The
Fresh Press of Bel Air
E D I T O R I A L S F E A T U R E S F E A T U R E S
In the words of Mr. Johnson,”smells like teen spirit - not.” Students speak their mind on school spirit.
page 2
The terms “hook up” and “date” blur into John Carroll relationships
page 3
Mr. Johnson’s untold and unforgettable story
page 4
Badminton strives for fun Kaity Ayuso Editorials co Editor
The gym is Þlled with people sitting on bleachers. Players are whacking birdies back and forth. Everyone is concentrating intently on what they’re doing. Sound familiar? Welcome to JC’s newest competitive sport: Women’s Badminton. The Badminton team was Þnally established in 2006, after minor issues concerning coaching, location of practice, etc. It seems that these issues have been resolved, as the team ßies headÞrst into its Þrst ofÞcial season under the direction of Mrs. Gauthier. Mrs. Gauthier, having played badminton in college, opted for the coaching position on the team not only to help the sport establish itself at John Carroll, but also to take a break from traditional team sports. Mrs. Gauthier, in distinguishing badminton from other sports at John Carroll, says that badminton is “not like other sports where you can sub.” This is because badminton is an independent sport, rather than a team sport that requires different positions and subs for each position. She also marvels at the opportunity for individual success and improvement. “Everyday there’s success because they get better.” Among the 16 players, much potential is existent. Mrs. Gauthier
Freshmen Andrea Monaghan and Daniel Vandivia prepare to take on their opponents in a doubles badminton match. Although the team did not win many of their doubles or singles matches, they still had fun playing. describes the players as “really nice girls” who are “working hard and getting better.” One team member, sophomore Ariel Adamson, expresses her idea of a good team as “people who are nice to each other.” She and her teammates play to have fun. “That’s it—we play to have fun, and we do.” However, the start of the season was not all fun and games for the team. Even with a talented team
and skillful coach, there was still one obstacle keeping the Badminton team from success: the courts in which the team practiced had no nets. As in any sport, practice proves difÞcult without proper equipment. However, the team carried on, full-force for the Þrst few weeks. When the nets Þnally arrived, the players could truly prepare for their season. The team’s Þrst match ended with a sweeping win over IND.
Aggression slices through athletics
E N Don’t make T a date to see E R “Date Movie” T page 5 A I N M E N T
Caitlin Toner Features co Editor Aggression, it seems has been injected into today’s athletes and spectators like steroids into a major league baseball player. It’s always been an element to any competitive sport, to have the desire to win, but having parents attack each other at their Þve year old kid’s soccer game, is something we can all leave out. It has gotten worse particularly at high school
Cut athletes’ S story unveiled
P O R T S
photo by Ms. Gauthier
INDEX
Volume 1, Issue 1 May 2006 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014
Night Watch page 7 wakes international underground Nick Johnson Entertainment co Editor
games and even JC has had a few incidences with the issue. Last year Varsity Soccer was forced to Þre their coach, Mr. Whiteleather by several disgruntled parents. A majority of the team, along with their parents disagreed with the way Mr. Whiteleather coached the team. “We all thought he was way too aggressive and he wasn’t very positive,” said player Gavin Rayburn. According to Mr. Rayburn, “He would pick out certain kids on the team and be really hard on them,”
this caused those students to complain about Mr. Whiteleather’s tactics to their parents. His often negative presence on the team caused the spirit of the players to reach an all time low. “We didn’t want to play anymore, it wasn’t worth it,” said Gavin Rayburn Mr. Whiteleather, a man that was supposed to inspire the team and strive harder actually just
What does one do with a movie that became the number one Þlm in Russia? Well, you put English subtitles on it and send it to America. That’s exactly what Timur Bekmambetov did with his Þlm “Night Watch: Nochnoi Dozor.” It is the Þrst Þlm in the trilogy that promises to be the next Matrix and the next great fantasy story. The Þlm starts off with a little
back-story. In the 1300’s, the armies of Light and Dark met on the battleÞeld, each side losing thousands of troops. The leader of the forces of Light, Gesser (Vladimir Menshov) saw the futility in placing two matched armies against each other, for neither would ever gain dominance over the other. He proposed an accord that created 2 opposite orders, the
Although some players claim they won simply because IND’s team is also new, as of last year, the victory was proof that John Carroll’s newest team has deÞnite potential. Due in large part to its being the newest team in the league, the JC Badminton team has lost the majority of its matches. However, Continued on page 7 Reinforcement for acts of violence may come from three sources: 1. Immediate reference group: coaches, teammates, family, friends 2. Structure of the game and implementation of rules by officials and governing bodies 3. Attitudes of fans, media, courts, and society.
Continued on page 7 Source:http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com
Night Watch and the Day Watch. The Night Watch was made up of the forces of Light, and they would keep tabs on the Dark side of things. The Day Watch was made up of Dark entities, and would watch over the forces of Light. One day, though, the great one will choose the side of Evil, Continued on page 6
editorials
2
Spirit vanishes despite much SAC effort
The Fresh Press of Bel Air John Carroll School 703 Churchville Road Bel Air, MD 21014 Editor in Chief: Coleman Zurkowski Editorials: Kaity Ayuso Lisa Krysiak Features: Courtney Baltimore Henry Basta Mike Marll Caitlin Toner Entertainment: Emily Horwath Nick Johnson Kate Martin Danny Morris Sports: Aaron Hopkins J.T. Smaldore Jaime Vigliotti Kate Webb Moderator: Mr. Ionescu The Fresh Press of Bel Air is a publication of the students of John Carroll School. The views and opinions expressed in The Fresh Press of Bel Air are not necessarily the views and opinions of the Board of Administration of John Carroll School. The editorial staff invites and greatly appreciates comments from readers on any issue.
person can only do so much. Even spirit week is pathetic. C’mon, it’s even named after school spirit and all everyone cares about are the dress down days. Nobody seems to get excited for the pep rally and the football game. I want to see every class actually look like they’re enjoying the pep rallies. The SAC does sponsor events that are appealing to any high school student. They plan the Battle of the Bands, two times every year and are based on student participation. Normally, the Battle of the Bands gets 200, maybe 250 students for each show, according to this year’s statistics attendance was in the low 100s. The SAC works hard to keep us entertained, and we should return the favor by participating. Sure, some of the things may be cheesy, but in the end it’s all about fun! So quit snubbing your nose at JC and Þnally give yourself a chance to join in.
