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tigertimes

volume 51 no. 1 • sept. 29, 2011

Travis Turner describes his journey through recovery

texas high school • 4001 summerhill rd • texarkana, tx 75503 • www.tigertimesonline.com

121 THE NUMBER OF GIRLS AT OUR SCHOOL WHO MAY DEVELOP BREAST CANCER

About one in every eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer. These women can be your friends, members of your family, your teachers or even yourself.

Picture retakes for grades 9-11 will be Oct. 24 - Check out additional news and stories at tigertimesonline.com

news

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mark your calendar OCT. 10

Teenage Republicans will have a meeting Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 43. All students and members are encouraged to attend.

Officers are President Gabriel Thomas, vice president Daniel Pellegrin and co-vice president Chelsea Albright, secretary Riden Reiter and treasurer Tyler Autrey.

@ 7:30 Student Council will have a meeting Monday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Members will discuss Race for the Cure and Homecoming. Sponsors are Susan and Roger Waldrep and Debbie Nicholas.

NHS National Honor Society will participate in Race for the Cure on Oct. 15. The next meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. NHS Sponsor Linda Teeters encourages all members to attend both events.

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

Hoover named national merit semifinalist by christina harris staff writer Senior Emily Hoover has recently been named as a National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Approximately 16,000 students were named as semifinalists in the program and will now continue in the competition for scholarships.

Hoover said she was surprised at the announcement.

“I was pretty calm [when I found out], actually, because by the time I found out I was pretty well over the suspense,” Hoover said.

In order to qualify as a semifinalist, Hoover had to show an

outstanding high school academic record, be recommended by the principal and earn a high score on the PSAT and the SAT. In February, those students who make it to finalist level will be notified.

Because of the long qualifying process, Hoover said there wasn’t much she could do to prepare.

“Honestly, I didn’t prepare,” Hoover said. “I knew basically how to take the test. I spent a little time learning what was the best plan so far as questions went.

I took a practice test, and the day of the test I missed band, so I could sleep later and eat breakfast.”

Finalists will be competing for 2,500 National Merit $2,500 scholarships. National Merit

bragging list

Senior Emily Hoover Scholarship winners will be announced beginning in April.

“Because this honor is so rare, it means I have a better chance of getting into any college I want, and most likely it will get me scholarships to go to college” Hoover said. “I’m really excited for that, for the opportunities I’ll have now.”

Design Contest Junior Kuturah Gavin in the Advance Graphic Design class was chosen as the winner of the poster contest for Taste of Texarkana.

Harvest Texarkana sponsored a poster design contest for the 20th Annual Taste of Texarkana. Her poster will be seen all over town.

Art awards Freshman Brooklyn Walker received first and third place for his artwork that was displayed at the Four States Fair Contest. from staff reports

There’s an app for that-Tiger Times Online Get the latest news from the Tiger Times Online edition in a smartphone app.

Genwi, the company that provided the app, partnered with School Newspapers Online to select pilot schools for the app program, and the Tiger Times Online was chosen last year as one of the pilot schools.

“We’ve had the app since last year, but we wanted to make sure that we were getting

http://tigertimes.isites.us enough content online before going public with it,” newspaper adviser Rebecca Potter said. “I am glad that they selected our school to participate in the program.”

The app can be downloaded from by visiting http://tigertimes.isites.us. The app

does work best with iPhones.

“We hope things like this will encourage students and faculty members to utilize the site,” Potter said. “The staff has worked hard to generate new content every day.”

Students can also enter their email addresses to receive daily updates describing new content that’s been added to the site. from staff reports

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news

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

Got talent?

Auditions for new talent show to begin Nov. 5 by natalie banks business manager

Arsenic & Old Lace cast members, seniors Brooke Hubbard and Emily Rankin, rehearse for the upcoming play to be held Nov. 3-5 at 7 p.m. in the John Thomas Theatre.

Cast of Arsenic & Old Lace gets to work The cast of Arsenic & Old Lace are rehearsing up to four times a week for the fall play to be held Nov. 3-5 in the John Thomas Theater.

Cast members include Emily Rankin as Abby Brewster; Josh Arnold as Rev. Dr. Harper; Adam Graves as Teddy Brewster; Cara Fowler as Officer Brophy; Priscella Butler as Officer Klein; Brooke Hubbard as Martha Brewster;

Danielle Leary as Elaine Harper; Jake Butler as Mortimer Brewster; Adam Johnson as Mr. Gibbs; Skyler Alton as Jonathan Brewster; Ramsey Anderson as Dr. Einstein; Caroline Parks as Officer O’Hara; Alex Walker as Lieutenant Rooney; Greg Grimes and Mr. Witherspoon; James Naron as Mr. Hoskins; and Morris Aaron as Mr. Spenalzo.

Tickets will be $7 for adults and $5 for students.

Warm up those voices and put on your dancing shoes because it’s time for Tigers Got Talent. Theater Director Micah McBay said he is excited about the annual talent show, which replaces the Tiger Follies event. With a new name and fresh faces, there’s no telling what’s in store for this year’s all new program and talents.

“The talent show will be kind of like America’s Got Talent,” McBay said. “We’re hoping for groups of singers, dancers, bands but if you would like, you can sing or dance by yourself.

We’re even welcoming magicians, jugglers and comedians.”

Auditions will be held on Nov. 5 at 9 a.m. in the John Thomas Theatre. Students must be at the auditions in order to be in the show.

The show itself will be set up in three rounds.

The first round will be on Nov. 11, the second round will be Nov. 18, and the final round will be Dec. 9.

“We’re hoping for 12 auditions each night,” McBay said. “That way students can go on

Knomi and vote for their favorites online.”

The top six acts from Nov. 11 show will be announced live on TigerVision on Nov. 18. The top six acts from the Nov. 18 show will have to wait until Dec. 3 or Dec. 9 to give students a full week’s worth of time to vote.

“The show is pretty wide open,” McBay said.

“All dress code rules still apply. You can’t show up in hoochie-mama clothes, and you’re not allowed to play or sing music that is vulgar. All of that would get you disqualified so don’t be stupid. Be sure you have the correct music, the correct outfits, and the correct words at auditions because you’re not allowed to change it the night of the performance; if you do you will be disciplined.”

Sign up sheets will be located in the library, McBay’s classroom and the front office. All sign up sheets are due to McBay on Nov. 4.

“Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students with an I.D.,” McBay said. “All proceeds will benefit the Student Council We Are 2012 Conference in the spring. This is a casual student atmosphere so we want to draw a big crowd.”

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Horticulture class creates mums by shalya james staff writer The horticulture class is already busy on their projects for this fall. Among the planned activities are mums for the rapidly-approaching homecoming dance.

“We love making the mums,” senior Tramel Lewis said. “It’s fun, and it helps us with our academics. It’s also a very good hands-on activity.”

Order forms for mums are located in the front office, as well as from members of the horticulture department who will be available in the cafeteria to take orders now through Oct. 7. Oct. 12 will be the last day to order mums.

Senior Kezhanne Mitchell said making the mums makes class a little more fun.

“Not only is it better than class, but I’m ready for people to buy it,” he said. “I have made two so far, but we have been working on the small parts since the beginning of the year. It’s actually a lot of work.”

Assistant horticulture teacher Kaye Ramirez said something new they’re doing for homecoming is making ring mums for $8.

Horticulture assistant Kaye Ramirez and senior Kezhanne Mitchell work on the mums they are selling for homecoming. photo by alex garner

Prices for the full-size mums range from $30 to $40, and garter prices range from $25 to $30.

“I’ve spent $60 on mums out of school,” senior Jake Butler said, “so this is a really good deal.”

Aside from the mums, they are also growing a vegetable garden, including peppers, squash, Brussels sprouts, spinach and radishes.

“Yes, we already planted peppers,” junior Rashon Ware said. “They have already sprouted, it’s pretty cool.”

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

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viewpoint

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

staff editorial

Speak Out

Is the skinny jean regulation too tight?

tiger times Texas High School 4001 Summerhill Rd. Texarkana TX, 75503 ( 903 ) 794 - 3891 F ( 903 ) 792 - 8971 The Tiger Times is a student-run publication. The contents and views are produced solely by the staff and do not represent the opinions of the faculty, administration or TISD board of trustees.

editors in chief Emily Hoover Carlye Hudspeth managing editors Elizabeth Cook Ashley Diggs advertising manager Natalie Banks news editor John David Goins

“I think it’s irrelevant because it’s just a piece of clothing and it doesn’t show anything off that would be offensive.”

Tyler Fraser, 12 “I think it’s ridiculous because there’s nothing provocative about it. It covers up your body, and it’s a really cute style. I’ve already spent over $200 on skinny jeans alone for school, and I think you should be able to wear them.”

Jordan Rutledge, 12 “Guys shouldn’t wear skinny jeans unless they’re hipsters.”

Matthew Crawford, 9

gave up on trying to enforce that part of the dress code after parents complained that they couldn’t find appropriate jeans to buy.

Because of the lack of notice students and parent, the administration should wait until next year to implement this new restriction. They should refrain from giving students inconvenient punishments so far as this year goes; then before the end of this year, send a notice to parents stating the problem and what will happen if their child doesn’t comply with the rules for the 2012-2013 school year.

The rules were changed too quickly and with too little notice, and have left students unable to respond, leaving students pants-less, broke, and furious.

viewpoint editor Brianna Sellers feature editor Wynne Tidwell sports editor Autumn Sehy entertainment editors Mary Claire Boudreaux Davis Payne photo editor Hannah Patterson

staff writers Zachary Baker Angela Derrick Christina Harris Jacob Hill Casey Hitchcock Shayla James Shelby Kelley Josh Klein Dawson McGonagill Abigail O’Gorman Daniel Pellegrin Taylor Potter Riley Rogers

Isabella Saporito Sydney Schoen Madison Sewell Hannah Wren photographers Ruth Arnold Katie Black Taylor Coleman Allison Fahrni Alex Garner Casey Hitchcock Amy McCoy Claire Norton

photo illustration by brianna sellers

Returning to school this year was a little different than last year. The new changes, regulations, and the stricter practice of the rules has not gone unnoticed. Although one thing did seem to get overlooked in the transition from last school year to this one--nearly all changes went into effect without warning.

Students never received warning, notification, notice, letter, e-mail, phone call, meeting, assembly, one month’s notice, one week’s notice, Facebook link, newsletter, or information by use of blimp. The students watched TigerVision the second day and were expected to comply with the new regulations.

None of the new rules, however, have been as controversial as those regarding skinny jeans. The majority of the female student body owns or has owned skinny jeans, jeggings, or tight, straight leg jeans.

When every student returned, the principals of the school announced the S.A.L.T (Sagging, Alluring, Low, or Tight) plan for the dress code, and skinny leg jeans, jeggings, and tight jeans in general were included. Students wouldn’t be allowed on campus, but would be sent home to change when the policy was violated.

The new rules can make sense. Skinny jeans could be considered distracting, and the administration is simply safeguarding our continuing education. Some dress code regulations are necessary. Some students did take advantage of the school’s forgiveness last year about dress code violations.

What hurt students most of all was the lack of notice they received about the school dress code jean policy.

When the school introduced an all-out ban on sagging pants, all parents were notified in advance and didn’t buy their children what could be considered a violation of this rule for the upcoming year.

The same issue is what we have encountered here, but with one exception; no parent, guardian, teacher, or student received notice about the new ban ahead of time. Because of this, students went school shopping during the summer, unaware of the new regulation, and spent their money on jeans that they couldn’t wear. In a sense, the school allowed students and parents to unknowingly waste their money. The students returned to school with their new clothes only to be told the first day that what they had purchased was unacceptable.

