2022-2023 Issue 2

page 11

the

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?: Competition pits move-makers against one another

LANCER

RUNNING ON EMPTY: Lancer cross country comes up short in CIF meet. page 14

Volume LV, Issue 2 »Nov. 8, 2022 » Thousand Oaks High School » 2323 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 » www.tohsthelancer.org » thelancer.tohs@gmail.com » Circulation 1,900

T.O. Turns 60: School celebrates 60th anniversary in style The Lancer compares the school of the 1960’s with our modern campus.

SADIE KNAPP Staff Writer

Six decades ago a student’s life wasn’t all Snapchat and Tiktok.

Dave Torgerson remembers life as a freshman in the very first class at Thousand Oaks High School back in 1962.

“Of course, everything was brand new,” Torgerson said. “It was a small town. I think the population was like 17,000. It was more ‘happy days’ than anything else, a good place to grow up.

A lot of new families are moving in, housing tracts being built, everything.”

This year, Thousand Oaks High School is commemorating its 60th Anniversary. TOHS has

done various celebrations, including a Scooby Doo-themed homecoming, a hippie spirit day to connect to the decade of the 60s and a new logo in the design of the Green Sheet newsletter.

Last year, the yearbook incorporated diamonds– the traditional symbol for a 60th anniversary.

The 60th anniversary is just as much of a milestone as the 50th anniversary, principal Dr. Eric Bergmann said.

“Ten years ago, we had a 50th anniversary, and in the grand scheme of things, 50 was a big one,” Bergmann said.

“The school pulled out a lot of stops, and we had massive celebrations.

Hitting 60 is also an im-

TOHS TURNS 60 SPECIAL SECTION READ INSIDE: TOHS Through the Years • 1960’s in Review • Styles of the 60’s • The Life of a Lancer •

portant milestone for us.

Our intent was to try to connect to our roots.”

As important as TO is to its students, most of them don’t know the history of where it all started.

Before TO was built– and, later, Newbury Park High and Westlake High–the closest school to the Conejo Valley was Camarillo High.

Prior to the opening of TO, Oxnard Union High School District administrator Joseph W. Crosby launched an expansive school construction program, in response to the district’s quick population increase.

Voters passed a school bond bill in 1960, allowing for the construction of numerous new high school campuses, Thousand Oaks High School officially opened in 1962 with 895 students.

Tom Roser, a former social studies instructor at Oxnard High School, served as the school’s first principal.

Over the next decade, TOHS would grow out of its infancy under the shadow of the Cold War, and just a year after opening, TO students–and the rest of the country– would experience a tragedy that would go on to define their high school years.

THEN & NOW - Above, TOHS cheerleaders cheer on the football team of the 60s. Below, in modern day Chase Martin runs towards the end zone.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

PHOTOS » LANCER LEGEND ARCHIVES

Election brings students’ concerns to light

Unity Day a hit

The Lancer dives into the election for congress with interviews from both congresswoman Julia Brownley and former TOHS student Matt Jacobs.

There’s nothing quite like Unity Day at TOHS.

MOMO SONADA News Editor

Halloween isn’t the only spooky season we are experiencing this month. For some, even more terrifying than Halloween, election season is fast aproaching and ballots are starting to find their way into our homes. Ballots are to be in by Nov. 8, 2022, so late October and early November will be filled with voters puzzling over what bubble to fill and what proposition to approve.

One political battleground that has Californians piqued and interested is the congressional race between current

PHOTO » FINLEY SWANSON » THE LANCER

CLASHING SIDES - Yard signs across Thousand Oaks clash on canditates for all positions, including congress.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley and republican candidate Matt Jacobs.

While Brownley led with 54.3% of votes in the primary election, Jacobs receiving 38.4%, the fight for the 26th Congressional District election remains competitive

as support for Jacobs continues to increase.

“I’m certainly happy with the initial results, though I do think the race is going to tighten up,” Brownley said in an interview with The Acorn. “At the same time, I work very, very

hard to represent Ventura County and I will continue to work hard in my new district.”

While the 26th district has been unchangingly democratic, people are starting to see a shift.

Where President Joe Biden saw a 25-point

lead in the district during the presidential election, Brownley holds the district by 4.8 points.

With inflation at an alltime high, independents are starting to veer red, with Jacobs holding a 10-point lead over Brownley among independent voters.

Serving the district since 2013, Brownley is well-regarded for her advocacy for veterans, especially female veterans. She pioneered the Female Veterans Suicide Act, which requires Ventura County to collect data on female veterans to identify best practices, programs, and services CONTINUES ON PAGE 7

ADDISON EGBERT Staff Writer

Every year Thousand Oaks High School celebrates Unity Day. “Unity Day was designed by a group called the ‘PACER’ organization.

It was created in 2011 and decided it would be held in October,” Principal Dr. Eric Bergmann said.

“This is a positive way of celebrating anti-bullying [through] inclusion and acceptance and trying to get as many students involved in schools as possible.”

It is also “a day to highlight students of all backgrounds, protected classes, and social identities, to stand in solidarity with every individual on this campus...” English teacher

Connor Smith said.

“Bullying can leave devastating and often longterm effects such as a loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, and depression for those involved,” the PACER organization said.

Every year the peer mentoring club comes together and creates different activities to spread awareness. This year the school celebrated by having a place where you can tie-dye shirts orange, and hang up orange-colored streamers all around our campus.

The overall message of Unity Day is to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to send a visible, unified message that no child should ever experience bullying.

Connecting Latinos

Choir showcases talent

Riding High

The Lancer highlights the Latino Connections club that resides on campus as a vital part of diverse community page 3

Choir’s solo showcase provided an opportunity for young singers to shine. page 10

Students discuss their involvement in the unique sport of equestrian. page 13

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NEWS

November 8, 2022

School Spirit in Full Swing with 5-Star Program Student engagement on campus ramps up with new 5-Star app that allows administrators and teachers to recognize students for their participation and good deeds.

RYAN WEBER Staff Writer

Senior CJ Pisa is bleeding green.

Leading the 5-Star student program with not only the most points (315), but with an 80-point lead ahead of second place, Pisa has dominated this competition.

“Each dress-up day is 20 points, which means I dressed up for three more days than second place,” Pisa said. “I would say that’s pretty significant.”

Pisa’s efforts with the program fall exactly in line with the 5-Star Student Program goals as organized by ASB and Principal Dr. Eric Bergmann, who implemented the program this school year.

“We thought it would be a great program to get students excited and more involved with the school,” Bergmann said.

Bergmann, along with the

rest of the administrative team and ASB conceived of the program roughly two years ago as a way to get students more engaged with campus and school activities. It was already a nationwide success, having been implemented in over 350 schools across the United States and Canada. However, the idea was shelved after COVID hit as the school and campus were shut down. Last year, they began to toy with the idea again, and Fall 2022 is the first time the program is being fully implemented.

These ideas are realized through the program’s point system, as the points people earn can be spent on prizes offered by ASB. “I am not going to spoil their ideas and surprises, because I think they want to roll them out,” Bergmann said.

Whatever the prizes are, Pisa is going all-out for it. Why? For Pisa, it’s a mix between competitiveness and school spirit.

Pisa has participated in every available dress-up-day at TOHS since Lancer Check-In on August 15th, redeemed 5-Star points at every opportunity, and risen precipitously through the ranks.

“At first I thought it was just something fun to do, but when I saw there was a leader board, I saw it in a more competitive light,” Pisa said. “I was determined to be on that leader board, so I redeemed 5-Star points whenever I could.”

