RoSEVILLE HIGH SCHooL’S
The
Panther Prowl
Issue 5, Volume 27
@P_Prowl
Business teacher wins Teacher of the Year Karli Obriecht Business teachBusiness Manager er Jeffrey Verkeyn has been awarded the 2015-2016 Roseville High School’s Teacher of the Year award. Verkeyn was down in the Panther Den when he heard the news and was completely shocked. “I was shocked when I heard my own name because I was waiting to hear someone else’s name because there are so many other people that are very deserving of this award,” Verkeyn said. Verkeyn is the business department chair and runs the Panther Den and guides students on exactly how to run a business. “One of the best aspects of the marketing program is the real life experiences that Mr. Verkeyn has brought to
our students, both in our program and from his own experiences as an entrepreneur. Students really get a good taste of what it takes to run a business, and I think that will make a big difference in the opportunities they pursue in the future,” principal Peter Hedemark said. Verkeyn also teaches the Microsoft Certification class for PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. “Taking the certification class is a great way for students to get more skills that will help them with their careers later in life and I love being able to help them achieve that,” Verkeyn said. Outside of the classroom, Verkeyn gets involved in a lot of other school activities. He has coached jv boys’ soccer, jv girls’ softball, seventh and eighth
Jeff Verkeyn Business teacher Jeff Verkeyn advertised Make A Difference Experiment (MADE) at Arts, Beats and Eats in Royal Oak.
March/April 2016
Catherine Evola
Business teacher Jeff Verkeyn helps senior Caleb Reynolds with his assignment.
grade girls’ basketball, and varsity boys’ basketball. He usual coaches at least two seasons a year. Verkeyn created a small business called, “Make A Difference Experiment” (MADE), which encourages positive communication and cooperation. The program involves passing bracelets along to others who have shown kindness to someone to show how much kindness can spread. The idea came to Verkeyn about three years ago and has made a pretty big impact so far. Before Verkeyn started working at RHS 15 years ago, he attended Western Michigan University and obtained his bachelor’s degree in business education along with a minor in physical education. He then continued to go to school and got his master’s degree in administration at Saginaw Valley University. Verkeyn stated that he felt college was a memorable learning experience that prepared him for everyday life. In his spare time, Verkeyn likes to play sports, especially basketball, and
spend time with his family: his wife Brandy his son Chase, 5, and his two daughters Cate, 4, and Harper, 1. Verkeyn also enjoys taking trips with his family Up North and to Florida. He’s usually doing little things around the house with them every day and likes to at least go out and do something fun with them at least once a week, such as, a sporting event or the library. Overall, Verkeyn felt very humbled with the award and stated that every teacher in the Roseville district plays an important role in today’s education system. He believes that the process does not start with the teachers; it starts with the students’ willingness to learn. That is what motivates him to do his best every day, to provide education to students that seek it. “Verkeyn is an excellent teacher who is working with me to make me a better student and I could never thank him enough for all he’s done for me and helped with,” senior marketing student Eryn VanderVlucht said.
Students experience everyday life of a police officer with police ride-along Over the past few years, there has been an increase in tension between law-enforceKarli Obriecht Business Manager ment and the community. The public has seen many cases where individuals have abused the power of a police badge, and this has rightfully caused many people to lose respect for law enforcement, and feel fearful of what may happen when they encounter officers. On the other hand, there is no doubt that there are many honorable and honest police officers out there whose main priority is to keep us safe. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand others if we have never been in their shoes. For example, do you know what it is like in a day in the life of a police officer? If not, you may want to consider going on a ride-a-long. What is a ride-a-long? A ride-a-long is exactly what it sounds like, any student can “ride along” with a police officer in a squad car to diMorgan Barbret Staff Reporter
rectly witness what the officers in our community do in a typical day’s work. Ride-a-longs generally last a few hours, and allow students to ask any questions they may have and to gain a better understanding of what the job entails. Detective Brad Mckenzie, of the Roseville Police Department, helps facilitate simulations for the tectonic leadership program and decided to share his thoughts on why he thinks a ride-a-long is a good experience. “Typically students who participate in ridea-longs are interested in going into law enforcement… I think ride-a-longs are great because they show students what kinds of calls we go on, and how we handle them. It gives people the opportunity to see what police officers go through on a daily basis,” Mckenzie said. If a student is under 18 years old, then a parent or guardian must sign a liability waiver for the student which says the police department is
Jalissa Long-Jolley
Officers who worked with Tectonic Leadership are in the preparation for the ride-a-longs.