A school in Pennsylvania tried to ban skinny jeans but soon

How do you feel about the policy on skinny jeans?

“I don’t really care either way. I don’t own any skinny jeans, but I think it’s a person’s choice if they want to wear them.

Jeffrey Davis, 10 “It doesn’t make any sense to me. The majority of girls wear skinny jeans at Texas High. They’re basically the same as other jeans; they just fit tighter below the knee.”

Kennedy Jackson, 10 compiled by madison sewell

Caroline Prieskorn Haley Rushing Hailey Woods advisers Rebecca Potter Clint Smith principal Brad Bailey members ILPC, NSPA, CSPA The Tiger Times is the

official student publication of Texas High School.

The primary purpose of the Tiger Times is to inform the students of the school, while practicing the ethical canons of journalism.

Letters to the editor may be dropped off in Room 50. Each letter must be signed and include the student’s grade. Letters are subject to editing.

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tiger times sept. 29, 2011

Lesson learned Pushing through,

It’s always best to face life with a kind word and a smile

pain really is gain

Most people regard pacifism with a little disdain. Pacifists come off as unrealistic: they are seen as bleeding-heart hippies who are too busy campaigning for charity cases to do anything constructive. The majority of the country supports the death penalty, and the “eye for an eye” mentality is firmly ingrained in our society. We really do believe that some people should just die.

I once held this view. Like many people, I was discouraged by the steady stream of bad news flowing in from the media, as bad news has the habit of doing. The more I thought about it, the bleaker the state of humanity seemed to be. I gave in to the belief that people really were quite nasty. The notion of humanity’s inherent goodness was laughably false to me, and I was filled with an ever-present frustration at the shortcomings of mankind.

This way of thinking is almost like an internal fire. Its fuel is bitterness, and it burns and burns, leaving you empty and morally exhausted. It only destroys. Gradually I began to realize and tire of this. Little by little, I let go of my frustration with humanity, and I found myself trying to understand why people fell short of my moralistic ideals instead of condemning them without a second thought. To my amazement, I found that they would usually do right if you let them.

I also began to experience unexpected positive changes in myself. I was happier and kinder to those around me. A negative attitude is far, far harder to maintain than a positive one, believe me. I realized that I had been so preoccupied with the bad in everyone that I had failed to notice the good. It’s true how they

Suck it up.

Its so hot. Almost too hot for practice.

Slip, fall. Get up and pretend like it didn’t happen, that’s embarrassing.

Ow? I don’t know what hurts worse- my foot or my pride.

Suck it up.

You can’t be hurt. You’ve worked too hard for this. Just walk it off.

Just focus on finishing practice. No pain no gain.

Right?

You can’t show everyone that you’re weak.

You have to be strong.

Suck it up.

Only a broken foot. Just a little break. It’s not that bad.

All athletes get hurt. Especially in contact sports, like soccer.

And? You can get past this. You can work through this.

Suck it up.

It’s just six weeks, yeah just six whole weeks.

Hide your frustration. Hide your tears.

Force a smile.

Why? Show your team you’re not afraid to lose everything you have been working toward.

Suck it up.

Your problem is so small compared to the world full of problems.

People won’t open doors or get out of your way, even with crutches.

So? You can’t complain. Complaining won’t make it go away.

Suck it up.

No one really cares. No one really feels bad for you.

When they ask you if you’re okay. You’d lie.

What?

You could never admit to being weak.

Suck it up.

No one wants to hear your whining. So

in my opinion

abigail o’gorman/staff writer say that even the darkest cloud has a silver lining.

As my views changed, I started to understand what people meant by the sanctity of human life. The phrase is kind of opaque; it sounds a bit vague and philosophical. What it means is simple: that human life, even a single life, is sacred and of incalculable value. Everyone has the right to life.

Everyone. The death penalty, which I had previously hailed as an effective enforcement of justice, became distasteful to me, but that is a very volatile can of worms which many people have strong feelings about, and one which I will not discuss in depth here.

I became familiar with the philosophies of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Leo Tolstoy, and others from among the ranks of the great pacifist thinkers. They clicked with me immediately. It is everyone’s duty to treat our fellow man with love and respect. If you don’t agree with pacifism, that’s okay.

I’m not trying to force my beliefs onto anyone. I’m only conveying a lesson I’ve learned: life’s a lot easier when you face it with a kind word and a smile. It might just defy your expectations.

in my opinion

riley rogers/staff writer you hide it.

Hide what you’re feeling. For the better.

Better?

You hide the despair, the frustration, the sorrow, the hurt, the pain.

Suck it up.

Just keep pushing through practice.

Harder. Harder. It’s only been six weeks.

You’re the slowest on the team, yet the forward.

How? You have to be better. You have to work harder.

Suck it up.

Tears are weakness leaving the body. Dang, you must be weak.

But you must be getting stronger, better.

Practice makes perfect.

Perfection?

Not yet. Not close.

Suck it up.

It’s been four months and you are still suffering.

It’s getting better; you’re getting better. It just takes time.

Time?

Recovery time is slow. Recovering time is hard.

Suck it up.

It was all worth it. Everything.

We did it. You helped. We’re champions.

Really?

Pain really is gain.

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viewpoint

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

Smiling through more than the finish line There are many things in life that I find breathtakingly beautiful- a wedding on the beach, the beginning of spring, the first glimmers of sun overlooking the mountains in Hunt, Texas, Ryan Goslin.

But most recently, hair.

Not just any hair, but my friend Katherine Drews’ hair. Its not the hair, but the head underneath and the story behind it all.

I lounge on my couch after a tiring tennis practice. My phone rings. I lazily grab it off the armrest and see that it’s my friend Sarah Bonner. This is surprising.

Even though Sarah is one of my best friends, we hardly ever talk during the week, preferring to Skype on weekends.

Sarah lives in Corpus Christi. We met when we were 8 years old at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas.

Camp Mystic is an all-girls camp I attend for a month every summer. The friendships I make there don’t just last that month or that summer, but all year.

“Hey, I got some bad news.” Her voice is shaky and a little choked up. “Katherine went to the hospital for a checkup and came out with a shocking answer.”

I feel sick. I have to put down the phone for a second.

in my opinion

mary claire boudreaux/entertainment As I bring the phone back up to my ear, Sarah’s voice fades back in. “...she has ovarian cancer.”

I couldn’t stop myself. I began sobbing uncontrollably, my heart beating through my chest.

I began texting Katherine and checking up on her every few days. She was doing well, despite the chemo, never complaining and constantly talking about how excited she was about camp.

On June 4, I loaded up on a bus in Dallas, and Katherine got on a bus in Houston. The Houston bus always beats the Dallas bus, so when I got to camp Katherine was already unpacked and

“‘...she has ovarian cancer.’ I couldn’t stop myself. I began sobbing uncontrollably, my heart beating through my chest.” waiting to catch up.

I walked in the cabin and there was this blue-eyed girl sitting on her bed with a butterfly clip in her new boy-cut hair, and a grin across her face.

Katherine.

She talked and talked–about how she thought her new hair, since she’d grown it back, felt like a bunny rabbit. How she had both of her ovaries removed. How horrible the children’s hospital was.

All the while, Katherine joked and laughed, and we assumed she was pretending to be happy.

But it wasn’t an act. Katherine was truly happy.

Katherine is a hardcore runner, always has been. With all the surgery she underwent this past year, it would make sense if she decided to quit.

But she didn’t. She did quite the opposite.

Katherine ran continuously while at camp. Some of my cabinmates and I would be walking and here would come Katherine, her fluffy hair bouncing around, a grin as big as Texas lighting up her face.

When it became time for our mile run competition, Katherine stepped in. She wanted to win so badly, she had trained and was ready to run in the heat.

She rounded the last corner and got second place with that same overwhelming smile.

Katherine really is an inspiration. If someone who has lost her body, hair and ability to have children to a disease can be happy, why cant I? Why can’t I be all the more happy because I am physically healthy?

When I asked Katherine why she smiled and said, “Where I am and what I’m doing is what God wanted for me.”

She had a reason to be happy, and a reason to smile through the finish line.

Letter to the editor: Hallway restrictions make students’ lives harder After my third period class, I walk from the English hall to the band hall--pretty much from one side of campus to the other. In an attempt to avoid the shoving, screaming and general chaos of the main hallway, I usually exit through the back of the English hall, cut through the math and science building, and reach the band hall that way. Recently, while trying to take my normal route, I found a teacher, arms spread wide, blocking the door. She told the group of kids standing around that we were unable to walk that way between classes anymore. This is simply ridiculous.

At Texas High, it is imperative that we get to class on time. If not, we are punished by a variety of tortures: being sent to the tardy station, not being able to go to school dances, getting GIP, and most importantly and ironically of all, missing class to get a tardy slip. Why, then, would administration make it harder for the students to get to class? For students on the far end of the school, past the cafeteria, it is a challenge to walk to the math and science building or the theatre and be on time. Not only is the trip through the main hallway longer, but there is also a

crowd to battle. Most of us would rather not add to the huge mass of people.

I have been told that the purpose for this restriction of our campus (which isn’t the only thing being restricted, might I add) is to keep people from coming off of the streets and walking into our school. Though I agree that no one wants a murderer coming into our Biology class, I think this is a stupid reason. We have our own district police department created specifically for this purpose. If they can’t simply stand by the pond and make sure that kids get to class safely, without

any convicted felons sneaking into the mix, then why do we even have a police department? Can we not take one of the excesses of policemen that stand aimlessly against the wall in the cafeteria and simply station them in this paved area? At the very least, a teacher on the first floor of the math and science building could step outside to supervise.

I think that instead of fixing the problem that adminitstration sees here, they just took another one of our quickly disappearing rights away.

Claire Howard, 12

student life

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MustList

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

THE

The top 5 things to watch for in October

By Taylor Potter

1

J.K. Rowling stands beside the logo for her new website, Pottermore. photo courtesy of

4 PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3

www.pottermore.com

POTTERMORE The new, interactive Harry Potter fansite brings the J.K. Rowling’s magical world to life. The site was created for the hardcore fans that just didn’t think the books and movies were quite enough. It allows the user to learn about the history of the wizarding world and gives you a chance to experience the magic. Registration is necessary. Visit www.pottermore.com.

The third installment of one of the most popular scary movie series comes to theaters on Oct. 21. This “surveillance video” style movie is about a couple trying to shine some light on the evil spirits occupying their home. If you’re a scary movie fan and enjoy the likes of the Saw series, this is a definite must-see. And what better time than around Halloween, but will this keep up with the previous ones?

3 HALLOWEEN COSTUME

Rumor has it that the iPhone 5 is to be released on Oct. 21. Apple missed June, which is the month with the highest number of cell phone purchases. So why not October, which falls in at No. 2?

At $50, a The dentist’s favorite holiday is almost upon “Morph Suit” is us. So whether you want to look scary, funny the perfect cosor just plain odd, you will definitely need to tume for somehave an awesome costume. You need to make one who doesn’t or buy your costume in advance. No one wants mind spending to be that person with a sheet with eyeholes a little money. photo by allison thrown over their head. Plus, the better the fahrni costume, the more delicious sweets you get.

Apple Inc.

2 iPHONE 5

5 PREPARE FOR END OF THE WORLD

We’ve heard it before. The world is ending... again. If you are one of those people who has not already reserved an anti-apocalypse bunker or stocked up on your essential end-of-the-world utensils, you may want to start. The clock is ticking.