Teachers and staff can scan students’ ID cards and award points for academic attendance, event/activity participation, signing up for clubs, helping out around campus and generally exhibiting positive behavior.

More than just individual students can redeem points for prizes, though. The highest earning class is also going to receive a prize.

Each week, in the Green Sheet, cumulative points for each class is posted to further bolster

the competition.

“At the end of the year, the winning class wins the Lancer Cup,” Bergmann said. “Not only are they going to get bragging rights, they’re going to get some sort of opportunity for treats or goodies.”

Ultimately, it’s less about the rewards for students, and more about school spirit and fun.

“It all just comes down to having fun. It’s awesome to have people to dress up with and see how various people interpreted the theme by just walking into a classroom,” Pisa said.

Even for the highest achieving students like Pisa, the 5-Star Student Program isn’t a tool for prizes and awards, but a way to show the world how much school spirit they have for TO. Lancers have always been known for their school spirit and this is one more way to demonstrate positivity and a winning attitude.

GRAPHIC » KELLIE PIERCE » THE LANCER

POINTS O’ PLENTY— Senior CJ Pisa recently won a $20 gift card to the student store for being the top 5-Star participant.

PHOTO » TYLER LAPPIN » THE LANCER

An International Student’s Story Living in America is like living in paradise to Alina Parchevska.

After moving to Thousand Oaks from Ukraine this August, Parchevska finds herself in a country with no friends and her only family member she can spend time with is her aunt. Since she is not yet eighteen, Parchevska and her mother flew to America together. But her mother will return to Ukraine soon, as she wanted to get her daughter settled. Her father remains in Ukraine, as does her older sister.

Parchevska’s father formerly served in the military, but is now retired. He currently oversees the protection of wealthy business owners who own a cheese

production company.

Parchevska’s mother is a gastroenterologist.

Missing family and friends, is the only downside to living in America according to Parchevska.

In fact, she loves everything about school, even the cafeteria food.

Parchevska enjoys all of her classes and is in awe of all of the choices available.

“You have freedom here. You can choose Chemistry and Forensics. You don’t have a choice in Ukraine, Parchevska said. “I’m not saying Ukraine is bad, it’s just different.”

She also enjoys learning about American history and noticed how friendly Americans are.

Even though Americans have a strong reputation of being rude.

FEATURES Riley Keeler Brookelyn Bonilla Emily Mares

PHOTOGRAPHY Tyler Lappin Bryce Frohn Ellie Van Berkleo

SPORTS Audrey Martinez Allie Anello

ADVISER Jon Gold

BRYCE FROHN Staff Writer

PHOTO » ALINA PARCHEVSKA » WITH PERMISSION

WINTER WONDERLAND— Parchevska, in Dec. 2021, on winter break in her hometown of Kyiv.

On this night she still had an English class to attend and could not hang out with friends.

Junior Alina Parchevska compares her experience as a student coming from the Ukraine “People here are nice to strangers. They want to help you,” Parchevska said.

She went on to explain how Ukrainians are also generally kind, but don’t go out of their way to help others like Americans.

“People in Ukraine are also nice. People here are nice to strangers. They want to help you. Sometimes Ukrainian people are friendly, but some are angry,” Parchevska said.

Parchevska further explained the differences and similarities between American and Ukrainian high schools. American high schools usually have students attend only six or seven classes at a time in a year.

However, Ukrainian schools require students to take many more.

According to Parchevska, they attend roughly fifteen. Aside from the number of courses, Ukrainian schools have another large difference: classes are taught by one teacher.

Although Ukrainian and American schools have many differences, they also share some similarities. High schools in both countries have similar class sizes and require students to complete final exams.

Unlike many American teens, Parchevska has never watched Star Wars, although she has watched “The Maze Runner” and all the “Harry Potter” movies.

Parchevska has also never watched “The Lord of the Rings,” but she has watched many movies in her home country.

When asked why she

left her home in Kyiv, Ukraine, Parchevska simply stated “because of the war.”After a pause, she added, “Actually, I didn’t know I’d go to [the] U.S.A.. My parents wanted me to go because it’s safe.”

Parchevska went on to explain her experiences, thoughts, and feelings on the war.

“We knew it could happen...as early as February. I didn’t believe it.

I think it’s awful. I hope that it will end soon. All of my friends and family are there in Ukraine” Parchevska said. “It got worse in October. They started to attack my city.

Now the war is huge.”

In two years, Parchevska will return home and reunite with her family and friends; it will undoubtedly be a happy reunion.

THE LANCER STAFF 2022-2023 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Remington Beaudoin Grace Williams MANAGING EDITOR Bella Moreno NEWS EDITOR Momo Sonoda

FEATURES EDITOR Riley Keeler BACK PAGE EDITOR Kellie Pearce PHOTO EDITOR Alyssa Kiszczak

NEWS WEB EDITOR Ryan Weber Abigail Tripp-Bullough Sadie Knapp Addison Egbert SPORTS EDITOR Micah Rodriguez

DESIGN Finley Swanson Faith Yoon Scarlette Gilliam

The Lancer is the official school publication of Thousand Oaks High School, created and produced by students in Advanced Journalism. This publication as well as additional stories can be found online at tohsthelancer.org. The Lancer reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for high school publication.

Guest editorials and “Letters

to the Editor” are welcome, but must be signed and are subject to editing for length, libel, obscenity and grammar. They can be sent to thelancer.tohs@gmail.com.

The Lancer is a member of the Journalism Education Association (JEA), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) and NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.tohsthelancer.org

NEWS

November 8, 2022

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Latino Connections at TOHS The Latino Connections club at Thousand Oaks High School is going strong and this year its celebrating its 30th anniversary on campus of the Latino Club for three years when I attended NPHS,” club director Sandra Martinez said, “This club offered me a place where I learned about leadership and felt comfortable, and that’s what I want to offer my TOHS students.”

After 30 years of Thousand Oaks High School being an established school, the Latino Connections Club was started in 1992 at TOHS. The club’s population

ABIGAIL TRIPP-BULLOUGH Staff Writer

Finding community and a sense of self is a vital aspect of the high school experience; the Latino Connections Club is about building appreciation of the Latino culture at TOHS, Westlake High School, and Newbury Park High School.

Students of all backgrounds are welcome to celebrate, learn about, and appreciate Latino culture.

Almost fully revived from the COVID years, the Latino Connections Club is ready to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The homecoming parade took place on Oct. 14. included the Latino Connection’s Diamonds and Pearls theme; diamonds for the 60th anniversary of Thousand Oaks, and pearls for the 30th anniversary of the club. This year the club is celebrating the beginning that started in 1992 with Mr. Valdez, a math teacher. It started with 10 to 15 students (most of whom were English learners) and soon grew.

“I was a member

at TOHS has ranged

in the past two years

from 80 members to 100 members.

“The club has grown in population, we’re even looking for a bigger room to meet in,” Club adviser Sandra Martinez said.

The club brings together three

Ventura County schools to unite those with Latino backgrounds and those who want to learn to appreciate the culture. Thanks to Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park’s incredible Latino Connections, Westlake was recently inspired to join the fray and start the club on their campus. With this growth in the Latino Connections clubs across the Conejo Unified School District, there is a newfound sense of community and a stronger ability to uplift those who needed a community within their school.

There’s a long stretch of the school year ahead and the Latino Connections club will offer many more events and opportunities for its members including but not limited to college visits, conferences, and a scholarship dance in the spring.

