WAYZATA HIGH SCHOOL
TOO
trojan tribune VOLUME 32, ISSUE 7
JANUARY 10, 2014
COOL for SCHOOL S uper intendent Chase @k_talerico Anderson has said that the district does not expect that the school will need to make up for the days lost due to cold water on Monday and Tuesday. “We exceed the total minimum requirement for total hours that our students are in session,” said Anderson. While there was no such state-wide issuing of school closing on Tuesday as there had been for Monday, the district made the decision on Monday afternoon to also close schools on Tuesday. “While wind chill is one factor we take into account, we also have to consider the actual air temperature,” said Anderson. “A significant concern with extreme cold air temperatures is the possibility of the fuel lines of our buses will gel up causing the fuel lines to plug and therefore the buses
won’t work. This could cause students to become stranded out on their routes in extremely cold temperatures.” “Systems such as our mechanical lifts on buses designed to transport students with disabilities requiring use of a wheelchair, do not function well in extremely cold air temperatures such as we are experiencing,” said Anderson. On January 3rd, Governor Dayton issued a statewide cancellation of all public schools for Monday, January 6. “It is difficult to tell what we might have done if school districts were required to make their own decisions. Just as with making a decision about a ‘snow day,’ we would have taken a number of things into consideration and I would have likely worked with neighboring superintendents and our transportation staff and others in making a final determination,” said Anderson regarding Monday. “I am supportive of the Governor’s deci-
MN-DOT approves I-494 project
Partners in Prevention receives six figure grant
By DAVANTE WASHINGTON
A $600,000 grant has been @AnniePolis awarded to the Partners in Prevention (PIP), which works with Wayzata’s own Trojan Leadership Council (TLC) to reduce and prevent drug use in schools. According to the Sun Sailor, “PIP is a consortium of community players including the school district, businesses, law enforcement and even students themselves.” The coalition works towards the common goal of reducing substance use. Chemical health coordinator Judy Hanson said, “We were one of 147 in the country to receive the grant, and only one of four in the state.” Alison Wobschall, the Drug-Free Grant Coordinator said, “Our mission is to reduce youth substance through community collaboration so there are numerous people involved in making positive change”. Hanson said they have been mentored by the Minnetonka community who
By KATIE TALERICO EDITOR IN CHIEF
T h e MinNEWS EDITOR nesota D e partment of Transportation approved a three year maintenance and reformation project on a 7-mile segment of I-494.The maintenance will stretch from the Fish Lake Interchange to the exit to 394 just past the Carlson Towers. Congestion in “peak periods” has been a problem recently. The three lane highway turns to two at these time due to frequent exiting.On average 494 is used by some 95,000 vehicles reported in 2005, according to The Minnesota Department of Transportation. Construction isn’t scheduled to begin till July and is expected to finish in November of 2016. The project will be broken up into multiple stages allowing for the flow of traffic to not be substantially disturbed, according to MN-DOT. The project will repair bridges and per- 494 PROJECT form basic main- Cont’d page 2
By ANDREA POLIS
S E N I O R S TA F F W R I T E R
sion,” said Anderson. “I found it helpful to individual school districts that the governor made a statewide decision.” The high on Monday in Plymouth was negative 13 degrees, while Tuesday’s high was three degrees above zero. According to KSTP News, the coldest high temperature recorded in the Twin Cities is 20 degrees below zero on January 15, 1988. More recently, a record high of 17 degrees below zero was recorded on February 2, 1996. That same day, Minnesota’s lowest temperature was recorded in Tower, 60 degrees below zero. According to the Duluth News Tribune, Governor Arne Carlson made the close schools on both January 16, 1997 and February 2, 1996.
had previously received the Drug-Free Communities Grant. Hanson said Minnetonka is working towards a mentoring grant by helping the Wayzata Coalition. “The coalition currently has just shy of 30 active members, who are nearly all volunteers,”Wobschall said,“[It] focuses on community assessment, environmental strategies and Positive Community Norms”. Ashley Wilson (12), the student representative for PIP said, “They will be working with TLC in order to put together a campaign called Positive Community Norms.” PIP and TLC are receiving help to develop the campaign. Hanson said, “We are working with a company based out of the University of Montana called Most of Us” to come up with a format that will inform students of how many people actually use substances. The point of the campaign is to reduce and prevent use of marijuana and alcohol using positive media as well as quan- GRANT titative data collected Cont’d page 2
THE
MUSIC
ISSUE
The editors review their favorite albums of 2013. See page 6.
THE TROJAN TRIBUNE
NEWS 2
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014
The Peony debate A new vision for classrooms with Google Glass By DAVANTE WASHINGTON NEWS EDITOR
Peony: a herbaceous or shrubby plant of north temperate regions, which has long been cultivated for its showy flowers. It is the state flower of Indiana and comes from the greek derivative of Paiōn. Not much else can be said of the flower used to name the street that our school sits on, however this flower is stirring some debate. Like the battle of tə’mātō verses təˈmätō, or pə’tātō versus pə’tätō, the battle between pēənē and pēōnē ensues. This difference in pronunciation has been around just as long as the legendary potato and tomato debate. Does it really matter though? A tomato is still a tomato no matter how you choose to say it. According to Joe Ryan, a transportation engineer that has been with the city since ‘99 says, “It really doesn’t matter.” The system that our city as well as most cities and towns within Hen- nepin county uses is an alphabetical nami n g grid, said Ryan. This system gives streets their names based on the 26 letters that make up the alphabet. This approach allows for easier organization and direction orientation. If you’re trying to get to Fernbrook and you’re on Juneau, you’ll know you have four blocks to go till you reach your destination. “Avenues going east to west are given numbers one through sixty two,” said Ryan. The grid goes through the alphabet two and a half times. Plymouth’s grid starts with Kilmer to the east and ends on Brockton just west of the high school. “The grid system keeps things uniform and consistent across the 36 square miles of Plymouth,” said Ryan. This consistency helps law enforcement, ambulances, and other emergency responders find their destination on the 297 miles of road in Plymouth. After land plots are divided into subdivisions by independent developers, the plots are submitted to the city and it is the city that lays the framework for the roadways that will be built on those plots. Those roads are given names by the city following the county grid system and are then constructed, said Ryan. Peony lane could have been named anything from papyrocracy street to praepostor boulevard, it’s not the word that matters it’s the letter, in the overall scheme of things. maintenence on exits along the stretch of highway, according to MN-DOT. New concrete and pavement will replace the current surface. New storm water ponds and noise barriers will also be added. A dynamic right shoulder is planned to be added from the Fish Lake Interchange to the hwy 55 exit. This addition is a newer idea which has worked for other highways in the state, such as hwy 100 to the east. According to MN-DOT, the project will cost around $68.3 million. Plymouth Mayor Kelli Slavik has been pushing for this change to the thoroughfare since upgrades were made on the stretch of 494 in Minnetonka and Eden Prairie. According to MN-DOT, the department is looking into adding MNPass lanes reaching from MinneapolisSaint Paul International airport to as far as Rodgers. This project could take another ten years to develop.