OCT

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setting

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student life

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

WHAT’S IN YOUR TRUN

Sophomore Justin Lewis sits in the pit the sophomore class painted for Texas/Arkansas.

Lewis is class president. photo

K?

Students open up the trunks of their cars and show some strange stuff

by taylor coleman

Kristian Lewis, 12 “During a swim meet someone put cones all around my car, but I just kept one in my trunk. A lot of younger swimmers leave their bags in my car during school.

It takes up a lot of space.”

standards Lewis juggles busy schedule, athletics with drive to succeed by taylor potter staff writer He walks through the halls, smiling and waving at his variety of friends while trying to remember his hectic schedule. Did he have practice today?

When’s the next StuCo meeting?

Did do all the reading for AP World History? These are only some of the thoughts that go through his head on a daily basis.

Sophomore Justin Lewis plays a number of roles at school. He manages to balance AP World History, varsity football and being the sophomore class president.

“It’s hard,” Lewis said. “You just have to keep your head on straight and give an equal effort to everything.”

Despite Lewis’ hefty workload, he is almost never seen without a smile across his face.

“For some reason I’m always happy,” Lewis said. “I don’t know why.

Erubiel Basurto-Ruiz, 12 I just get excited about things that a lot of people don’t.”

Lewis has discovered that some people get the wrong idea when it comes to the reason for his happiness.

“Some people think I’m crazy.

Some people think I’m weird,” Lewis said. “I’ve even heard that some people just think that I’m a complete lunatic.”

Even though peoples’ impressions about him may not be true, Lewis embraces their opinions.

“I’m actually quite calm, just in my own way,” Lewis said. “I would just describe myself as Justin Lewis. I’ll admit that there’s not really an adjective for me.”

In addition to Lewis’ talents in football and academics, he has a hidden talent that he often doesn’t show.

“I used to be a pretty good freestyle rapper,” Lewis said. “I used to want to be a rapper, but that just didn’t work out.”

Other than an ambition to be a rapper, Lewis had another childhood dream.

“When I was real little, I wanted to be an actor,” Lewis said. “I auditioned for a ‘High School Musical’ play but of course I didn’t make it. I just let that dream go.”

Lewis still has high hopes for his future.

“I want to either be an agent for a sports and entertainment marketing service or a sports and entertainment lawyer,” Lewis said. “I want to do something that involves football. I’d really like to work with NFL players.”

Lewis’ ability to build and maintain friendships is a quality that many people don’t recognize when they see him.

“I have a wide variety of friends,” Lewis said. “I know that every friendship is a different one. I don’t treat everyone the same because no one is the same.”

“I really like music and wanted the speakers to make listening to it more enjoyable. I give swimmers rides to school in the morning, so I let them leave their bags in my car.”

Cari Cunningham, 12 “Most of the stuff I have no clue why it’s there. There’s blankets, one pink converse, a baseball, one Ugg boot, and a tennis racket. I don’t even play tennis. I guess it just kind of ended up there.” compiled by elizabeth cook

food

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nothing beats a great steak

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

GREAT GRILLING RECIPE The following requires a grill that can heat up to between 600 & 750 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rub 1/2 cup paprika 1/2 cup salt 1/4 cup ancho chili powder 1/4 cup very finely ground coffee 1 teaspoon red pepper (optional)

courtesy photo: Reggie Goins

Chili powder, ground coffee make this rub a hit

Rub these seasonings into the steaks really good and let them set for 30 minutes while they come to room temperature.

?

Where’s the beef come from

Heat your grill to highest temperature and place steaks on the grill for 2 minutes each side.

Flip the second time and shut all the vents of to the grill, close lid and leave for 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove the steaks from grill, cover in foil and let them rest for 20 before serving.

If you are grilling a 1 1/2 thick ribeye this will give you a medium rare steak. So depending on how you like your steak your time may vary.

Sirloin steaks. It’s a good thing you don’t have to be royalty to eat this steak. Sirloin steaks are cut from the back end of the cow and are tough compared to the other more tender cuts. King Henry VIII liked this cut of steak so much he dubbed it Sir Loin.

Tenderloin steaks are the most tender cut of meat. If it is cut in half, it is called fillet minion. This meat comes from the middle of the back of a cow. The muscle is rarely used which makes it so tender. You should try the way my dad cooks it on his big green egg.

Brisket comes from the cows’ lower breast and taste great when cooked the right way. Just be glad that you haven’t eaten rocky mountain oysters yet..

Rib-eye steaks are cut from the beef rib and it contains lots of fat. The Rib-eye gets its name form its location on the cow and in meat cutting terminology eye means boneless.

They don’t call boneless buffalo wing, buffalo-eye wings.

Club steaks are not beat with a club before served like you may think. Club steaks are cut from the short loin portion of the cow and is normally cut into triangular shape. The club steaks are named from the New York club they where they were first featured.

Best steak in town Pop’s Place specializes in Cajun food and fun, with plenty of history to back it up by john david goins news editor Don’t you want to go to a restaurant where you can kick back and relax or take a pen and engrave your name on the wall forever? Well, you’re in luck. Pop’s Place is what some people might call “a hole in the wall,” meaning from the outside it looks kind of sketchy, but once you go inside and eat the food, you’ll never want to leave. In fact, 6701 US Highway 67 is the address of one of the best places in town.

Pop’s Place specializes in Cajun food and hands-down has the best steaks in town. This used-to-be gas station is filled

with the nicest waiting staff and has an amazing history (which can be seen around the restaurant in the form of writing on the walls). The outdoor section of the restaurant has misters and fans to keep you cool while you watch “the game” on the huge flat screen television.

Now onto the real story–their number one special called Pop’s Big A** Steak. It is 24 ounces of pure, amazing Black Angus, and it is anywhere from an inch to an inch and a half thick.

This beautiful steak can only be ordered three ways: medium, medium rare or rare.

Its sides include twice baked potatoes sent from heaven and the nothing but won-

derful corn on the cob. The price for this is $29.95 but is easily split between two people and maybe a third.

Of course, I would like to extend a challenge out to those of you who love to eat food and, more importantly, people who love to eat great food–see if you can down this 24-ounce steak. If you can eat all this steak, it’s always great to finish your meal with a warm bowl of their bread pudding, which can be eaten no matter how full the stomach may be.

So head on down to Pop’s Place because it has the best steaks in town. For a fun Junior John David Goins eats a steak at Pop’s Place place to hang out and watch “the game,” off of Highway 67 in Arkansas. photo by brianna Pop’s Place is the place to be. sellers

newspaper playlist

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music

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

A few of the newspaper staff members chose their favorite song, and we have applied the songs into one ultimate playlist

What’s playing These albums are some of the ‘best of the best’ Like most teenagers, I love music.

I listen to it everyday, I make it in band, and I am the proud owner of three iPods. I listen to a lot of music and a lot of different kinds of music.

Consequentially, my iPod boasts roughly mackenzie phillips 3,900 songs and staff writer genres ranging from rock to folk to 70’s pop to jazz.

Of the 345 albums on my iPod, these are some of my favorites, the ones that I think are the best of the best.

Classic Sinatra: His Greatest Performances from 1953-1960 by Frank Sinatra As the title suggests, this album is full of classic Frank Sinatra songs from the 50’s. These 20 beautiful songs truly demonstrate how amazing Sinatra’s voice was.

Even though all the songs are about love, finding it, losing it, and everything in between, they never get old.

The music, which ranges from fast, swingin’ jazz to nice and slow melodies, always leaves me wanting more.

It’s hard for me to say which songs are my favorite, but some of the best are They Can’t Take That Away From Me, Oh! Look at Me Now, Come Fly With Me, and Nice ‘n’ Easy. This is a great album to listen to if you’re listening to Sinatra for the first time.

Rubber Soul by The Beatles Rubber Soul is considered The Beatles’ first album into the more creative and artistic side of their music instead of the more commercial and pop albums preceding it. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 5 on their list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time” in 2003.

I really adore this album because it has some really fun songs, like Drive My Car and Run For Your Life, and some really beautiful songs, like Girl and In My Life. My favorite songs from this album are Nowhere Man, Michelle, I’m Looking Through You, and In My Life.

Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here is one of my two favorite Pink Floyd albums (my other being The Dark Side of the Moon).This album consists of only five songs, but each song is so fantastic and carries so much weight that you really don’t need anymore.

This whole album is a tribute to Syd Barrett, a founding member of Pink Floyd who left the band due to mental illness brought on by drug abuse.

Every song is full of strong emotion with anger toward the music industry and fond memories of the Barrett the band used to know. I love every song on this album and I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite. It was also included in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”

Can’t Buy a Trill by Steely Dan This is yet again another album featured in Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time”. It’s hard to believe that this is Steely Dan’s first studio album. It was a gigantic hit when it came out and really set the tone for just how amazing Steely Dan would be in the years to come.

This is another one of those albums that I can’t help but sing along to every song. I love the upbeat, jazzy feel to the songs, the long, instrumen-

tal intros and Donald Fagen’s unique voice. My favorites from this album are Do It Again, Dirty Work, Only a Fool Would Say That, Reelin’ in the Years, and Turn That Heartbeat Over Again.

Chronicle, Vol. 1 by Creedance Clearwater Revival This is another compilation album full of 20 great songs. Chronicle has almost all my favorite CCR songs and is a great album for anyone looking into becoming a CCR fan. It is arguably CCR’s best compilation album.

All of these songs demonstrate CCR’s great blues, rock, and country sounds. I love how John Fogerty’s ragged voice fits perfectly in every song. If I had to pick favorites, they would be Susie Q, Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Who’ll Stop the Rain, Lookin’ Out My Back Door, Long As I Can See the Light, and Hey Tonight.

Kind of Blue by Miles Davis Miles Davis is considered one of the best jazz trumpet players of all time and is definitely my favorite.

Kind of Blue is one of Davis’s best. It not only had a huge impact on jazz, but also all different kinds of music and different artists, such as Duane Allman from The Allman Brothers Band and Richard Wright of Pink Floyd. Kind of Blues has even been said to be the best jazz album of all time and was also included in Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time” at number 12.

Davis’s playing is beautiful and cannot be competed with. This album also features Davis’s amazing ensemble sextet. Together, they make some of the most fantastic music of all time. I never get tired of this album and I never will.

Music & Mood

Most popular radio stations

Music seems to be every teenager’s fuel for getting by. With anthems of love woes, partying, backstabbing, and people that just don’t understand, music was practically created for the crazy hormonal beings that are teenagers.

XM

The stations students 95.9 102.5 listen to 106.3 the most 18% 21% 12% 48% photo by hannah patterson

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health

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Mother, daughter find hope in hard times

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by shayla james staff writer

Mom overcomes diagnosis by carlye hudspeth co-editor in chief Susan Johnston waited. She had become accustomed to doctor’s visits. Only two weeks before, she was in for a biopsy. Before that, a mammogram and additional imaging. All steps toward uncovering Susan’s truth- was the lump cancerous, after all?

When the doctor walked into the lifeless beige room, he immediately began discussing treatments Susan could go through.

As Susan and her husband, Eddy, got into their car, an important question developed in both of their minds.

“The doctor really never said, ‘You have cancer,’” Susan said. “[When] my husband and I got back in the car, we asked each other [whether or not I had cancer].”

Two days later, Susan went to Little Rock, Ark., for yet another medical appointment with UAMS Women’s Oncology Center. She entered a waiting room filled with

other women, some already knowing their results, and other’s like Susan, wondering what the final results might be.