TOHS has come a long way in terms of diversity since its beginnings in 1962, and with many years ahead there is sure to be much more positive development of cultural clubs and communities.

PHOTO » KELLY PEARCE » THE LANCER

CLUB CORNER

The Lancer’s guide to clubs on campus SADIE KNAPP Staff Writer

Heart to Art Club When does it meet?

Fridays most weeks during lunch Where does it meet?

I-6 Who is the adviser?

Heather Austin What is the purpose of the club? The Heart to Art Club presents a chance for students who love to express themselves through art to share their art visually throughout the TOHS campus.

The intent of the club is to spread awareness of these unheard voices in a visual sense, to possibly

make this art share a more significant meaning than words. The soon-to-be art will be displayed all over our campus for all to see.

Notable: For their first theme this year, the Heart to Art Club will incorporate symbolism of TO’s 60th anniversary into their art.

Quotable: “My motivation for Heart to Art was when I think of people saying let’s have a heartto-heart talk, I think of a personal connection between two people,” Austin said. “I want kids to feel like this is their school and display their creative insight and views artistically

Peer Mentor Club When does it meet?

Peer Mentor Club meets on Mondays most weeks during 4th period Where does it meet?

J-9 Who is the adviser?

Anna Sobrino What is the purpose of the club? Peer mentoring offers a leadership program that teaches a chosen group of kids the unique skills they will need to support their peers socially and emotionally, act as advocates, and help their peers discover the best answers to their internal

and external difficulties.

Notable: Peer mentoring and Community Outreach of ASB are partnering this year on a weekly basis to help students with special needs.

Each mentor is paired with a buddy each week to do fun activities like make slime, cupcake wars, and other fun games.

Quotable: “Peer mentors are here to be a front line of support for students, peers that can then help get their classmates connected with the other resources we have on campus,” Sobrino said.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS - Heart to Art club posters have been posted across campus to spread awareness of the new club.

PHOTO » FINLEY SWANSON » THE LANCER

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November 8, 2022

FEATURES

November 8, 2022

5

FEATURES A Celebration of Life Nov. 1 marks the start of Dios de los Muertos, and the Hispanic students and families of Thousand Oaks High School are celebrating the lives once lived.

Ellie Van Berkleo Staff Writer

PHOTO » BLACK PANTHER OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM

Black Panther Even after the passing of a beloved actor, Blank Panther is back.

Micah Rodriguez Sports Editor

Chadwick Boseman’s tragic passing in August 2020 left the world speechless. The movie star was battling colon cancer for four years.

Boseman was known for his performances on screen but it was his actions off screen that adored him to fans. From his roles in 42 - where he played Jackie Robinson Black Panther: Wakanda Forever debuts on November 10. The movie is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 film, Black Panther. Wakanda Forever will have to pivot in a different direction after the tragic passing

of the man who played Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman. Boseman lost a four year battle with colon cancer in August 2020.

Co-stars Letitia Wright who played Shuri, Dania Gurira who played Okoye, and Lupita Nyong’o are all returning. The three are all expected to have an expanded role.

“I’m excited to see what they do,” senior Taha Khambati said.

“However, I’m worried about how they go about replacing Chadwick Boseman’s role in this iconic film.”

Boseman’s performance in the first film received praise from fans and critics.

A special Hispanic holiday called Dia de los Muertos is also known as the day of the dead. The significance of this celebration is that people get to celebrate the life of those who have passed.

Individuals are able to join together and share a feast with pictures and remembrance of the ones who are no longer here. This tradition has been going on for a long time and there are certain ways that everyone around the world carries on this tradition. “ Many find people passing away as sad but we kind of use it as a celebration to rejoin together, we believe that our ancestors can come back to us” Priscilla Montero one of our Thousand Oaks High School counselors said.

“One tradition is that we have bowls that are set up in layers, first it is pictures of the person then goes all the food that they loved. Also the traditions of the ofrenda, the offering of foods to those who have passed” Student store manager Lisa Solis said.

This occasion is meant to recognize and remember the ones that have passed and recognize what they loved.

Many people around the

world and in our community celebrate Dia de los Muertos with special events including throwing parties amongst friends and family, getting dressed up, and decorating their homes and towns. Even many of our Thousand Oaks High School classrooms are decorated for this celebration.

“Dia de los Muertos is celebrated all around the world with candles, decorations and lots of food,” Solis said.

“One tradition is leading marigolds up into our house so that they can follow it and then we have a picture of the person to give them the chance to visit with us” Montero said The Dia de los Muertos event lasts for two days, Nov first and second. The first of November is meant to celebrate the children who have passed. November second was to celebrate the adults that have passed. According to tradition, gates of heaven are opened between these hours and people are joined together in graveyards, communities, and welcomed into homes. There are also many movies and plays that have been created to honor Dia de los Muertos including some of our favorites, “Coco”, “The Book of

Life”, and “Day of the Dead”. These movies can help kids and others learn about this Hispanic tradition and it brings excitement to the holiday. Dia de los Muertos allows people to honor the memory of the ones they love.

PHOTO » GINA REESE » WITH PERMISSION

CARRYING ON TRADITION— (Left to Right) Savannah Solis, Marco Solis, Lisa Solis, and Natalia Solis pose in their traditional Dia de los Muetros fashion while celebrating the lives of their loved ones who have passed.

Student Voters Gear Up for Election Eligible Thousand Oaks High School students have the opportunity to vote in the midterm election on Nov. 8, if they so choose.

Grace Williams Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO » TOAKS.ORG

As election season is approaching many Thousand Oaks High School students are getting ready to vote. Seniors who have already turned 18 can exercise their legal right to vote even if they don’t quite feel like fullfledged adults yet.

Voting at a young age gives students a chance to have a voice in our government and an impact on our society as a whole. As young people, it may feel like it is more difficult to make a difference so voting is a significant opportunity to share one’s opinion.

“I am really excited to be able to contribute to our society,” Senior

Daniel Green said.

Despite many students being old enough to vote, Thousand Oaks High School currently does not give civic encouragement instruction.

According to research conducted by the Tufts University Center for Civic Engagement, youth who reported having been either encouraged to vote or taught how to register to vote in high school are more likely to vote and participate in other civic activities, more knowledgeable about voting processes, and more invested in and attentive to the 2020 election than other youth.

“I think that public schools should 100% be required to teach high school seniors the basics of voting and should pro-

vide accessible information about how to register to vote,” Senior Grace Machell said.

For students who aren’t old enough to vote, they can pre-register to vote once they turn 16 or 17. National Voter Registration Day was on September 23rd which was highlighted in order to encourage young people to be civically engaged especially postCOVID-19 pandemic.

This election is what is known as a midterm election as the role of president doesn’t need to be filled this year.

However, the ballot does include positions such as governor, assembly member, senator, etc.

“I’m honestly not that politically interested but I feel like I should exercise

my right to vote,” Senior Ava Johnson said.

The level of turnout at elections is often seen as an indicator of the health of a democracy, yet there is a general trend towards declining rates of electoral participation.

In the state of California, registered voters can vote by mail or in person. All active registered voters will receive a mail ballot in hopes of increasing voter turnout.

“This midterm election is especially important because it’s such a close race for Senate, every vote counts,” Machell said. “There are kids I know who are eligible to vote and don’t, and it makes me really sad because I would love to vote but I am not old enough yet.”

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November 8, 2022

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November 8, 2022

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The Race for Congress The Lancer examines the congressional race between current Congresswoman Julia Brownley and republican candidate Matt Jacobs.

