BLUESTREAK 1744 N. Andover Rd. Andover, KS 67002 Volume 32 Issue 7 Aril 2, 2015
athletes and their superstitions Europe Spring Break Trip pg. 10-11
what’s inside >> Animals Helping People pg. 8-9
Spring Sports Preview pg. 22-23
News in-depth
feature
TPI Basketball Girls’ Soccer Book Drive Best Fries of ICT School Budget Cuts Hannah Coggeshall Athlete Superstitions
3 3 3 4-5 14-15 16-17 18-19
BLUESTREAK STAFF Meg Plank editor-in-chief Ashli Ellerman managing editor Anna Schrag design editor fun editor Megan Curry copy editor Madi Hearne visuals editor Lily Farha business manager
SB 56 Law Animals Helping People Europe Trip
6-7 8-9 10-11
Gloria Mares news editor Paige Schlitter photo editor Hayley Hunn assistant photo editor Kristen McPherson online photo editor
Staff Editorial
12-13
Haley Rowe columnist
EDITORIAL
Grant Cohen sports editor
League 42 Spring Sports Preview
20-21 22-23
Trojan Spotlight Spring Fashion culture Pets of Andover
Elizabeth Hartley writing coach Brittiany Clark in-depth editor Monica Goldberg content editor
Sports pop
Madison Martinez features editor/ columnist
Abby Beaver page editor
24-25 26-27 28
Katherine Dakan web editor Addy Maples pop culture editor Yousef Krichati social media editor Carly Flake writer/photograher Cary Conover adviser
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Contents
APRIL 2, 2015
YMCA Basketball
TPI (Trevor Price Industries) Andover boys play serious basketball, in a totally non-serious way. Coached by science teacher Scott Ross, nine juniors and one senior dribbble their way to success at the Farha Center, or the South YMCA location. The YMCA has hundreds of amateur teams across a wide variety of sports throughout the nation. “[TPI] is a legion of well-known and notorious men… No matter the struggle, we always fight through it to win. We strive to be number one and never number two. The difference between number one and number two is that number two is the first loser. We are not losers. We are fighters and we are winners. We are… Trevor Price Industries,” junior Jake Leatherman said. In the 2015 season, the team made it to the Final Four in the league, and was forced to forfeit due to low numbers. When the school district’s spring sports season rolled around, many players lost free time they had been using to practice with their club team. “Eight of us played freshman year. We enjoy playing with a team who works hard but doesn’t get caught up in anything serious,” junior Stephen Yowell said.
-meganCURRY
Girls’ Soccer Exposé The 2015 girls’ soccer season has kicked off the year with some good games. They opened the season with a game against Winfield, Tuesday March 24. The junior varsity team came out on top with a 3-0 win. The team as a whole has felt the recent loss of Class of 2014 seniors after graduation last year. Grasping for players, Coach Chris Lemons recruited lots of new faces to fill in the blanks. Sophomore Josie Beaver is playing soccer as well as participating in school swimming. She has not played on a soccer team since elementary school. “I really like the feeling of being part of a strong team. We work together and help make each other’s goals happen to make us better as a whole,” Beaver said. Despite, losing members the team is playingstrong and hopes to show off the new skill they have acquired. The girls are in the midst of the Goddard/ Eisenhower tournament this week. The varsity members commenced the tournament with a 1-0 win over Goddard. Wednesday April 1 will be the next game in the series.
-meganCURRY
NHS student organizes book drive for charity This past week at school, NHS has been organizing a donation to raise books for a charity that gives supplies to underprivileged families. The book drive was a week long, from March 23rd through the 27th. The books are for a charity organization called Christmas in July. About 700 families came through the charity and our school was hoping to collect about 1000 books for the families but ended up receiving over 1,200. “I would definitely say this was a successful event, especially for it being our first time having the fundraiser and I am really excited that we exceeded our goal and received more books than we originally expected,” junior Hanna Watson said. Christmas in July is an organization under the St. Mark’s Church of God in Christ. The organization collects and gives away food, school supplies, and books to families in need in the greater Wichita area. “Last year when I was volunteering at Christmas in July I noticed that parents coming through the line were reluctant to pick up books because too many of the same book were donated. I figured if that if we could get a better variety of books, kids would be more likely to read them. The goal was to promote education and create better futures for kids,” Watson said. Watson talked to the head of the charity, Virdina Gilkey, and asked about if she thought the book drive was a good idea. After receiving Gilkey’s approval on the idea, Watsom also talked to teachers in charge of NHS. After she got their approval, they jumped into action and started planning the drive, eventually exceeding donation expecations.
-elizabethHARTLEY Courtesy photos
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News APRIL 2, 2015
Best fries of the Ict Dempsey’s PUB
3700 East Douglas Avenue #78, Wichita, KS 67208 4.5 out of 5 stars - $4.00 The fries from Dempsey’s were definitely the best fries we have tried. They were perfectly crispy and salty. They were not too thin but not too thick and had just the right amount of flavor.