After a series of tests, Susan was called into a room with a drawing board, a projector and Kleenex.

“Dr. Klimberg confirmed that I had cancer,” she said.

During the two-and-a-half hour drive home, Susan’s mind whirled.

“I felt helpless, mad, worried and empty,” Susan said. “I kept asking myself ‘why or what did I do to deserve this?’ But, by the time I got back home, I was able to gather myself. I began to grow stronger than ever before.”

Eddy was the first to know about Susan’s news, because he was with her when she found out.

Within a few days, Susan also told a good friend of hers. However, she decided to wait awhile before telling her two children.

“Because of the timing, I chose not to tell our daughter Marissa [10th] and our son Wade [8th],” she said. “I wanted them to get

finished with their testing in school first and to be able to have as much as a normal life as possible while finishing the school year.”

When Susan decided to start telling people her news, their initial reactions were similar to her own.

“There was a disbelief with everyone I talked to,” she said. “Eddy and I really didn’t talk much about it, but I always knew it weighed hard on his mind and heart.”

Susan’s mom was extremely upset upon hearing the news.

“I remember my mom saying, ‘I wish it were me and not you.

You don’t deserve this’,” she said. “I told her nor did she deserve it, but this was just another path that God wants me to experience.”

When Susan finally told her children, they couldn’t believe what she was about to go through.

“I remember seeing their faces turn to blank expressions,” she said.

“Their eyes filled with tears and crying filled the room. Our whole family sat in the living room for an hour or two talking about what

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Sophomore Marissa Johnston and her mother, Susan Johnston. photo by hannah

patterson

the doctors had said, what surgeries I would have, the treatments and procedures I would go through and what the outcome would be.”

The Johnston’s household changed for about six weeks after Susan had her surgeries. Eddy, Marissa, and Wade had to take up responsibilities that they had never had to perform before. Though things had changed, Susan did all that she could to try to relieve some of her family’s stress.

“I tried to make sure that our spirits never changed,” she said. “I made it a point that after the two weeks I was bound to the house, I would go to as many of our chil-

dren’s activities that I could. Just because my life was in a different pattern didn’t mean my family’s life should be totally adjusted.”

Susan is now cancer-free, and her life is relatively the same as it was before she discovered the lump. Though she doesn’t wish to ever relive the experience, having cancer helped her realize how blessed she was.

“I have a wonderful family that has been by my side and friends that have been a huge support for either my husband, me or our children,” she said. “Without family, friends and God, I don’t know what I would have done.”

I didn’t know what was going on. It was just another day coming home from school in my eyes.

I was wrong. Very wrong.

Tear after tear rolled down my face as my mother told me devastating news.

Why did it have to be my mom?

I sat, staring at her. She didn’t look sick. She didn’t act sick. So what was the matter?

I sat on the couch. What did she do to deserve this..? What does this mean for us? Will she be okay?

Feeling her stare, I looked over to her.

“It’s going to be okay,” she said, like she read my mind.

In that moment, I knew everything was going to be all right.

When she started going to the hospital, it got hard. She went to chemotherapy for 4 hours a day, then came home, tired and worn out.

I could see that she was hurting inside. It made me feel as if there was nothing for me to do.

Students challenge ban on breast cancer awareness bracelets by emily hoover co-editor in chief Breast cancer has touched nearly every household. It is difficult to find someone who has not had a grandmother, aunt, teacher, mother or friend diagnosed. In light of the frightening reality that breast cancer presents, a company has created a new (and controversial) way of raising awareness.

The Keep A Breast Foundation is a non-profit organization that has created an “I Love Boobies” campaign. Their mission is to get young people talking about the dangers of breast cancer.

According to the website, keepabreast.org, “The Keep A Breast Foundation’s mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection and sup-

port. Keep A Breast’s ‘I Love Boobies’ Campaign is a unique national campaign that develops a new approach and positive style of communication about breast cancer.”

As a part of this initiative, the foundation has distributed more than 2 million “I (Heart) Boobies” bracelets. It is these bracelets that have recently come under scrutiny from school administrations across the country who aren’t allowing students to wear them.

But students are fighting back. There are now lawsuits in two states where students are demanding their First Amendment rights. And, in at least one instance, they’re winning. A Pennsylvania judge has recently ruled in favor of the students. “‘The bracelets...can reasonably be viewed as speech designed to raise awareness of breast

cancer and to reduce stigma associated with openly discussing breast health,’” U.S. Judge Mary McLaughlin said in a statement.

Most students agree with the ruling; the bracelets are not offensive enough to cause a distraction.

“They definitely catch attention, though I don’t know how much they really raise awareness,” senior Chelsea Albright said. “There are far worse things that should be banned from the school.”

The inappropriateness of the bracelets is still in question, but the intent is generally agreed to be a positive one.

“I like the bracelets because they are for a good cause,” sophomore Madeleine Pellegrin said.

“Some people think that the chosen word is inappropriate, but the word ‘boobies’ isn’t as bad as the word cancer.”

Changing cancer from a frightening, unspoken nightmare into an approachable illness is really the point of the Keep A Breast Foundation’s work.

“We understand that some people find ‘I love boobies’ offensive,” said Keep A Breast Foundation spokeswoman Kimmy McAtee on their website.

“Many others find it refreshing in the sea of pink ribbons. We’re really taking a positive style of communication and taking something scary and taboo, and making it positive and upbeat.”

For those whom cancer has touched, the ‘I Love Boobies’ bracelets can be a personal reminder.

“I think it supports a good cause,” sophomore Katelyn Dobbins said. “It’s more personal to me because there was a time when the doctors thought my mom had breast cancer. I think everyone should have one.”

I just had to stand back and let it happen.

Men came and brought this machine that was supposed to help her breathe better when she was just around the house, or when she was sleeping. She also had a portable one, which I called the “baby” that she carried around when she had to go out.

The machines sucked in oxygen, then spit it back out cleaner, so my mom could breathe it in.

At first the machine helped.

But soon you could see her struggling to do simple things, such as bending over to pick up something she dropped or walk in the store.

I could hear her coughing, just from drinking a bottle of warm water or waking up from getting choked while sleeping. I felt as if she was being taken away from me, a little bit at a time.

While all the chaos was going on, the therapy started showing itself. Her hair started falling out, bit by bit, until it was all gone.

My family and whoever came by to see her everyday, could see her transform from the woman who worked at Payless, helping everyone, putting a smile on

whoever’s face she saw, to being someone depending on people to help her get by.

She likes doing things for herself, never really asking for much.

For a while, I thought she wasn’t going to get better. It just seemed she was getting worse.

But then a miracle happened.

She started moving more, walking faster, and her hair came back, luscious and curly.

She could drive my sister and me to the mall and walk with us, without having to take breaks and sit down.

She started coming to all of our band activities, from parades to concerts. She even came to one of our games to see us march.

It had been such a long time since she had been there, so it felt weird. But it felt good.

I finally felt that I had my mother back. We could go out, without worrying about her being tired. We could play different games, without her having a coughing fit.

Most of all, she felt better.

Looking at her, you could tell she was stressed out, but she tried to put a smile on her face and bear it. That’s what I love about

Sophomore Shayla James and her mother, Lydia James. photo by ruth arnold

her. Through thick and then, she had a smile on her face, acting as if nothing was wrong. Simply being strong.

My mother had never done anything wrong. But then again, nobody ever asks for these things to happen. If it were up to me, nobody would have this illness, this disease. Nobody would have cancer.

She came and picked my sister and me up on Thursday, Sept.

8. I got in the car, everything

Race day information 7-8 a.m. Late Registration/Packet Pick-Up 7-8:15 a.m. Survivor/VIP/Media Breakfast 7-8:15 a.m. Team Pictures 8:30 a.m. Opening Ceremonies 9 a.m. 5K Competition Run/Walk 9:30 a.m. Family Fun Stroll 10:30 a.m. Closing Ceremonies

Myths about breast cancer Myth: Only older women get breast cancer.

Fact: Breast cancer can affect women at any age, though it is rare in teenagers.

Myth: You will get breast cancer if it runs in the family.

Fact: A family history of breast cancer may put you at a higher risk, but it does not guarantee that you will develop it.

Myth: Breast cancer is an automatic death sentence.

Fact: There is over a 90 percent survival rate after early-stage breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The key is early detection. www.ricancercouncil.org

was great. We talked, sung and laughed, like we always did.

Suddenly my mom’s face turned serious. She pulled up to a stop light and looked back at my sister and me.

“I might have cancer again.”

Those five words made my whole world come crashing down once again.

Tears rolled down my face...

Hodgkin’s. The cancer that made my mother the strong, beautiful woman she is today.

14 It’s about time to drop Vidor from schedule I’ll admit it. One goal of a high school football team is to gain recognition on the state level and, maybe, the national stage, but I don’t think having Vidor taylor potter ruin a player’s season staff writer is quite what we need.

The football administration has the right idea in playing Vidor. A team needs to play outside its area in order to gain recognition around the state. Vidor fits the mold perfectly. Vidor is a team outside the area with a strong history of success.

It’s the same as with college football.

LSU plays another top program in order to gain recognition. They don’t go and play North South Central Rhode Island Agricultural and Polytechnic Community College. The same goes with Texas high school football. You want to play Bentonville, Ark. (ranked No. 36 nationally) or Allen, Texas (No. 27).

There’s one problem with Vidor. They had a more than normal tendency to injure our players on controversial plays.

Two players have torn ACL’s and worse.

I understand that we need to expand our horizons, but not if an athlete’s health is at risk. It’s not worth it.

Beside the fact that athletes have been badly injured, allegations have been made that Vidor had done a lot of “name-calling.” This goes beyond just being competitive. You can be competitive without leaving sportsmanship in the locker room.

Trash talk has always been, and always will be, a thing that makes football the sport it is. Football is football...until an athlete’s season or career is ruined.

Not only does a player get hurt, but the game plan is hurt as well. If a starting player gets injured, you are forced to use a back-up player. This creates a weak point for the opposing team to exploit. Also, most of the time, you must simplify the plan. Even though the team thrashed Jacksonville, we can’t be sure that the lack of depth won’t come back and bite us.

Perhaps it’s time we bring back a little out-of-state competition–Evangel in Shreveport, La. Evangel is currently ranked as the fifth best team in Louisiana and has consistently been high in national polls. Evangel had been on the schedule consistently until after we actually beat them 45-10 in 2005. The outcome may not be all too exciting, but on the off chance we win, it will be a huge event.

So we shouldn’t drop Vidor because of game scores, but because we don’t want to have to stoop to their level.

sports

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

“You can’t give up when stuff happens to you. I’ve tried to keep that attitude at least.”

Persistence, hope keep Turner going strong The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air blares through the TV in the waiting room of North Central Clinic Hospital in Dallas, Texas. A nervous patient grinned watching a goofy Will Smith. But it was only a grin.

Inside–there is no grin, just the reality that he has an enormous obstacle to climb.

That one night. That one game. That one tackle.

It had changed so much for him.

“Hey, how are you?” echoed an anesthesiologist. “I’m here to give you some relaxing medicine.”

Texas High’s star running back, Travis Turner, looked up and extended his arm for the shot.

I can still make it. I will get past this. I will play football again.

Within minutes Travis is knocked out and wheeled into surgery to repair a sundry of injuries to his knee and lower leg. With a long road of recovery ahead of him, Travis has taken his first step to a major comeback. It’s called faith.

“You can’t give up when stuff happens to you,” Travis said. “I’ve tried to keep that attitude at least.”