Julia Brownley

Matt Jacobs

DEMOCRAT

REPUBLICAN

Starting her political career in 1994 on the school board, Brownley has since worked her way up to Congress, representing California’s 26th District and the Democratic Party since 2012, when she was first elected. In her 10 years in the House, she has been recognised for her work in supporting veterans, in particular, female veterans, and their mental and physical health.

Federal prosecutor and former Lancer, republican Matt Jacobs is a new face in the political sphere, working to get rid of the inflation that has been getting worse in the past few years. His priorities lie with the economy, the education system,

MOMO SONODA News Editor

Education

Education biliteracy, awareness and opportunities for students with disabilities

Economy strategic investments in infrastructure and new innovations and energy technologies to create jobs now and simultaneously reduce our dependence on foreign and domestic oil

Safety bring new commands to Naval Base Ventura County and to support the over 19,000 active-duty servicemembers and civilians who work there

CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 to end female veteran suicide, and the Deborah Sampson Act, which addresses the inequities and barriers that female veterans face when accessing Ventura care and benefits. Also, Brownley is currently working to build a community clinic that will expand specialty health services and provide more access to health care.

With Congress teetering between republican and democratic, Brownley’s re-election would allow the democratic party to keep the House, a move that is necessary for President Joe Biden’s plan to protect reproductive rights, an issue that is now even more prevalent with the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

“If we elect more Senate Democrats and keep the House, I’ll move to codify Roe v. Wade in January,” Biden said in an op-ed for CNN. On the other hand, the Republican Party (GOP) is backing Jacobs in hopes of taking over the House. He has been

named a Young Gun candidate, which according to Congressman Kevin McCarthy, are high-performing candidates who have “successfully collaborated with the [National Republican Congressional Committee] and completed the requirements that establish a path to victory on Election Day.” As a second-generation immigrant, a key term in Jacobs’ campaign is “the American Dream.”

Like many republicans, his priorities are with America’s economy, education system, and safety—all things he believes that Brownley has failed to prioritize during her time in Congress. “[Brownley’s] votes have led to rampant inflation, record-high gas and food prices, the release of violent criminals, and dismal educational outcomes for so many children,” Jacobs said on his campaign website.

As a federal prosecutor, Jacobs’ belief in the justice system stands strong, which means in Congress, he will continue to support law enforcement by fighting policies like defunding the police force.

A former Lancer and son of a public school teacher, he also wants to improve Californian education. He intends to build a “worldclass education” with charter education and school choice to protect vulnerable students who are currently stuck at failing schools, while simultaneously supporting public school teachers.

While voters will not be as familiar with his policies as much as their long-time congresswoman, Brownley, Jacobs has been working hard to have his voice be heard and to represent the voices of the district.

Nov. 8 is fast approaching, and this election cycle is nuanced and complicated.

“In 14 days, the American people will decide whether we keep moving forward or go backwards,” Biden said.

Competition is boiling everywhere in the country as both republicans and democrats fight for the House. Whether it be for candidates or propositions, simple bubble-filling will be harder than ever this year.

school choice/charter education, support for public school teachers

Economy lower taxes, reduce regulations, and end policies that hurt job creators, small businesses and the middle class

Safety stop policies like defunding the police

PHOTO » FINLEY SWANSON » THE LANCER

IN-FOCUS

REMIngton Beaud

WORLD EVENTS

1966

The first episode of the popular television show Star Trek aired on NBC.

1968 Martin Luther King was killed while standing on a balcony outside his room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee

Coca-Cola introduced Sprite to compete with Pepsi’s 7-Up.

1963 At age 13, Stevie Wonder’s The 12 Year Old Genius made him the youngest solo artist to hit No.1.

1965 The Sound of Music became the number one box office film after four weeks.

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Even though the City of Thousand Oaks may have played an insufficient in Calif. history, generations of Thousand Oaks citizens have developed and appreciated traditions all 7:30 around the Conejo PM $1.04 Valley.

Founded in 1956, Conejo Valley Days was originally a parade to The atr the long e 4 promote since shuttered ADM Jungleland, a IT O NE cherished private zoo and animal theme park created by Louis Goebel in 1926. The parade started on Conejo School Road and ended at the entrance of Jungleland which is currently the location of the Civic Arts Plaza.

Being the first high school in the Conejo Valley, TOHS quickly became a source of pride for the 8125

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1964 The City of Thousand Oaks was officially founded.

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1962 The Cuban Missile Crisis became a global scare between the United States and the Soviet Union.

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Elvis’ G.I. Blues album was No. 1 for 10 weeks and remained on the chart for 111 weeks.

7:30

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1960

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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The Lancer Celebrates Thousand Oaks’ Diamond Anniversary with a scrapbook of memories from 1960 and beyond.

1967

The Green Bay Packers won the fist Superbowl, scoring 34-10 against the Kansas City Chiefs

1969

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first men on the moon OUGH THE LENSE»

THR PHOTOS » CONEJO

Conejo Through the Lens

WITH PERMISSION

A photo collection to preserve the photographic history of the Conejo Valley for future generations.

Thousand O community.

Conejo Val Days, The er Band wo perform in annual par and many s participat the Ms. Co Valley pag and came o support th becue that introduced feed crowd fund-raise local caus Even tho current lo is differen there is n ger a Ms. Valley pag this June, sand Oaks their 66th al Conejo Days with 25,000 att Over the years, man ni and cur students o help carry sense of c nity and c the unique ditions of Conejo Val

November 8, 2022

9

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Oaks . During lley Lancould n the rade students ted in onejo geant out to he Bart was d to ds and e for ses. ough the ocation nt and no lonConejo geant, , Thouheld h annuValley over tendees. e past 60 ny alumrrent of TOHS y on the commucontinue e traf the lley.

CONTINUES FROM PAGE 3 like we have today,” Torgerson, who would graduate TOHS in 1966 and go on to become a teacher and high school coach said. “We were not sure of the political situation until President Kennedy was assassinated. That had kind of ruined our innocence.”

President Kennedy’s assassination was an awakening of America.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act were passed as a tribute to Kennedy’s passing. These acts changed life drastically for discriminated groups.

Oppression was prohibited for everyone no matter their race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Freshman this year feel recognized, as they are the 60th class of TO. “The freshman class is special because we’re the 60th anniversary, so that means a lot. It’s 60 years of classes at Thousand Oaks High School, that’s why it’s significant because we get to be in the 60th class and all the others are the 59th or something like that, but we’re the 60th,” Freshman Tristan Godinez said.

On the other hand, some sophomores may feel differently about the anniversary.

“It felt like everyone was brand new at the same time. I was just happy to have a new school. I didn’t want to have to go to Camarillo with that trip. We didn’t have any seniors that first year. There was no senioritis. There were no big kids looking out for anyone else. It was more cohesive as a student body. I really enjoyed that.”

-Class of 1963 Alumni, Dave Jorgerson

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“It’s the same, it’s just an anniversary, I feel that once it gets to the 80th or 90th, it will be better just because it’s a longer time,” sophomore Jillian Strong said.

Few alumni of TO are well-known celebrities. Actor Kurt Russell graduated TO in the class of 1969. In the late 1960s Russell signed a 10-year agreement with The Walt Disney Company and later rose to the position of top star at the studio in the 1970s. He appeared in a number of movies in the 1980s, such as Big Trouble in Little China, The Thing, Escape from New York, and Escape from Los Angeles.

Alex Singleton, drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, and now, current linebacker for the Denver Broncos was also a former graduate of TO. The 19 solo tackles made

by Singleton were tied for the second-most in a game in NFL history. He tied the Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks, who had 19 in a game in November 2000 against the Buffalo Bills.