Red Robin
Waterfront, 9990 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67206 4 out of 5 stars - Free Red Robin is known for having some of the best fries around. They are thick cut and always perfectly salty. Their dipping sauces make them taste fantastic and add another flavor to the fry. The best part about their fries is that they are bottomless and don’t cost anything.
TJ’s Burger house
1003 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67213 4 out of 5 stars - $2.99 TJ’s fries were soft on the inside and medium cut. They were pretty oily but had a good flavor to them and tasted very fresh.
The Anchor
1109 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67211 4.3 out of 5 stars - $8.00 We tried The Anchor’s truffle fries during our search for ICT’s best fries. Their fries were very thin but still nice and crispy. They were topped with shredded cheese, making them taste even better. Overall they were pretty good and had a good presentation.
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NEWS APRIL. 2, 2015
WALT’S
7732 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67206 3.5 out of 5 stars - $3.49 Walt’s bar had pretty good fries, in our opinion. They were hand cut and tasted potatoey but were also pretty greasy. We would definitely go back and try them again. They also had very good presentation.
Freddy’s
11525 E 13th St N, Wichita, KS 67206 4 out of 5 stars - $1.79 Freddy’s has some of the best fries in Wichita. They are super thinly cut, but always delicious. The seasoning you can put on the fries tastes great and the fry sauce makes them even better. You get a giant pile of fries for just a little bit of money.
Fizz burgers and bottles
7718 E 37th St N, Wichita, KS 67226 2 out of 5 stars - $5.50 Fizz Burgers was not one of the best places we tried. They did not really have much of a flavor, they tasted a little dry unless you dipped them in sauce. They were very thick, which was good, but overall I was not too impressed.
NuWay
1416 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67203 3 out of 5 stars $1.79 NuWay’s fries tasted really good, but were not very salty. They were soft and were served to us fresh and hot. They were not very thick and were average cut and kind of curly.
Bill’s charcoal grill
2957 N Arkansas, Wichita, KS 67204 3 out of 5 stars - $2.17 Bill’s Charcoal Grill may be a little far away from us, but the fries were worth it. They were crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside. They came in a pretty big package and had a nice amount of salt.
NEWS APRIL 2, 2015
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Controversial Bill Proposed Legislation could affect teaching of literature
in the hearts of students everywhere. On Feb. 27, over 100 In a culture founded on rapid delivery of information, East High School students peacefully protested the bill it has become progressively common for young people to by contacting a list of Kansas legislators via cell phone. find disinterest in text material. Their Facebook page titled, “Wichita Student Activism Though this is true, American Literature is still an #KillSB56” has received an abundance of positive feedimportant aspect of every student’s life. Andover High back from supportive parents and students around the School’s English department has done their best to state. include the most influential works to discuss and inter“I think it’s a great thing [East] did. The students stood act with in the classroom. A few students may dread the up for something they really believed in,” senior Sally reading curriculum but will come to realize that their Jiang said. time with some of education’s most cherished books is If the Committee on Judiciary accepts and passes the dwindling. bill, Governor Sam Brownback, a name familiar with evIt all began in the hallways of a Shawnee Mission ery Kansas student, has the opportunity to either veto or middle school when a parent called to complain about a sign the bill into law. When and if this change is made, the sexual education poster suggesting ‘inappropriate’ responses to the posters main question: consequences could be disastrous. “[SB 56] destroys intellectual freedom and “how do people express their “[SB 56] Destroys self expression for students,” junior Caelan sexual feelings?” intellectual freedom Dean said. Republican State Senator Mary and self expression As for educators, familiar lesson plans Pilcher-Cook caught wind of the would have to be altered to fit within the new event and introduced Senate Bill for students,” boundaries. 56 (SB 56) on Jan. 22. The bill de“I think students will resent the implicafines itself as follows: “Removing -caelanDEAN tion that they are not prepared for mature affirmative defense to promotion topics,” Hying said. to minors of material harmful to It isn’t just about the books. The bill could have the minors for public, private, or parochial schools.” In short, ability to negatively implement the rights students have the bill removes any and all sexual or offensive matter it with their education. deems unfitting in an academic setting, excluding univerIn a event that occured in 1969, a group of students sities, museums, or libraries. planned to peacefully protest the Vietnam war by wearIf caught distributing banned lesson material to stuing black armbands to school. The administration learned dents, public school teachers can be charged with a Class of the plan and told the students that if they refused to B Misdemeanor. If prosecuted, they can face up to six remove the armband they would be suspended until they months of jail time or a hefty $1,000 fine. complied with the policy. Mary Beth Tinker and Christo“Teachers may feel with the censorship in place that pher Eckhardt were later suspended for refusing to accept they will be forced to alter what they teach so as to not the policy. share information that could be considered a finable ofThe case made it all the way to the Supreme Court, fense,” Andover High School English teacher Julie Hying where the court decided in a decision 7-2 that the First said. Amendment could be applied to public schools. Now, The bill description includes the following titles: ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, ‘The Adven- Adminstration would have to prove constitutionally that there were valid reasons for any regulation of speech in tures of Huckleberry Finn’, ‘1984’, ‘The Shining’, ‘Neverthe classroom. where’, and that’s just the beginning. “SB 56 may have been created with good intentions, The opposition was weak considering the sweepbut would ultimately destroy student rights. We should be ing 26-14 outcome, where all but two republicans voted able to choose what we do or do not learn,” junior Parker against the bill. Among those that voted in favor was AnCyrier said. dover’s very own Republican Senator Ty Masterson. -maddieMARTINEZ As news of the recent bill came to light, a fire started