494 PROJECT
The latest and greatest thing in the world of technology arrived this winter when Google introduced their new creation Google Glass to the public for purchase. What Google Glass is, is a wearable Android-powered computer built into the form of a pair of lens-less glasses. Google’s reason for the creation of these new glasses is to “be there when you need it and get out of your way when you don’t”. According to Techradar.com, Google Glass projects a small frame display in your field of vision and allows you to do things from taking video and pictures, to checking your email all at the command of “Ok Glass...,” Google Glass also has a touch-sensitive bar that runs along the side of the frame that can be used to navigate through the functions instead of using the voice command. Another feature Google Glass provides is language translation. How this would work is that Google Glass would pick up words being spoken to you through technology produced by DNNresearch, and then translate it back to you in your own language. Here at WHS, one teacher who is a Google Certified Trainer already owns a pair, and understands the future uses for Google Glass. Tyler Shepard became certified after passing a set of six exams called Google I.Q.or Google InBy MEREDITH JOHNSON F E AT U R E S E D I T O R
dividual Qualification. “After this you complete a case study, submit a video clip, and answer a set of questions, like submitting an application to see if you can become a Google certified educator,” Google Certified Trainer Tyler Shepard. If that works out for you, you can get access to many behind the scenes things from Google said Shepard. But this process wasn’t how Shepard went about getting a Google Glass, it was something he did by himself last year. “The Google Glass device will be used as a tool to enhance technology within our Career & Technical Education classrooms. CTE Teachers will share this device to demonstrate new technology and allow students an opportunity to explore how this cutting-edge device might be utilized in the business world. Students will be encouraged to imagine the possibilities and witness, firsthand, the pace of change. For now, the Google Glass product will be used “strictly as an explorative tool,” said Shepard. What this means is that all business, engineering technology and design, and FACS classes in the high school will be able to access the Google Glass whenever a teacher wants to use it. For student Sophie Toland (12), using the
Google Glass was something that she got to experience first in Shepard’s class. “I got to use the Google Glass in class, and I was shocked at how much they could do. A pair of glasses, something we consider so insignificant, is revolutionizing the way we communicate and even move. I had no idea the information a small frame around your eyes can hold. I can’t wait for stuff like the glasses to take off and become the norm. It really makes me wonder what is next,” said Toland (12). Overall, there isn’t a lot Google Glass can’t do, so it’s only a matter of time till owning a Google Glass is the norm.
A family that works together, stick together Spanish teachers Lisa and José Para Staves have been married for eight years. They’ve also taught together at Wayzata High School for nine years. Their common interests include Spanish, traveling, and dancing (specifically the salsa). They also have an 18 month old boy named Joseph Camilo and a dog named Stella. “I actually think being married to another teacher is more of a challenge in some respect,” said Lisa. “It has been pretty difficult keeping school and home life separate. It is important for us and for our son’s sake that we do not act as work associates but as a family at home,” said Lisa. José said, “We try not to bring up school stuff at home. It also is just not fun talking about school anyways in general.” Teachers Chris Lindahl and Spanish
teacher Kristin Lindahl (known professionally as Kristin Pfeffer) have taught together at the high school for eight years and got married last May. Kristin said, “It helps having a teacher as a partner because we can talk through frustrations with the job and the other person is always there for support.” Chris said, “When you come home from teaching after a long day it is not easy to always be in the best mood.” “That is why I appreciate the fact that we have vacations off together so we can spend some time together that does not revolve around school,” said Chris. They both love football, going up to their cabin, and cooking. They have two dogs, a beagle named Mia and a yellow lab named MacGyver. Kristin said, “As great as it is being able to share the same experiences with work and being able to help each other
become better teachers, I would much rather talk to Chris about football than a homework assignment, quite frankly.” “We enjoy the time we get to spend up at the cabin with our dogs and it brings us together. That is the advantage of working at the same place,” said Chris. Communications teacher Jennifer King has taught at the high school for about three months and is not married. “I think it would be nice to be married to someone who understood the time and effort it takes teachers to plan and grade at home,” said King. “I imagine the hardest aspect would be not being able to “turn off ” the work aspect of life,” said King. “It is easy to go home and worry or talk about the kids I come to love so much,” said King. “I know if I were married to a teacher I would talk about school far too much.”
Committee takes quantattive data collected from the survey and pulls what’s important. The data busts the myth that “Everyone is using it,” said Hanson. “People will push back because they don’t believe what they see. Your friends tell you, music tells you, instagram tells you, twitter tells you that everyone is using,” said Hanson. The data from the 2013 survey has not been released yet, but “It is anticipated that marijuana use has increased statewide, but only after careful analysis of our
data will we know for sure,” said Hanson. The grant itself is a document that around 5 people, including Hanson and other WHS employees, who voluntarily worked on it, and it came out to a 180 page document. Wobschall said, “When the grant was written, a very detailed action plan was constructed that was based on the needs of our community”. The document was submitted and evaluated by federal employees. The employees scored the documents to rank which would earn the grant. Wayzata scored nearly perfect (98 out of 100), although Hanson had her
doubts they would be one of the recipients. Hanson said that people work so hard for so long that she wasn’t sure if they would earn it. The document was submitted March 2013 and finally into September of 2014, the school received the good news. Wobschall said, “It is a 100% team effort- we are very lucky to have such a supportive community that is invested in making this a healthier place”. “The grant is a gradual 5 year grant, but we will get the chance to apply to extend it,” said Hanson.
By SAM SIMON
SOPHOMORE GUEST WRITER
GRANTS
Bookcase The
The Twin Cities' Oldest Independent bookstore.
est. 1963
Photo by: Sun Sailor
GETTING AROUND: Traffic on the two lane I-494 grows as the sun sers and rush hour hits. Plans to add a third lane to the crowded interstate are in the works, says MN-DOT.