not responsible if a student is injured or experiences a traumatic event. To schedule a ride-a-long with the Roseville Police Department, call (586) 447-4475.
Spring Late WorkKeys SAT and Recess PSAT: and PSAT: start: April 4-10 April 12 April 13 April 18
Subscribe online at pprowl.com to get a newsletter every Friday
Review
2
The sort of return of the Harry The most anticipated video Potter book series games of 2016 Alana Carl Copy Editor
It has happened. After many jokes at the thought of it, it has prevailed. Once again J.K Rowling is looking to be crowned the queen by Harry Potter’s fans around the world. Childhood dreams have been realized and Harry Potter’s book hangover has finally been put to an end. Our world is changing as we speak, but, yes there is a but. Do not look outside to check for the pig flying just yet. Because while there IS a book, it does not reconnect to the Harry Potter fans around the world have come to love as if he was not a fictional character. It doesn’t really answer pivotal questions like: what happened to Voldemort’s supporters, and how exactly did a man make friends with a phoenix? And, unfortunately, no one comes back from the dead. The book is vaguely called Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. The book actually is a script: a script actually based on a middle-aged Harry Potter
Alana Carl
Freshman Nina Cannady takes a peek at Harry Potter and the Sorcerers’ Stone, the book that is known for starting the reign of the Harry Potter series.
with a fancy job, a wife and three kids to boot. But, while it would seem his problems reached the climax when he was 17 years old it apparently seems that being the Minister of Magic is a very tiring job, not to mention parenting. Especially parenting his youngest son, Albus Potter, who is being portrayed as having a hefty family legacy to carry on. Because apparently having Harry Potter as your father is apparently not that fun. Plus, having to defeat Voldemort probably leaves it mental scars that will be featured in the new story. So, a mentally scared father, a burdened son, and some vague curse is the making of a “kinda” new addition to the seven part series soon to become eight part series. It is important to note at this point that Rowling did not fully write the book, so if you are used to her writing style, you might be sorely disappointed. Instead, it was co-written by J.K Rowling and Jack Throne, the official playwright. The play, while being announced only recently, has already stirred up some controversy after it was rumored that the newer and older Hermione Granger, one of the main characters throughout the series was reportedly not as pale as her counterpart in the movie. But, black British actor, Noma Dumezweni has earned the approval of J.K Rowling with the following tweet dated Jan. 2 that responds to a fan who asks her opinion on the casting: Canon: brown eyes, frizzy hair and very clever. White skin was never specified. Rowling loves black Hermione.
No doubt while the idea of a new Harry Potter’s book leaves many yearning and filled with trepidation for the release date, it can be assured that some fans quietly rage at the thought that Harry has yet another thing to go through, because what ever happened to happy endings?
Continue on page 5
2015 Tatyana Lewis Staff Reporter was an
amazing year in the world of video games; however, with the new releases coming out this year, videogames are becoming even better. Whether you play Xbox One, PlayStation, or PC, here are the most anticipated games of 2016. From the developers of Bio Ware and publisher Electronic Arts brings Mass Effect: Andromeda. As a sequel to Mass Effect 3, this action role-playing, third person shooter is complete with new stories and new characters. It was officially announced on June 15, 2015 and is said to be released later this year. This game is available for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Dark Souls III brings a new variety of weapons such as firebombs and dual-wielding swords to the already giant world of dark souls. This third person perspective is an action role playing game. Available for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC, it is said to be released on March 28. Adding to the list of anticipated games is The Last Guardian, from the developers of Gendesign. The last guardian features a boy who was kidnapped for ‘mysterious circumstances.’ Finding a griffin like creature, the boy
Tatyana Lewis
A popular gaming consul is the PS4; gamers often use headsets to get the ultimate gaming experience.
