last year Class Act’s ratings were not what they had wished so this year they

worked as hard to get those three superior ratings “The choir worked really hard to bring everything together to be successful and get a one,” said Blaise Jensen, 11.

Now that contest is over, Class Act and Madrigals have their upcoming Spring Concert Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m. and following that Class Act will tour the elementary schools as well as sing at DCHS graduation.

Flatland Graphics, Inc

Embroidery and silk screening 212 E. Frontview, Suite A Dodge City, KS 67801 620.225.0091 722.594.8372

flatland@rurallink.net www.companycasuals.com/flatlandgraphics

19

Sports

DODGER 04.22.10

Girls soccer looks to improve record against Garden City -Ethan Hutchcraft The Dodge City girl’s soccer team got their season underway at the Wichita Titan Classic March 29, 2010. The Demons played the Wichita Southeast Buffaloes in the first round ataining a 4-1 victory.

The Demons then found themselves caught in a three game losing streak after losing to Wichita South, Hutchinson and Hays giving them a 1-3 record.

On April 8, 2010, the Demons hosted their first home game of the season with Hays Thomas More Prep. The Demons picked up their second victory of the season with an 8-3 advantage and ended the streak.

“Record-wise we are not where we should be, but we are slowly starting to get the players where they should be, said coach Virgil Hutchcraft.

After the victory over Thomas More Prep the Demons went on the road again to take on the Great Bend Panthers. The Demons came up just shy and took the loss 4-3.

“I think we could be playing better, but we are just going to take it one game at a time, said Natausha Sanchez, 12.

Wichita East and Wichita South also proved to be tough opponents for the Demons giving them two more losses on the season.

“If we can continue to play like we have shown at times, we will be able to turn this season around,” said Hutchcraft.

The Demons next home game will be against rival Garden City on April 27, 2010, at Memorial Stadium. The girls will look to improve upon their 2-6 record.

The junior varsity game will start at 4 p.m.

-Hunter Edwards With only one tournament into the season, Head Coach Jim Mapel has high expectations for the boys golf team. The varsity team this year mostly consists of one senior and five freshmen.

This one senior is Ayrton Maier.

“Ayrton is doing a spectacular job being a senior leader,” said junior Brenden Herrera. “I try to help him as much as I can, but we couldn’t have asked for a better person.”

Their first tournament was held at Buffalo Dunes in Garden City.

Here they took seventh out of ten teams. Unfortunately there were

no individual placing, but the team still finished strong.

Freshman Zach Kirby shot an 82; Brad Hutton 84; Adam Dark 87; Zach Norton 97; Wyatt Rosteter 105; and Maier shot a 97.

“With as many freshman we have, it was a rough start at first,” said Mapel. “But if we continue to improve at the rate we are, we get better at the tournament experience.”

He also told us that he is pleased with the way the team is playing this far into the season.

Their next tournament was Monday, April 19. Here they traveled to Hays.

Home Match. Natausha Sanchez, 12, dribbles past her opponent from Thomas More Prep in Hays. •Photo Hicks

Boys golf starts with young varsity team “We have a really good team with young experienced kids,” said senior Ayrton Maier.

The Red Demons boys golf team will host the Dodge City Invi-

tational Tournament today at Mariah Hills Golf Course. Both junior varsity and varsity will play a full round of golf.

Upcoming Sport Events Baseball

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4/24-Wichita 4/26-Hays 4/30-Great Bend

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Sports

04.22.10 DODGER

Swim team sets high goals for season -Hunter Edwards This year’s swim team has an amazing turnout. With so many experienced swimmers, the team looks to bring home the gold from each meet.

Head Coach Katie Szymczak is very pleased with these girls.

The varsity team consists of senior Fernanda Ibave, juniors Danielle Jones and Genni Pierce, sophomores ZhuZhu Lundin Daniels, Kari Keahey, Talia Falcon, freshmen Megan Gerard and Jenny Delzeit.

“The team is doing a great job,” says Szymczak. “The swimmers

have been finishing higher in the meets this season compared to those in the past.”

Their first meet was the Garden City Tri Meet. Here they placed second out of three teams.

They later traveled to swim at the Wichita Heights Invite. The girls finished in the top five here.

Sadly they came close by placing sixth.

A couple days later they headed their way to the Great Bend Quad and tied for second.

Then the Garden City Quad came. They placed third here.

Their most recent meet was the

Salina South Invitational where the girls finished in sixth place out of ten teams.

Coach Szymczak has high expectation’s for the team. They are looking for not just individual swimmers to place well at WAC, but in relays also. She also wants individuals and relays to qualify for State this season.

“The team this year is doing awesome. We have a lot of new talented people, and we are working together to send each girl to State,” said sophomore Talia Falcon.

“The team is moving in the

right direction,” said Szymczak.

With only five meets left for the season, these girls look to place in the high rankings for the Great Bend, Hays, and Hutch meets. The Trinity Meet will be the toughest meet they will swim at all season, and this will help the swimmers prepare for State.

Szymczak said that she would like to see more top swims from all the swimmers and personal best times will rise.