◆ Over 12,000 books in stock ◆ ◆ Special orders arrive within days ◆ ◆ Book Signings • Live Music ◆
824 East Lake Street, Wayzata (952) 473-8341 www.bookcaseofwayzata.com
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014
SO
CHIC:
CALI CULTURE By SADIE BELL PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
@mssadiebell
A wave swept the Golden Coast by storm in the 1960s, engulfing Southern California in surf culture. The popularity of surfers and their beach bunnies have left a lasting imprint on SoCal style and California beach culture based brands. Though it feels like we are stuck in an Arctic tundra here in Minnesota, brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, and Vans celebrate summer year round. Though surfing originated amongst the Polynesians, the sport gained popularity in the 1960s by teenagers in Hawaii, Australia, and along the Southern California coast. The popularity in America remained confined to a dedicated subculture, but also made its way into American music and film. Beach culture was based on the sun, surf, and a laid back lifestyle, focused on the perfection of their sport. Beach bums lived in tropical printed boardshorts and beach bunnies wore high-waisted shorts or bikinis. Australian company Quiksilver was founded in 1969 and shortly after became based in Huntington Beach. As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of surfwear, Quiksilver’s clothing is primarily functional. In 1990, Quiksilver launched its first ever female line of clothing by creating their sister brand, Roxy. Quiksilver’s attempt of diving into the small female surfer market was risky, but their initial swim line was a success. Since then, Roxy has evolved from solely swimwear and board shorts in a selective market to any girl hoping to embrace the natural beauty of beach culture. Roxy designs feature peasant-like blouses, tropical and Aztec-like prints, and bustiers. Quiksilver and Roxy continue to embellish the laidback style that originated off the boardwalk in SoCal. Billabong, an Australian brand based out of Huntington Beach, continues to influence surf culture fashion. Billabong’s female line features vintage styled graphic tees and bustiers, loud prints, and a Hippie-like fashion of bellbottoms and printed wide-legged cloth pants. Billabong has a unique way of creating a nautical style by incorporating anchors along with Californian symbols like the state flag for a less preppy and more edgy look. Since Billabong’s initial grasp on the surf market in the 60s, they have successfully highlighted the essence of classic surf culture, while modernizing for the demands of today’s youth. Brothers Paul and James Van Doren and their friends had a wild idea to set up a deck shoes shop in Anaheim, California in 1966. Their success became known as the popular surf/skateboard shoe Vans. Vans were originally sold as deck shoes on the California board walk for less than five dollars, but with the increase in popularity of “sidewalk surfing,” now known as skateboarding, Vans shifted their focus. By the end of the seventies, there were
THE TROJAN TRIBUNE
ENTERTAINMENT 3
An author’s life comes alive on stage This year’s competition one act tells the story of the Bronte sisters Wu t h e r i n g Heights, @k_talerico The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Jane Eyre: these titles may sound familiar to you if you’re an AP Literature alumni, or perhaps you’ve just rented their respective movies and Sparknoted the rest. This year’s Competition One Act, Dear Charlotte, tells the story of the authors who wrote these classic novels, and the twisted lives that created their literary genius. The play is a snapshot of the Bronte sisters’ lives, from their childhood to adulthood, said Camille Smith (11), who plays Elizabeth Bronte. “It goes through the deaths of her mother and siblings, as well as Charlotte’s slow descent into serious mental trouble.” “The greatest challenge has definitely been the time crunch. We’ve had really only a month of rehearsal time, combined with getting sets built, costumes made, and tech figured out,” said Smith. “It’s a very complicated show, with complex lighting and sound and scene shifts as we go through years and years of Charlotte’s life.” Smith said that that’s what separates it from other Wayzata High School plays. “It’s a very complicated, seamless show that jumps between reality and fantasies of Charlotte.” “The hardest part of playing Charlotte is finding her climactic point,” said lead Ashley W ilson (12). “She slowly gets By KATIE TALERICO EDITOR IN CHIEF
about 70 Vans stores along the Golden Coast. The classic Vans come in almost every color imaginable and various prints. Vans are not only functional board sport shoes, but embody the classic, Californian laid-back culture. Genuine beach bums of SoCal in the 1960s were just trying to ride the waves as the new popular beach culture spread across the nation. Those that remained faithful to the sun and surf influenced the development of surf based brands that have expanded their market and held their place in fashion to this day. Through traditional, yet stylish designs, brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, and Vans have stayed true to the laidback lifestyle that is solely dedicated to perfectionism of boardsports, or what I like to call “California Culture.”
a little crazy over the years, so finding the biggest time of that is hard because the show doesn’t make it obvious.” “Another hard part is making Charlotte Bronte different with age. I go from being twenty in one scene to being
Graphic by Maggie Scanlon
really young and I have to make the age difference obvious,” said Wilson. Wilson’s favorite scenes of the play include those with the character Zamorna, a fictional character Charlotte creates in her mind. “I like these scenes because Charlotte gets a little feisty and there is a lot to play with,” Wilson said. “Blocking, choreographing, and talking out these things has really been fun,” said Smith. “The entire cast has had input, and working together to sort of build this show from the ground-up has been really enjoyable.” “While acting in or watching the show, you can learn about an author that has written a book that many have heard of, if not read,” said Wilson. Smith said, “The show is so different, a little scary and very beautiful, and will be a piece of theater [audiences] have never seen before.” The play will compete in the annual One Act Competition on Tuesday, January 21 at Southview Middle School in Edina. “In the past couple of years, Wayzata hasn’t moved on in the competition,” Wilson said. “We are hoping this year will be different with a new director and a play that has many artistic moments. Wilson was in the competition one act last year, where she said they felt confident going into the competition, but did not end up advancing. “We will have to wait and see,” said Wilson. Performances will be held on January 16th and 17th at 7:30 in the auditorium. Tickets are five dollars for students and ten for adults, and may be purchased at the door.
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LATEST & GREATEST REVIEWS BY ANDREW STERN l STAFF WRITER
LONE SURVIVOR
Based on “Operation Red Wings”, a failed SEAL Team 10 mission, Lone Survivor is the most recent feature from Battleship (2012) directer Peter Berg. Based on true events and not a board game, Lone Survivor stars Mark Wahlberg as Marcus Luttrell, one of four Navy SEALs sent to kill Taliban leader Ahmad Shahd. Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Eric Bana, and Alexander Ludwig have supporting roles that, as the title spoils, don’t make it to the end. Lone Survivor is relentlessly intense. The filmmakers don’t hold back when showing violence and gore - which is good. This way, they don’t romanticize the combat scenes. The majority of the film is one long battle, and while at times it was repetitive, it paced itself nicely and was remarkably immersive. The character development is generic, but it serves its purpose. There are plenty of clichés, but they never are too “in-your-face” and they don’t halt an emotional reaction when something significant happens. There’s even a surprise or two - if you’re not familiar with the story. All this said, the film is still very “ black-and-white.” Although a moral dilemma is presented early on in the mission, it’s still very “us vs. them” in the sense that America i s undeniably the good guys
fighting the bad guys. The Taliban soldiers are all nameless faces, similar to when you’re fighting a plethora of identical villains in a video game. You never are allowed to question the importance of the mission, you’re just told to accept that it’s what needs to be done. This last point works as a plus though, as the movie doesn’t strive to make a political statement, but rather honor those who fought in combat. I had some technical issues with the audio. The clarity of voices and sound effects seemed to change during the fighting; at first I thought it was just an artsy choice, then it became tired and monotonous. The main problem with the film is that it never builds towards anything. It’s a series of combat sequences and then it’s over. It’s entertaining while it happens, but it never has the structure to make a lasting impression. The thing is, you already know what you’re gonna think of this movie before you see it. If military movies are for you, you’re most likely gonna like this one (just keep in mind the amount of gore). If they aren’t, Lone Survivor isn’t the revolutionary film that’s gonna change your mind. The action sequences are great though, and it’s a nice tribute to those who served. 6/10.
ANCHORMAN 2:THE LEGEND CONTINUES
film does dabble into some social commentary, but the topics are all very light and non-controversial. As expected for a movie that is largely improvisational, the jokes are hit and miss. The most disappointing ones are the direct references to the first film. There are several moments where the film makes a joke basically saying “Hey! Remember when this happened in the first movie?” Anchorman 2 thrives when it expands on previously established relationships or creates new ones; the energy is sucked out of the film when it makes a reference to its prequel. There are a lot of celebrity cameos, and each member of the cast is given their chance to shine. The one weak spot is Kristen Wiig as Chani Lastnamé, Brick Tamland’s (Steve Carell) romantic opposite. With no one to play the straight man, the entire subplot is just uncomfortably unfunny. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is unbalanced, but entertaining nonetheless. It serves as a proper sequel to the original, and a good waste of a couple hours. 7/10.