and the creature build a bond as he tries to escape. This game is available for the PS4. The official release date has yet to be determined, all that is known is that it is set to be released sometime this year. Dishonored II follows the story line of an empress named Emily Kaldwin who was dethroned by an ‘otherworldly usurper.’ Following the steps from her protector, Corvo Attano, she becomes an assassin determined to take back what was hers. This action stealth game is available for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. This games
Movie review: Room Room is an Oscarnominated 2015 Canadian-Irish drama directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donoghue, based on her novel, “Room,” The film stars Brie Larson as Joy, Jacob Tremblay as Jack, Sean Bridgers as Old Nick, Joan Allen as Nancy Newsome, and William H. Macy as Robert Newsome. Brie Larson won the 2016 Oscar role for Best Actress after her role in the movie. Held captive for seven years in an enclosed space, Joy and her five year-old son Jack, finally gain their freedom, allowing Jack to discover the outside world for the first time. Upon reading the description, one cannot help but wonder if the movie and book are based off of the real-life case of Josef Fritzl, a man who kept his daughter in an enclosed room for 24 years before her and her children, who were also born in the room just like Jack from the film, eventually gain their freedom. While the theory is not confirmed, the connection between the two seems too strong to deny. Before I saw this movie, I assumed that it would primarily depict the story of their lives in the “room,” Jenna Stanley Section Editor
Microsoft Clipart
The main characters, Jack and Joy, are played by actor Jacob Tremblay and Actress Brie Larson.
and then end happily with their release, but I was wrong. The movie did go through their lives in the “room”, but the majority of the movie was about the aftermath and their struggle to gain back normality. Another unexpected aspect of the movie was that the story was told through the perspective of Jack, which puts
an entirely different emotional influence on the movie, to see how a child processes such a difficult concept and copes with the situation. The film starts out with Joy and Jack, going about daily life in a small, enclosed room they simply call “room,” as if it is its own country. Jack talks about how “room” is
is said to be released at some point this year. Released on May 13, Doom is a first person shooter, horror survival game. This game was developed by id software for the Xbox one, PS4, and Microsoft windows. Final Fantasy XV is an action role playing game in which Notics and his friends journey to retrieve their kingdoms crystal and defeat Nifheims forces. From the developers of Square Enix business division 2, this game is available for the PS4 and Xbox One.
Continue to page 5
a planet and everything outside the room is outer space. Jack believes that the people and things he sees on the television are magic and made of colors, and therefore do not exist in real life. All that Jack knows is “room,” his mother, and a man they call “Old Nick,” who comes in once a week and brings meager supplies for the two. It is implied that Old Nick is Joy’s captor as well as Jack’s father, but Jack does not understand the concept. After devising an escape plan, Jack helps the police free him and his mother from ‘room,” but the road to recovery is not so easy. Jack does not know how to process the outside world, like light, sound, and people; but Jack is not the only one who has a difficult time coping. Joy, who was captured at 17 years old, is now a woman and a mother and cannot simply resume life as it was before, which takes a toll on her and causes her and Jack to spiral downward in their road to recovery. Eventually, the two find strength in each other and begin to search for a normal life. The film is riveting and emotional; it makes you pay attention and strongly empathize with a concept that you do not regularly see. I highly recommend it, and would easily say that it is one of the most well composed movies I have ever seen.