Before 1962, the closest school was Camarillo High. Six decades later, there are high schools a stone’s throw away from one another, around an average 10 minute drive from one high school to another.

The 1960’s was a revolutionary time for music and media.

With help from many artists, the idea of music changed from background noise to an expression of thoughts and opinions.

Many songs released in the late 60’s were used to protest the Vietnam War and other controversies.

Bob Dylan’s song “Blowin’ in the Wind,” released in 1963, gained popularity and became a symbolic song for many, representing the fight for rights and equality.

Along with many songs being inspirational or motivating, the 60’s turned the world into being driven by music. The popularity of music was continually growing, and many records were broken.

“Tossin’ and Turnin”

by Bobby Louis was released in 1961 and topped the charts for 2 months and remained one of the most played and bought songs for the rest of the decade.

The Beatles dominated the music industry with “She Loves You” being the most played foreign song of the decade and The Beatles’ White Album being the most sold album.

Elvis Presley became the biggest single musical creator of the 1960s and earned 171 gold, 94 platinum and 34 multi-platinum records for his musical talents.

Many artists relevant in the 1960’s still have presence in pop culture and history today and continue to effect music lovers around the world, even 60 years later.

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November 8, 2022

Annual Solo Showcase Delights Every fall, choir students audition to sing a song of their choice at the solo showcase either as individuals, duets or even in groups.

BROOKELYN BONILLA Staff Writer

The solo showcase had quite a turn out on Oct. 20. The Performing Arts Center (PAC) had seats full and the showcase proved to be so popular that the event was long, running three hours, with 45 acts.

“It was a great sign for me as a teacher because it means a lot of students are interested in performing and being a part of choir,” teacher Janna Santangelo said.

Students don’t seem to mind waiting backstage during the long show.

“Waiting backstage is never tiresome,” Junior Helen Reveles said. “We get to engage in conversations with people we never talk to and hang out with friends who are also in the show.

Going on stage and singing takes skill and bravery.

“The three hours there felt like a blink because the performances were amazing,” Senior Ava Justine said.

To sing, and sing well requires stage presence and practice.

“The thing I love most about the choir solo showcase is the energy you receive from other performers and the audience as well,” Reveles said. “[We] can’t help but feel happy when backstage or when performing. It’s nerve-wracking, but it’s such a great experience.”

Although there were dozens of songs, some were quite memorable.

“The ‘Dead Mom’ performance was really breathtaking,” Justine said.

The auditions took place during class and the top scores appeared on the list for performing in the solo showcase.

After the results came out, the performers had one day to rehearse before the big show.

“I was nervous about performing. Every detail of the event was going through my head over and over,” Senior Danica Nelson said.

Nelson showed her musical talent and commitment. She performed “Man or a Muppet”

by Jason Segel in a duet with Bianca Scally, and “Somethin’ Stupid” by Frank and Nancy Sinatra in a duet with senior Lucas Shin.

“After I sang, I felt relieved that I was able to perform and feel good about myself,” Nelson said.

For more then 11 years, the solo showcase has been an event that students look forward to because they get to choose their own songs.

“Every fall, it is an actual annual tradition, and it’s been here longer than I have been here,” Santangelo said.

“I thought it went really well. Most students had the best performances they could have had,” Santangelo said. “There were not many mistakes throughout, and I feel like everyone did a really good job expressing their songs. So I was really happy about it.”

In February, students will have the opportunity to perform songs of their choice again.

The annual Singing Waiter features performers dressed as waiters where they not only sing, but also serve dinner to patrons. Performers also bring desserts for everyone to bid on as a way to raise money for the program.

Both events resonate with audiences and the students who look forward to performing.

PHOTO » BROOKELYN BONILLA » THE LANCER

SOMETHING SPECIAL— Seniors Brianna Nelson and Lucas Shin perform “Somethin’ Stupid” by father and daughter duo Frank and Nancy Sinatra. In 1967, “Somethin’ Stupid,” a pop jazz song reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK Singles Chart.

FEATURES

November 8, 2022

11

Iconic Improv Show Drama club delivers with improvisation show that was in all ways funny, fantastic, and positively fabulous.

Abigail Tripp-Bullough actors cleverly worked in the tropes; everything Web Editor was perfectly integrated and acted out.

The third annual “The only thing preimprovisation show took dictable about improv place on Oct. 27 the had is the structure of the performing arts center games,” Director Brianringing with laughter na Mack said. “No two and constant applause. scenes are the same.”

There was never a Sometimes chaos isn’t dull moment as the always destructive, and actors improvised scenes the energy brought to the sprinkled with hilarious audience by the actors of themes, and prompts the theater program was provided to them by the captivating. hyped audience.

The show was set up The interactions on with a series of games stage were absolutely where most often the auhysterical. Between dience was shouting out spontaneous little backtopics and items while ground sounds and how

host Andrew Bergholtz chose and assigned them to his fellow actors.

The production is entirely student-run and all but the structure of the games is improvised. Actors prepare and practice for about a month, twice a week. Officers Ava Kramer, Sarah Guerrette, Jake Crandell, and Noble Crandell decided how the games would be run and how rehearsal would work.

Performing on a stage and in front of not only classmates but strangers as well is certainly no easy feat, but the actors

make it all seem effortless. It’s magical.

“It helps actors gain confidence and performance skills,” Mack said. “As well as how to live ready and excited for every situation.”

There is both a struggle and a worry that comes with the thought and action of improvisation, however, all the actors pull through during the show.

Being able to think of lines and reactions on the spot without a buffer is a skill that the drama club actors demonstrate seamlessly.

PHOTO » ABIGAIL TRIPP-BULLOUGH » THE LANCER

THAT’S A WRAP — The cast of Drama Club’s improv show take to the stage one last time and receive a standing ovation for the night’s entertainment.

PHOTO » RILEY KEELER » THE LANCER

DANCING TO THE WIN — Members of the TOHS football program perform on-stage at Best Dance Crew.

Daring Dances Who is the Best Dance Crew at Thousand Oaks Highschool? Is it football, or soccer, or maybe volleyball.

Riley Keeler Staff Writer

The annual “Best Dance Crew” formerly known as “TOHS Dancing with the Stars” where most of the sports at school get together with varsity dance members and make a dance to perform.

This year we had baseball, girls soccer, football, asb/ethos, girls volleyball, boys volleyball, boys soccer, cheer, and water polo. Two varsity dance members got assigned to each of these sports and had to make up a theme, and a dance for them to put on. Professional dance coaches who have coached many famous artists, actors, and influencers. The dancers worked hard for weeks and used their

own time to work on this dance.

They had two showings on Saturday Oct. 21, one at 1:30pm and another at 7:00pm. In the first showing the football dance team had won with a total of 29.5 points and the most votes from the audience. In the second showing, asb/ethos had won with 29 points and the most votes from the audience. The audience could vote as many times as they wanted after each of the acts left the stage.

“It was kind of difficult especially being surrounded by members of our team who are in the dance program so they know what they’re doing, while I was too nervous to try everything out. It was super fun because we all got really close,” Lucia Cano said.

There was some controversy when the cheer team had come on because they already have lots of dance and gymnastic experience.

“I think they did really well considering they were teaching a few non-dancers. They broke every part down and made it easy to remember. Plus the choreography was so fun and original you really couldn’t forget it,” Cano said.

Any level from the sports participating could be in the dance. There were freshmen, JV, and varsity all dancing together.