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET
for an Oscar. Jonah Hill is hysterical as Donnie Azoff, Jordan Belfort’s partnerin-crime. The rest of the ensemble cast is one of the best of the year. Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler, Rob Reiner, Jon Bernthal, Jon Favreau, Jean Dujardin, and Spike Jonze all appear and I’m just scratching the surface. I noticed a plethora of changes from book to screen, but they all served to make the story more cinematic. The Wolf of Wall Street is 180 minutes, but it doesn’t feel it. The pacing starts fast and never slows down. It’s darkly funny, outrageous, and entertaining the entire way through. The character study on Belfort is fascinating, and I was honestly disappointed it ended as soon as it did. I had a couple technical problems with it, though. There would be moments where the film would show a close-up of a reaction shot, of someone already in the frame. Occasionally there would be audio issues with dubbing, or absent sound effects from the surrounding locations. These complaints are incredibly minute however, and The Wolf of Wall Street is the most entertaining movie I’ve seen in theaters in quite a while. 10/10.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004) was the first featurelength collaboration between Adam McKay and Will Ferrell. Highlyimprovised, it was a story about newscasters in the male-dominated industry during the 70s. It was a big success, and in 2008 work began on the sequel. However, despite many of the stars agreeing to take pay cuts, Paramount turned down the sequel proposal in 2010. It wasn’t until 2012 that Paramount changed their minds. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues takes place during the birth of the 24 hour news network. This movie is stupid. But it’s stupid brewed to perfection. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is a rare find of inspired stupidity. The actors genuinely look like they’re having a great time, and the enjoyment is contagious. If you walk into this movie expecting an intelligent political satire, you deserve the disappointment you’ll find. The
Based on his memoirs, The Wolf of Wall Street is the story of the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort: stockbroker extraordinaire. Financed independently, this 100 million dollar production was directed by Martin Scorsese and stars Leonardo DiCaprio. With a 3 hour runtime, the film’s main theme is excess. Like an Aronofsky film, The Wolf of Wall Street deals with self-destruction, with the perpetrator being money. Before I start, I should say, I may be a little biased towards this movie. I’ve read the memoir of the same name, and knew what to expect. And when I say I knew what to expect, I knew that the film was going to be less about financial corruption and more about sex and drugs. It’s shocking how the movie skirted past an NC-17 rating. If you’re unable to understand that The Wolf of Wall Street isn’t condoning the actions depicted, I’d highly recommend you stay away from it. The Wolf of Wall Street has some absolutely brilliant performances. Leonardo DiCaprio arguably gives the best performance of his career, and it’s going to be a shame when he’s snubbed
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONES
The original Paranormal Activity (2009) was a surprise hit. Directed by Oren Peli, it was shot for $15,000 and grossed 193 million worldwide, making it the most profitable movie of all time - based on return on investment (not including marketing costs, of course). The film premiered at 2007’s Screamfest Horror Film Festival, and was shown at 2008’s Slamdance Film Festival. Although it was rejected from Sundance, Paramont acquired the rights and set out to make a remake with Peli directing. However, after a test screening, the studio decided to just release the film with a few minor changes. The limited release was a huge success, and with the help of a viral internet marketing campaign, Paranormal Activity got a wide release, even beating out Saw VI (2009) at the box office. Paranormal Activity actually got relatively good reviews, and even got an Indie Spirit Award nod - for “best first feature.” Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014) has nothing to do with that movie. Other than the name, small references, and an impossible tie-in at the end, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones doesn’t have much to do with the rest of the series. The early January horror flick slot is generally a successful one, and producers were likely trying to gain back some momentum lost by Pa ra n o r m a l Activity 4 (2012). H o w e v e r, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones had to settle for 2nd place at the box office losing to Frozen (2013).
AMERICAN HUSTLE Based on a true story, American Hustle is the latest directorial effort from David O. Russell. Christian Bale stars as Irving Rosenfeld, a con man who is forced, along with his partner, Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), to work for FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, and Louis C.K. are all featured in this story about lying and betrayal. Each member of the ensemble pulls off a brilliant performance in this drama. Christian Bale, who is known for transforming his body to play a role, gained more than 40 pounds to
There’s really just not a lot going on in this film. The plot centers around Jesse (The film debut for Andrew Jacobs), a recent high school graduate who becomes possessed after his 18th birthday (Why his 18th birthday? Well, 6 + 6 + 6 = 18. Get it? No? Well shhhhh it makes sense because one of the characters in the film said that was the reason.). After making this discovery, the rest of the film is spent with his friend Hector ( Jorge Diaz) screaming “JESSE?” while Jesse does strange things. The Paranormal Activity series has historically had improvised dialogue, and I can’t help but feel that Diaz was just handed a camera and told to go for it, but all he could come up with was saying “JESSE!” over and over again; that name is a large portion of this movie’s dialogue. Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones’ biggest failure though, is that it’s not scary. I guess maybe I’m just not scared by this subgenre, but most off the scares seemed poorly executed, even for what they were. There are a few scenes that feel like they were inspired - including one when they use a Simon™ game as an Ouija Board - but they are few and far between. The ending climatic sequence was more laughable than frightening. Overall, this movie is just a waste of time. You’ve seen it done before, and you’ve seen it done better. It’s not gonna be the worst movie of this year, probably not even of this month, but you don’t need to see it. 3/10.
play the center con artist obsessed with his combover. Amy Adams is great, and Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence steal every scene they’re in. For the most part, the script is good. The dialogue is fantastic and the pacing is quick. The film is a bit unbalanced, however. There’s a certain lack of focus that holds the film back. David O. Russell’s style certainly comes through here. While I don’t think it was as strong as his last film, Silver Linings Playbook (2012), American Hustle is a fascinating watch. Although it didn’t elicit as much of an emotional response as I thought it could have, American Hustle is still a very good movie. 9/10.
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG
Continuing the story started by The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), the dwarves, assisted by Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), attempt to reclaim their homeland from the dragon of the title name in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The biggest problem with this film is that it’s not a movie, it’s an episode. There’s no real sense of beginning or end. It merely serves as a filler movie. Not to say that there’s not a lot going on, or that it’s not entertaining, it just can’t be viewed as a singular experience. When the first of the trilogy was released, a common complaint was that it was shot in 48 frames per second, not the cinema standard of 24. Frames per second, or fps, is the number of pictures taken every second, and 24 gives the footage a “cinematic look”. By doubling this number, the argument is that it makes action scenes much smoother and easier to comprehend; the opposition says that the film loses its magic and subtlety. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug felt more natural than its predecessor, likely because the larger amount of action catered to the higher frame rate. Throughout the film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug struggles with tone. Two of the best scenes - the spider scene and the barrel scene, as I like to call them - have a very
campy feel. You never fear that any of the characters are in serious danger, but the movie realizes this and prides itself on making the most unrealistically epic battle ever, delivered with a wink and a nod. However, when the film introduces Smaug (voice and motion capture by Benedict Cumberbatch), it attempts to turn to a more serious tone. When a dragon can’t hit a single one of the ten targets on screen though, what initially started off as frightening becomes long and tedious. The length of the trilogy gives the filmmakers enough time to establish a multitude of subplots, but evidently not enough time to fully develop them. The motivations for many of the characters are often left ambiguous, and you’re just expected to not think too hard about it; just know that the characters did certain actions, and you should just accept it, because I’m sure they had a great reasons. Many characters also fall to the wayside. Thorin (Richard Armitage) is the only dwarf of much significance, and most of the other dwarves are merely used as props. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is repetitive, yet very fun to watch. The same beats occur over and over again, but the film rarely drags long enough to leave you bored. The barrel scene and the spider scene are worth t h e price of admission alone, but the rest of the movie is entertaining as well - even if you are required to see the first film beforehand. 7/10.