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NEWS April 2, 2015
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D E N photo illustration by eliseLINDEMANN News April 2, 2015
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Riding to Your Dreams Andover senior adopts, raises blind horse in hopes of training to ride Senior Angelica Sell has been around horses since avoid running into things. she was five; that was the age at which she first began riding In terms of training, Baby Girl learns through touch lessons. Horses have remained a passion of hers because of the and sound; whereas normal horses can learn by watching moveunique relationships built between a horse and its affectionate ments. Although Baby Girl is very hypersensitive to touch, it owner. still takes her about two years longer than a normal horse to Sell currently has two horses, Baby Girl and Cheyenne. learn most skills. Though she used to show Cheyenne when she was younger, “As a baby, we taught [Baby Girl] to back up by softly she now rides and shows a different breed of horse for a barn in pushing on her chest and saying back. Now all I have to do is Derby. face her, say back, and slowly walk towards her. [Baby Girl] can However, the remarkable part of Sell’s story does not feel that and willingly backs up,” Sell said. revolve around the horses she shows. It revolves around the Sell does her best to spend quality time with both story of her younger horse, Baby Girl. horses every day, aside from her chores, which include giving Baby Girl was born to a racethe horses food and water, cleaning up horse breeder who owns the barn that after them, and grooming them. Sell boards her horses at. Because she was As with the training, Baby “Horses are definitely born without eyes and, therefore, could not one of my passions...They’ve Girl requires some extra care as well. race, the breeder was going to put Baby “Because [Baby Girl] was always been more than just a Girl down. born without any eyes, she doesn’t grow pet,” Upon hearing this, both Sell and a winter coat like a normal horse will. - angelicaSELL her mother knew they could not walk away So when it gets really cold, we have to knowing that this horse would not have a put a blanket on her,” Sell said. future without their help. Because Baby Girl does not “We both have a huge soft spot for horses, so regardless of enjoy wearing the blanket and is very intelligent, she will often whatever my dad was going to say, we were determined to get undo the blanket and leave it somewhere in the pasture. That her home,” Sell said. means Sell must keep a close eye on her during the cold, winter Because mother horses are very protective over their months. young, Sell was surprised that the mother trusted her enough to Though she is only five years old, Baby Girl is slightly let her near Baby Girl. According to the previous owner, she was trained to ride. the first human allowed to cross that boundary. “We are still perfecting it, but it’s definitely possible,” Sell That was not the only trust Sell gained that day. In said. order to teach Baby Girl the boundaries in her new environ Sell’s love for horses initially encouraged her to pursue ment, she had to follow Sell around the pasture, communicating Kansas State University’s equestrian program until she found through sound and touch. out they are cancelling it after the 2014-2015 academic year. “It takes a lot of trust for a blind baby horse to willingly “As of right now, my future career doesn’t really evolve go with you wherever you say to go,” Sell said. around horses, but it wouldn’t surprise me if that changes,” Sell Though Baby Girl willingly followed Sell around that said. first day, it still took quite a while to learn her boundaries and –emiHAYASHI
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courtesy photos Feature APRIL 2, 2015
Pet popularity Poll of different pets among the students of Andover High School
Pets’ companionship benefits owners’ health 54%
Dogs
3% Birds
16% Cats
7% Fish
2% Hamsters
*data collected from 180 students
9%
Other
Many people get a pet to keep them company or simply because they enjoy animals. Little do they know, it is actually helping their health. Pets can help improve many health issues such as blood pressure, heart health, depression and more. For example, studies have shown that animals can reduce tension and improve mood. According to Web MD, the level of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress is lowered while interacting with an animal. “Roscoe calms me down and reduces my anxiety,” science teacher Mrs. Schaake said, referring to her lab that she has had since he was a puppy. Some people are actually told by a doctor to get a pet or service animal. Although sophomore Katie Dakan’s service dog was not prescribed by a doctor, her family believed getting a pet would be a good idea. Dakan has had her service dog, Donny, since she was five years old. “She helps me by picking up things when they fall,” Dakan said. “And when I was younger, I could push off of her to stand up.” A Psychology Today article said studies have shown that pet owners feel they receive just as much support from their pets as they do from their family members. People reported feeling as close to their pets as they also feel to important people in their lives. “Lucifer is part of our family, she is always there for us,” junior Hayley Helmer said when talking about her cat. So, whether it’s for companionship, health, or fun, pets can be a positive aspect of our lives. Maybe a dog really is man’s best friend!