Every one of the sports did the best that they could given the amount of time they had to prepare and their lack of previous dance experience.

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SPORTS

November 8, 2022

13

SPORTS Yankees Fall Short Once Again

Oh how the mighty have fallen—The New York Yankees miss the World Series for the 13th year in a row.

MICAH RODRIGUEZ Sports Editor

Aaron Judge hit 62 home runs to set an American League record. The New York Yankees had a leaguehigh 16 walk-off wins and a 120-win pace by early June. So many things went right. Yet for the 13th year in a row, the Bronx Bombers failed to make a World Series appearance.

The Yankees were beaten down in the American League Division Series by the Houston Astros in a clean 4-0 sweep. The scores of the game were close, but everyone who watched knew there was a better team in the series.

Just think, $250 million was spent to be bounced before late October. Fans, myself included, have a major problem with how that money was spent.

The Yankees had the third-highest payroll in baseball this past season, trailing only the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Yet during the past few off-seasons, the Yankees

passed on superstars Bryce Harper (who just sent the Philadelphia Phillies to the World Series with a game-winning home run), as well as Manny Machado, Carlos Correa, Max Scherzer and Freddie Freeman.

Instead, they chose to spend $25 million on 37-year-old Josh Donaldson, who has been out of his prime for three years.

The Phillies are paying Harper $26 million, this postseason, he has hit over .400 with a 1.351 OPS. Donaldson hit .172 with a .540 OPS. It’s absurd they choose to pass on superstars in their prime in free agency, and instead trade for a washed-up former MVP. If you thought the Donaldson trade could not get any worse, you are wrong. The selling point of the deal from the Yankees’ perspective was the acquisition of former Gold Glove winner Isaiah Kiner-Falefa. Winning a Gold Glove means you are the most elite defensive player at your position in your respective league. Kiner-Falefa was an elite defensive third

Playoffs at Last Girls field hockey makes it into playoffs for first time in team history.

Girls field hockey went to the playoffs for the first time in Thousand Oaks High school history with a record of two wins, two losses and two ties.

In the first round of playoffs they played Bonita, but lost one to zero.

“It’s tough we’re playing probably the best team in our league first round,” Said Scally.”

Coach Scally and his team are very excited to have gone to the playoffs after not being able to have a team last year.

“They are super excited, this is something that’s been a long time coming and the seniors have told everybody how big of a deal this is,” Said Scally.”

Coach Scally is very excited to be going to the playoffs, “Super excited, so TO’s had field hockey for over 6 years and this is the first time we’re going to the playoffs so super excited,” Said Scally.”

Last season girls field hockey only had 11

players but they needed at least 14 because 11 should be on the field and there need to be some subs as well so they weren’t able to have a team but this year they had a great freshmen class recruiting and got 6 new players.

Coach Scally has been coaching field hockey since he was sixteen, he decided to start coaching because “The sport of field Hockey has been in our family for three generations, my grandfather was the captain of the Argentinian national team, my father played in two Olympic games (Mexico and Munich), my aunt was also a national team player, and my mother was a regional team all star.

I grew up playing the sport for fun while watching all of them play.

Since then, both my brothers were in the US national teams, my sister had a full ride scholarship to MSU, she was also in the over-40 CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

PHOTO » NEW YORK YANKEES OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM

to add talent and would get rid of players if they did not perform.

The Yankees used to be feared. They were the Bronx Bombers. Now they are the Bronx Boomers.

The Yankees are never willing to admit their mistakes. They never swallow their pride.

Change is needed this offseason for the Yankees.

Judge’s looming free agency

will show if baby Steinbrenner will spend the money needed to make a contender or settle with mediocrity and making his millions selling Budweiser in the stadium.

Girls find love for sport off-campus While there is no formal equestrain team at Thousand Oaks High School, students do compete in the sport on their own time.

RILEY KEELER

ALLIE ANELLO Sports Editor

baseman with the Rangers, but the Yankees played him at shortstop.

It went about how you would expect it to go. Kiner-Falefa had the fifth-most errors in the league and struggled to hit for power at the plate all year.

Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza, the Yankees’ top two prospects, just happen to be shortstops. Volpe is a top10 prospect in all of baseball.

They called Peraza up at the end of the season because they were so unhappy with Kiner-Falefa’s performance.

However, the Yankees still chose to start Kiner-Falefa come playoff time.

If anyone is to blame for the Yankees failure, besides the players, it is management.

Team owner Hal Steinbrenner inherited the team after his father, legendary owner George Steinbrenner passed away. George Steinbrenner would stop at nothing to win a championship, it is what made the Yankee teams of the late 1990s and early 2000s so great. He was not afraid to spend outrageous amounts of money

Staff Writer

There are so many types of sports, a lot of which we don’t have at our school. English horse riding is such a popular sport, yet not many people do it. Living in California, there’s not too many riding academies but the most popular in our area are, Elvenstar in Moorpark, Foxfield Riding School in Thousand Oaks, and Fieldstone Riding Club also in Moorpark. All of these places are high end riding academies.

Seeing as equestrian riding is so expensive, not many people have the money to do it. Between the lessons, clothes, safety, and the proper equipment, it could cost up to thousands and more, a month for very few lessons a week.

“I have been riding for eight years, I ride all of my trainers’ horses whenever we get a new horse, I’m kind of like the test subject,” Kennedy Green said.

Equestrian riding is also a hard sport. It’s a tremendous workout, and you need strong

legs to be able to do it. Riding takes lots of core and leg muscles.

You are constantly squeezing with your legs to keep your horse moving while trying to stay in your seat, and staying balanced. Some people find it hard to sit in their seat. Two point is the jumping position where your bottom is out of the seat, so if the rider going through a jumping course they have to be in their two point the whole time.

It’s so difficult because they are squeezing with their legs, staying balanced, and steering all while out of the seat.

While riding they also have to keep their heels all the way down, this is basically how they stay balanced, while posting, and in their two point they put all of their weight into their heels to stay in their seat. Lots of people find the sitting canter hard because depending on the horse, it can have a very smooth or bumpy canter and it’s hard to not bounce around in the saddle. “I compete in hunter/jumper, I ride at Silverstone Riding School, and I

PHOTO »RILEY KEELER »THE LANCER

ride two times a week,” Green said.

It takes lots of work to become good at riding. It’s a very dangerous sport, this is another con of riding horses.

They are unpredictable and they can spook at anything. The rider’s emotions affect the horse, if the rider is nervous then the horse will be too. It’s very complicated because you never know what’s going to happen. Horses are thousand pound animals and they are hard to control. They can spook at their own shadow, a jump, anything could happen. This is why it’s

necessary to wear the proper safety equipment, and always be ready for anything. Though it can be scary or nerve wracking riding it is so freeing to be able to go out and be able to let the horse have control and just be along for the ride. The feeling of jumping is unlike anything, it’s the highlight of riding.

There are many different kinds of riding styles, and there are two different saddle types.

There are English and western riding. Everyone knows what western is, this is where barrel racing, roping, cutting, and so much more. This

is the more exciting style, more people do this. It’s a bit more messy than English riding.

You see lots of western riding in places like Texas, Montana, Kansas. English riding is more elegant, where you have, dressage, hunter/ jumper, eventing, saddle seat, and many more.

You see lots of English riding in places like England, Germany, France. Of course English costs more to do, because of the outfits and all of the fancy things you need to make yourself, and your horse look good for show.

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SPORTS

November 8, 2022

AUDREY MARTINEZ Staff Writer

The Cross Country program only got better as the season went on.