Travis is doing his best to keep his head up after the game with Vidor on Aug. 27.

Texas High and Vidor have had some ugly history with each other. As a whole Vidor’s team is smaller. Due to their size disadvantage they have been known to cut block and do other things that are worse. They have never been as big, as fast, or as strong as other teams.

“They run the ball right at you offensively and tackle low defensively,” senior linebacker Blake McCown said.

Some say this rivalry is sparked, in part, by the difference of skin color.

“The n-word was thrown around the field,” McCown said. “But racism isn’t why Travis got hurt.”

Travis had a neck injury coming into the game, and he thinks Vidor’s team knew. On the first play of the game, a Vidor defender

Senior Travis Turner gets encouragement from his fellow teammates, seniors Trey Rush and Dustin Whitney, after an injury during the Aug. 27 game against Vidor. photo by amy mccoy

attempted to pull Travis’s neck down. Luckily Travis wasn’t phased by this in the slightest. Vidor even lashed out with another hostility toward Travis when a player decided to gouge his eyes.

“It is normal to hit in the pile,” Travis said. “But eye gouging?

That’s not normal. That made me mad.”

Despite Vidor’s questionable play, the game had been going well for Travis. It had started slow in the first half, but the team quickly regained their intensity by the second half. In the fourth quarter, Texas High trailed by a touchdown with 9 minutes left in the See TURNER on page 20

Mascot infamy: what some schools need to rethink by josh klein staff writer It’s Friday Night; everything is riding on this one game. If you win, your team gets catapulted straight to the playoffs. If you lose, you face a sad and lonely ride home. Calming your nerves is hard enough, but now you have to lead a football team.

Exiting the locker room, the team gathers in the tunnel for one last pep talk. Then it is time. The entire team rushes onto the field with the spotlight shining down on the school mascot. The only downside to this? Your mascot is a pickle.

The mascot is supposed to represent its school and its student body. The mascot is supposed to be an icon for the team to rally behind. It is supposed to intimidate the other team. The mascot is NOT supposed to be a pickle, fruit, or any other sort of produce.

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Ohio State, The Buckeyes. Seriously, a nut? Ohio, what is wrong with you? A nut is not a mascot. It’s a salty snack!

Stanford, The Cardinal.

This is not the standard pine tree. This is a drunk, belligerent, tree from Satan’s backyard.

For being a world class institution, Stanford, you get an F in mascots.

North Carolina School of the Arts, The Fighting Pickles. A pickle.

What’s next, a Banana Slug?

Syracuse University, Otto the Orange.

This is the KoolAid Man’s creepy uncle.

University of California at Santa Cruz, The Banana Slugs.

Of all the least intimidating animals have ever existed or will exist, this is the worst. I intend to send a stronglyworded letter to UC Santa Cruz.

15

sports

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

All family in the

athletes describe what it’s like to have parents as coaches photo by caroline prieskorn

Anthony Rhone photo by caroline prieskorn

by taylor potter staff writer

Jalissa Trotter by autumn sehy sports editor Freshman Jalissa Trotter finishes cross-country practice, tired and exhausted. She takes a moment to rest, and then runs again. However, this time she’s running to volleyball practice where her mother, Coach Melissa Hardy, is the coach.

“It’s annoying sometimes,” Trotter said. “She expects more from me when I do things that I shouldn’t do, like make bad passes and not calling the ball.

Otherwise, she treats me like a normal player.”

Coach Hardy has impacted Jalissa’s academic and athletic lives.

“She makes me write pages whenever I do something wrong,” Trotter said.

“She tries to push me to do the best in my classes.”

Having a mother who pushes her to achieve makes Jalissa a strong student and athlete. Jalissa is in both varsity cross country and volleyball.

“Without her I wouldn’t be where I am now,” Jalissa said. “The things that she makes me do I wouldn’t want to do, but I do them because I have no choice.”

Coach Hardy has also helped Jalissa improve her skills.

“She helps me and I can ask her questions,” Jalissa said. “I’m more comfortable with her being my mom than my coach. With another coach, I could be comfortable with them too, but it wouldn’t be the same.”

Jalissa’s said her mom is looking out for her future.

“When I was younger, my mother always told me she never wanted to pay for me to go to college,” Jalissa said. “She said that I needed to get a scholarship and play sports more.”

Coach Hardy knows that Jalissa is talented in many sports.

“I encourage her to play several sports that she dislikes,” Coach Hardy said.”I believe in the quote that says, ‘To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.’”

And Jalissa appreciates the encouragement.

“She pushes me to do my best,” Jalissa said, “and I strive to do my best.”

A proud smile stretched across his face as he looked at his newborn son. Another athlete had just been born into the family.

He took out a small football and gently tucked it into the child’s arms.

Sophomore Anthony Rhone was born into an athletic family; his father, Coach Earnest Rhone, played in the NFL. Now, Anthony is a linebacker in varsity football, where he is coached by the man he respects the most.

“It helps having him on the field,” Anthony said. “When you’re in that atmosphere it helps to have someone to keep your focus. He’s usually with his position players, but he’ll come and help me out occasionally.”

On the field, Coach Rhone treats his son just like everyone else.

“I really don’t see any difference,” Coach Rhone said. “I look at all the players I coach as my children. I want them to succeed just as much as my own son.”

Off the field, the two share the typical father-son relationship and enjoy participating in activities other than football.

“My dad and I enjoy pretty much all sports,” Anthony said. “We like golf. Golf is more of a relaxed sport that we enjoy.

He’ll also teach me some baseball.”

The father and son try to dispel any rumors of special treatment or favoritism.

“I think that when you’re the coach’s son, you have to work harder,” Anthony said. “Someone will always think that you get what you want handed to you. You

have to prove that you belong there.”

However, the position does present some advantages as a player.

“At home, my dad will break out the whiteboard,” Anthony said. “Even though he coaches another position, he’ll help me learn the aspects of football better.”

As expected, the relationship has some challenges.

“The biggest challenge I face is expecting too much too soon from a player with only a couple of years of high school football,” Coach Rhone said. “It took me 20 years of football experience to perfect my craft.”

People often joke around with Anthony about his similarities to his dad.

“They call me ‘Baby Rhone,’ ‘Little Rhone’ or ‘Rhonie-Rhone,’” Anthony said.

“They always teased about having the afro

in ninth grade. They said I was one step closer to being my dad, since he had one back when he played pro.”

Coach Rhone notices the similarities.

“His work ethic and enjoyment of the game is comparable to mine,” Coach Rhone said. “His desire to be the best he can relates to the qualities I have.”

Over the years, Coach Rhone looks forward to watching his son progress in a sport that he has so much success in.

“I think Anthony is further ahead in football skills than I was at his age,” Coach Rhone said. “I am proud to see him do well and take advantage of the opportunities and skills he has been blessed with. I think any parent would want their child to be successful at whatever they desire to do, and I am no different.”

Annie Tarwater

go to the court,” Annie said. “I feel like I can talk to her easier than other people.”

The two share some fun moments while traveling with the tennis team.

“We’ve had to stop at some really bad gas stations because my mom has forgotten to get gas sometimes,” Annie Tarwater said. “The gas stations were scary in Shreveport at midnight.”

Coach Tarwater enjoys the advantages of the dual role.

“When we traveled to USTA tournaments, I was basically her mom, and I couldn't walk up to the fence and coach her,” Coach Tarwater said. “In high school tournaments, I get to do that, so that's kind of an added benefit.”

Coach Tarwater’s training has paid off.

Annie Tarwater has defeated her mom in several tennis matches recently.

“That’s great for her,” Coach Tarwater said. “I’m proud of that. I’m proud of her.”

by dawson mcgonagill staff writer Sitting quietly in the stands wasn’t good enough. She wanted to be able to coach her daughter. Now she can.

Annie Tarwater is a freshman on the varsity tennis team, coached by her mom, Ann Tarwater.

“Here, it’s different because she’s not my only coach,” Annie Tarwater said. “I am not always on her court. She can come out to talk to me here, but at USTA she has to sit there quietly.”

Being in the No. 1 spot as a freshman comes with its share of pressure, but Annie said her mom is always there to guide her.

“If I ever need help with my hitting or something, I can just tell her, and we can photo by caroline prieskorn

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tiger times sept. 29, 2011

Asthma leaves athletes gasping for air by hannah wren staff writer Whether it’s soccer or baseball, tennis or swimming, asthma can have detrimental effects on student athletes.

Asthma includes coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue, and most importantly, decreased athletic performance. Asthma is highly common and for those who play sports, and it can affect game performance big time.

Cheering at football games, pep rallies, volleyball games, and other events takes up quite a bit of time for sophomore Brittin Patton, and all of the yelling doesn’t help her asthma any.

“When I yell out cheers it makes me really tired,” Patton said. “It makes me feel like my chest is compressed.”

Not only does asthma manifest itself in Patton’s life, but also in senior Shea Smith’s.

“Most days my asthma is fine, but if it’s

real humid or something triggers it, then it can make it really hard to breathe,” Smith said. “Most of the time I’m kind of scared and embarrassed to tell coach, so I just try to make it go away, but if it gets real bad I’ll tell him and just sit out of running that day.”

In tennis, there’s a lot of running involved. As you move around, the lungs lose their capacity to carry the oxygen throughout the body. Due to this complication, asthma impacts sophomore Ryan Fant’s basketball games.

“During a basketball game, my asthma sometimes would make me take a couple plays off,” Fant said. “I would go about 70 percent before I could get back to 100 percent.”

Like tennis, basketball can make asthma get even worse from running up and down the court. An inhaler is more often used to treat asthma symptoms, and that’s exactly what senior I’kil Banks does during football.

“I had an asthma attack this past sum-

Sophomore Brittin Patton and junior Lyndsey Knotts show their inhalers that they use when participating in cheerleading and soccer. photo by hannah patterson

mer during football practice,” Banks said.

“Before each game, and during halftime, I use my inhaler.”

In more cases, asthma isn’t curable, and it can also be hereditary. For athletes, having asthma plays a big role in their lives and most wish they didn’t have it, like sophomore Clete Norton.

“I wish I never had asthma,”Norton said. “I first knew when I had it when

I had an asthma attack in my backyard playing football. I was 10 years old at the time.”

Even though it can scare people from attacks in the past, junior Lyndsey Knotts stands strong even when she plays soccer.

“It gives me short breath when I run,” Knotts said. “It also tires me out faster than other people, but I try not to let it bother me.”

State bound?

Tigersharks push through obstacles for better year, hope for faster times Sophomore Ashton Latham competes during time trials at Texby josh klein arkana College’s Pinkerton Center. photo by katie black staff writer It’s your last event, your final shot at The seniors are rallying the team and qualifying for state. Stepping onto the have galvanized them into a tight-knit block, your heart is beating out of your group of dedicated athletes. chest. Breathing is now something you “Last year, Regionals was a disappointhave to remember to do. You hear the ment for me with my cap and goggles crowd quiet at the call of the official. falling off and then not breathing,” junior “Take Your Marks... Go!” This is only an Amy McCoy said. “[This year] I really iota of the anxiety swimmers feel. want the record (200 freestyle). All of the For over a decade, the Tigersharks have girls are pushing it hard and I really want been a State-winning contender. They the girls relays to get to State.” have won State twice, in 1999 and 2003.