–emmaSTARKS
FEATURE APRIL 2, 2015
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From Europe With Love
Students experience week-long spring break trip in Europe
Over Spring Break, juniors and seniors landed claims the Eiffel Tower is the eighth most visited tourist from an eight-hour plane ride to begin exploring Europe. attraction in Europe with around 6,700,00 people annuSenior Kate League made the trip with friends and fel- ally. low seniors Melissa Lawerence, Julie Spangler and KrisAdding to the trip, Teschner said she enjoyed the tour ten Graves. guide’s British accent and the crêpes from France. “They arranged for us to learn Bavarian dancing,” “The street food was amazing,” said Teschner. “It League said. “It was one of the most interesting things we was really fresh and unlike anything we have here.” did.” Teschner said by the end of the trip, she was Although League enjoyed the entire trip, she found her ready to go home. fondest memories came from her last days in Germany. “I was ready to get home, but I just wish home wasn’t While in Germany, students visited Zugspitze, the highest Kansas,” Teschner said. mountain in Germany. Helping chaperone the trip, his“They [stu- tory teacher Joel Schaefer said this is “You could look over and see mountains for miles,” said League. only the second Europe trip he’s taken dents] get to exDespite the scenic view, the group with the school. perience cultures had troubles on the bus ride up to the “The first trip we took was in 2012,” they’re not familiar said Schaefer, “but I don’t expect another peak. with,” “We were driving along, when all trip over there until at least 2018.” of a sudden, the bus just broke down,” Schaefer said he sees traveling to said League. “We were about 100 feet Europe as an opportunity for students to -joelSCHAEFER from a bus station but it still made me see the world. a little nervous.” “They get to go beyond the classroom Fellow senior Lauren Teschner walls and immerse themselves in other found the most trouble when packing to leave from Eucultures,” said Schaefer. rope. There is a variety of ways in which “It was hard to fit everything everything in my bag Schaefer says the students can better with all the souveniors I had,” said Teschner. understand the culture while traveling. Teschner also found the most beautiful sight “Whether at a reswas the Eiffel Tower in France. taurant or using a form “Seeing it [the Eiffel Tower] completed of public transportathe trip,” Teschner said. “It just made the tion, the entire thing more real.” The European Union
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FEATURE Palace of Versailles in Versailles, APRIl. 2, 2015
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris,
> Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
> Interior glass pyramid inside of the Louvre, the famous art museum in Paris.
> Trip attendees standing in front of the Palace of Versailles in France. courtesy photos
streets of Europe are rich with history,” said Schaefer. Despite Schaefer’s own travels, he said Europe manages to never get old. “There are always new cultures to experience and countries to explore,” said Schaefer. Compared to last year, the only common factor was that both trips toured France. According to EU business, Europe 2014 received the largest number of tourist in history, with the majority going to France. “This year, we landed in France, traveled to Switzerland via TGV [high-speed] train, then took a private coach to south Germany,” said Schaefer. While their only major hiccup was a bus breakdown, Schaefer was grateful for the other five adults who helped chaperone the trip, including English teacher Jeff Roper and counselor Sue Coffman.
Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris,
“We took a group of 25 students but with six chaperones, the trip went smoothly,” said Schaefer. Despite Schaefer’s previous visits, he said he was excitied to visit Lucerne, Switzerland. “It was nice to relax for a few days at lake town” said Schaefer. “The students were able to explore the town and learn about its history.” Schaefer said the history of European cultures allows students to learn more about America. “The trip provides a connection to our own country’s past,” said Schaefer.
Saint Etienne Du Mont in Paris,
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FEATURE
APRil. 2, 2015
One Direction goes two Directions As some of you may know, March 25, 2015 was one of the worst days in the world. Zayn Malik left
Emma’s Corner
One Direction. I would like to make a tribute to him
Inspirational Qutoes
as we all go through this loss.
“Don’t hate yourself, celebrate yourself.” -Chris Weidert
Zayn,
Your voice drives me insane (in a good way) I dream of you everyday,
so tell me why did you have to go away? Why did you ruin perfection?
I think my heart now has an infection One Direction is my life
“She got a nice personality so I call her nice personality.” - 2 Chaniz
But you had to leave it for your wife?
“You always miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”-Mr.Shetlar
RIP the original One Direction.
“Yahoo kids rock!” -Pumpkin Lady
Is she really worth it?
IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME SO TO EVERYONE WHO IS
STRUGGLING WITH THIS LOSS
LETS TAKE A MOMENT OF SILENCE.
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“If life gives you lemonade, make lemons and life will be all like ‘whaaattt?’”-Phil Dunphy
- Emma Starks
OPINION APRIL 2, 2015
STAFF EDITORIAL
A Question of Civil Rights >> hayleyROWE
Staffer discusses Indiana’s religious freedom legislation In today’s world, many think that the fight is over for civil rights, that everybody is equal. Maybe that is because our country has been through two major civil rights movements already, for women and for people of color, and the war on sexual orientation is (seemingly) coming to a close. Because thirty-seven states have legalized gay marriage, and because homosexuals are generally accepted in society, it seems as if we have won. But what about the remaining thirteen states? What about the kids in our school who like to use a lot of slurs? What about Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act? The act was signed by Indiana Governor Mike Pence last week. The act states that government cannot “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow their religious beliefs. So what’s the problem? Are we not a nation founded upon religious freedom? While opponents to the bill do not wish to deny others the right to practice freely, they take issue with the bill’s vagueness, and are concerned it will be used primarily to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ community. This is mainly because Indiana has no statewide non-discrimination laws protecting gays and lesbians when it comes to education, employment, and housing.
editorial policy
The Trojan Bluestreak exists to inform, persuade and entertain its readers concerning topics of importance. The newspaper recognizes all rights and responsibilities under the First Amendment. The Bluestreak operates as a public forum for student expression and the staff takes full responsibility for newspaper content and its ramifications. The Trojan Bluestreak will not publish material considered to be legally unprotected speech, libel, obscenity, copyright infringement, unwarranted invasion of privacy or material that could disrupt the educational environment. The Bluestreak is a CSPA Gold Medalist and KSPA All-Kansas honor recipient.