In Memory 3 The problem with drinking and driving is the mourning after Kiara Fluker Staff reporter
The death of anyone is a horrific tragedy. It is far more tragic when it is unexpected and it is someone
2004 Buick SUV. He had one other passenger in the car, but they were both injury free. else’s fault. Jones was a well-known student who loved playing football Julius Jones was an 18-year-old senior, looking forward to and basketball. He was liked by many students and got along with graduating and joining the military. Unfortunately, on March 12 everyone. around 1:40 a.m., he was taken away due to a tragic drunk driving “We were on the way to play basketball,” former RHS stuaccident. There were a total of four people inside the 1996 Lincoln dent, Dante Carson said. “The four of us were sitting around, bored, Mark VIII; two former students: Keyon Simmons and Dante Carand one of our friends invited us to play indoor basketball, yes at son and one other current student, Marcus Wiley. 1:40a.m. We were just sitting at the red light, talking, preparing to The four boys were sitting at a red light at the corner of Groes- turn when we were hit from behind by the drunk driver.” beck and 14 Mile road waiting for it to turn green when they were “It was horrible, the back of the car was so horribly smashed unexpectedly smashed from the rear end. Wiley was the driver, that no one even knew that there was a fourth person in the car. I Carson in the front passenger seat, Simmons behind the driver, and heard our other friend yelling, ‘My brother is in the back! He’s in Jones behind the passenger seat. Wiley and Carson had minor inju- the back of this car!’” Carson said. ries, but they are now okay. Simmons was in a coma, but he is now Julius will be remembered by his enthusiasm to (have fun, awake and talking and making movements. It is safe to say he is make people laugh, or…). He is loved by many and memories of taking it one day at a time. him will never go away. He has certainly touched many lives by his The drunk driver, 24-year-old Kyle Kumbo, was driving a charming personality.
R.I.P. Julius Frazier Jones Jr. 02/02/98- 03/12/16
Messages and memories “When I was going through senioritis a week before he passed, I got kicked out of my mom’s house,” senior Justin Lewis said. “Julius let me stay in his sister’s house with him. We spent the whole four day weekend together because his sister was out of town. I will remember how he looked out for me no matter what. He never looked for anything in return even though I
“My favorite memory of Julius was picking him up from his cousin’s house and bringing him around all of my friends. His energy was so adaptable and welcoming, he could talk to and hang out with anyone and it was never awkward or a dull moment. His smile brightened up any room. Just the little things he did and being in his presence is something I’ll never forget,” senior Emiley Pegley said.
always looked out for him.”
“I remember on my 16th birthday it was a surprise, he kept it from me for the longest and I hated surprises and you made it worth it,” senior De’Asia Jones said. “You were the only boy at the party and it didn’t even matter to you because we were together.”
“We were just going to play basketball because we all knew we could dunk on the rims at a park in Mt. Clemens,” senior Marcus Wi-
“Julius had the most beautiful
“Julius you are gone too soon,
handwriting,” English teacher
we had many conversations
Sarah Drouin said. “I would
ley said. “Screams and scary… that’s the best
joke with him that I would love
explanation I can give as far as the accident. I
to see it more by him turning in
felt so trapped in the car, it was horrible. My favorite memory will always be Julius texting me or seeing him in person and his first words
more work.
about you working a little harder and fulfilling your potential,” math teacher Philip Moore said. “I will miss the conversations and you respectfully receiving it.”
would always be ‘What’s the deal?’ He was a really good friend, I miss him already.”
Photos courtesy of family and friends of Julius Jones
4
For You
Students in the hall: elections Now that the primary elections took place, people are currently decidingwho they want to vote for, while others are still indecisive. Since Barack Obama’s term coming to an end and new people ran for presidency during the primaries, only a few made it by and are still in the running to become president. The people that are still in the running for presidency including Republicans: Ted Cruz, John Kasich, and Donald Trump, and Democrats: Hillary Clintonand Bernie Sanders. Though students here at RHS can not vote, they have an idea of who they want to vote for.
“I would stick with Obama if I could so Trump would not become president, but I would vote for Bernie Sanders if I had to choose,” junior Jacob Rolder said.
Sarah Allen Copy Editor
“I would vote for Donald Trump because he can get us out of debt and he knows what he’s doing unlike these other children,” senior Brandon Loepp said.