EDITORS’ TOP ALBUMS OF 2013
1. HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE SOUNDTRA The Hunger Games, so this soundtrack had to m of music on this album, including Lorde, Imagin Weeknd, and Santigold. They’re all so different, b // THE 1975. The 1975’s music is so upbeat. They Manchester, England, and their accents make me The band dropped their first single, “Downtown than the country they were singing in their pr Antebellum as a sad, calm kind of country but in
katie talerico EDITOR IN CHIEF
1. NEEDS // CARROLL. Though Needs is a five song EP and not an album, I can’t help but list it as the top on my list. The local dream pop band is comprised of recent graduates from Macalaster College, and holds shows in bars across Minneapolis. It kills me inside that most of them are 18+. 2. MODERN VAMPIRES OF THE CITY // VAMPIRE WEEKEND. The band that used to hold my East-coast heart has graduated from their college days onto newer, more mature sound and lyrics. While the new sound does take some getting used to, I love Modern Vampires as much as any of their other albums. 3. MUTUAL FRIENDS // BOY. The German band BOY is in fact a duo of girls. Mutual Friends is their first album, and hopefully not their last. They’re my girl power jam. 4. SADNECESSARY // MILKY CHANCE. Milky Chance’s debut album is folky and full of indie and summery vibes, just what I needed this winter. Coincidentally, they’re also a German band, so there must be something in the water over in Europe.
emily berg SPORTS EDITOR
1. FOREVER HALLOWEEN // THE MAINE. My favorite band, The Maine, dropped their fourth full length record on June 4th, 2013. Forever Halloween is the band’s second completely independently produced album, which reached spot 39 on the Billboard 200, selling over 10,000 copies within its first week of release. Under their own management, 8123, The Maine produced and recorded a beautifully crafted album that explores friendship, accepting oneself for who they truly are, and the passion and disappointment that can come with love. The album features dramatic guitar, impressive vocals, and raw lyrics, such as those of “These Four Words,” as vocalist and songwriter John O’Callaghan explains the pain of saying, “I don’t love you.” The a l - SADIE bum Cont’d page 9
sadie bell PHOTO EDITOR
ACK // VARIOUS ARTISTS. I’m obsessed with make my list.There’s so many different types ne Dragons, Of Monsters and Men, and The but they fit together seamlessly. 2. THE 1975 y radiate good vibes.The band is based out of e happy. 3. GOLDEN // LADY ANTEBELLUM. n” with a new kind of song. It’s more upbeat revious albums. I’d usually thought of Lady n this album they really changed their sound.
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meredith johnson FEATURES EDITOR
1. FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE // HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIME. FLAGA Line is one of the best upcoming country duos and they definitely deserved to win a Country Music Award for vocal duo of the year. My favorites from their album included: Cruise, Round Here, and Stay. 2. PIONEER // THE BAND PERRY. Pioneer is The Band Perry’s second studio album. The band is comprised of the Perry siblings (Kimberly, Reid, and Neil) and in 2011, the group won a CMA for “New Artist of the Year.” Some of my favorites from their album include: Better Dig Two, Done., and Don’t Let Me Be Lonely. 3. TWO LANES OF FREEDOM// TIM MCGRAW. This is Tim’s 12th studio album. Some of my favorites from this album included One of Those Nights, Truck Yeah, and my two favorites Southern Girl and Highway EMILY Don’t Care Cont’d page 9 (featuring Tay-
davante washington NEWS EDITOR
1. BORN SINNER // J. COLE. J. Cole has been around for quite some time but it wasn’t until two years ago that he broke into the mainstream market. Born Sinner was a worrisome pre-release, as critics and skeptic fans speculated that this mainstream influence would taint his soulful tone. I’m happy to say those skeptics were wrong. DAVANTE Cole’s fourth album is his Cont’d page 10
INSTAGRAMMANIA
Instagram has opened up photography to an entirely new demographic, but is its instant nature improving photography or demeaning it? By KATIE TALERICO EDITOR IN CHIEF
@k_talerico
There’s no questioning it, Instagram has reshaped the way we think about photography. I’m going to admit it, it makes me cringe when I see “#artsy” as the caption underneath a picture. Give a teenage girl a Valencia filter and the ability to create an artificial depth of field and they think they’re the next Ansel Adams. Please. But then I had to admit it: some of the pictures on Instagram are downright cool. (Let’s be clear: I’m
not talking about your bathroom mirror selfies or picture of your #yummy lunch.) The fact that truly riveting photos could be captured on an 8 megapixel iPhone camera made me question what photography was all about. Does it matter what equipment you have-- or does it matter how you use it?
An infinite creativity Instagram gives users a window to express the creativity that each of us are given. Besides creativity, we each gifted with something else that is
completely unique to us: our perspective. Instagram allows users to capture and share that perspective with others in a tangible way. Seeing amateurs create such incredible photos pushes photographers to get more creative. Artists learn from each other. There is no pure originality: everything is a collection of ideas stolen from others. By putting an art form into the hands of more people, professionals aren’t just bouncing ideas off each other. They have a whole population of creative minds to take from. Besides, not every professional photographer is an artist. A portrait photographer who takes mono-
master the art if they do not learn the Facebook, has opened the world up to techniques of photography. instant news. Because everyone has the Though it may seem like learning ability to document the world around things about ISO and film speed are them, we each have the power to be an things of the individual jourpast, they are nalist. There’s not the foundajust a select group tions that What we knew as photojourof people who are apps like Innalism at its purest form is over telling the news stagram are and POYI just killed it. Well, they and informing built upon. didn’t kill it so much as just dig anthe masses as to Is it still other knife deeper into the back of what is imporworth it to its decaying corpse. tant right now. own a Canon The masses are CHIP LITHERLAND AE-1 when the ones defining your iPhone that right now, can do the creating it. same job? Absolutely. Those who love The amount of published material is the art of photography love it because thirty, forty, fifty times what it used to of the flexibility and unlimited options be, and yet less and less of the mateReinvention throughout the for expression one has when shooting rial is original. The only thing we have generations in manual mode. They love it because control over that gives our content inthey have to devote time to it, because dividuality is the place we come from. This reinvention of the photograph it’s not something that’s quick and We tell the news from our unique is not something that’s happening just easy. Manual cameras and D-SLRS perspective. We are our own storytellnow. With every new onslaught of need not be in any fear of dying out ers. technology, we enter into a new gen- any time soon. eration of art. In fact, by using Instagram, many In 1948, the invention of the Pola- users are developing such a passion TOP ALBUMS OF 2013 roid-Land camera opened up the art for photography that they’ve decided Reviews continued from page 7 of photography to much broader range to explore photography beyond their of people. Believe it or not, photogra- iPhone screen. Instagram isn’t killing EMILY phy was at one point not an “instant” off true photographers and artists, it’s Some of my favorites from this album inart. Photographers took their pictures breeding them. cluded One of Those Nights, Truck Yeah, on a roll of film, took three hours to and my two favorites Southern Girl and develop it themselves in a darkroom, Highway Don’t Care (featuring Taylor and then finally see their image appear iPhones in the press Swift and Keith Urban.) in a chemical bath under infrared light Wheelhouse by Brad Paisley: Wheelhouse many hours later. The Chicago Sun Times recently cut is Brad’s 10th studio album. He is a fabuThe Polaroid camera changed that. their photography department and lous musician and with every album, in my Photographers no longer needed to gave each of their reporters an iPhone. opinion, his music gets better. I actually have knowledge of complex chemicals They were told to record everything went to his Beat This Summer concert and and developing techniques. In sixty with it. I have to say, it was amazing. He had some seconds, they would see the matte According to MediaBistro.com, if really cool special effects including a holosurface of the SX-70 film (brought to professional photographs were needed, gram of Carrie Underwood when he permarket in 1972) develop into the shiny a freelance photographer was hired. formed their song Remind Me. Some of my image they had just snapped. Meanwhile, reporters were trained favorites from his album include Southern Of course, users still had to have with “iPhone photography basics.” Comfort Zone, Beat This Summer, and The knowledge of apertures, shutter speeds, Readers were up in arms, threatening Mona Lisa. and light manipulation, but the ability to cancel their subscriptions. Danielle Bradbury by Danielle Bradbury: of the camera to produce images you Meanwhile, on March 28 the New After winning the Voice on June 18th, Dancould see right