VOTE
staff
BLUESTREAK
The law is designed to protect business owners from lawsuits. While it is unlikely that restaurant owners will be able to deny a table to a gay person, examples used by supporters of the bill would be florists or bakers who refuse to provide their services for a gay wedding. Under this new legislation, businesses would be protected from any legal action taken by couples who are refused. Regardless of how you feel about that particular example, take the police officer from Oklahoma (which has similar legislation) who, according to USA TODAY, refused to police a mosque, citing “religious objection.” Could this bill protect Christian business owners who refuse service to Muslims or Jews, or vice versa? So what is the solution? How do we react to this? Whatever happens, whichever way this goes, someone’s rights will be denied or repressed, whether that be the gay community or people of faith. We cannot please everyone. Someone will lose. The job of our federal and state governments is to answer to the will of the people. All you can do is try to make them hear you. Our nation is changing, whether you support that change or not. This time and this movement will be remembered. No matter how you feel, it must be recognized that we are a part of history. Which side of it will you be on?
“Should employers be allowed to deny service to citizens based on their sexuality?”
NO... 18 Staffers YES... 0 Staffers
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Opinion APRIL 2, 2015
Budget Cuts By the numbers
$44.5 Million ...in education cuts to help patch a budget hole Andover...
Cuts by district Wichita... Valley Center...
$272,000
$3 Million
$144,000
Maize...
Derby...
Goddard...
$349,000 $352,000
$275,000
2 % Cut from the state’s
24-13 the vote count that
1.5 % Cut from the State’s
regents universities
passed the bill
Public Schools
$1.5 Million
Wichita State University
$2.15 Million
Kansas State University
The cuts were announced after the state missed its January revenue expectations by...
$2.7 Million
University of Kansas
$47 Million
information from www.kansas.com
Brownback’s Budget Cuts Governor Sam Brownback cuts funding for schools and higher education Recent budget cuts put into place by the state will drastically effect the way schools are able to manage spending. Public schools and universities face a suddent decline in budget in order to make up for gaps in Kansas’s budget after tax cuts. Gov. Brownback has estimated a total savings of $44.5 million to prop up state finances. The Kansas Department of Education has a role of working with school districts to help with any cash flow challenges that arise. Compared to other districts, Andover is relatively balanced in how much money is being cut according to size of the schools. According to Kansas.com, Andover makes up for $272,000 being cut out of the total $44.5 million. Larger schools are having more cut, such as the Wichita district, which is cutting 3 million dollars. It was originally believed that the tax cuts in 2012 would not affect schools, but now that opinion has changed. The governor will cut the state’s universities by two percent, and K-12 education by 1.5 percent. On a smaller scale, not only will the district and separate schools be affected, but also individual teachers and classrooms are facing changes in the way they work. “Teachers will have to just learn to do more with less and with not as much money to buy equipment,” Stephen Alexander said.
Alexander believes that working to do more with less is a skill that adults should possess. “Everyone should learn to live with a budget,” Alexander said. The classes that require more money are the ones that require materials that cannot be re-used year after year. Some classes need more resources than others. For example, a PE class would need more money for the equipment that gets used. Every department in the school has a seperate budget that is divided among teachers. “In science, chemicals are expendable, and when they get used up they can’t be replaced so we have to re-order them,” Alexander said. Teachers often decide to pay for extra materials themselves if they run out of funding. “Most teachers spend a portion of their own money, and with the cuts [they] might be spending more than they originally would,” Alexander said. The reduction of funding could possibly limit the types of projects available for students, and could challenge the implementation of teachers’ curricula. Advanced projects can become too expensive. “Andover has a strong enough staff at the high school and district level that we will be thinking of every possible way to minimize the effect on students but eventually if budget cuts continue there could potentially be negative effects,” Alexander said.