Although the Tigersharks lost a numBut last season, multiple 5A schools were ber of crucial members last year, the main downgraded to 4A. These top contenders body of their relays are still intact. This for State have swim programs on par with means that their times could exponentially college level teams.Times that would have increase. Also, the coaches have invested gotten swimmers to state for the last ten in new revolutionary equipment which years would not even come close to qualiwill shave off essential seconds needed to fying now. In spite of all this, the coaches win. believe the Tigersharks have some of the There is no doubt, swimming is not best chances of winning this year. the same as it was only two years ago.

Last year the Tigersharks, for the first Seemingly out of nowhere times dropped, year, did not bring home a state banner. records were smashed, and now swimming This crushing blow did not hinder but (and swimmers) in Texas will never be the only motivated them further. same.

“I am looking at the times from last The times of cruising into State and year and I’m setting higher goals for regionals are long gone, but there is no myself,” senior Erubiel Basurto-Ruiz. “I doubt that the Tigersharks are on the fast intend to have a better season this year.” track to a third state championship.

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sports

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

I’m addicted. I’m obsessed. Running is who I am I stood on the playground with all my third-grade classmates. We were in gym class. We were about to run the mile.

It was cold outside, even for autumn sehy Michigan. sports editor The ground was wet from a recent rain shower. I, unlike my peers, didn’t mind running. All I wanted to do was beat the boys, to show

my classmates that I was good at something other than being quiet. I’ve always been that way. I need to prove that I’m fast. I need to prove that I’m smart. I need to prove that I can work hard. I need to prove to the world that I can do anything that is asked of me. I have too much pride to not try.

Third grade I was the skinniest and shyest kid Pierce Elementary school had ever seen. But on that cold day in April I broke the girl’s mile school record, and, more importantly, I ran faster than all

the boys.

I wouldn’t call my relationship with running passionate.

Running is a cold sport. Running is my outlet for anger. Running is what I love. Running is freeing from the world. Running is a definition of who I am.

I wake up in the morning and run. I run after school. Sometimes, I run at night. Every day I hurt. Every day I’m proud of myself. There’s a feeling you get after a distance run called a Runner’s High. It’s the feeling of pride that you can do what so many people

hate and complain about. It’s that you have the guts to go out and endure pain. There’s nothing to distract from the pain in running. There’s no soccer ball to kick, there’s no tennis ball to hit.

All there is is the ten feet in front of you that you want to make it to. There’s the other five miles that you have to go- after you did three in the morning. There’s empty space. Then there’s you.

It’s what I live for. To run.

Alone. Sometimes away.

I’m different when I run. I’m angry. I’m angry at the world,

I’m angry at my social life, I’m angry at myself. I channel my anger into my running. There is an entire emotional rollercoaster.

By the time it’s over, I’m in bliss.

Maybe a painful bliss, but I’m calm. I’m going and going and moving and gliding along to nothing. Running is how I deal with life.

Nothing for me will ever compare to running. I’m an addict, I’m obsessed, I’ve lived through days only thinking about my running. I run and I’m me.

Running is who I am.

dance

homecoming

18

save the last

Junior Aaron Jones decided to “propose” to senior Alexis Burns in order to ask her to Homecoming. During a volleyball game, he got down on one knee with flowers and a ring box. In the box, was a note that said, “Homecoming?” “It was the perfect proposal,” Alexis said. “I’ve never been asked to Homecoming before, so it was a real treat.”

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Senior DJ Ingram cames up with a unique way to ask his date, senior Ruth Arnold, to homecoming. However, plans did not go as predicted. “I had this great idea to replicate an ‘Old Spice’ commercial, like the ones on TV. I did everything including, the famous ‘I’m on a beach’ line.” DJ wanted to surprise Ruth by airing it on TigerVision that morning; however, he wasn’t able to because he had too much skin showing. “But when I did show it to her, she jumped and hugged me and was

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tiger times sept. 29, 2011

1

2

speechless,” DJ said.

Junior Michael Stanley asked junior Amy McCoy during the first swim meet of the season. “I didn’t have my contacts in, so I couldn’t see that Michael was there,” Amy said. “After we did our regular team cheer, one of the photographers made me turn around to see 11 people holding up signs that spelled out H-O-ME-C-O-M-I-N-G-? I was so surprised and happy, I went and gave him a huge hug.”

3

Sophomore Clayton Shores knew that junior Natalie Copeland was heavily involved in publications, so he thought using the newspaper would be a unique way to ask her. So Natalie, here’s as a message from Clayton: WILL YOU GO WITH ME TO HOMECOMING?

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4

4

4

compiled by brianna sellers, sydney schoen & angela derrick

dress less

A little late on getting asked to Homecoming or just on a budget? Here are two lists for reasonably priced Homecoming dresses.

Stores: JC Penney Dillard’s Reed’s Bridal Tradition’s Bridal

Online Stores: Delias.com Macys.com RentTheRunway.com There is always the option of borrowing dresses from your friends or resale shops.

when I was asked...

“We were in Spanish and he gave me and another person a fortune cookie.

When I opened mine it said ‘Homecoming?’ It made me feel surprised because I didn’t know it said ‘Homecoming’ inside.

It was so unexpected. Of course, I said yes.”

Aimee Tran, 10

compiled by angela derrick

“We were on the bus on the way to the football game, and he handed me sushi in a take-out box with a note that said ‘Will you roll with me to homecoming?’ I was kinda surprised he asked me since it was so soon, and I didn’t really expect anyone to ask me.”

Maggie Coleman, 9

“He wrote me a song asking me to Homecoming. I was a little bit shocked but it was absolutely precious and I’m so happy he asked me.”

Cassidy Sorenson, 10

“He came to the school early in the morning and had ‘Homecoming’ written on his shirt with a yes and no box on it. He handed me a marker so I could mark yes on the shirt. I wasn’t really expecting it, but it was really sweet and it literally made my day.”

Ashleigh Yates, 11

“I asked my boyfriend! I went to see him at college one weekend and knew this year I would have to be the one to ask. With a carton of eggs, that were painted and filled with glitter, I spelled out ‘Homecoming’. He got excited and clapped.”

Emily Speer, 12

“I was told I was being used for a newspaper spread. I didn’t know anything about it, and as soon as I walked in to the art hallway, and through the back doors, he held up a sign that said, ‘Homecoming?????’ I was so surprised and absolutely speechless.”

Erica McVay, 12

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

10 days

19

homecoming

how to get a date... how to lose a date...

1

Narrow the prospects.

When it comes to getting a date for Homecoming, most people have a few possible dates in mind, but don’t know how to narrow the list. The best thing to do is to choose people you feel most comfortable with (this also helps prevent any awkwardness). Homecoming can be an unbearable night if spent with someone you’re too afraid to talk to, much less dance with.

2

Make sure they’re all free.

Whether they’ll be in town, gone to some family function, already have a date, or if they just think they’re too cool to even go to Homecoming--all these are things you need to know. This will, most likely, shrink your list down to two or three people.

3

Communicate more.

You will need to get closer to your future date to ensure a “yes.” Whether it be “liking” a few extra Facebook statuses and pictures, texting a few times a day, or eating together at lunch, make sure to hint that you are trying to get to know the person better.

4

Dress to impress.

Make sure this not the week and a half you decide are going to be your “lazy days.” If you’re trying to make a point of putting yourself out there to get a date, please make sure you’re not doing so in your dad’s old college T-shirt and those sweatpants that have you prepared for a flood. Participate in Dress Thursday, take 5 minutes to put some mascara on, and I promise you’ll thank me later.

5

Buy a ticket for Homecoming.

Let it be known that you, yes you, will be going to Homecoming. This is a big day for you. You are actually committing to the fact that you will be going. This also allows everybody else to know that you’re single, ready to mingle, and you think it would be great for someone to ask you.

If by the off chance no one does by this time, no worries. We still have five more days.

6

Go to their sporting events/ things they’re involved in.

Being that we live in Texas, most students are involved in sports. Make sure to attend one of their cross country or swim meets, tennis matches, football, volleyball or golf games. Just let the people you’re interested in know that you’re there specifically for them.

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7

Go on a date with them.

Catch a movie, get some yogurt, or anything else Texarkana has to offer, with the people you’re considering taking.

This will help determine who you would like to have as your final choice, and also help you gauge what Homecoming night would be like with that person.

Sydney Schoen staff writer

8

Decide on Mr. (or Miss) Right.

From the dates, it should be easy to tell who your perfect Homecoming date will be. If not, ask your friends’ opinions.

They will be the most honest about the situation because they don’t want you to be seen with someone they feel isn’t up to your standards any more than you do.

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ASK!

This is the most nerve-wracking/exciting day of all. You’ve determined who you’ve wanted it to be, if they’re available, and may have even gotten your flirt on.

You now just need to find a cute way to ask them. If you don’t have any ideas, Google is the way to go. There are several websites dedicated to, somewhat original, ways to ask. Just make sure not to copy a friend. No one likes sloppy seconds.

10

Get a group together.

I have helped you this far, and I am proud to announce that the best days are ahead of you. You can now boast to your friends about your awesome date, and start to get your Homecoming group together. These will be the people you take pictures and eat with so make it a fun group. The best ones are usually those that consist of club members or sports teams. This way you know everybody and are comfortable. You can now enjoy the rest of your Homecoming experience. Bust out into some Napoleon Dynamite dance moves, and go crazy. Who cares if you look ridiculous, you already have a date.

Brianna Sellers viewpoint editor

The dream.

You have your mind set on the person you want to go with to Homecoming more than anyone--your tall dark and handsome. And you convince yourself, “Oh, he’s totally going to ask me. He’s been dropping hints all week. OMG! I have a date, all I have to do is meet him!”

So you ask your friends to set the

two of you up.

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The embarrassment.

You are just about to meet the Homecoming date of your dreams when your creepy classmate walks up with a dozen roses to serenade you in front of ALL your friends. You lean over to Sally and ask her to shoot you in the foot because you had heard rumors all week that he would be asking you to Homecoming.

Two words- heck no.

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The guilt.

Well, he asked you, and you said yes.

Of course you should have told him, “Sorry, I already had a date,” and then find one quickly before he finds out. But no, you were the girl who felt bad if you said no, so you told him you would go. Well... Shame.

On You. Because now, you are in a sticky predicament.

closet and become his twinkie.

You wear the brightest shade of pink you can find on your eyes. You want to give that “you just got popped in the face” look.

Don’t brush your teeth or even betterbrush your teeth with onions. Trust me, this is very offsetting.

. .

6

More planning.

Talk about your feelings. What makes a guy more depressed than listening to you complain about everything wrong in the world. Start with him. He doesn’t give you enough attention and hardly ever calls you. Tell his friends what you feel he needs to improve on, including his dancing skills.

Whatever you do, never stop talking. Talk during his favorite sports. Talk during his favorite TV show. Talk during his nap time.

And don’t forget to have your tissues for those spur-of-the-moment crying episodes!

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Even more planning...

The next thing you can do is to stay CLINGY! They will absolutely HATE it. Send him about five texts a minute just telling him how much you miss him and how excited you are. Call him, and when he answers, just hang up. It will get on his nerves and he will eventually not be able to stand you.

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The grand finale.

If none of that works, you must go to the highest point of obsession and plan your future with him. You’ll want to go as far as planning your baby names together and combining your faces on pictures to see what your baby will look like. You might even make photo albums of the first few years of the baby’s life. Tell him how excited you are to be spending the rest of your life with him.

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The success.

You have to get rid of him, there’s no other way. The only thing is, you don’t want to break his heart. So what do you do? What if there was a way to get him to dump you? Hmm...

He’s absolutely HAD it with you and he does NOT want to go with you anymore.

This is the day he is bound to break it off.

He is going to feel a little bad, so make sure when he is approaching you, you go off the walls, annoying. Go big or go home.