away gave into an es- York Times ran an Instagram photo- ielle has had one heck of a year. She hopped sential condition of human nature: our graph of Alex Rodriguez on their front on Brad Paisley’s Beat This Summer Tour desire for instant gratification. page. The photo was licensed, and even where I was lucky enough to see her in conFast forward to the 1990’s when shot by a professional photographer. cert and then she released her first studio aldigital cameras became popular That wasn’t the first time that the bum on November 25th. My favorites from among consumers. Nearly every fam- New York Times had published an her album are: Heart of Dixie, Daughter ily bought one in order to snap instant iPhone photograph on the front cover. of a Working Man, Born to Fly, and Jesus, pictures of their kids. The beauty of it November 2010 saw a photo of a sol- Take the Wheel. all was not so much the instant na- dier in Afghanistan taken by Damon ture of the photographs; we’d already Winter using the iPhone application experienced and come to expect that. Hipstamatic. No, what made digital photography Winter went on to incredible was that little green “A” set- win third place in ting: automatic. No longer did anyone Pictures of the need to know anything about the sci- Year Internationence of photography. Only two steps al for his series of were needed: point and shoot. Exactly war photographs how we like it. taken through the iPhoneography and Instagram aren’t app. making any major leaps forward in “What we knew photography: we just click to take a as photojournalism photo, and we don’t have to worry at its purest form about aperture and shutter speed-- is over and POYI but, we can make it look like we do. just killed it,” There’s been a trend in the last few photographer years: we want vintage. Instagram al- Chip Litherlows users to go back to the times land said on when photographers knew how to cre- his blog. “Well, ate art through depth of field and light they didn’t kill positioning, just by making a few post- it so much as snapshot adjustments. just dig another If it’s so easy to make it look like you knife deeper into know what you’re doing in photogra- the back of its dephy, then what’s the point of learning caying corpse.” anything about it? Matt Buchanan That’s a question that we have, and has said, “Winter will be, battling for the next few years might be the first phoas technology becomes more and more tojournalist to win an advanced. The population uses the im- award using a slick photo provement of our technology as an ex- app to document an event, cuse to become lazy. but he won’t be the last.” Like a student who never learns to Photojournalism is changspell because they have spell check, ing, just like anything else. a photographer will never be able to Instagram, like Twitter and
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chromatic closeups or an iPhoneographer who’s able to see the same old subject in a new light: who’s the real artist? Instagram has shown that photography is not all about knowing how to work a camera, it’s about subject matter, too. By removing the variable parts of a camera and making them automatic, Instagram gives users the ability to spend more time thinking about the composition of their photograph and their perspective. If an iPhoneographer messes up, it’s not a matter of adjusting his aperture or switching lenses. Simply choose another filter or even open up your camera again, and you can evoke new emotions or ideas in your photograph.
SADIE
The album is something completely new for The Maine, but exactly what they wanted and what it should be. Since writing music in high school at the parking lot with the address 8123 and singing “8123 means everything to me” on their first album, Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop, The Maine has grown into a band that understands what music is all about. Their music is for them and no one else. The Maine and 8123 have artfully crafted what I believe to be the number one album of 2013. AM by Arctic Monkeys: The dramatic sound of the Arctic Monkeys fifth album is so good, it’s almost haunting. AM features Alex Turner’s alluring voice over powerful instrumentals, right from the start as Turner opens the album with the suggestive question, “Have you got color in your cheeks?” in “Do I Wanna Know?” The album explores nightlife, lust, and love through the classic Arctic Monkeys sound. These Brits dropped a highly anticipated album this past year and the results were just as great, if not better, than what was expected. Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend: These Columbia graduates are at it again with an amazing third album that highlights the bands musical and creativity abilities. Modern Vampires of the City explores complex topics of religion and growing old through the band’s witty, thought-provoking lyrics and genius way of combining alternative, 1950s rockabilly, and an almost African-like sound all into their own. The album’s breakout single “Diane Young,” a play on words for “dying young,” embodies the band’s natural ability to make music not only catchy, but smart. Pure Heroine by Lorde: Breakout alternative pop sensation Lorde released her first album this past year, proving she had a message worth sharing and a voice worth hearing. Through Pure Heroine, Lorde reveals she stands out in an industry obsessed with materialism and status, while she just wants to make honest music. Pure Heroine highlights Lorde’s ghostly voice as she criticizes materialism and explores about the pains of being a teenager in this modern age and the fears of growing old. Though everyone keeps saying Lorde is “only seventeen,” it’s safe to say this poetic artist is well beyond her years and has only just begun. Sadie’s other notable albums: Devil by Lydia, Midnight Memories by One Direction, I Love You. by The Neighbourhood
THE TROJAN TRIBUNE
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014
OPINION 10
Opinion Exchange “I liked them until they were cool.” I am a woman of refined musical tastes. In my album collection, Brahms’ first symphony holds a treasured spot next to By KATIE TALERICO The Strokes’ EDITOR IN CHIEF Room on Fire. I seldom venture from radio stations other than The Current, Classical MPR, or KMOJ: The People’s Station. I stopped listening to Taylor Swift after her eighth boyfriend in two years, and refuse to listen to Miley Cyrus because I’m classier than that. Admittedly, I am a huge fan of the song Mercy, but mostly out of irony. It doesn’t matter what label you put on it: indie, alternative, electronic dance music, classic rap, jazz, folk. I am simply a fan of good music. So it bothers me when people (namely those pesky scums you may have heard of called hipsters) say, “I was a fan of them until they got popular.” An artist ’s life goes through a cycle: it starts out on The Current and the select group of people that listen to that station and then brag about the artist to their friends later because they’ve never heard of them, and it gives them a cool factor. A few weeks later, the same friends that had never heard of them are now singing along to the lyrics because this one song by the band has been adopted by Cities 97 (and it ’s never even the best one!) You tolerate their new popularity because now you can get your friends to go their show with you at the Varsity. The next stage is the explosion: Cities 97 replays the song to exhaustion. The show gets moved from the Varsity to Roy Wilkins and then to the Target Center. The artist ends its journey at KDWB, where all songs go to die. I admit, overplaying a song can kill it to the point where you never want
to hear it again, but that ’s not the radio’s fault, or the song’s increasing popularity. I listened to the same song by Bahamas 229 times over the course of a single week, and by the end of that week I never wanted to hear Afie Jurvanen’s adorable voice or his beachy tunes ever again. That song— Caught Me Thinking—isn’t popular by any means but do I still hate it? Yes, and I can only blame myself. Does a band’s popularity change the quality of the sound? Does it make the melody any less catchy or the lyrics any less genius? You may selfdestruct your love of the band by abusive replaying, but that band is still as good as when you were the only one who heard about them. This summer, I was flipping through random radio stations when I found Mumford and Sons playing on 101.3. This was a conflicting moment for me. I hated KDWB on principle, but Mumford and Sons. I had to admit, I actually liked the music that they were playing on KDWB. Of course, I had to turn the station back to NPR after some 2010 song by Katy Perry came on, but I knew I had to come to terms with the fact that other people liked the same music that I did. It ’s fun to like a band that nobody knows about. Like keeping a secret, you get that satisfying feeling that you know something no one else does. But good bands, just like secrets, often spread to the rest of the population. You shouldn’t feel bad that a band is going from giving away their records on the street to having people look them up on iTunes. Sure, it ’s nice to pay fifteen bucks for a concert ticket to the Skyway compared to the prices at the Excel center, but what were you going to use your life savings on anyway? I don’t want to hear anymore of this “I liked them until they were cool” crap. No one is the sole follower of a band. Part of loving music is loving it with other people. Just remember: it ’s impossible to mosh alone.
l
A sample of our staff ’s top picks: Get Wet by Krewella, Acid Rap by Chance the Rapper, The Next Day by David Bowie, Static by the Cults, Bangerz by Miley Cyrus, and Paramore’s self titled album.