Emily okays indoor track Emily Horwath Entertainment co-Editor
Students in puffy winter coats cling to their Starbucks lattes for dear life as they shufße miserably across the JC campus, a chill winter wind painting their cheeks a rosy pink. The majority of the JC student body would laugh at the prospect of running outside in the frigid temperatures of winter months. I am one of the twenty or so brave enough to lace up my sneakers and venture out into the biting air. However, there is a certain degree of discomfort that always accompanies running outside in the wintertime. A solution could be found in the weight room, but there are limited amounts of equipment, limited times when students are allowed to use the equipment, and limited faculty that are required to su-
pervise workout sessions. Could there be a better way for students to exercise without stepping outside into the frozen terrain? The answer is yes. The addition of an indoor track to John Carroll’s campus would solve this problem. Both students and teachers would beneÞt from a convenient place to run a mile or two before they go home for the day. The convenience of an indoor track would ensure that it would get plenty of use and prove a worthwhile investment. However, as Mr. Dukes, JC Athletic Director, points out this addition would cost “half to three-quarters of a million dollars.” It also seems that there are other proposals on the table that would precede the addition of an indoor track to the JC campus. A new, larger cafeteria and the installation of air-conditioning are two possibilities that Mr. Dukes
Photo by Kaity Ayuso
Have any of you looked around and noticed that JC doesn’t have any real school spirit? Nada, zip, there is no school spirit in… well, this school! Many of you will admit to this problem almost immediately. School spirit is lacking at our school dances, sports events, and anything else related to JC. School dances have always had their problems, especially since this is a Catholic school, and many of us don’t feel like living up to our moral self when a dance ßoor is in our sight. Homecoming has always had its issues with dancing, decorating, and actually making it looking like a homecoming dance. So the SAC this year made some changes to make our homecoming experience more enjoyable. If the SAC can change things up a bit, why can’t the student body
share his enthusiasm with our sports. I hardly see anyone at sports games, even the football games just draw small meager crowds. People, this is all getting a bit below pathetic! Then again it might not all be our faults, as Mr. Johnson puts it, “who would want to come to see a losing team, lose.” Since athletics, especially the men’s divisions, Juniors Michaella Tassinari and Caitlin Toner dance the night away. Formal aren’t our strong dances attracted students of all grades this year. points as a school, we should still try and actually attend SAC spon- most people just sit around and to cheer up our athletes and ensored functions? talk. A lot people just sit around courage them to try harder next season. Mr. Johnson, who is in charge and do nothing but complain.” I try to get involved and particof a lot of the SAC school activiThis is true. We all just sit there ties and is a soccer coach, doesn’t bored, while poor Adam Devine ipate. I go to all the dances, (that hide his dissatisfaction with the uses every cell in his body to get is when we have them) and try to lack of spirit. “During pep rallies our attention. Too bad we don’t go all out for spirit week, but one Photo by Mark Ionescu Photo by Mark Ionescu
Caitlin Toner Features co-Editor
Students practice on the outdoor track regardless of the season. The winter practices ended in January, mentioned. These are creditable investments of JC’s time, effort, and money, but isn’t the idea of building an indoor track at least one worth considering as an addition for future John Carroll students and teachers to take advantage of and enjoy? Mr. Dukes says of the addition that “there are some really good reasons to think about it,” one of which would be that “we would be the only one in Harford County.” This would prove to be a source of income for JC, as Harford County track teams would pour in to compete at a nearby
track. Although initially the addition of an indoor track would be costly, the use of it by other schools would signiÞcantly help the track pay for itself. Students in puffy winter coats cling to their Starbucks lattes for dear life as they shufße miserably across the JC campus, a chill winter wind painting their cheeks a rosy pink. The majority of the JC student body would laugh at the prospect of running outside in the frigid temperatures of winter months. However, with the addition of an indoor track, they could get excited about running.
age people? Or do we want others to believe that we truly are a Catholic school, possessing morals and appreciation for others? JC sports apparently want others to view the school as a superÞcial clique with no tolerance for students who don’t spend every single minute of their life perfecting a silly sport. The majority of the 24 JC sports teams make cuts each year. For the past few years, tennis has been a “cut-free” sport. However, this year, they had to make cuts due to the explosion of incoming athletes that were cut from other sports.
Obviously, some people really want to play a sport, but, for whatever reason, JC has made it extremely difÞcult to take part in this common aspect of high school life. Some people make the fair argument that they have no choice but to cut athletes due to a lack of uniforms, but, then again, the administration did just throw all of our money into a lavish ofÞce for themselves.... Instead of sitting around all day making plans for their next ofÞce renovations, the administration should take responsibility for their school and make sure that the students are happy. The students pay the pricey tuitions each year to attend a school like JC, so they should at least be entitled to the opportunity to participate in the sports we enjoy so much.
Team cuts stress out already stressed students Kaity Ayuso Editorials co-Editor
A JC student’s Þrst experience in high school should not be one with overly competitive and insincere coaches cutting them out of their favorite sport. Some of us don’t plan on going “professional,” so why do so many people get cut from doing what they love? People are already worried about how they will do in high school and whether or not they will be successful, and getting cut from their favorite sport is one of the worst things that can happen to them. High school is not the Olympics, so why treat it as such? Rejecting everyone who is not perfect at a particular sport leaves
no room for individual improvement. Maybe some people join teams to improve their skills in the sport, or maybe some people can’t get rides home from school on a daily basis. They need sports to occupy them after school. But no─ the rules are: if you’re not “the best,” you’re off the team. What kind of atmosphere does that create for the JC community? Do we really want to portray ourselves as an overly competitive, exclusive school that has no room for aver-
High school is not the Olympics, so why treat it as such?
The
Volume 1, Number 1
Fresh Press of Bel Air
May 2006
features
3
Couples face “hook-up” issues Jason and Megan are students at John Carroll High School.* They are ofÞcially “going out;” however, each of them have a different view about their relationship and what “going out” really means. It is October 29th and the couple is on their way to John Carroll’s Homecoming dance… an event neither of them will forget. While the DJ is playing the song “Laffy Taffy” in the gym, Jason is in the cafeteria looking for his date. After asking around, Jason learns that Megan has been “making-out” and dancing with several other guys. Needless to say, the relationship did not last long. Teen-dating can be a great experience, but as you can see with Jason and Megan it does not always work out for the best. Dating seems to be a lost concept with today’s generation of teenagers. The old meaning of a date was that someone planned a time to share a meal or event with someone else. Now most teenagers talk about “hooking up” rather than dating. “Hooking up” usually implies that a group of people would go out or meet at an event and then two individuals would end up together. When asked what “hooking up” means, teens answers ranged from holding hands and talking to oral sex and intercourse. “I’m really not too good with commitment”, says sophomore Jimmy Horwath when asked about dating. Once two people Þnd themselves in a relationship, whether it was initiated by “hooking up”
photo byCourtney Baltimore
Aaron Hopkins and JT Smaldore Sports co-Editor