Their next meet will be at the Wichita Trinity Invitational April 24.

New coach takes over track program -Hunter Edwards The track team has had a pretty good start off the blocks as they open their season. With a new head coach. they look to finish well and in high places at every tournament. Buc Bolmer was named head coach for this season.

“I like it. It’s really fun to go out and compete with other athletes on the team,” said Terrence Williams, 12.

Some of the top girls are seniors Erin Sughroue, Dashonda Johnson, junior Sophie Shall, sophomore Jordan Koehn, and freshman Ines Rodriguez.

From the boys division there are Williams, Ryan Hayes, 12, Parker Davis, 09, and Jean-Damien Bouyer, 12.

Their first meet of the season was at Ulysses where the boys’

team placed fourth. The girls team brought home a first place finish.

High placers at this meet were Dashonda Johnson, 12, Ines Rodriguez, and Kesha Buckner, 10.

Johnson and Rodriguez brought home the gold in their events.

For the boys, Rico Hogan, 10, Alec Schmitt, 11, and Tyler Trantham, 12, placed in the top ten for their events.

Both teams improved greatly from last year. They next traveled to Liberal where both teams finished in last place, which was an upset for most athletes.

“I constantly strive to become a better individual and athlete with hard work and determination,” said Luis Marquez, 12.

Their last meet was held in Great Bend. At this meet both Great Bend and Dodge City tied for

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the gold medal. The highest placer for the girls was Rodriguez who placed first in the eight hundred meter run.

Vincente Estrella, 10, was the highest for the boys coming in second for the 1600 meter run.

High Jump. Senior Erin Sughroue attempts to clear the high jump event during the Liberal track meet. Sughroue placed first in this event. Junior Teghan Pencis placed fourth, and freshman Summer Wilson placed sixth.

• Photo Rangel

Janet Smith, Owner 620.225.6387 705 1/2 2nd Ave. Dodge City, KS 67801

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Sports

DODGER 04.22.10

Levi Shirley’s ‘rocky dreams’ come true -Hunter Edwards Senior Levi Shirley is involved with one of the most unique sports in the world — sport of Off Road Racing.

The racing is a mix between Desert Racing and Rock Climbing. He has been involved with this for about ten years. Shirley got involved when he started racing carts at the local track and over the years has “evolved” into what it is today.

“I love how this sport can get your adrenaline pumping so fast and it’s really exhilarating,” said Shirley.

Shirley’s favorite part of racing is meeting new people from different racing classes. Races are held all around the country, coast to coast. Johnson Valley, California,

was It’s in the middle of a desert where more 25,000 people attend the race. Shirley usually travels twice a month to compete and display his talent.

Race lengths vary from anywhere of one minute to 300 miles long in distance.

“I like distant races better because I feel I can get in the rhythm and stay there,” he said.

Depending on a race, the top three finishers earn anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.

The most prize money Shirley has ever won is $5,000 plus sponsor contingency.

Before every race Shirley has to go through a checklist on his car to see if it is ready for competition.

He also zones in to focus on his special tactics.

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“I like getting to see the country and different terrains,” Shirley said. “Traveling as far as Colorado or California you get to see amazing views of the wildlife and outdoors.”

More than 15 companies currently sponsor Shirley. Five of these are the ones who help him the most. These companies are Maxxis Tires, ARB Lockers, Trail Ready Wheels, BS Trailer Sales, and Sumner Machine Works.

An average day for this high school senior consists of waking up, going to school, and prepping his racecar for the next upcoming event.

His most recent race was Feb. 12. This race was held at his favorite racetrack in Johnson Valley. He had an unlucky draw and ended up with the 90th starting position. Shirley was just getting in the rhythm when his co-driver Kelly Halling noticed at race mile ten that the car was steadily losing

oil pressure. He had come to far and worked to hard just to pull over and quit. So he decided to keep running hoping that the motor would just last another 90 miles.

The motor eventually started to tic and that tic eventually turned into a knock. At race mile 64 the engine’s connecting rod went through the passenger side of the engine block taking Shirley out of the race.

“That’s just racing. There will be plenty more. It just fuels me for the upcoming races,” Shirley said.

Going the Distance. Levi Shirley, 12, clears a jump in the race in Johnson Valley, CA. Courtesy Photo

Sports

04.22.10 DODGER

Softball posts 5-3 record on the season -Hunter Edwards Losing three seniors last year, the softball team is off to a good start. With eight games under their belt so far, the girls have posted a 5 -3 record.

Their first game was against Salina South. They defeated Salina 9-1 at Salina.

Senior Tiffany Flax shut out their opponent. Flax’s total ERA is 1.33 per game.

Every Lady Demon worked hard to win their first game of the season. The leading batter for this game was sophomore Ashley Stephenson.

The next game was against Kapaun later that same day. This game was fought long and hard for the ladies, but unfortunately they came short of a win, losing 5-0.

Carly Richardson, 12, pitched for this game. Her total ERA is 2.0.

“We played really well, but they were a tough team. I know that we can play on the same level as Kapaun. We just have to stay focused and come ready to play,” Meghan Lee, 12, said.