TOP ALBUMS OF 2013
Cole’s fourth album is his best, from the billFrom page 10 board breaker “Power Trip,” to the ever humble “Let Nas Down.” The New York based, Carolina born artist has a bright future as those who doubted him before have no choice but to see the talent that this 28 year old brings to the table. Better Off Dead by The Zombies of Flatbush: The Zombies of Flatbush are back to terrify hip hop. The Brooklyn based trio released their second free mixtape in September. Better Off Dead features some of the most controversial lyrics in hip hop today, but you’ll have to listen to get what I mean. The talent that these three artists hold when combined is staggering. Juice, Arc, and Meech create some of the most inventive and clever metaphors that you’ll hear from anything out today. If the words don’t get your attention, the style and sound will. Acid Rap by Chance the Rapper: This summer gave breed to a new sound out of Chicago. The raspy and lyrical Chance The Rapper let loose his voice all over the airways. Acid Rap, Chance’s second mixtape, was the number one downloaded mixtape on Datpiff.com (a mixtape hosting site) ever. The album is a perfect mix of slow jazz like songs and rambunctious party starters. DAVANTE
It’s the voice and creative direction that makes this such a good album. Magna Carta Holy Grail by Jay-Z: The ruler’s back. (Well, technically, he came out of retirement in 2006, but that’s beside the fact.) Jay-Z has been making music since 1996 and has attained an incredible amount of success since then. The 44 year old business tycoon has dabbled in everything from clothing to sports teams. Magna Carta Holy Grail, Jay-Z’s twelfth solo album is masterful reflection of the rap icon’s life today. He tells the struggles and conflicts he faces in his late career and gives his perspective on pop culture today. This is a track that everyone can enjoy. Because the Internet by Childish Gambino: NBC’s Community may have lost one of their leading actors, but America has gained another brilliant and original artist. Childish Gambino, also known as Donald Glover, started dipping his toes into the shifting pond that is the music industry back in 2008, but didn’t establish himself as a true rapper until 2011. Gambino’s second album for Glassnote records, Because The Internet, showcases Childish Gambino at his best. The tracks are creative and fit his voice affliction a lot better than his past works. The album provides an auditory journey that is not to be missed.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014
THE TROJAN TRIBUNE
SPORTS 11
Girls win Nike Cross Nationals This is the full girls cross country story from our last issue. We apologize for failing to finish this article.
The 2013 girls cross country SPORTS EDITOR team made Tro@emilyberg26 jan history winning the Nike Cross Nationals on December 7th, 2013, becoming national champions. The Trojan boys cross country team also made an impressive showing placing 15th out of the 22 male teams present at the meet. The 5K event took place in Portland, Oregon and 22 teams of seven runners each competed for the title. According to Annika Halverson (12), the seven fastest runners from each school are the ones that compete at nationals. Wayzata is the first team to win this prestigious race that isn’t from New York. The girls put an end to Fayetteville-Manlius High School’s seven year winning streak. “We trained with two new coaches to prepare for the race because it was designed as a club team event rather than a high school one. Coach Emmans was not allowed to train us leading up to nationals,” Halverson said. “Our team had been preparing for nationals all summer and into the fall. We had put in an immense amount of training every week, along with a healthy lifestyle of eating the right foods, and getting a lot of sleep,” Alayna Sonnesyn (12) said. By EMILY BERG
Our team competed in the Heartland Regional Meet in mid-November in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We took first place as a team and the top two teams qualified for the Nike National Meet in Portland, Oregon. “After the race, as we were waiting for the results to come in, we were told that we received second place. We were fine with that and we were pretty proud of ourselves. After we received the official word that we had come in first, it felt amazing. All of our hard work had paid off and we went crazy,” Halverson said. “My favorite parts of the trip was meeting olympics runners and touring the Nike facilities. Most of all, the best part was becoming closer to my teammates. We were a close to going into nationals, The girls take a victory lap after hearing they had won Nike Cross Nationals in Portland this December. however, we became sisters on this trip,” Photo by Thomas Franke. said Halverson. “My favorite part of the trip was get- zata’ at the top of that list was such a sur- way we ran this year. “Nike Cross Nationals was the last cross ting to meet all of the famous Olympian real moment.” “Coach Emmans told us repeatedly country running race that the four of us runners who are sponsored by Nike. We ate dinner with Kara Goucher, a former throughout the season to live in the pres- seniors [Mary Franke, McKenna Evans, Minnesotan runner who won numerous ent moment. He and our other also told Annika Halverson, and myself ] ran toWorld Champions medals and has been us that no matter what we were already gether as a team. We have been on the to the Olympics twice. We all learned a lot winners. We had accomplished so much team together since 9th or 10th grade and by talking to these professional runners,” this season prior to the National Meet and have grown up together. Running at the anything that lay in front of us was just ic- National Meet with such great friends and Sonnesyn said. “I will never forget looking at the score- ing on the cake. Not to mention they both people that mean so much to each other board of the individuals results and seeing coached us through some very challenging was such a unique experience that I’m sure it switch to the team results. Seeing ‘Way- workouts which had a huge impact on the none of us will forget,” Sonnesyn said.
W in ning s tr e ak f o r wrestling
Things are looking FEATURE EDITOR up for the @mere_johnson19 wrestling team as they’ve recently won their past two matches against Robbinsdale Armstrong and Minneapolis South to pull them out of a losing streak earlier this season. By MEREDITH JOHNSON
With a younger team than last year, they are really relying on the younger members of the team to step up and contribute as much as possible. “We expected to have a rough season with the loss of so many seniors last year,but a lot of younger guys on the squad have stepped up and we definitely are in the running to be a state qualifying team this year,” said senior Jordan Porteous. Since the team spends so much time to-
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The boys and girls alpine teams PHOTO EDITOR are off to a strong @mssadiebell start this season. “We placed well in our first meet. The guys placed 4th and the girls placed 2nd,” said senior Gregory Zinniel. “We had two girls in the top ten, so we were happy with the results,” said senior captain Laura Gove. Senior Posie Buffington said Gove got fourth place for girls and freshman Connor Steffens got fourth place for guys in their second meet on January 2nd. “I hope to stay in the top ten at the rest of the races. I was really happy with those results because there is some good competition this year,” Gove said. According to Buffington, the team raced against Benilde, Edina, Minneapolis, and Southview at their second meet. “I’m really proud of the team because I’ve seen a lot of improvement in everyone. We gave it our best shot and the effort paid off,” said Buffington. “The season has been going pretty well, we are fortunate to have gotten some good freshman,” said senior captain Carly Hicks. “At practice it looks like the guys have a lot of potential so it will be fun to see how they do the rest of the season,” said Gove. Zinniel said, “This season the team would like [to see] no one injured, to send at least one girl and one guy to By SADIE BELL
AN ACADEMIC EVALUATION
1-800 CAN LEARN
kept him off the mat more than he would like, especially last year when he sat out the whole season due to injuries. Luckily this season things have been going well for Porteous. “A strength of mine is my riding or top position that has really been coming along great the last few years along with my strength that I have developed,” said Porteous. If you want to watch them showcase their talents, come support the boys at their last home meet on February 4th.