Juniors Emily Earnshaw and Mike Reft lock eyes during an off mod. Friendly bonding such as this is displayed throughout the hallways. or being asked out on a date, many important issues can arise, some of which can be positive or negative. The problems that can be encountered include decisions made on sexual activity, becoming involved in a violent relationship (date rape, dating violence which can be physical, emotional, or verbal abuse) and the sense of grief and loss experienced when a relationship ends. Adolescents who date often Þnd themselves facing the difÞcult issues of involvement in sexual activity. Oral sex and sexual intercourse can cause many problems for teens that are sexually active with multiple partners. The U.S. has a very high teenage pregnancy rate, although it declined from 11.6% of teenage women (ages
15-19) in 1990 to 8.4% in the year 2000. When dating leads to sex, there is also a danger of sexually transmitted diseases. It has been estimated that 4 million teens contract an STD each year. The diseases ranged from human Pamplona virus, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia , and HIV. Many states require that there be a STD prevention class taught to elementary schools middle/junior high schools and senior high schools. These types of classes try to teach the different ways that you can prevent getting STD’s. Although dating can introduce teens to many tough issues, it can teach teens many positive things about relationships and life in gen-
photo by Caitlin Toner
Mr. Bob Schick has worked on over thirty movies and tv shows before becoming a JC English and TV Production teacher. Originally from Oak Lawnn, Illinois, he went to the University of Oregon where he studied Telecomunication and Þlm. His Þrst job in the television industry was a ßoor director for a medium sized television station. A few of the well known movies he has worked on were Home Alone, The Fugutive, Underseiged, The Replacements, and Uncle Buck. He worked on the popular televison show The West Wing. “I certainly did more feature movies then tv,” said Mr. Schick. He started working in the Film Industry in 1988. He started as a Production Assistant, which was a “gopher type of job.” Mr. Schick says his job position varied from, “Bringing coffee to Actors to helping the Police do lock
ups for keeping people out of the shots.” Through his ten and a half year career in the Film Industry, Mr. Schick has been fortunate enough to have met a handful of famous actors such as Harrison Ford, Tommy Lee Jones, Heather Graham, Brendan Fraser, Merrill Streep, Nichole Kidman, Steven Segal, and Gary Busey. Mr. Schick ended up settling down in Maryland to start a family. “I like Bel Air it is a nice mellow place,” he said, “It is a great place to raise a family. Chicago is a great place to be from, but is a tough place to raise up kids.” Now he has one daughter named Martha who is ten years old. Mr. Schick Þrst came to JC as a substitute for Madame Harris’ French class. Later, an English teacher had to leave because she was expecting a child and Mrs. Harris told Mr. Schick about the job. He applied for it and has taught at this school since 2001. When I asked about his plans for the future with his Þlm, he
* - fake names used to conceal the identity of 2 John Carroll students
Mr. Piercy: Mr. Personality Kate Martin Entertainment co- Editor
He likes Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffet; he enjoys playing basketball and watching football. One of his favorite sayings is “go with the ßow.” Could this be your best friend or boyfriend? Well guess again…it’s Mr. Phil Piercy! Mr. Piercy, one of the JC vice principals, taught World History I for six years before getting the administration position. The position to teach at JC came up immediately after his graduation from Elizabethtown College. As well as teaching, Mr. Piercy also coached in the basketball program for ten years and baseball for four years. When starting college, Mr. Piercy could not decide on a major. He stated, “I have very varied interests.” Mr. Piercy felt he was ready for the job, because he was and is still, “committed to a Catholic education.” He says, “For me Mr. Schick smiles for the camera. He is normally caught personally…an overall approach I take is to try and do God’s will, behind the scenes. wherever that leads me. This reassures us that, “It is in post leaves a lot of ßexibility in my production, but I would really work.” Today it is common to Þnd Mr. like to have this done before Febuary to be able to enter it into Piercy handing out detentions, the Maryland Film Festival.” but coincidently he received three When approached about his or four detentions while he was English teaching job at JC, Mr. a student at JC. One was given Schick said, “This is my favorite out by Mr. Mullen of the guidance staff for skipping a Junior job out of all the jobs I’ve had.” Guidance session; another was bestowed on him by Mr. Scholl,
Schick shows several sides Henry Basta Features co- Editor
eral. Dating can help people with skills needed for marriage such as commitment. Although dating is not as serious, there should still be some form of commitment in the relationship. Dating can also help people develop better
social skills like communicating and getting to know another person better. Important lessons like ßirting and learning how to ask someone out are learned. Aside from learning different skills, dating can bring a sense of comfort and happiness, knowing that someone you care about, returns your feelings back. When two people spend more and more time with someone they care about, it tends to make them happier. Dating also gives you a person you can fall back on when things are getting rough and you are feeling down. Dating helps people build self conÞdence and self worth. It provides opportunities to practice conßict managment and learning to trust another person. Dating may have high’s and low’s, but, in the end it turns out to be something that can help students form and maintain relationships later in their future. Do you want to be someone who just sits back and waits for the “right person” to come along, or do you want to be like Jason and Megan* and get a dose of what reality is really like?
current Vice Principal. Mr. Piercy was full of stories when asked about crazy college experiences. One incident took place on the tile hallway in his dorm. The 20 boys living in the hall covered the ßoor with shampoo and soap making a slippery mess. They would start running from one end and Þnish on the other end of the hallway sliding the entire 50 feet. “I still have a scar on my pinky Þnger from when I smashed into the wooden doors at the other end,” declared Mr. Piercy. Now, after his college years, Mr. Piercy says, “All of my free time goes towards my kids.” However, this does not mean the good times stop rolling. “I have a blast with my kids, my wife feels like she has four kids instead of three,” said Mr. Piercy. He describes his relationship with his family, daughters Megan and Lauren and son Adam, as “tight”. At school we are not able to see the funny side of Mr. Piercy because he has to assume an authoritative role, “When you are head disciplinarian, people expect you to act a certain way.” However, Mr. Piercy assures us that “there is a crazy, goofy side,” to his personality. As Mr. Piercy says, “Everyone acts different in different situations.” So, next time Mr. Piercy or any other teacher comes in view try not to judge them solely on how they act inside the walls of JC; remember they where young once and probably a little wild, too!
The
may 2006
Fresh Press of Bel Air
Volume 1, Number 1
features
4 Aaron Hopkins Sports co Editor While sitting in the tree, he was suddenly struck by lightning, although it was more the tree than him he admits. “I was wailing like a banshee,” says Mr. Johnson. In 1981, during a thunderstorm, young Rodney was climbing a tree to Þx a hole he had put in his wall. One of the many amazing things about Mr. Johnson is that he was struck by lightning and lived to tell the tale. Although he could not get down from the tree, he walked out of the incident with no injuries. Mr. Rodney Johnson is one of JC’s most well known teachers, whether it’s because of his great teaching or his great humor. Through his teaching career and great adventures in the outdoors, Mr. Johnson has much to offer to others and a great amount of insight to bestow upon them. Mr. Johnson started teaching
in 1993 at Havre de Grace High School, where he went and graduated. During his 3 years there, he was the assistant varsity tennis coach. He then moved to JC in 1995, and has been a soccer coach since he began. When asked about why he teaches he says that he wants to “make a difference.” He also recalled some of his old teachers who had a profound inßuence on him when he was in school. “If I could do that and have the same effect like my teachers had on me, then I knew that it would be a great vocation.” He learned from of his past teachers mistakes and tries to not make their same errors. When asked about his goals for his students, Mr. Johnson says that his main goal is to leave them with a “sense of awareness.” He also would like to give his students the ability to discern information from different viewpoints and for them to Þgure out their own views.