There will be no turning back...

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10

4

The next day.

The plan.

It’s time to rid of the guy. You must go out of your way to make HIM dump YOU. “How do you do this?”

You tease your hair. Very big. Almost natty, actually. And you wear it like that to approach your date while trying to run your fingers through your hair like a model.

You try and match him! Sneak into his

. .

The relief.

What you just did was probably the brattiest and most inconsiderate thing you’ve ever done. You are going to feel bad and somewhere deep inside, you are going to wish you had not done it. But you did, so get over it. What’s done is done, and you cannot turn back time. So move on and proceed to your next date.

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movies

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

Put the money in the bag!

Top 5 Heist Films Enemies No. 5Public (2009):

One of the most notorious bank robbers ever to be known plus the promise of the old school, no rules F.B.I. agents who will do anything to get their man. Yeah, just a sentence and you can see why this is awesome.

Trainers assess senior Travis Turner’s injuries during the Aug. 27 game against Vidor. Turner was diagnosed with a detached calf muscle, torn ACL, PCL and MCL. photo by brianna sellers

Turner from page 14 in the game.

“I told my team that if I see the hole, I’m going to hit it,” Travis said.

Within two yards of the line, Travis was hit low and hard. Really hard.

“When he first hit me my body just felt weird. I was like man!” Travis said. “I was upset.

I knew the season was over for me.”

The team took one look at Travis’s disjointed left leg and waved to the trainers. While being assisted off the field Travis glanced at the score board: Texas High- 21, Vidor-28 I’m done.

On the sidelines, Travis was put on a metal table. He felt completely hopeless. Edwin Hooper, a former football player who had similar injuries last year, hopped from the stands and came rushing to his side.

“He started telling me everything was going to be all right,” Travis said. “That’s when I looked at Ed and realized he had been through the same thing. That’s when I realized I was going to make it.”

Travis and his parents arrived at St. Michael’s Hospital at 1 a.m. that late August night. During his stay, Travis received much support from teachers, friends and fans who came by.

“I was really surprised by reaction from the school,” Travis said. “I didn’t know me or the football season was that important to them. It really shocked me.”

Travis was thankful. His fellow classmates, faculty and team believed in him. Dr. Darius Mitchel, who had treated Travis in town, recommended Dr. Daniel Cooper at North Central Clinic Hospital in Dallas to perform his surgery to repair a detached calf muscle, torn ACL, PCL and MCL. Travis was in good hands. Dr. Cooper has served as the team physician for the Dallas Cowboys, as well as years of professional experience and specializing in sport injuries.

“Dr. Cooper came in looking confident and comfortable,” Travis said. “Knowing that he wasn’t nervous made me feel pretty good.”

The surgery was successful and Travis was

on his way to recovery.

“I was really happy to have my surgery and to get it over with,” Travis said. “I was ready to start the healing process.”

Rehab will be a grind. But, Travis is determined to get back to his old form. He has started physical therapy and is starting to become more independent. Perhaps the most noteworthy of Travis’s rehab is his attitude.

“Travis hasn’t been moping,” Travis’s brother, Trey Turner, said. “He’s made the best out of his situation.”

Travis’ positive outlook has become a rallying point for his team.

“He’s the leader of the team,” McCown said.

“And the most respected player.”

Watching Travis go down, the team knew he wanted them to keep playing hard without him. So that’s what they are going to do.

“The team came together and said ‘lets do this for Travis’,” McCown said.

Several teammates have gone up to Travis telling him, “I’m playing for you.”

In honor of Travis, varsity player Jalen Jones has a towel with Travis’s number on it.

“I am proud of my team and how they are playing,” Travis said. “It makes me feel good to see the support they are giving me.”

From Travis’s fall the players learned there are no certainties in football.

“His injury made the rest of the team aware that you are not guaranteed another play, another game, or another day,” Athletic Director Barry Norton said. “We better make the most of our time here.”

Travis hopes to start by playing junior college football by next year.

“Will the injury get in his way?” Norton said. “Sure it will. Will it keep him from living his dreams? Absolutely not. Travis is a very dedicated person and he will work to reach the goals that he has set for himself.”

With the help of his loving family, his teammates, the school community, and a town full of crazed football-worshipping fans, Travis has all the support he needs. Say it together: Travis will play football again.

No. 4Inside Man (2006):

A modern day bank robbery and hostage situation mixed with a man who seems to know all the moves makes a movie that twist and turns. This movie is sure to keep you guessing and has an ending that will get you cheering for the criminal.

No. 3The Town (2010):

With this film Ben Affleck establishes himself as a director who is a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Centered around the classic foil of choosing between family or a new love, this film balances action of advanced robberies with gritty drama of a man torn between love and loyalty to create a thrilling film. A life of crime led by family and friends or following the one you love? This film will make you rethink your limits when dealing with what you care most for.

Usual Suspects No. 2The (1994):

A good crime thriller that revolves around a crime scene and the search for one man. Most of the movie takes place in an office in the police station where a customs agent interrogates a man who was an accessory to the crime. The film seems to be pretty straight forward. It is because of this that you get a totally unexpected ending.

Eleven No. 1Ocean’s (1960):

Ocean’s 11 never tries to be brilliant, yet succeeds in every way. This film is a melting pot of everything “cool” in the 1960’s. With an all star cast and Las Vegas setting, Ocean’s 11 creates a stirring heist tale as a group of army vets plan to rob a string of banks. This is the film that essentially created the crime genre as we know it today.

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movies

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

“Winning” as decided by Wynne and Jacob

Movie night-a date bust by jacob hill staff writer

Hannibal Lector

vs Jigsaw

Hannibal Lecter: Both of these villains are iconic in the way of manipulating others, but Hannibal pulls ahead by having one of the most-blowing escapes in movie history (he wears a dude’s FACE!) while Jigsaw just dies of old-manitis and leaves his empire to an incompetent crazy girl.

Rambo

vs

Terminator

Terminator: While it’s undeniable that Rambo is the master of the stealth kill, that’s not going to help against a full-metal Arnold Schwarzenegger toting a chain gun that would make even a tank blush.

Jack Sparrow

vs Robin Hood

Jack Sparrow: Sorry Robin Hood the green tights and band of merry men are just a little outdated. No one can deny Sparrow’s drunken swag.

James Bond

vs Indiana Jones

James Bond: Bond gets the style points, I mean you can’t deny the man has some suave. From dashing escapes to cruising into high-end party, martini in hand (shaken, not stirred). Plus Bond always get the girl... well girls, to be more precise.

Pink Panther

vs Ace Ventura

Ace Ventura: Another classic, two goofball detectives accidentally solving all of their cases. However, Ventura’s ability to talk with his butt made this contest a no-brainer.

Clint Eastwood

vs

John Wayne

Tie: This was definitely the hardest fight we had to figure out. Both actors defined an era. When I say cowboy you are going to immediately picture either Clint Eastwood or John Wayne. There’s just no way to figure this out without blowing up the universe.

So you’ve finally worked up the courage to ask the cute girl that sits in front of you in English on a date, and she’s miraculously agreed. However, now you have a bigger problem. Where do you take her? You don’t want to try anything too different just yet. You’re new at this and the last thing you want to do is scare her away. Better to go with the tried and true; a movie date.

Unfortunately, this is the case with most teenagers looking for the first date. When you go on a date, you just want to talk and get to know each other. Then why would you choose a dark theater with your face away from your date, where it is actually frowned upon to talk?! Now of course people can say you can get the talking out of the way with dinner, but that can get expensive, and most of us don’t have that kind of money or time.

Don’t get me wrong; I love going to the movies, especially with the girl I like, but with friends too.

Going as a group can ease the pressure of the one-on-one, and even gives you a little more room to talk.

First dates are scary! There is plenty of comfort in not actually having to talk to your date and risk embarrassing yourself by saying something stupid, but that defeats the whole purpose.

Not talking to her is only acceptable when you are trying to get up the courage to ask her out.

Now that you have done that, you need to step up your game and prove that you are worth it. You only have one shot to make a good first impression, don’t waste it by sitting in the dark avoiding eye contact. So, if you really want to make a good first impression or find out if she is completely insane, take her somewhere other than the movies.

surviving the year

22

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

Journey through junior year Phase one: The overconfidence

That smug sense of satisfaction. The smirks.

The “oh, this won’t be so bad.” The rumors?

Exaggerations of a lazy grade. It can’t possibly be as bad as they say. The excitement of being an upperclassmen. Finally making your way up in the world. It won’t be so bad. Just don’t procrastinate. Or maybe just a little. It’ll be the same as always, easy. Just float on by and then you’re a senior.

Aug. 22, 2010.

I remember it clearly.

Sitting in the spare bedroom of my mom’s new apartment, I log into Facebook. Smirk- madison sewell ing, I post my status, staff writer “junior year..? Bring it on!”

It’s just another year. New classes. New teachers.

Nothing but the same old same old.

There would be homework, but nothing unmanageable.

Nothing I hadn’t dealt with before.

I get up and stretch and begin to meander lazily into my new room and get in bed.

I lay there, eyes closed, with the pre-first day jitters as always, expecting to hear my brother playing Xbox live.

I don’t.

The feeling is uncomfortable. I open my eyes and stare at the ceiling.

So much has changed. I just wish...

Just stay positive Madison.

I roll over on my side.

New beginnings. Starting fresh.

Everyone in the grade above me complained so much last year, but it couldn’t possibly be so bad.

Phase two: The shock

It’s like a bomb dropping. A quick inhalation of breath and then you hold it. Like any traumatic event, first comes the shock. You can’t believe it. This isn’t reality. “I’ve never had this much homework in my life.” That’s how it is. Not once a week, not twice. Every single day. Weekends? Nonexistent. Try to have a life with all that homework and extracurricular activities. The constant headaches. An uphill battle you’re not winning. Maybe it’ll get better.

Maybe just maybe. The first six weeks is always hard. Yeah that’s it. They’re weeding out the lazy ones. Crossing your fingers. That’s it.

9

Freshman “T”, “E”, “A”, “M”, “S”.

Which one were you?

Grimm Stadium is remodeled.

Sept. 8, 2010.

BEEP BEEP BEEP.

5:35. I stumble out of bed, throw my stuff in my car and drive to cross country practice.

5 miles today, fast.

The obsession. Unhealthy it may be.

It’s the dependency over numbers. Drilled into my brain. Four and zero.

Got to run 40 miles a week… At least.

Got to keep that 4.0.

Maybe then...

I just have to prove to everyone.

To myself.

I can do this on my own.

School is sheer insanity. I could complain on and on about it.

I won’t. Not this time. There’s worse things in life than school work.

Right now, we all face it. The mountains of assignments given to us.

The headaches, the hand cramps, the frustration.

It’s all of our burdens.

It grows inside our hearts, weighs us down. Brings out the worst in us.

I’ll spare you the monotonous complaining of school work. This is real life right?

The bell rings to go home. A miracle..

“Jackson let’s go!”

I’m preoccupied on my plans for the evening, homework of course, throw some running in too.

“It’s going to take me all night to finish that reading.”

I grit my teeth, press down on the gas a little harder. Every minutes counts.

“Why do I have to take this idiot home?”

I turn up my music. He glances over and frowns. He hates it. I laugh and turn it up as loud as it’ll go.

When was the last time we had an actual conversation? I don’t know.

My best friend for 15 years. A stranger now.

I slam on the breaks. “See ya,” he mutters and grabs his stuff.

I don’t reply. 20 minutes to drive out here. Too long for me.