“Definitely not Trump, his views with Muslims are not constitutional,” sophomore Samantha Averitt said. Photo courtesy of: Sarah Allen
Spring Break: Do’s and Dont’s Do’s
TyraNisha Stubbs Staff Reporter
Dont’s
DO have fun. Keep in mind that this is time to relax, DON’T get into trouble. During during break a have fun, and not think about things that can be dealt lot can happen seeing as how there are no parents around. with later. DO stay safe. Many students are traveling out of state for spring break by car. It is important to make sure a responsible person drives and to make sure there are plenty of pit stops. DO make memories. Document everything and make sure it is never forgotten. DO meet new people. Just because people travel with friends does not mean they are limited to only those few people. But do not just trust anyone.
DON’T do anything illegal. Everyone knows exactly what that means. DON’T give out any personal information. Everyone is on spring break around the same time and most people know what happens during spring break. It becomes extremely easy for strangers to gather information that can harm you later on. DON’T drink and drive. Recent accidents that have taken place in Roseville should caution this already but some do not take warnings well.
News & View
5
New parapros join RHS staff
Exercise is the key to good health Josh Kovach What if someone Staff Reporter told you that a happier,
body burns in a day, you will gain weight. healthier, and longer In retrospect, if you eat slightly life was within your grasp? Sound less calories, then you will lose too good to be true? According to a weight. In theory it sounds very wealth of research, exercise is the simplistic, but in this day and age, if silver bullet for a better quality of life. people don’t see fast results, they tend Not only does regular exercise aid to give up and go back to their habits. in weight loss, it also reduces your Any exercise is better than nothrisk for several chronic diseases and ing. Here are some easy ways to work conditions. Finding activities that you physical activity into your life: take enjoy, and making that a part of your the dog for a walk, take the stairs indaily routine, is the key to a long and stead of the elevator, walk to the store healthy life. instead of driving, take up a game Physical activity is an essential or sport that you enjoy, join a gym part of any weight-loss program, as it or local health club. Next time when maximizes your fat loss while keeping you are tempted to skip exercising, valuable muscle mass; but, exercise keep these wonderful health benefits has many other health and longevity in mind and remember, every little bit benefits as well. It can help conditions helps. Consider your workout like an such as heart disease, stroke, type two important appointment. Would you diabetes, obesity, back pain, osteoposkip that? rosis, and many others. You may not feel up to a rigorous Exercise alone produces modest workout, but how about a walk in weight loss, but when combined with the neighborhood? With spring right a proper diet, the effects are much around the corner, there are more opmore impressive. Losing weight is all tions for outdoor activities. Don’t pass about calories-in versus calories-out. up a chance of a lifetime a longer and If you eat more calories than your healthier one.
Fatimah Odeh Recently, RHS has gained two new staff members, ParaStaff Reporter pro Judy Zundel and Tech-Parapro Chad Golembiewski. Though Zundel began her job as a parapro at Roseville Jalissa Long-Jolley on Feb. 22, RHS halls are familiar to her. Along with being Copy Editor a proud mother of two RHS graduates, she was previously a part of the kitchen staff for 10 years and was a member of the parent club for RHS, RMS, and Roseville elementary schools. “I’m still getting used to this. It’s definitely different, but I think I’m going to like it,” Zundel said. Golembewski joined the Roseville staff on Feb. 29. He graduated from RHS in 2011 and from the University of Michigan with a degree in sports management. In addition, Golembewski worked for both the baseball team at Michigan for all four years and the Detroit Tigers for the past season. For now, he will be working at RHS for the rest of the school year replacing Alicia Fresh, but hopes to soon work in high school or college athletics. “My goals are to continue to enhance my knowledge of technology and learn more of the media aspects… I hope to eventually work in a college athletic department or in high school sports,” Golembewski said. He plans to go back to school this fall and get a master’s degree online from Wayne State University in sport administration. If you meet either Mrs. Zundel or Mr. Golembiewski, greet them in the hallways!
Josh Kovach Weightlifting not only helps to increase muscle mass, but also aides in weight loss becasue muscle increase your metablosim and burns fat.
Jalissa Long-Jolley
Chad Golembiewski and Judy Zundel are RHS’s new parapros.