James Hetzel:
photo by Monkey Marll
More than meets the eye
James can be spotted in his school uniform around school. But he is more than an ordinary pupil. Coleman Zurkowski Editor in Chief To the naked eye, James Hetzel appears to be just an ordinary JC student. But beyond his “I’m a Keeper” shirt lies a versatile teenager of modern day America. Although he may be no Transformer, he is more than meets the eye. James Hetzel is a sophomore at JC and lives life balancing schoolwork, sports, and fun. In terms of sports, Hetzel plays JV soccer in the fall and basketball in the winter. Hetzel also plays in a high school band known as Mexican Hairless and still manages to keep his grades up while doing all of these activities. It seems like a pretty stressful life and hard to Þt everything in, but James said, “I’m pretty good at Þtting it in.” Hetzel’s versatile life began
years ago when James got involved in cub scouts, baseball, and a boys choir. The activities tapered off, but he continued the boy’s choir until he got to seventh grade. Then, James evolved into a high school teenager and got involved in sports and music. “I just like to have fun with what I’m doing, no matter what it is,” Hetzel said. Although, it seems a life with all these activities would be hectic, Hetzel agreed that it was very hectic. “Even with study hall before basketball practice, I get home at 8:30 [P.M.] and still have work to do.” Last year James’ life not only included the stresses of sports, but it also included the stresses of Honors classes and an AP course. Hetzel’s English teacher from last year, Ms. Zurkowski, commented on James Hetzel and what kind of student he was. “James is a well rounded student with a great sense of humor, and always makes the class exciting.” Amid school and sports, James also Þnds time for fun. In the spring of last year, James became the singer of Mexican Hairless, a band made up of members from Bel Air High and JC. Commenting on Mexican Hairless, Hetzel said, “We just do our own thing with it and that’s what’s so great about it.” Right now, James does not know where he’s going in the future. However, he is motivated to achieve in school, achieve in sports, and achieve in life.
photo by Hank Basta
Teacher gets shock out of teaching
Mr. Johnson was zapped by lightning while making repairs to a wall. He lives to tell the tale and warn others about the dangers of lightning. He believes that the biggest to go back in time, he would still periences and getting to really challenge teaching students today choose to go to JC for numerous know his students, not always is making the topic relevant to reasons. He said that teaching at “bringing the pain.” He says that his best memothem. He says that the youth are JC had afforded him several provery “self-centered” and “desen- fessional opportunities that he ries here at JC are from when sitized” due to their surroundings. wouldn’t have gotten working at a the students he has taught and “One death is a tragedy, 50,000 public school. It has also allowed seen grow up throughout the him to travel to England, France, years graduate. He leaves us deaths is a statistic.” with the thought that “AdultMr. Johnson says that his big- and the Netherlands. Over the years he has taken his hood is not a Friends episode” gest regret is not continuing his education and getting his PhD. students rock climbing and white and he lives by the saying He says that if he had the chance water rafting. He enjoys the ex- “Not my problem.”
School scores superior safety standards Lisa Krysiak and Kaity Ayuso co Editorial Editors The year was 1974, and teaching his class on the third ßoor was a routine activity for Mr. Scholl in his Þrst year here at JC. One day that changed, when a booming noise rang through the halls of the school. A pipe bomb had exploded in the stairway leading to the roof. Although no one was hurt in this episode, incidents as violent or even more violent than this are not uncommon in the United States, even in recent history. In the 1999-2000 school year, 20 percent of all public schools experienced one or more serious crimes. One of the most infamous incidents occured at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado on April 20. This was the bloodiest school shooting in United States history. Two students set off bombs, shot and killed one teacher, twelve students, and Þnally themselves. Research showed that it was an effect of long-term teasing, taunting and bullying from various kids at the high school. Because of the shooting, new safety precautions and devices are being put into place in schools all over the country, including here at JC. Cameras, evacuations plans, metal detectors are serious precautions. Dress code and counseling programs are some examples of less serious precautions. Cameras are commonly installed in hallways and near entrances to monitor student and faculty activity. Vice-Principal Gary Scholl says that JC has cameras stationed in various places around the school, although “not at every entrance.”
Fire drills and evacuation “one where kids can come to plans, practiced here at JC, are learn and not be concerned becoming mandatory for students about negative stuff happenin some schools. ing to them and one where the These drills help to prepare the teachers can come to teach and students for a serious emergency. not be police.” Offenses like those dealing She also says a safe school is with guns are the most obvious a “place where kids can come factors of an unsafe situation in a and be accepted openly.” school. In relaMr. Scholl tion to guns at believes locaJC, Mr. Scholl tion has a lot to said that since do with a safe 1974 there has history because been no incithere is a “safe dents involving environment” guns. surrounding the Drugs are anschool. other obvious However, safety hazard. things as sim- Mrs. Heflin-Shupe ple as bullying The Drug-Free Schools and make for an Communities unsafe school Act, and the that may lead to Safe and Drugviolent acts. Free Schools and Communities Experts believe the simple Act provided more than $4 billion factor of dress code reduces to instate drug- and violence- pre- these minor types of violence vention programs. in a school. A survey by the Even with all of these precau- National Association of Sections and measures, some schools ondary School Principals are not yet totally “safe,” because showed that 70% of middle a safe school does not only in- and high school principals bevolve guns, and drugs. No device lieved uniforms reduced discimeasures up to one-to-one per- plinary problems and violent sonal care that some kids really activity. need, and counseling programs, Professionals also say like those offered at JC, maybe uniforms provide unity and the real help. equality, helping to eliminate Some experts believe factors student “cliques.” that are overlooked such as posiJC’s safety measures meet tive relationships in schools, sup- many experts’ standards for a portive and caring teachers may safe school, even though many be the most important things in of these standards are easily promoting school safety, because overlooked and underestimatpersonal relationships have a ed. Experts believe that even greater and longer-lasting impact simple precautions and meaon students’ lives. sures taken to promote posiJC Counselor Carol Heßin- tive development make for a Shupe deÞnes a safe school as safer school environment.
“[School is] a place where kids can come and be accepted openly.”