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gether working to get better, and improve on all their skills, the chemistry of the team as a whole is becoming very strong. “For the most part on the team everyone gets along great. We go through such a battle everyday and spend so much time with each other it is hard to hate someone on the team. A lot of us stick together outside of the wrestling room as well,” said Porteous. According to Collin Sohn (12), when this year’s seniors graduate,they will be looking to the underclassmen to show their athletic abilities. Personally for Porteous, injuries have
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state, and to get to know each other well.” “I think our team is able to do well because we have a strong middle pack. We have some people who place high and then we have about five racers that finish only hundredths of a second apart in the top 25, [which] can get us a lot of points,” Gove said. “The team has really improved and we have a lot of endurance. Our coach makes hard courses for us at practices, so when it comes to races, the course seems easy,” said Hicks. Hicks said they got a new tow rope [at Hyland] so they can get four times as many runs [during practice]. “Because of the frigid temperature,it’s been hard to practice. The cold can freeze muscles so it can be hard to get down [the slope], focus, and can hinder how we are able to perform,” said Hicks. “Only other ski racers can truly understand what ski racers do,” Gove said. “We do really call ourselves a family.We spend four hours together every day of the winter,so it’s easy to become close with your teammates,” said Gove. “We all love the sport and are pretty outgoing,” Hicks said. Zinniel said, “We really get to know each other since we have a half an hour bus ride to Hyland everyday.” “We are very good at supporting each other and work as a team,” said Hicks. “We are not too competitive, but more [of] a team that wants others to do well, as well as yourself,” Gove said. “We are staying active, practicing, hoping everyone comes [to practice], and getting to know each other,” said Hicks.
THE TROJAN TRIBUNE
SPORTS 12
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014
Nordic aspires to capture back to back state titles The boy and girls nordic JUNIOR STAFF WRITER ski teams @HanaKassem have gotten off to a strong season coming back from the girls’ state championship last year. “So far the season has been going really well for the whole team,” said senior Alayna Sonnesyn. “We have quite a few returning girls from our state championship team from last year and the boys have made a lot of improvements.” Both the boys and girls won their first conference race at Baker Park this season along with a win at the Holiday Relays at Trollhaugen as a team. “The season is going well, and the boys and girls team won the first conference meet a few weeks ago,” said junior Clayton Smith. “We haven’t really had any other races because of the weather.” The perks of a co-ed Nordic team allows the group to work together and cheer each other on in races and workouts. By HANA KASSEM
Photos by Hana Kassem RACING TO VICTORY: Mackenzie Keller-Miller (12, left) and Ana Brew (9, right) ski at Wednesday’s Conference Meet at Theodore Wirth Park.
“We’re all such close friends and we all push each other to do our best,” said junior Carter Blankenship. “We all hang out together and work together well.” “An advantage of the team is that we know our strengths when it comes to classic versus skate skiing,” said junior Britta Anderson. Each skiier aims to hold a strong mindset when entering a race. “I’m very competitive and always tell myself to do my best. I try my
hardest for each race,” said Anderson (11). “I just push myself to the max, and tell myself it’ll be over in ten minutes,” said Blankenship (11). “I think the boys and girls team would both love to win conference and sections and hopefully place in the top three at state,” said Sonnesyn (12). “The girls team will hopefully be able to defend their state championship.”
Girls hockey continues a dominant season Dominance is the only word that can be used @mjohnson_snn to describe the girls hockey team’s start to the season. Sitting with a 15-2-1 record, the Trojan girls have been nothing short of phenomenal. Eight of the girls are in double digits in points and the leading point scorer senior Kaitlyn Klein has done any and everything to benefit the team. “This year we have a lot more dedication and hard work ethic,” said Klein. Our team chemistry is amazing and we are a lot closer as a team than in past years.” The girls are averaging 5.17 goals per game and have nearly doubled their opponents shots on goal. Their power play scoring percentage is up to 56.1% and they have been relentless around the opponents net. Leading goal scorer and captain Sophie Shaver has been one of the most efficient offensive players in the state alongside Kaitlyn Klein. “Kaitlyn and Sophia have been doing a great job not only scoring in games but also pushing their teammates in practices,” said head coach Becky Wacker. “Much of this stems from working hard in practice every day and the girls pushing each other to get better,” Wacker said. On the other side of the ice, the girls have been governing the defensive side of their game as well. They allow only 1.33 opponent goals per game and have a save percentage of 93.7%. Starting goaltender Sarah Stelter has been a brick wall in front of the net allowing only one goal per game and adding two shutouts. Wayzata is currently neck and neck with Edina for the top of the Lake Conference and each game is more important than the next with conference play just around the corner. “Many lake conference teams are underestimating how truly talented we are. I can’t wait to show them up in our first conference games and show that we are there to win,” said Klein. The Lake Conference all together has a combined record of 69-13-3. In terms of winning percentage the Lake Conference is the best in state and the girls are up for the challenge ahead. “I know we can make it to state, but we are taking one game at a time, and working our hardest at each one. I’m very excited to see what the future has to hold for us,” said Klein. By MATT JOHNSON SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Photo by Naomi Liew
EMPTY STANDS: Despite the lack of crowd at their games, the boys basketball team continues to carry on. “I feel like Wayzata doesn’t have a large basketball culture,” said Jake Strom (12).
Standing room in the stands
After starting the season w i n n i n g only one of five games, the boys basketball team has made some great strides. Their current By MATT JOHNSON record at 6-6. SENIOR STAFF WRITER The Beeninga b r o t h e r s collectively lead the team in scoring and account for 39% of the teams points. Whether the team plays well or not, they consistently find a low fan attendance. Other Lake Conference schools such as Hopkins and Minnetonka manage to sell out nearly all of their games. Today, someone could argue that intramural basketball gets more love from the students at Wayzata. Both Wayzata’s football and hockey team get good support from the students, but is that due to better performance
or do we just walk like cattle and go where are friends want to go? Our football team failed to make it to the dome this year but that didn’t stop students from offering up massive support. Statistically, the Trojan basketball team would perform better if they had someone to perform to. “It makes sense based on different program success, but I feel like Wayzata doesn’t have a large basketball culture,” said senior Jake Strom. Other than parents, there is still one source of life in the Trojan bleachers. Our football team has our beloved ‘Hard Hats,’ the hockey team has the ‘Flow Squad,’ and now the basketball team has implemented ‘Tibby’s Troups.’ Named after head coach Nick Tibesar, this small group of Wayzata students is trying their best to popularize Wayzata basketball. They are already showing a spiraling impact on the players and fanbase. “Tibbys troops have definitely been a factor in the energy during games,” said senior Will Beeninga. “They have grown in size and they
are creating a game day atmosphere to the gym that is noticeable.” Our team feeds off of the energy they bring to games and I think the more troops, the better. They’re doing a great job supporting us,” Benninga said. With a new coach and a young team maybe all the boys need is a little support from the student body when conference play comes around. “Everyone is welcome to join Tibby’s Troops. We just ask that you wear a jersey when chirping and cheering with us,” said member Austin Rush. “We don’t exclude anyone from joining. The more the merrier,” Rush said. The Troops have been on the rise since game one and they are determined to bring an environment that our basketball team hasn’t experience in a while. Aside from all of the attendance talk, the boys are focused on their task at hand and that is simply winning more games. We don’t base our success on if people come to the games or not, even though it is nice and more exciting to play in front of more students, said Beeninga.