Anticipated games continued from pg. 2
Return of Harry Potter series from pg. 2
Lastly, No Mans Sky is developed by Hello games. This open universe adventure survival takes the player to explore uncharted galaxies, equipped with a space suit, jet pack, and multi tool. Available on the PS4 and Microsoft windows, this game is said to be released sometime in June this year. These are just a few of the games said to be released this year. Depending on your taste in video games, some of these just might be for you. Gamesradar.com
Regardless, everything is set to be released in the summer so it will be interesting if the new book and play will be on par with fans’ expectations considering the seven part book series it has to fill the shoes of. The original play will premiere
Staff List
Lucinda Vang – Editor-in-chief Zack Mroz – Managing Editor Jenna Stanley – Section Editor/ Layout Editor Karli Obriecht - Business Manager Stephen Moore - Web Managing Editor Troy Frank - Sports Editor Anthony Dombrowski - Sports Editor Curtis Mack - Copy Chief Alana Carl - Copy Editor Courtney Hietikko - Copy Editor Sarah Drouin – Advisor
Staff Reporters Sarah Allen Morgan Barbret Isabella Bolish Catherine Evola Kiara Fluker Joshua Kovach Tatyana Lewis Jalissa Long-Jolley Shyanne Methric Fatimah Odeh
Rachel Shacklett TyraNisha Stubbs-Ashley Amber Weller Branden Zalewski Jasmine Zarves
on July 20 on stage in two different parts in the Palace Theatre in London. If a trip across the pond is not quite in your budget, you could always read the play in the book-form that would be available by July 31.
The Panther Prowl is produced monthly by the newspaper staff of Roseville High School. Our goal is to inform, educate, and entertain the students, staff, and school community. We are committed to providing the highest levels of honesty and accuracy. If we ever erroneously misprint or omit information, please contact our editorial staff. The Panther Prowl is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA).
@p_prowl
6
Ads Curtis Mack Tutoring service
curtismack.roseville@gmail.com From: Dr. Mack, M.D.
The Steenland PTO would like to congratulate our former Steenland Wolf students graduating in 2016. Go Wolves!
7
Sports
8
Sports Corner Tony Dombrowski Sports Editor
Troy Frank Sports Editor
Boys’ Basketball
Varsity Record: Record:18-6
Although they lost their final game of the season in the regional finals against Stevenson, 60-44, the Boys varsity squad had a strong winter. They finished with an 18-6 record and won some big games against some tough teams along the way. Like Birmingham Groves in the Regional semifinals by a score of (61-56) and Warren Woods Tower in districts by 14. Throughout the season, the guys fought hard each and every game, and deserved their runner up spot in the regionals. Joe Drouin Dedication and hard work paid off for The varsity basketball team celebrates their districts the Panthers varsity basketball team this championship. season. “I could not be more proud of the team this year,” junior Rickey Shackelford said. “All of our wins came through hard defense, consistent offense, and hard work. Even though we took a tough loss at the end, we still win and lose as a team.”
Bowling Varsity
The varsity bowlers ended their season with a regional championship, also winning the title with the highest number of pins of any qualifying D1 school, with 4,248. However, the Panthers finished in ninth place in states. Even though the season ended with a low seed in states, all bowlers are proud of the way the season went.
JV
Adam Cornett JV bowling celebrates their first place in states ranking back in February.
Boys’ Swim The Panthers’ swim team did not have quite the season they were looking for, missing outon states. Although, some of the guys did make counties, including seniors Brendan Zalweski and Brandon Loepp. In the breast-stroke, they had season high times of 1:13.04 and 1:03.02 respectively. “It was a very fun season. We all learned a lot, helped each other out, and it all worked out in the end,” Loepp said.
Brendan Zalewski Senior Brandon Loepp gets ready to dive into the pool during the team’s practice.