The
Volume 1, Number 1
Fresh Press of Bel Air
May 2006
entertainment
Date movie horrible for any occasion
Alyson Hannigan and Sophie Monk fight for the love of Adam Campbell. There’s no better way to do so then “Kill Bill” style. The movie starts off with a Napoleon Dynamite look-alike wearing a “Don’t Vote for Pedro” shirt. He dances obnoxiously on the wedding altar where Jones will eventually be wed to Funkyerdoder. This is just the beginning to an unbearable movie, which makes it excruciatingly hard for audiences to sit through an hour and
thirty-Þve minutes. During Jones and Funkyerdoder’s courtship, they partake in scenes from various Þlms. Their wedding coordinator, Jello, represents Jennifer Lopez in ‘The Wedding Planner.’ However, Jello exaggerates Jennifer Lopez’s features with a massively, over-stuffed back-side… yes the fun just
Arctic Monkeys swing into America Coleman Zurkowksi Editor in Chief
photo by www.arcticmonkeys.com/
As I was driving to school one day, the disc jockey played a song from an English band by the name of the Arctic Monkeys. The punching back beat of the drums, the rolling bass line, and the beautiful chord progression of the guitar caught my ear. I later bought a copy of their album and became addicted. “A Certain Romance” was burned into my head, and I was hungry for more. The band had humble beginnings, but quickly progressed to become uncommonly successful. In 2003, guitarists Alex Turner and Jaime Cook , drummer Matt Helders, and bassist Andy Nicholson formed the Arctic Monkeys. In 2004, the band joined the record label Domino to begin their musical career. The band is already huge in England, and their music is beginning to diffuse into the United States. The style of the Arctic Monkeys is reminiscent of the English punk bands of past decades. In the late seventies and early eighties, a punk/indy movement emerged from Manchester and other parts of England. Today, it is rare to Þnd someone who listens to those bands
and that type of music. However, several new bands have emerged, today showing glimpses of the past, such as Franz Ferdinand and (in a way) the Killers. And now, the Arctic Monkeys have come to bring back the past punk sounds of England. Quite evident in their music, their inßuences include the Jam, the Smiths, and the Clash. The Arctic Monkeys’ music incorporates musical talent, hyped-up energetic sounds of classic punk, and various vocal styles, ranging from nonchalant to emotionallyinduced and anger-Þlled lyrics. In the band’s upcoming album “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” the eleventh song of the album, “When the Sun Goes Down,” beautifully exempliÞes the extraordinary capabilities and potential of the Arctic Monkeys. The song begins with soft, smooth chords rolling off the guitar behind Turner’s vocals and introductory lyrics. Then, the band punches through the tranquility with malicious chords of the guitars and the thrusting count of the bass drum. For the verse, the guitars drop out, leaving the bass and drums to back up the lead singer and the guitars begin again to escort the chorus. Soon, the whole band’s energy shines
Lead guitarist, Jaime Cook, practices for the Arctic Monkeys upcoming tour. They will be playing in the U.S. this summer.
through with shouting vocals and a speeding back beat that would make anybody want to pogo (in a concert or not). Another awesome song that is deÞnitely worth checking out (if you have not heard it on the radio yet) is “A Certain Romance.” This song starts out with a thumping and rolling tom and bass beat on the drums. Then, the guitars and bass come in to lead up to an intro Þlled with crashing strikes from every instrument in the band. Suddenly, everything cuts and the guitars continue with a melodic segment to ready the listener for the music to come. Next, the drums jump in with an unexpected back beat rhythm to coincide with the slurring bass line and the skalike guitar. Meanwhile, the notes of the string instruments provide melodious progressions similar to the music of the Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, and the Manchester punk scene. Then, the instruments cut out again leaving the bass to play. After the bass plays the verse theme a few times, each instrument comes back in and continues through the last verse and chorus. Then, like a story, the song concludes with the powerful melodies of each string instrument coming together and guided along by the powerful drums. Finally, the song ends with the same mellow guitar the song started with to give “A Certain Romance” a nice, happy ending. If you are already lusting for the sounds of the Arctic Monkeys, their music is open to all listeners at http://www.myspace. com/arcticmonkeys or you can buy their new album on iTunes or from Domino Records.
keeps on rolling. When Jones goes through a ‘What Women Want’ moment, and can suddenly hear the thoughts of others, her insecurity gets the best of her. She violently attacks Funkyerdoder’s ex-Þancé, Andy, played by the gorgeous Sophie Monk, in a slow motion, ‘Kill Bill’ style. The irritating premise of ‘Date Movie’ is pushed over the edge when a scene comparable to ‘My Best Friend’s Wedding’ takes place. The entire cast starts singing and swaying at the table during the wedding rehearsal dinner, substituting despicable lyrics for those from the original song. The movie is thrown together, having very few connections. Not only does ‘Date Movie’ lack creativity, but any slightly humorous scenes are obliterated by sexual connotations and vulgar language. A particularly disgusting scene mocked a cat using the toilet from ‘Meet the Fockers.’ ‘Date Movie’ adds a twist by having the cat take an obnoxiously long time on the toilet, while making gruesome facial expressions and noises. Directors Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer should feel humiliated for their lack of imagination and originality. ‘Date Movie’ is not recommended for any audience, under any circumstances.
Forecast warm for Eight Below photo by disney.go.com/disneypictures/8below/
There are movies that leave audiences in awe and amazement due to special effects, fabulous directing, or terriÞc acting. Then there are movies which have audiences leaving the theatre thinking, “Did I actually pay money to see that? Can I request a rebate?” ‘Date Movie’ would deÞnitely qualify for the latter of the two scenarios. The Þlm lacked an original plot and instead took situations from previously released romantic comedies, a.k.a. “Date Movies.” ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’ and ‘Meet the Fockers’ are essentially the main “themes” in the Þlm. Actress Alyson Hannigan plays the main female role of Julia Jones, who works in the family diner with her Indian mother, African American father, and Japanese sister. Julia starts off as an over-weight and unsightly young woman, but is made over in an MTV “Pimp My Ride” fashion by Tony Cox, who plays Hitch. Jones then tries out the dating scene by playing “Extreme Bachelor,” where she Þnds Grant Funkyerdoder (pronounced funk-your-daughter), played by Adam Campbell. These two fall in love, but similar to any romantic comedy, they come across a few roadblocks.
photo by www.datemoviethemovie.com/
Kate Martin Entertainment co-Editor
5
Paul Walker sits with his beloved canines. The movie took place in the frigid south. Danny Morris Entertainment co-Editor
One of the latest Disney movies to hit the big screen, Eight Below, a Þlm starring Paul Walker and his team of heroic sled dogs. The Þlm was directed by Frank Marshall, who has previously produced such movies as The Bourne Supremacy. The plot, inspired by a true story, centers around eight sled dogs stranded in Antarctica and their handler who Þghts ceaselessly to return to his team. The drama begins with an expedition to recover a valuable meteorite. This trip must be taken with sled dogs due to the time of year, and turns deadly when one of the scientists (Bruce Greenwood) breaks his leg. Storm threatens to overcome humans and dogs alike. The highly trained sled dogs assist in rescuing the scientist when he breaks through the ice twice. Flying out from the Antarctic base to save the injured scientist, the dogs are necessarily left behind. The pack’s desperate bid for survival is chronicled over
the nearly two-hundred days that they spent alone in one of the most inhospitable continents on the planet. The pack of dogs deals with unreal temperatures and weather, massive, deadly leopard seals, and scarcity of food and drink. Not all the dogs manage to survive their period of abandonment. The dialogue and human interaction adds a certain amount of drama to the Þlm, but it is essentially a documentary-style movie, made fascinating by the unique plight and experiences of the dogs. The dogs are all trained exceptionally well, as they act out their roles to perfection. The family-like atmosphere and comical, sometimes touching interaction between the dogs adds a great degree of charm to the Þlm, greatly enhancing its wide range of appeal. Dog-lovers will enjoy this aspect of the movie, and fortunately, about Þfty percent of the movie is dedicated exclusively to the canines. Paul Walker’s role as the dogs’ handler, and Antarctic guide is performed with little passion or skill, and may even detract from the core story of the canines’ Þght for survival. Other notable Þlms Walker has starred in include The Fast and the Furious, where he exhibits similarly poor acting. Jason Biggs plays a supporting role as the comical Coot. The performances of Biggs and the other supporting actors are lackluster, and only mildly amusing at best. Eight Below is overall an enjoyable Þlm, best suited for family audiences, but suitable for all ages. The captivating tale of the sled dogs overcomes the poor acting and makes this movie a worthwhile experience.