A quick tapping on my windows.

Dad. My stomach drops. Grudgingly I let the window come down.

“What?”

“Maddie, I haven’t seen you since school started! I’m your father. This is ridiculous.”

Candy in the cafeteria.

Only $1 and 220 calories of chocolatey goodness is yours.

The blood rushes to my face. I know this.

He continues the rant. No concern for my feelings. No sympathy. No kindness in his voice. Just anger.

I snap. “Will you listen for one second?!

It’s not just you, it’s everyone! My friends, Matt, I haven’t seen them in three weeks either!”

My palms sweat. I cry from frustration.

Doesn’t he understand? I don’t have time for anyone, and no one has time for me.

Seven Pre-AP, DC, and AP classes and cross country. Doesn’t he know how much work that is?

He quickly apologizes, I nod and head home, crying. Why do things have to change?

“I haven’t seen you since school started! I’m your father.”

Phase three: The breakdown

“I just can’t do it.” It all starts to pile on you. The consistency of this torture. Every day’s the same. A long blur. Rejoice at 3:45. Freedom. Then you think, I have so much homework to do. School continues at home. Pausing to eat, shower and sleep. It’s just too much.

Worrying about grades. Worrying about sports.

Worrying about everything. Mental breakdowns come and go. The pounding in your head. All you can do is cry, get angry, or for the lucky ones, laugh at the ridiculousness of it. Either way, it doesn’t help. At the end of the day there’s still that lab report you have to write, the history you have to read, the math problems to do.

Oct. 21, 2010.

The night of the bonfire. Cool and crisp.

I walk to the field with my coffee. My clothes are soaked from running and the chill sets in.

I’m late. Oh well.

I find Ryan Smith, my lab partner. “Smittie, are we going to do that lab report?”

“Yeah just come by after this.”

It’s 8:00 p.m. now. We’ve just begun.

I need a good grade on this desperately.

It’s a test grade.

We press on and on. Four pages, five, six, seven, eight.

I drink my second coffee, the only reason I’m awake.

Now it’s time for English, seventy-seven study guide questions.

11:00 p.m now.

Twilight’s released in theaters, and Obama is coming to a White House near you.

Sophomore

stepheniemeyer.com

Eye of the Tiger warning bell.

180 days x 5 times a day.

900 a year.

Standing awkwardly at your first homecoming.

I gather my stuff wearily. “I’ll see you in English.”

I guess I’m the lucky one. He still had history to read.

But the next day begins before six again.

I go home to the dark empty apartment.

I call Mom to let her know I’m home.

“Baby, I’m worried about you, you’re taking on too much.” She’s in Austin for the week again. Work.

I’m here alone. Every kid’s dream right?

Parties, No curfew.

Not for me. There are too many consequences for that.

I lay my head on my shower wall.

The weight on my shoulders feels tremendous. I close my eyes.

If only I could wake up from this nightmare.

8:30 a.m, my calves are wrapped with ice.

I sit studying my notes for physics. Not only did we have a lab report, we have a test.

I ask those who have already taken it.

“Super easy! Everyone made a 100.”

Still, I’m cautious.

Lunch rolls around, the best part of the day.

Well, usually.

Today, I feel sick to my stomach. All of the he said, she said, ex-boyfriend drama. I can’t even eat.

My face grows red. I thought this was over. I sit on the publications couch crying, Elizabeth Cook rubs my back. “Pull it, together.” Lunch is ending.

Next class, physics.

I sit tapping my pencil on the cold, smooth black table.

Only one question.

I bite my lip. One little mistake...

I get up and turn it in regardless.

Thirty minutes pass.

He hands back the test.

My classmates high-five each other. 100s.

I get my test. I stare unbelievably. A 30?

I put my face in my hands. I’ve never failed a test.

“I just can’t win.”

The frustration, it’s too much.

10

Phase four: The hopeless

There’s no getting out of it. You’ve come to understand it now. They aren’t letting up. It’s push, push, push. Get those grades up if you hope on going anywhere in your life. Every day,

AP World History is first offered.

Around 70% drop the first week.

Caught in a bad romance.

“Rah Rah Ah Ah Ah”

Bieber-fever.

No vaccine available.

Honk! Honk! Beep! Beep!

Move your feet! 10th grade drivers out on the street.

Justinbiebermusic.com

surviving the year

tiger times sept. 29, 2011

23

continued from page 22 a new challenge to be conquered. You muster all your might to finish out a day of work.

Don’t get lazy just yet. It’s not over. You look around. Classmates begin to disappear. Where did they go? Options? Transfer? It’s all too much.

Legitimate reasons. “Maybe I should do the same.” Maybe then it’ll be easier. Well, life is never easy. So many choices to be made. Don’t lose your head now. ‘

Feb. 17, 2011.

I walk into Physics. Less and less people everyday it seems.

Getting out of advanced courses, changing teachers, options, transferring.

“Where’s Lauren?”

“She’s at options now.”

Oh. Many are graduating early.

I don’t blame them. I can’t imagine another year like this.

“What’d we start off with in ninth grade?

550? More?”

Now, 452. The thought is in my mind.

“Transfer.”

Maybe I’ll finally be able to catch my breath.

I confront my Mom after school. “Mom, I want to transfer to Trinity.”

Her mouth drops.

“Why?” How can I put it into words. That I just couldn’t take another year like this.

“I’m so stressed,” I finally utter running my hands through my hair and pacing.

“You’ve worked so hard, you just can’t throw it away! What about colleges? Scholarships? Your class rank? How will that be affected?”

A million questions at once.

I’ve thought about this for so long, but now I have no words.

“Mom, I just can’t do it.”

“Talk to your father then.”

He’s more understanding. “Whatever makes you happy.”

But still the same questions. “College?

Class Rank? GPA? Dual Credit? AP classes?

What can Trinity offer you that Texas High can’t?”

I answer the questions as best as I can.

As I drive home I get a call.

“Have you finished those problems?”

Of course, the ritualistic checking of answers.

“No. Ryan, I just talked to my parents about transferring to Trinity.”

Silence. “I talked to my mom about trans-

ferring last week.”

So I’m not the only one...

As more days passed, the more I wanted out. It seemed so simple, so easy. The feeling turned to desperation.

But, I needed an opinion. Not a peer or academic counselor or parent or coach.

They’d be too biased. Wouldn’t give me the facts. A teacher. I knew just who to ask.

A few days later I walk into last period happy. Today was a good day.

I look at Mr. Williams. He shakes his head and scowls.

“What?”

“You know what. Ryan told me. If you want my honest opinion stay after class.”

“Ryan, ugh, big mouth.” Now he’d had time to think about it.

I stay after class curious as to what he would say.

“What are your reasons?”

I name them, in my head they are legitimate.

He rebuts them easily. I’m dumb founded.

“Uhhh.” I become nervous. I feel like a stupid kid. It all made sense in my head. I just couldn’t express it.

He talks on and on. Listing pros and cons, weighing my options.

“I’m just so stressed. There’s so much pressure.”

“Just tell them to back off, it’s your life.

You do what you want! If you want a blow off senior year, who is stopping you? And if you want me to talk to someone for you I will.”

I contemplate this.

No one had put pressure on me. Only me. I forced myself to do all this. It was a drive to prove that I could do it. All of it.

Without help. Now I was running away from my problems like a scared little girl.

Something changed in me. I quit feeling sorry for myself. Life could be worse.

I realize Mr. Williams was still talking. “If you decide anything, tell me.”

“I will.” I walk out of his room and know that I’m not transferring.

“Transfer. ‘Mom, I want to transfer to Trinity.’”

11 Junior

Just when you learn your way around, the school’s rearranged.

“Ease on down the road” to the PAC’s opening show: The Wiz.

Phase five: The acceptance

There’s no getting out of it. Haven’t we been over this? Well you had a tiny glimmer of hope for the light at the end of tunnel. It’s not coming anytime soon. Spring break is about to, though, a little relief.. Keep your head up. Don’t go

ACT, enough said.

Evacuate to the field, “This place about to blow, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh”

under just yet. Just keep treading water. This is reality. So what if you fail a test? One grade won’t kill you. So close to the end now. “If I can just make it through another week.” You’ve survived until March now. It won’t get any better, but thankfully it won’t get any worse...

April 12, 2010

Halfway through track season.

A month and a half of school left.

The thought of May makes me salivate.

So close now.

Everyone is on edge to get out. The weather’s warmer.

Our spirits are lifted.

The junior class has come out of its depression and into a sort of indifference.

Even the most dedicated of us slack off.

“Did you do the study guide questions? Pre-write your essays?”

“Nah.” I know what to expect now. Know what I can get away with. Know what the teachers want on assignments.

Soon we take the semester exams for the DC classes.

“Did you study?”

“Not really.”

Pre-Calculus. It was harder than I expected. Old me would have flipped, but the new Madison is... indifferent. We get our grades.

“88.” I had never made a “B” on a final, but I shrug my shoulders.

I listen to others’ grades. “80, 72, 66, 68.”

All of us good students.

No tears fall. We’ve grown up. The shock of failing tests, the fear of rank and GPA dropping has gone away. For most. We’re immune.

I know I am. I laugh and goof off in class, shrug off the bad grades, and actually enjoy going to school. The worst is over now.

Aug. 14, 2011.

6 a.m.

Ten miles. You have a lot of time to think while running ten miles.

This is where I have time to think about life, about everything. Those Sunday long runs.

It’s hot already. I check my watch. First mile, 7:30. We’re going out fast. I slow down.

School starts a week from tomorrow. “Just as long as it’s not like last year.” I shudder.

What made junior year so terrible?

Everything.

The school work, of course, was hard.

I made my first B, failed a test, stayed up late doing projects.

It was more than that.

It was moving into a new house after ten years in the same one, watching your family split up, burning bridges, discovering who you are.

Junior year was the manifestation of all my problems.

The roller coaster of life had hit its low point.

However, by the time school ended, everything felt back to normal. Like that whole eight months never happened. Like waking up from a bad dream.

Would I go back and change any of it?

Absolutely not. It was a dose of the real world.

Everyone goes through problems in their life. Some big and some small.

Were there people that had it better than me? Of course. Worse? No doubt.

It’s how you get through it. It’s wearing that smile every day that shows how strong you are.

It’s learning your limits. Learning how hard you’re willing to work.

Learning the lessons that can’t be taught in a classroom.

How people are, how relationships work...

It’s growing up.

Matt Cox and I sit in the luke-warm pool water. The only way to stay cool in this heat.

I squint looking at him. Black Raybans hide his eyes, the harsh light reflects on his sun-bleached hair, he smiles and pours water on my face. So sweet. I splash him right back.

No worries. Just relaxation. Fun. “If you could go back, there isn’t anything you’d change?”

If it doesn’t get me to this point, no way.

“Junior year was the manifestation of all my problems.”

Phase six: The triumph

Look around. All the seniors have graduated. A big accomplishment. The biggest in their life to date. That’s what it looks like from the outside. For those who have forgotten, for those who have yet to learn. But no, we know. We’re the survivors. It was really and truly the worst year to date, and we made it. Goodbye junior year, you won’t be missed. It’s a year of changes.

You learn more about yourself, what you’re capable of. Through the tears and headaches, the blood and sweat, you’ve done it. Never again.

You understand why seniors get lazy. How could you not after that? The storm is over. The sunshine comes out.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow. Again and again and again.

Last TAKS test ever.

EVER.

Charlie Sheen, “Winning”

“Which seat should I take?” It’s Friday!

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tiger times sept. 29, 2011