Led by head coach Andy Thompson, the major focus was on teamwork.

Thompson’s team had to naviagte through setbacks.

“I’ve never seen this many kids get sick and get laid out like this for a cold,” said Thompson. “We had a couple of races that weren’t quite what we were planning on.”

Despite their struggles with illness and missing runners, the team had to band together.

“When they do work together, we see the best result,” Thompson said.

The top female runners were Peytonne Evans, Cassidy Kajita, and Matilda Fitzgerald.

“I feel like we have a lot of great runners and it’s the same thing that

Cross Country Keeps on Running Cross Country team makes a comeback, overcomes illness amongst the runners to make CIF Prelims.

we just need to really work together,” Thompson said.

Varsity Captain Matilda Fitzgerald brings positivity into the cross country team. She has become fairly well-known on TikTok under the username calirunnergirl.

“We train to race, and we race for each other,” Fitzgerald said.

The upperclassmen’s success, has enabled the underclassmen to perform to the best of their abilities as well.

“I mean we had some excellent performances from our freshmen in Theder County championships in Mount Sac Invitational,” Thompson said. “I’d say the lower levels are working really well.”

As the season comes to a close, the team looks forward to next year where underclassmen will have a chance to take the lead.

PHOTO » EK GALLERIES » WITH PERMISSION

BACK AT IT — Girls Varsity Cross Country competes alongside their Newbury Park opponents at the Cluster Meet on Nov. 3 at Agoura High School.

Record Breaking Season Won’t Be Tarnished by Play-off Defeat Powered by holistic health, football has best season in over 30 years.

MICAH RODRIGUEZ Sports Editor

When TOHS football head coach Evan Yabu was hired in January 2020, the program was in desperate need of a revival.

From 2017-2019, the Lancers lost 25 games in a row. The culture around the football team was extremely negative.

How bad?

“The school thought our football team sucked,” senior receiver Johnny Abarzua said.

Yabu knew the turnaround would not be overnight.

“It was a multi-year process,” Yabu said.

“The beginning of it was more militant discipline.

With the drop of a finger you’re getting physically punished and if you quit, you quit. We wanted to weed out the guys that were not committed.”

It wasn’t just about a commitment to football.

It was about a commitment to mental health.

For this season, Yabu instituted a holistic health program, led by

assistant coach Matt Koman. The program aims to focus more on the wellbeing of a player on and off the field.

“Sports are a part of the high school experience and monumental in the development of that person,” Yabu said.

“Sometimes we put too much focus on the sport and lose sight of the bigger picture. We made an oath to ourselves as a program that we weren’t going to do that.

We made a long-term commitment to taking a more holistic approach to the development of each of the people a part of the program and made sure we did not skip over the difficult things to talk about and impact their lives outside of football.”

Koman’s mission is to unite people. He is able to do that though a holistic approach.

“It gets a negative connotation with a lot of different communities,” Koman said. “Being holistic is looking at your whole self. Its understanding that if your life is a pie, each piece of the pie is of

equal importance. If a spoke on a wheel is missing, the wheel can’t spin smoothly. We get to tend to all of the sections equally.”

Koman’s program is different for every player and changes weekly.

“It’s dictated by each individual,” Koman said. “Throughout the year we have done a series of different activities. We’ve done public speaking, where I get the microphone out and the big speaker and we go into the auditorium and put kids in uncomfortable situations.

We’ve done a lot of visualization, meditation, and breathwork.

We have gotten into ancient traditions such as tai-chi.”

It’s not only coaches that bought into the mental side, the players have as well.

“Football is a mental game,” sophomore Brolin Harrah said. “You have to get your mind right before you play in the game. It has made us closer as a team. It brings us out of our comfort zones a little bit

but it unites us as one.”

The increased focus on the mental side of the game has given the players added confidence.

“The coaches tell us what we can be and how good we know that we are,” Abarzua said. “They want to get us to play to our full potential.”

Back to coaches, they believe the mental side gives their players an advantage.

“If you are not thinking about sports psychology you’re at a disadvantage,” Yabu said. “If we all cannot agree that the mind is connected to performance at some level, what are we doing?”

The Lancers finished the regular season 10-0 after a 55-26 win against Del Norte. It is the first 10-0 season in school history and the first time the football team has gone undefeated since 1989, where they finished 9-0-1. Friday, Nov. 4, the Lancers traveled to Temecula for round one of the CIF playoffs and lost to Chaparral High School 62-14.

The team’s success has mostly been attributed to the dynamic duo of senior quarterback Travis Endicott and senior running

back / linebacker Chase Martin. Martin, who has received scholarship offers from more than a half-dozen FBS programs, has 18 total

touchdowns. Endicott, who also boasts offers from multiple FBS CONTINUES ON PAGE 15

SCOREBOARD — 20-yard pass completed to Senior Andrew Lacombe for the opening touchdown.

PHOTO »REMINGTON BEAUDOIN» THE LANCER

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November 8, 2022

15

Girls Flag Football Makes its Way into CIF Southern Section Five decades after Title IX legislation passed, CIF sports have come a long way for women, and now Thousand Oaks High School is proud to introduce girls flag football next year

PAST ACTION— A Junior on the 2014 Powderpuff team gains yards against the opposing Seniors.

PHOTO » THE LANCER LEGEND 2014

AUDREY MARTINEZ They are making this happen by opening up Staff Writer these opportunities to Women’s sports have women. They are the grown in numbers, by women student-athletes’ the governing body voices. adding new CIF sports “The idea is that at for girls to play. Rob the CIF we are about Wigod and Paula Rodas opportunities, we’re are members of the CIF about creating opporSouthern Section and tunities for students have the ability to make to learn life lessons a change or a difference by being part of high in sports by taking it to school sports programs the governing office. and we’ll have female

students athletes playing girls’ flag football that maybe haven’t played other sports, or haven’t been part of anything that’s, that’s been involved with CIF.,” Wigod said.

CIF members are Jorgerson doing everything they can to make openings for women. Girls’ flag football is one of these opportunities and for many more to come,

with CIF making these differences.

“I am working to capitalize on the popularity of the sport and the momentum of its growth across the world to bring more opportunities to our female student-athletes. Flag football, though related to tackle football, it’s a totally different sport.

This requires a different kind of athlete and

thereby different opportunities for interested athletes,” Dr.Paula Hart Rodas said.

Dr. Paula Hart Rodas gives women a chance because when she was younger she didn’t have that many options for sports. The doors were closed for her.

“As a four sport athlete in high school, I know firsthand how powerful participation

in school-based athletics can be for girls. It is my desire to bring more options for the girls of California to participate and have those same life-changing experiences,” Dr. Paula Hart Rodas said Girls’ flag football was unexpectedly a popular sport for girls.

Other companies have seen this and have teamed up with CIF. “Well, we think there’s a lot of interest from girls that like to play flag football, and actually there’s been a lot of help from the National Football league who’s been promoting girls’ Flag football leagues out there already. And so for us at the CIF Southern Section and hopefully statewide, just excited to offer another championship opportunity for girls student-athletes,” Wigod said.

There is always a question about if girls’ flag football will become girls’ football.

“Tackle football is a coed sport. If you watch the news or read lately,

you will see countless reports of girls who are having success playing tackle football. Running back Bella Rasmussen, of Laguna Beach HS, was recently celebrated as the first girl in California to score 2 touchdowns in a single game”, Dr. Paula Hart Rodas said. When girls have wasted no time blowing people away with their sweet skills they are learning.