The
may 2006
Fresh Press of Bel Air
Volume 1, Number 1
entertainment
6
Flightplan gets rerouted Unknown film awes small audience
Kaity Ayuso Editorials co Editor
“Night Watch” continued from page 1
photo by Touchstone Pictures
Have you ever walked into a movie anxiously anticipating an edge-of-the-seat thriller, and come out laughing hysterically because you’ve just wasted 90 minutes of your life watching a movie that is so ridiculous it should be illegal. If you have never experienced this, then you need to watch “Flightplan”. The plot of the movie seems to be creative: A widow is transporting her daughter and dead husband from Berlin to America via plane, and while mid-ßight, her daughter goes missing, causing the mother to conduct a frantic search. The opening scene is creatively cut to include a mixture of three different scenes in which the main character, Kyle, played by Jodie Foster, piques the interest of the viewer and offers hope for a suspenseful movie with a savvy plot. However, when you add predictable elements and low-performing characters to a good plot, the outcome is not so great. The movie takes a downhill spiral when it introduces Carson, played by Peter Sarsgaard. Along with being just another passenger on the plane, Carson deceives many people, plots to kill, and acts as a hijacker. His numerous personalities revealed throughout the movie make the ending so obvious that it is a big yawn The fact that none of the other passengers on the plane saw the kidnapping or recognized that Kyle was even with a child on the plane is so far-fetched that it is impossible to take this movie seriously.
Kyle (Jodie Foster) diffuses a bomb in the closing scenes of the movie. Even with this development, the movie lacked serious suspense. Even the most interesting scene of the movie, the Þght scene between Kyle and Carson, wasn’t even worth the suspense. Marlene Lawston, playing Julia, the kidnapped daughter, gives one of the few “A+” performances in the movie. She keeps her mysterious personality throughout her entire role, and her unique presence on screen is most likely the only reason that people watched the whole movie.
With more actors like Marlene Lawston, Flightplan would have the potential to be a movie worth watching. In director Robert Schwentke’s next Þlm, perhaps he should consider how much of the plot he actually wants to give away before the movie even begins. Moviegoers watch a thriller to sit on the edge of their seats and be captivated, not to be bored out of their minds and able to predict every twist and turn.
Huckleberry’s takes cake There is always a hint of cinnamon in the coffee smell that hangs warm in the air in Huckleberry’s Coffee and Tea, located in Abingdon, just off 9-24. More than just a coffee and tea nook, Huckleberry’s serves breakfast, sandwiches, and an array of delectable desserts. A warm, cozy atmosphere radiates from the toasty Þreplace which is surrounded by a blue and white ßoral couch, two squishy armchairs-one red-orange, the other mauve- and a wooden table complete with a standard blackand-white chess set. Other furniture includes four wooden tables with eclectic black, red, and light and dark brown chairs. Relaxing music drifts from obscure places, dim stage lights glow delicately in rows on the ceiling, and paintings of everything from ßowers to bicycles shimmer in the soft lighting. So, the atmosphere in Huckleberry’s is wonderful in the intoxicating way a coffee house should be. The menu consists of breakfast sandwiches such as sausage-egg-
photo by Emily Horwath
Emily Horwath Entertainment co Editor
Seniors Kevin Turek and Richard Trujillio relax with Jimmy Horwath outside Huckleberry’s. The delicious food and drink attract people of all ages. and-cheese-biscuits and sausage maple-hotcake-sandwiches,a soup of the day (often a creamy broccoli and cheese), roast beef, turkey, and tuna sandwiches on fresh Panini bread, and desserts including chocolate cheesecake, peanut butter lava cake, and iced lemon pound cake. The drink menu is almost as diverse as the food. It is comprised not only of the usual café late, cappuccino, espresso, hot chocolate, chai tea late, and iced or hot tea, but includes specialty drinks such as White Chocolate Mocha or
Maryland Mocho Cocoa. The specialty drinks are created through various combinations of Huckleberry’s twenty six syrup ßavors, added to any late. Huckleberry’s Coffee and Tea is the perfect lunch date and the ideal hangout after a Friday night movie. It is a quick bite to eat, a spot o’ tea, a cuppa’ Joe, a relaxing afternoon or evening; it is a place to read, to listen to music, to think, to breathe. Breathe in that coffee with a hint of cinnamon smell, atmosphere.
and the world will be “plunged into darkness.” After this prologue, the Þlm shifts to the present story of one Anton Gorodetsky, a newly inducted member of the Night Watch. When he attempts to save a young boy from unlicensed vampires, he discovers the famed Virgin of Byzantine, destined to curse everyone in her path. As the plot thickens, Anton, with the help of Gesser, meets the head of the Forces of Darkness, a man named Zavulon. Anton soon learns of the Great One’s true identity, and the main conßict of the trilogy is revealed. The Þlm brings new life to the classic conßict of good vs. evil, all the while bringing a fresh set of heroes and villains into American theaters. The Russian equivalents America’s best actors appear in this Þlm, further immersing the viewer into the mythos of the Night Watch. The acting is top notch, with
every actor and actress playing their parts with intensity. Intensity is not the only notable thing is this Þlm. Director Timur Bekmambetov keeps the action going with fast camera shots. This gives the illusion of speed and depth which makes the action seem much smoother. This Þlm breaks out of the traditional Hollywood action movie rut by having no guns of any kind within its boundaries, although it does rely heavily on the martial arts. There is not one gunÞght, gunshot, gun wound, or gun permit in this movie and the Þlm proÞts from it Suspense in the Þlm is used with abundance, resulting in parts that become nigh predictable. Expecting to see a Wild West shootout, viewers will Þnd an all original start to the next big fantasy trilogy, full of terriÞc acting, beautiful CGI affects, and a plot that will cause heads to spin. Although the ending leaves many questions unanswered, that’s the point of a series. Harry Potter anyone?