-brittianyCLARK IN-DEPTH April 2, 2015
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Athletic Achievement
Sophomore competes in multiple sports despite fibrous dysplasia She is a great example for people to look to for help in life and Every student has their own type of high school experience. in swimming,” swim coach Jared Gaskill said. Students come out of it with great memories and learn imporThis past summer, Coggeshall started golfing and now she tant lessons. For a certain sophomore, Hannah Coggeshall, her golfs for the school team. Her leg does not really affect golf time has been different than most in the school. much because it is more of an upper body sport but she does Coggeshall was born with fibrous dysplasia, which is “an take a cart from hole to hole. uncommon bone disorder in which scar-like (fibrous) tissue Even though her disorder gets in the way of golf and swim at develops in place of normal bone.” According to mayoclinic.org times, it is never a problem for her friends. “This can weaken the affected bone and cause it to deform or “It’s not a big deal to them. I mean there are certain things I fracture. In most cases, fibrous dysplasia affects only a single can’t do but they understand and it is never a probbone — most commonly the skull “Hannah is very nice and lem for them,” Coggeshall said. or a long bone in the arms or legs.” hardworking. She is also Coggeshall does not let her medical issues disIn Hannah’s case it affects her successful. This is because courage her and she continues to strive. right leg. She was born with the of her hard work and dedica“I stay motivated by working out. I like to stay disorder but it was not discovered tion. She is a great example fit and healthy. It also strengthens my leg so that is until around three years of age. for people to look to for help always good too,” Coggeshall said. Since then she has had around thirin life and in swimming,” High school has generally been the same for teen surgeries to help correct it. Coggeshall as any other student. “Basically if you cut out my -Jarred Gaskill- AHS Swim Coach “There are always those nosy people in public bone and squeezed it, it would be who will ask me what happened to my leg and I like a sponge,” Coggeshall said. don’t really feel like they need to know. In general Coggeshall tries not to let her people do not really treat my any differently though,” Coggedisorder affect her high school experience. She participates in shall said. both golf and swim. -ashliELLERMAN “I have been swimming since I was really young. I think I was around the age of three when the doctor suggested it to help with my leg,” Coggeshall said. When it comes to swimming, Coggeshall cannot kick with her right leg. She has to rely only on her left leg. “Sometimes it’s harder because this leg gets really sore since it’s the only one I’m using,” Coggeshall said. Many of the swim team members agree that Hannah does her absolute best when in the pool. “She’s a very talented swimmer and she always has a smile on her face,” senior Meg Plank said. Her coaches also see Coggeshall as a very determined girl. “Hannah is very nice and hardworkCoggeshall takes her mark on the block and ing. She is also successful. This is beprepares to dive into the water for the 100cause of her hard work and dedication. yard freestyle at the El Dorado Swim Meet Hannah Coggeshall prepares to take last Tuesday. her second shot at the girl’s first Photo by paigeSCHLITTER tournament at Braeburn Golf Course September 2. Photo by megPLANK
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IN-DEPTH April 2, 2015
IN-DEPTH April 2, 2015
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[soo-per-stish-uh n] A belief or way of behaving that is based on fear of the unknown and faith in magic or luck : a belief that certain events or things will bring good or bad luck Many athletes of Andover High believe that some rituals will enhance their performance. Without doing so, they feel they will not do their best. Some superstitions involve the entire team and some are just personal. Either way, players believe it helps their play. For these athletes, the rituals can help calm and relax them, or prepare them for the games. Many successful athletes, including Michael Jordan and oth-
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IN-DEPTH April 2, 2015
ers also partake in some superstition. Rituals can help structure and prepare athletes, and keep them from overthinking the job at hand. It has been proven that it is more adaptive to focus on a certain procedure for tying your shoes than it is to focus on the implications of a possible loss in a given match.
-emilySTYBR & graceBALL
Landon Fry
Travis Lenz & Robert Bundy
Chase Oberg & Jacob Wilson
Mallory Paske & Kendyl Dotson
Jessica Sawyer
Ean Fisher
Senior baseball player Landon Fry does not just settle with one ritual. Fry goes through the same stretch ritual to warm up his muscles. When he is done stretching, he calms his mind by doing some yoga. Before each pitch, Fry reads a message written under his hat and looks to the sky. He says that he has been doing these superstitions since his sophomore year. Sophomores Travis Lenz and Robert Bundy believe that to play their best, their hygiene must be the same for each game. Lenz makes sure he brushes his teeth before each basketball game. He says that he has been doing this ritual for three years. Baseball player Bundy makes sure that his smell is just right before the games. For over four years he has used the same lavender body
Sophomores Jacob Wilson, and Chase Oberg share the same ritual during golf season. When putting, they point at one of their golf coaches, Martin Shetlar.
Some athletes also use faith-related rituals for their sport. Freshman Kendyl Dotson prays before every game. This helps her have positive thoughts and to keep from getting too nervous. “I always count my laps and pray prior to a race at my meets,” sophomore swimmer Mallory Paske said.
Sophomore cheerleader Jessica Sawyer’s ritual includes placing her lucky penny in her shoe. For every competition, the color yellow is unlucky for her team to
Prior to a soccer game, senior Ean Fisher must watch the same video in the locker room. Being one of the captains of the boy’s soccer team, Fisher looks up to Clint Dempsey, the captain of the United States soccer team. The “Clint Dempsey video” seems to give him the motivation to play his best at the match that day.