Wrestling Under new coach Justin Petrone, the wrestling Panthers had a successful winter. The biggest accomplishments were seniors Rion May and Kyle Minor both making states for their respective weight classes, a huge award for these two. They both headed to states with momentum and much Sarah Allen The wrestling Panthers compete in a meet early wisdom on their sides. After the competitions, May in the season. finished the day without a win in two attempts, but making it was certainly an accomplishment within itself. Minor won one of his three matchups that day. “It was a great rebuilding year with our new head coach. The program is heading in right direction, we got through challenges, and hopefully we will get to states next year,” senior Elijah Davis said.
The junior bowlers definitely destroyed the competition this season, coming in first place in state finals, beating out 31 other teams. A successful season for the bowlers, the younger members of the team will take what they learned from this season and work harder to get back to states next season. “The season was very good. We won as a team and lost as a team. We all helped each other improve and get better throughout the season, and are all proud of what we accomplished. Hopefully the younger members of the team will remember what they were taught and get back to states next year,” senior Adam Walzak said.
Competitive Cheer A successful season for the lady Panthers came to an end in districts after finishing in eighth place. The girls fought hard in every competition, and had a good season. “It was a great season with the some great girls. I’m glad I spent it all with my cheer sisters in my last year here,” senior Shawna Brandt said.
Tony Dombrowski
The varsity competitive cheer team takes the mat and gets ready for their cheer at the Roseville competition back in January.
TTWTT: College or No College?
In today’s modern sports world, sports outside of football and basketball do not require some type of college education in order to play profesTroy Frank sionally. Because of this, skeptics opposed to those other sport would say that players that do not go through a college system do not have enough Sports Editor Tony Dombrowski maturity in order to play at a pro level. They are argue that the players are “too immature” or “uneducated” when they come straight out of high school. They argue in favor that the college progressed players have a higher maturity level and a certain sense of responsibility. The other side of the Sports Editor argument says that, no matter the education, a player is ready when they are ready, not of they take college courses. They would say that soccer players, hockey players, and baseball players have a civilized demeanor and lifestyle, despite no college education whatsoever. The football players that you hear about, have a college education, and still are very angry, violent people. The issue is not discussed enough in sports media, but luckily it is between Troy and Tony. Going to college is one of the many dreams for a lot of people. That is the same case for athletes who want to make it to the professional scene. In today’s world, most athletes in football and basketball play college for about one to three years, then declare for their respective drafts. All professional sports, including soccer, hockey, and baseball, should follow the same
Tony:
rules. However, They should go the full four years in order to show they are mature enough to play. In my opinion, there are a ton of crimes being made by professional athletes today in any sport that may lack maturity. I think it could have something to do with leaving college early. High school and college’s jobs are to teach you responsibility and maturity so you are ready for when
you graduate and move onto the real world. For example, people that leave early tend to commit more crimes than people who do not leave early. Take professional football quarterback Johnny Manziel, who has recently committed a fourth crime that could get him released from the team that drafted him, the Cleveland Browns. Manziel to me lacks a sense of maturity, and
Troy:
could have something to do with the fact he left college after his second year. Now, I am not saying he would not do these crimes if he did go all four years, but he might have a sense of maturity that he obviously lacks right now. All in all, college would benefit everybody, including athletes, coaches, and fans, to put their athletes through a full college experience.
College is amazing. If you want to excel at anything, college is the place you want to go. If you’re an athlete, however, it is completely unnecessary. Players are basically ready for the pros by the time they are seniors in high school. The maturity level of people has nothing to do with how much of a college education they receive. NFL players receive the most, yet, they are the ones with the most problems. Between Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 2015 and Aug. 2015, 23 football players were arrested for some type of criminal act. The NBA, a sport that
requires one year of nonhigh school basketball, comes in a close second to the NFL in total arrests between 2010 and 2014. All the sports that do not have a restriction on draft age have little to no offthe-field problems. Soccer, hockey, and baseball are all examples of this. The MLB has only an average of 552.8 arrests per year compared to the NBA’s 2,156.6 per year and the NFL’s 2,465.8 per year. Baseball pulls people right out of High School. The NHL is in fourth with 175 per year. It is about the player’s mentality, not the college they went to.
A young Johnny Manziel celebrates his Heisman Trophy victory before heading off to the pros, where he would see his career slowly dwindle away.