Bay Country Gentlemen calm thespian nerves Jaime Vigliotti Sports co Editor What do most people do on a Sunday night? Well they probably sit around and watch television. But I spent my Sunday night listening to The Bay Country Gentlemen sing their hearts out. The Bay Country Gentlemen are an all – male a-cappella chorus whose witty charm can turn any frown up side down. Or for this certain occasion seventy-Þve students’ frowns up side down. After rehearsing for The Music Man for seven hours, just about everyone was in a horrible mood. But as soon as the Bay Country Gentlemen opened their mouths, they had everyone in the cafeteria clapping and singing along. I am, however, not the only thespian personally touched by the singing of the gentlemen. The group, founded in 1978, consists of 40 plus members. They use their talents to entertain at just about any event, whether it is family, civic, business, fraternal, holiday, or community events. Which, let me tell you, they succeed in doing. With their huge smiles and enthusiastic personalities, the group deÞnitely brightened up my night. A four-part harmony with only one tenor is living proof; there is no need for an orchestra pit. The Bay Country Gentlemen not only use their amazing voices to sing, they also use their whole bodies. By accentuating words and using great facial expressions, I felt
like I was truly a part of the song and that I was the only one in the room they were singing to. The men not only choose songs that have special meanings to themselves, but feel if they choose younger music it relates more to the audience. Ally and I were so interested and moved by the performances of the gentlemen, that we actually even wrote a note to them expressing our feelings. The note was sent to Clark Scott, president and member of the society, who then shared the generous letter to the rest of the Bay Country Gentlemen chorus. We quickly received a letter back saying how much they loved our thoughtfulness. Not only are they great singers, they truly love the fans that appreciate what they do. The amazing a-cappella group will be singing to our incoming audience of “The Music Man” this Saturday March 4th. If I were not in the show, I would buy tickets just to hear them sing again. So if you need an uplifting experience, or you just like to get down and clap to the rhythm of a chorus then travel to the LorienBel Air facility in Emmorton on Mondays at 7pm to check out the Bay Country Gentlemen. But if you can not wait that long and need to book them now, which many should get on right away, then just call 410-4203410. I know I’m booking them for my next birthday party
The
Volume 1, Number 1
Fresh Press of Bel Air
May 2006
sports
7
If at first you don’t succeed... Henry Basta Features co Editor
A hard days practice is nearly complete as you and your teammates begin to pack up the equipment. The excitement for the scrimmage hasn’t left your system as you hear your name called by the coach to hear the faithful words, “maybe next year”. It can be bitter-sweet as you accept these three words. You’ve been cut from your sports team. In a years time what do you decide to do? What is your Þrst and initial reaction to this defeat? You now have back those two hours that you set aside for practices everyday, but how are you going to use them? Are you going to try out again? Are you going to try even harder? Were the tryouts a waste of your time? These are the questions that would run through any athletes head that wasn’t able to make his or her sports team. For some athletes, being cut is a sign to try harder, while for others it is an indicator that their desired sport just might not be for them. For some athletes being cut is seen as a defeat, but for others it
Þrst response to being cut was “anger”, but now he is helping the team manage. He is helping with the team and bringing gear to practice in order to get better and learn more. He seemed conÞdent in trying out next year with his managing experience this year. Junior Drew Laverty also tried out for Varsity Lacrosse and was cut. He said, “I immediately accepted that I was cut because it wasn’t a big surprise. I was disappointed. Now I have time to get a job.” In addition to getting a job, Drew is using the weight room in the school every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in order to stay Þt Chris Volker, a sophmore, feels no shame in being cut. Chris was cut from and ready for the next both the laccrosse and golf team, but this doesn’t deter his determination. Lacrosse season. Senior Bill is just another hurdle they strive wise athletes that realized after Bates tried out for and was cut in to overcome. being cut from Varsity Lacrosse, the sport of tennis two years in Lacrosse player, junior that it was time to try harder. His a row. He would have tried out Fritz Boniface was one of the
Persistant players show promise Jamie Viglotti Sports co Editor With an impressive record of 8-4 during last years season, the Junior Varsity boy’s lacrosse team needs to step it up if they want to be a competition. Coach Perry and Coach Mulligan are doing their best to work these individuals into an A conference lacrosse team. Coach Perry is conÞdent the new team can jell together. With last year’s sophomores now on Varsity, the JV team needs to prove themselves. “I don’t like to compare teams,” states Coach Perry, “I like to compare attitudes.” However, he claims there are improvements in the returning sophomores skills. But making the team isn’t all fun and games; it is a lot of discipline and hard work. Players obviously hate to see their friends get cut. “Let the players play and let the coaches coach,” Perry responds. When considering cuts, the coaches look for not only skill, but also respect and judgment. The two key factors in Coach Perry’s eyes. If the players happen to slip up, discipline is the only way to be successful. Running is their conditioning, the player’s attitude affects the entire team, and it IS everything. “If I can’t trust you when my back is turned, how can I trust you when the game is on the line,” Perry claims. Focus is serious busi-
Sport athletes up emotional ante continued from pg. 1 brought them down. He shocked the team when he made a comment about how a “player’s younger brother had more talent in his right foot then the entire
ness on this team. If you are not focused, you’ll be sitting the bench. As far as captains go, Coach Perry looks for leadership, and respect from the team and coaches. This year’s captains, Mike Wilson, Cameron Egerton, Andrew Kearney, and Kent Stockdale display all of these characteristics and are not afraid to discuss issues that may conßict with Coach Perry’s ideas. He says he wants the captains to present to him any problems they see in the team. The captains are a huge part in the team’s sucMr. Perry gives a stern look as he blows the cess. whistle at the JV laccrosse team. Mr. Perry’s This seaharsh practices lead to a 8-2 season. son the team will play some difÞcult schools with team.” Parents, unhappy to hear Marriott’s Ridge, Calvert Hall, of the stress put on by the coach, Mount St. Joe, Fallston and Curcalled of a meeting. Voicing their ley on the list. But Coach Perry opinions it was decided that Mr. and Coach Mulligan have no Whiteleather would step down doubts. “I am optimistic about from the position. this season, we just need work on Another recent incident was basic skills,” states Coach Perry.
at the Varsity Boy’s Basketball home game against Fallston. An unidentiÞed player on the visiting team was deliberately pushing and picking on JC’s players. A parent in the stands saw that their son was being messed with the Fallston kid and wanted to call the Ref out on it for not spotting it and punishing the opposing team’s player. The parent and Ref soon got involved into a rather loud argument that actually stopped the game. At the Commissioner’s table it was decided that the parent and their player would have to leave the game. The player of the disgruntled parent left the game without much opposition, obviously trying not to cause any more commotion. Though it was unfortunate that JC’s player was penalized for another team’s wrong doing, they took their consequences with grace and a humorous wave to the Ref from the player before leaving. Sports are supposed to be for fun and recreation; players shouldn’t have to worry about getting pounded upon coaches, fans, or other player. Hopefully, this issue won’t affect any more of JC’s sporting events, but when there is a desire to win, some people don’t see anything else but that title or trophy in their hand and would do anything to get that.
this year, but his schedule has become busier with school work. He said, “My initial reaction was disappointment because it felt like the two hours after school for two weeks was a waste. If I had a chance to do it all over again though, I’d do the same.” Bill still plays tennis when his schedule allows, but not for an ofÞcial team. Junior Nichole Devoy tried out in freshmen year for Varsity girl’s soccer. After being cut from the team, Nichole took up running track everyday. She worked to improve her speed and manage to get her time for running the mile under seven minutes. Four days a week she also had soccer drills. Sadly, when sophomore year came, she did not try out due to an injury with her leg. With great determination and extra training, athletes can put their past experiences of not making the team behind them. They will be able to lead any team they are apart of to their true potential. For all athletes that try several times over to make a team, they are true enthusiasts of the game and are true assets to JC sports.