-emilySTYBR & graceBALL
IN-DEPTH April 2, 2015
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LEAGUE
More than a baseball league
Wichita Eagle Sports Columnist Bob Lutz has been covering sporting events for the newspaper since 1974. Whether it is writing a story about a Wichita State win or sharing his thoughts about a Royals offseason move, Lutz has always been passionate about sports, especially baseball. “My love for baseball is directly related to my father. He listened to St. Louis Cardinals games on the radio when I was a child and I got caught up in all that,” Lutz said. “I became a huge Bob Gibson fan, in particular, because he was such a dominant and tough pitcher.” Lutz believes that every kid, especially the Wichita area, deserves the chance to experience America’s pastime. Many families could not afford to send their children to play the sport due to financial need and transportation access. In the fall of 2013, the 40-year Eagle sportswriter created a charitable baseball organization to help give underprivileged children the opportunity to learn the game of baseball. “I felt there was a void in urban Wichita in baseball, which bothered me for years,” Lutz said. “Finally, I reached out on Facebook and said I was going to start (this league up). We had five guys show up at a meeting and went from there.” This league became known as League 42, named after the first African-American to play Major League Baseball, Jackie Robinson. While baseball is an average cost of $1200, according to highschoolsports.al.com, League 42 only charges $30 per family. The cost includes registration, uniform, a glove, and baseball equipment. In the inaugural season of 2014, League 42 registered 220 kids that were put on 16 different baseball teams in different age groups between the ages of 5-13. For the 2015 season, the league has grown substantially, registering 340 kids to play baseball on 29 different teams. What has made League 42 successful is not only financial donations, but also the year-round effort by many volunteers in the Wichita metro area who love baseball and kids. “Our volunteers work as much on the league as much as they do their full-time jobs and others an hour or two a month as they are able,” League Operations Manager Shannon Boone said. “Every single minute helps make us a success and we value each (volunteer).” League 42 has provided kids with many opportunities outside of team practices and games to improve their athletic skills and to have fun. In the past year, League 42 has taken their players to a movie at The Palace, a Wichita Wingnuts game, a Kansas City Royals game and The Negro League Baseball Museum. The league has cooperated with Tabor College, Wichita State, and various high schools in the Wichita area to perform clinics during the offseason. Lutz said that this is extremely beneficial to the improvement and stride of the players and League 42, as well as spreading the word throughout the area. “(The League) wants people to understand what we are doing and how much we are trying to help kids (with these clinics),” Lutz said.
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Sports APRIL 2, 2015
Not only does League 42 involved volunteers from Wichita, but from Andover as well. Andover High School FACS teacher Sally Renoux’s youngest grandson, Javon Rogers, played on a League 42 baseball team for 9 and 10 year olds in the summer of 2014. Sophomore Nate Bergman is starting his first season as an assistant baseball coach with League 42. Invited to volunteer at winter clinic, Bergman said that from the first day coaching kids in baseball has been an inspiration. “(Coaching) baseball has been a lot of fun,” Bergman said. “Teaching is something you’re going to do your entire life and this experience will help me off the baseball field.” League 42 has exceeded Lutz’s and the community’s expectations in its first two seasons. While everyone is satisfied with how successful the league is now, growth will always be in the league’s vision. “We want to continue to grow incrementally,” Lutz said. “(The vision) is so hard to fathom what that will look like. We want to provide the same experience for the increased amount of kids.” -grantCOHEN
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2. 1. A League 42 player demonstrates his throwing skills at a practice on a Monday night practice. 2. Volunteers and players huddle together and discuss the night’s practice. 3. A younger player works on his fielding skills as he catches a ground ball.
3. Sports APRIL 2, 2015
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Senior Landon Fry is up to bat.
Junior Madi Hearne passes the ball to a teammate.
Sophomore Nick Kellerman does long jump Photos by:Zach Seabrook
Springing into Spring
Andover spring sports start back up again The school year may be coming to a close, but the spring sports season is just gearing up. March 2 marked the first day of practice for athletes involved in baseball, softball, girls’ swimming, girls’ soccer, boys’ tennis, and track and field. The boys’ baseball team is returning from a state run last season, the first since 1989. The team beat Salina South to go to the state tournament, but unfortunately lost in the first round to Bishop Carroll. “Since we had such a successful season last year, we have much higher expectations. We want to get better. There’s a lot of pitching experience this year and a lot of competition for positions,” Coach Chris Weidert said. The team is led by six seniors and the varsity juniors from the state team last year, but five seniors were lost. “It’s gonna be harder this year to be successful because we lost seniors. The players who did not play much last season will have to step up a lot this year,” junior Jake Leatherman said. Girls’ softball is returning from one of its most successful seasons, with a record of 9-13. The team is run by Coach Ernie Hager, his second year of head coaching. The team lost two starting players from last season, but is adding 18 new freshman girls. “I’m most excited to play with my little sister, who’s a freshman, this season,” junior Whitney Way said. The boys’ tennis team is returning with high expectations for the year. Last season, all six players qualified for the state tournament, a goal they hope to achieve again. “There is a lot of depth this season, with nine boys competing for six varsity positions,” Coach Mark Cross said. The team is also benefitting from the addition of new assistant coach Jessica Dibble. Coach Dibble is also the head girls’ tennis coach and has two state titles and two seasons of experience under her belt. The team is returning all but the three seniors of last season, and the new seniors are eager to lead. “My goal is to medal at state and to help the team improve,” senior James DiLollo said. The track and field team has been preparing for its first meet March 31. Coach Justin Hill has been training with his team of distance runners since January, and is eager to see what improvements have been made since last season and the talents of the new freshman runners, five of which went to state in cross country. Hill is also hoping to send a group of boy runners to state this year, as they narrowly missed qualifying last season. “We were fifth in five events on the boys’ side, but I think the fire was really lit during cross country season this year when we took the team to state. That definitely set the bar high for our goals in track,” Hill said.