“Girls have been playing tackle football for many years. When I first started teaching and coaching in 1996, we had a girl on our tackle football team at LB Jordan High School.

Girls who want to play tackle football are and have been playing alongside their male teammates for years.

The differences now and are showing how capable we are,” Dr. Paula Hart Rodas said.

CIF is excited to make new chances and options for women student-athletes and hope for many more opportunities for women’s sports.

Record Breaking Season Ended in Playoffs CONTINUES FROM PAGE 14

PHOTO » BRYCE FROHN » THE LANCER

MOVING THE BALL — Midfielder and captain, junior Bianca Scally sprints past a Newbury Park defender.

Field Hockey Playoffs at Last CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 11 players on the team instead of the required 14. This year’s team had a promising freshman class, adding six players to the varsity roster, making them eligible for games. Losing only two seniors, Scally is sure next year’s team will be more competitive in the

season and potentially make it further into CIF playoffs.

Even though they lost to Bonita 1-0 in the first round of the playoffs, the program has something promising to build on for next season.

“It’s tough,” Scally said, “We’re playing probably the best team in our league first round.”

programs, has accounted for another 22 touchdowns.

However, it is the unsung heroes who have taken this team to the next level.

Yabu highlighted the performance of wide receiver / defensive back Will Halub, lineman Dane Wilson – whom Yabu said is a favorite to win Lineman of the Year honors in the county – defensive back Sam Shapiro, wide receivers Andrew Simon-Lacombe and Johnny Abarzua and defensive back Dean Harrington and lineman/ tight end Blake Lauritzen.

With a loaded roster of stars and unsung heroes alike, the team has been able to overcome challenges, especially fourth-quarter deficits.

In week two, the Lancers trailed Westlake by 10, 22-12 heading into the fourth quarter.

Endicott connected with Lauritzen to get the Lancers within three. On the Warriors ensuing possession, Silas Kemp made a diving interception that led to a Martin rushing touchdown to make the score 25-22. Martin would find his way into the endzone one more time to put the game out of reach.

The Lancers won 3222, beating the Warriors

for the second year in a row.

In week eight, the Lancers trailed by 3, 17-14 with just over 11 minutes left in the game.

With under two minutes remaining, a safety brought the Lancers within one and gave them the ball back. Endicott led the team down the field and connected with Simon-Lacombe from 4 yards out to take a 22-17 lead with 24 seconds remaining.

Halub rushed in the 2Pt conversion to make the score 24-17 and put the game out of reach for the Musketeers.

This year’s team has come up with three determining values.

“Trust, respect and unity,” Koman said. “This has nothing to do with me. That was them deciding what they wanted their values to be. Yabu and I get to sit and watch those words have meaning to these young people because they have been practicing what those words mean to them.”

Yabu makes sure his players live up to his mantra.

“Quickly get over things that have happened, good or bad,” Yabu said. “That mindset has helped us in our up and down journey in staying as even as we can and playing our brand of football through the ups and downs.”

LOCKED IN — Junior defensive back, Silas Kemp receives a pass in warmups before the Sept. 30 game against Royal.

Coach Alan Scally is a former National Team/ World Cup hockey player and has been a field hockey coach for over 15 years.

PHOTO » REMINGTON BEAUDOIN» THE LANCER

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November 8, 2022

Lancers at Work: JAKE CRANDALL Guest Writer

The roach, a most fearsome critter, but also heavily misunderstood.

It was a typical day at unnamed pizza chain until I discovered a new little friend in our backroom. A roach. This was a weak, sad creature stuck on it’s back like a stranded beach turtle. But this roach had to fret not, for I, and a few coworkers were there to slack off on our $15 an hour job and save it.

Mercy was given to it, and it was allowed to walk freely again. We decided to name our new brother-in-arms Timmy, and we took many enjoyed photos with him. But letting Timmy roam alone and scared in our backrooms with no door to our kitchen was not

the bright idea we thought it was.. So, in order to halt Timmy’s progress to our food, we assembled a plan: we would provide him with sustenance to stop his raid.

So, we did what we do best, we made pizza (and our signature breadsticks in case Timmy is lactose in-

Pizza for One

tolerant). Ripping a small piece of dough, we made a 2-inch circumference pizza for our scant comrade. But, unfortunately, we also had human customers.

Using my best instinct, I told the customers, we have a 30 minute wait. Now, Timmy had everyone’s full attention.

We concluded that Timmy might be truly famished, so

we made him a small inchlong bread-stick as well. The feast shall began shortly.

Once our bite-sized pizza was done, we put it on a petite tray for our paltry friend, and delivered it to him.

Scooping him up, we put him next to his delicacy and left nature do its bidding.

Once our

bread was done as well, we brought it to him. But this is where the horror began- he was once more on his backside, unmoving!

Timmy was dead, and he had condemned himself to eternal doom somehow.

Missing one of his legs, there he lied, pizza by his side. We mourned, we cried.

Thinking it disrespectful to throw away the dead, we wanted his spirit to remain with us the rest of the day.

So, we left him and his pizza in the backroom. He rested on our backroom floor in a pizza box all night, until our morning shift workers threw him away like the heartless devils they are.

At the end of the day, you could say we saved Timmy, but in reality, Timmy had saved us.

ILLUSTRATION » KELLIE PEARCE » THE LANCER

HITS & MISSES What’s Up and Down with The Lancer HIT: Taylor Swift’s new album “Midnights” prompts support from closeted werewolves, who are thrilled about the representation of their favorite time of day.

MISS: It now costs $8 a month to remain verified on Twitter.

Does new owner Elon Musk really need to make his net worth even higher?

HIT: A bear in Lake Tahoe wandered into a cafe and started stealing cookies. The employees weren’ even scared, they just made Lake Tahoe the new hub for Grizzlies.

MISS: TOHS Journalism saw the Marines out in the Quad giving away t-shirts for pull-ups and mistook them for a t-shirt manufacturer. The editors tried to get an advertisement from them.

HIT: Previously ranked No. 6, Alabama, lost to No. 17 LSU 32-31 in single overtime. It looks like Nick Saban and his staff need even more 5-star recruits.

MISS: Drake and 21 Savage dropped their new album, “Her Loss”. Is it her loss or our loss because every song sounds the same.

Every Lancer Has a Story Throughout the year, The Lancer selects students at random to answer whatever is on our minds.

PHOTOS » BROOKELYN BONILLA » THE LANCER

What song would you play in your head forever?

What is your biggest ick in a relashionship?

If you were and Ostrich for a day, what would you do?

If you could create your own world what would be in it?

I would say “Your So Great” by Blur but if I am being completely honest it’s “Please please please let me get what I want” by the Smiths.

It is just harder to say that out loud, because it is Morrissey.

My biggest ick in a relashionship is when they wear outside clothes to bed. I feel like when people wear the same clothes they were wearing all day, and you’re relaxing, you should change. Sleeping in Jeans is a sin in my opinion. (I am sorry)

I would walk around all day. Touring different places, strutting as much as I can. I would go to Egypt and race people and keep circling around the pyramids. I would be pecking at the ground consistently. I would give people piggy back rides.

Cat in the hat because he has all the gadgets. He can pull umbrellas out of his hat. For example, if thing one, thing two, and Donkey came in the mix, the things are just crazy and can whip out their wood car.

It’s not even a fair fight. It would not take him more then a minute to mop the floor with Shrek.

-Bryant Carey(12)

-Karolyn Barker(12)

-Nathan Burrows(12)

-Ani Serrano(11)