Badminton tunes up for next season continued from pg. 1 the success of the team cannot be measured solely by its wins and losses. It is also about perseverance through tough matches. Although a team’s record may be the most important factor in an established, competitive sport at John Carroll, Women’s Badminton focuses more on individual success and growth. The coaches came in with no original expectations, which gives the team the chance to improve and become stronger without the added stress of trying to be the best in the league. While there are no big trophies in mind for this year’s team, the players continue to work hard and improve their technique, which is key in beating the other teams. While the team members explain that harder hits and mixing up shots are necessary for successful matches, Mrs. Gauthier states that the sport is “not just about hitting hard. It is all strategy as well.” JC’s Badminton team is off to a promising start in its Þrst season. With an emphasis on individual improvement, Badminton is just the sport that JC needs. According to Mrs. Gauthier, it is a “very interesting experience coming from team sports to coaching an indoor sport. It’s quiet. No one yells and cheers. [They] let people play.”
The
may 2006
Fresh Press of Bel Air
Volume 1, Number 1
sports
8
Girl’s lacrosse sleep walks Nick Johnson Entertainment co Editor
photo by Jaime Vigliotti
photo by Jaime Vigliotti
girls then ran for about 15 minutes, and then practiced It’s an early Monday morn- basic drills. ing, and you pull up to JC, ready The girls had to drudge through six hours mixed reacof classes. Unknown to you, a tions. Casey Angroup of JC students started their carrow, a Sophomore midfielder Kara Keene drives the ball day almost two hours earlier. sophomore Both the Varsity and JV Girls downfield. Speed and persistence are crucial lacrosse teams had early morn- player, thought elements in any successful offense. ing “practices” before the regular little of the Either way, the added season started. These practices practices. “It was pointless. Once time in the morning disrupted were lead by the team captains, some schedules. we got started, we had to go to consisting for the most part of “I live farther away then most class. You can’t get much done in running. that go to JC. I remember the a half hour,” she said. “We basically just ran Friday we had practice in the Freshmen Lexi Verand ran until 7:45. We barely had morning. I almost asked to go schoore, however, thought the enough time to get changed and to the nurse I was so tired”, said practices were rewarding. go to homeroom”, says junior Ancarrow. “I had three tests that “I think they beneÞ ted the team Brittany Gilmartin. week. I felt like I was muddling as a whole. I think the coaches did The prospective playthrough.” the morning practices so that all ers (still prospective, tryouts had The JC Girls lacrosse not been held yet) were required the running in tryouts wasn’t as to arrive at 6:45AM, change, hard. They used it as condition- teams had three early morning practices. and be on the Þeld by 7:00. The ing.” “There were supposed to be Sophomore Carli Bullinger works to attack the ball. Aggressix, but the other three got can- sive attack is the key to a successful win. celled. The coaches wouldn’t tell a warning from the IAAM was The IAAM rules are also clear us why”, said Gilmartin. received, asking the coaches to about what happens to schools “Both Mr. Hughes and Coach discontinue the practices. If that that fail to follow the rules. SusPorch were there during most of is so, the JC lacrosse program pension from IAAM activities or Lisa Krysiak even expulsion may result. have it out of my hands the hap- the practices”, said Verschoore. may have gotten off easy. Editorials co Editor “They basically led them.” Those familiar with The Girls lacrosse seapier I am.” Put simply, sports are a IAAM policies know that the son has just started, and the playJunior Pat McAvoy tries What happened to those extra league prohibits the coaches ers will soon be seeing exactly time commitment. At JC, prac- a different approach. His take on tices are usually every day after the subject, “It’s tough to get home three practices is only specula- from hosting any practices be- how much those three extra pracschool for a few hours and are at 6 and start hours of homework. tion. Some, however, think that fore the season ofÞcially started. tices either helped or hindered. sometimes even held on the week- In most cases I choose not to do ends. Playing a sport requires homework, especially English constant devotion, but does that journal entries, and try to do it in dedication come before school? school, it never works out well.” According to JC GuidHanratty Þnds the balance counselor Kathleen Barnes ance difÞcult at times, as well. the ability to balance sports and “Certainly you can’t overlook the schoolwork “depends on the stu- negative effect of the mere time a dent.” She says, “There are many sport requires.” students that do an excellent job He continues, “Espebalancing [sports and school] and cially on a game night, when you time managing.” don’t get home until 9. There’s JC Teacher and Girls JV only so much time and energy Volleyball Coach Jennifer Me- left.” drano agrees, saying There are posialso that it depends tive effects on some “In most cases on the student. students’ grades, I choose She also however, during a Þnds sports beneÞsports season, esnot to do cial to a student’s acpecially if the topic ademic performance. of eligibility comes homework...” She say that sports into play. - Pat McAvoy have a positive imMrs. Barnes Mr. Fabriziani tapes the ankle of Senior Phil Pons. Many students come to the Athletic pact because the stusupports the idea Trainer each day to have injuries taken care of. dents are “forced to that eligibility keeps budget their time.” students working Emily Horwath As a coach, Mrs. Me- hard, stating, “some students’ en the largest toll on soccer, vol- jury from developing, stress inEntertainment co Editor drano sees how her team manages grades are better during sports leyball, and lacrosse teams. Mr. juires must be cared for accordtheir work. She sees her players [seasons].” Stress Injuries are sweep- Fabriziani says that the way stress ingly. “Rest is the Þrst and most do homework on the bus to and Junior Aurora Szoka, ing through John Carroll sports. injuries develop “vary with the important thing”, says Fabriziani, from games, and she says the who plays both JC and outside Stress injuries are chronic and injury” and oftentimes pertain to adding, “If the injury is painfulteam itself helps the work effort. sports, agrees. She says, “It gets persistent injuries, and as JC the speciÞc ways a certain sport ice.” He recommends icing the She reßects, “Team- to be really tough having to go athletic trainer, Eric Fabriziani, stresses one body part over oth- injury for the Þrst twenty-four to forty-eight hours and after that to mates are always on them [each from practice and games to hours describes them, “something that ers. Examples of stress injuries in- use heat, and “when it deals with other] to do homework. It pro- of homework at night, but I ac- happens because of overuse”. Mr. Fabriziani states that stress clude rotator and patellar tendon- muscles, do a lot of stretching.” motes team spirit. Their teachers tually have better grades during injuries are a growing problem itis and shin splints. If neglected, Stress injuries can heal with as are on them, too.” sports seasons.” According to junior Overall, there are both for middle and high school kids, stress injuries can develop into little as a week’s rest time. HowKyle Hanratty, “some teachers positive and negative aspects to predominately females. He spec- more serious injuries. Shin splints ever, if the stress injury is conare strict about getting work im- balancing sports and academics. ulates that females are suffering or lower leg pain can be the result stantly painful and will not heal, mediately and getting it done.” Whether those positives outweigh worse stress injuries “because fe- of a stress fracture or a complete six to eight weeks may be the For him, it’s easier to get the work the negatives, and whether sports male sports are getting more into fracture of a bone. Tendonitis can necessary rest and recovery time. lead to a ruptured tendon. done as soon as possible and then or school comes Þrst depends on club and competing year round.” At JC, stress injuries have takTo prevent a more serious into forget about it. the speciÞc student and what that He says, “The sooner I student puts Þrst.
Grades prove challenge for some student athletes
photo by Kate Webb
Athletes slowly stress out
The
Volume 1, Number 1
Fresh Press of Bel Air
May 2006