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Sophomore Lexi Lesperance is ready to hit the ball.
Senior Meg Plank competing in Senior Chris Cunningham swings his club. the butterfly.
Junior Nic Ramirez hits the tennis ball. Photos by: Paige Epperson
The track and field team is returning with a strong group, including three-time high jump state champion Jaylyn Agnew. Other state qualifiers include Gloria Mares, Jacob Herrs, Brooke Wiltshire, and Mia Hayes. “My goal for this season is to improve at state,” sophomore Jacob Herrs said. Girls’ soccer is in full swing with already three games played. The team had a successful season last year under captain Ana Dilkes, now a goalie at the University of Central Missouri. The team finished 10-7-1 and is hoping to improve this season. “Last year we lost first round of state so our goals are to get farther and and win league,” sophomore Anna Wilson said. Sophomore Elizabeth Aikman is eager to contribute to the team after suffering from a broken arm early last season. Boys’ golf is returning from a successful season last year after winning regionals and qualifying all six boys for the state tournament, five of who will be playing again this season. The goals of the team are to place in the top three in every tournament and do well at state. “I think our team this year will be much better because we are more experienced and we have gained some solid freshman, too,” sophomore Jacob Wilson said. Girls’ swimming is starting strong with a second place finish at the Emporia meet, one of the most competitive meets of the season. A large factor of this success is the size of the team. There are 35 girls participating this season, and every one counts when it comes to placing well as a team at meets. “The depth makes a big difference. You can’t win the meets by only getting first in the events. In the past we placed first in the individuals but did not win meets because we did not have enough girls, but we definitely do this year,” Coach Jarred Gaskill said. The team is returning state qualifiers Meg Plank, Kate League, Reganne Bundy, Riley Flake, Hannah Steinert, and Mallory Paske. Several have already qualified for the state meet this year after only two meets. “Last season was great. We ended on a high note at state and were really looking forward to this year, because we knew at the end we were still a young team and had a lot of potential for this year. My biggest goal for this season is to win league and try to get top three at state. We have the talent and the depth to do it if we really push hard at practice,” Gaskill said. -carlyFLAKE emilySTYBR graceBALL
Sports
APRIL 2, 2015
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Trojan Spotlight
AHS journalism students to compete at state competition in Lawrence The following Andover High School students have placed in the Kansas Scholastic Press Association’s regional journalism competition Feb. 26 at Wichita State University. They now advance to the state finals, which takes place in Lawrence on May 2. First place winners: Grant Cohen, sports writing; Megan Curry, cutline writing; Sarah Miller, academics photography.
Second place winners: Elise Lindemann, student life photography; Taylor Messina and Regan Mousley, yearbook theme and graphics. Third place winner: Trevor Newton, sports photography. The following students received honorable mentions: Brittiany Clark, feature writing; Melissa Lawrence, yearbook copy writing; Ashli Ellerman, news writing; Megan Curry, copy editing; Meg Plank, photo illustration; Lindy LeMaster, yearbook layout.
Junior Kim Vu displays unique watercolor artwork Art teacher Lana Kaylor recently brought to the attention of the Bluestreak staff the talent of Andover High School’s Kim Vu. Vu did not discover her affinity for watercolor painting until her freshman year. Vu says that watercolor painting (see example at left) is her favorite medium “because of the way the colors natually blend together.” Vu plans on studying art at the univeristy level in a few years.
Spotlight APRIL. 2, 2015
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Fashion
SPRING Into Style Pattern shorts are a cute and comfortable trend for spring.
A simple light-weight sweater is a perfect way to stay cool in the spring.
A minimalist approach to jewelry can still make a bold statement.
Finish off the outfit with some cute strappy sandals.
Jeans with holes are an alternative to shorts on a chilly spring day.
Dress it up with a solid brightcolored tank top instead of a patterned one. Complete a simple look with a long necklace paired with a bracelet.
Tank tops and jeans are the go-to, casual yet trendy staple of the spring.
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pop culture April 2, 2015
Co-Ordinates Rompers are a casual yet trendy staple for spring.
A light beige romper pairs well with colored accessories.
Complete any look with a simple bracelet or ring.
Complete your trendy spring outfit with some wedges.
Jumpers are a great trend for the cooler days of spring.
Complete a simple look with a long gold or silver necklace paired with a watch.
Fancy it up by adding some comfortable booties.
More casual with pockets, no need for a purse. Courtesy photos from Lola Boutique LLC
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pop culture APRIL 2, 2015
"The Pets Of Andover"
Andover High students share pictures of their beloved animals
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Back Cover April 2, 2015