The home opener featured a double-header against Colby. The Lady Demons won the first game 9-2.

Flax once again pitched to start the games. The next game was no walk in the park. It was close, but the Lady Demons won, 7-6. Richardson got the win.

“We are doing alright so far,” Head Coach Heather Steiner said.

“We don’t give up easily, and we stay in the fight.”

Another double-header was played the following week against the Garden City Buffaloes. The Lady Demons split, winning the first game 5-4. The girls came upshort in the second, losing 3-2.

They later faced Wichita Heights in another double-header.

The Lady Demons lost the first game, 12-4, but came back to win the second, 9-6.

This far into the season Valerie Ortiz, 12, has the most runs scored with seven. Trailing behind her is Taylor Schinstock, 12, with six.

“The hard work and non-stop fight that we give will pay off in the long run when we face to defend our WAC title against other teams,” said Steiner.

The Lady Demons will next face the Great Bend Panthers Tuesday, April 20.

Going 4-2 on season, baseball gets fresh start -Ethan Hutchcraft When springtime arrives, it usually means the start of sunflower seed spitting and baseball games.

The Red Demon baseball team started their season April 2, 2010, against the Maize South Mavericks. This was the Demons’ first game under new head coach Daniel Rogers. The Demons lost game one to the Mavericks 11-1, but came back with a second game victory 11-0.

“It felt like a fresh start,” said Steven Mills, 12. “It feels really good to start a new traditon at DCHS, and I really like playing under Coach Rodgers and the staff.”

After getting the first series of the year under their belt, the Demons hosted a WAC opponent in the Hays Indians for a two game

series. The Demons won the first game in walk off fashion thanks in part to senior Zach Harvey, 5-4.

With an 18-8 decision, the Demons easily handled the Indians in game two of the series.

“My adrenaline was pumping,” said Harvey. “It was our first time beating Hays, and I’m glad it happened my senior year.”

Traveling to Wichita April 8, 2010, the Demons took on the Wichita South Titans in a two game series. The Demons won the first game 18-8. The second game was a different story with the Titans edging the Demons, 12-11.

Dodge City will travel to Garden City April 22 to take on the Buffaloes in a two game series.

The Demons will try to improve their 4-2 record by picking up two victories.

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Wind up. Cesar Lopez, 11, winds up his pitch to throw to the Hays batter. The Red Demons won the double header, 5-4 and 18-8. “It was our first time beating Hays,” Zach Harvey, 12, said. Photo Alonso Acevedo

23

Sports

DODGER 04.22.10

Experience provides leadership for boys tennis -Ethan Hutchcraft Experience is a big part of life.

Experience also plays a big role in sports. This is the same case for the DCHS boy’s tennis team. The boy’s varsity team consists of four seniors and three juniors who have all experienced varsity matches before.

The experience was proven at the Demons first tournament of the season held at Pratt April 1, 2010. The Demons came away with a first place finish as a team as well as three first place finishes individually.

Alex Jenkner took first in number 1 singles while Peter Neidhart and Ethan Hutchcraft also came away with a first place finish in number 1 doubles.

Tyler Woods and Garret Salem also took first in #2 doubles, while Zak Nichols finished in second place in #2 singles.

A tournament in Great Bend held April 3, 2010, seemed to be a short turnaround for the Demons, but once again experience came into hand, and the Demons came away with a third place team finish.

Jenkner went 3-1 on the day and finished in second place.

Neidhart and Hutchcraft joined Jenkner with a second place finish of their own after finishing the day 3-1.

“We are off to a solid start this year,” said Garret Salem, 11. “We are hoping to qualify for State this year.”

The Demons then traveled to Hutchinson for the Salthawk Invitational April 15, 2010.

The Demons didn’t have a very successful tournament and finished the day tied for seventh place as a team.

Jenkner was the highest finisher for the Demons placing sixth while Neidhart and Hutchcraft finished the day in eighth place.

Woods and Salem finished the day in 15th place while Tanner Miller finished the day in 16th place.

The Demons traveled to Maize Tuesday for a tournament and will host their own tournament today at 3 p.m. at the Dodge City High School tennis courts.

Ready to Swing. Garret Salem, 11, prepares to return a serve during a practice held at the DCHS tennis courts. Salem and Tyler Woods took first in #2 doubles at the Pratt Tournament April 1. • Photo Acevedo

Scoreboard Pratt Great Bend Hutchinson

Tennis

Salina Central Garden City Hays Ulysses (Boys) Ulysses (Girls) Liberal Great Bend

Golf

Track

1st 3rd 7th 8th 6th 4th 1st L 1T 1-1

Swimming

Garden City Heights Invitational Great Bend Great Bend Salina South Inv. Maize South Hays Wichita South

Baseball

2nd 11th 2nd 3rd

Softball

Salina Central 9-1 Wichita Kapaun Mt. Carmel 0-5 Colby 9-2, 7-6 Garden City 4-5, 3-2 Wichita Heights 12-4, 9-6

1-11, 11-0 5-4, 18-8 18-8, 12-11

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