BE A PART OF HISTORY
Truman High School / 3301 S. Noland Rd. Independence, Mo. 64055 / Volume 52 / Issue 3 / January - February ‘16
Seniors Peter Rahm, Derrick Linedhart and Myles Odom cheer on the boys wrestling team during their Kansas City Metro Tournament. Truman took third place on the night of the Pack the House dance. Photo Credit: Kendra Amos / THS Media
Click for THS Media website: www.thsmediaonline.weebly.
January / February 2016
Table of Contents
THE
SPIRIT
of ‘16 STAFF
THS NEWS
Robyn King Adviser
Pg. 4-8
Gregory Miranda Editor in Chief Jazzmin Matchette Managing Editor
THS SPORTS
Pg. 8-11
WORLD NEWS
Kane Mobley Sports Editor
Abbie Pena Reporter
Pg. 12-14
Antonio Franklin Poet Kevin Losch Reporter
ENTERTAINMENT
Bri Savidge Reporter
Pg. 15-20
BONUS
Walter Canady Reporter Colin Sims Reporter Taylor Simms Reporter
Pg. 22
BE A PART OF HISTORY... January / February 2016
Becky Tebe Guest Reporter
THE
SPIRIT
of ‘16
Editor’s Statement:
The theme for this year is Be a part of History. This 2015-2016 school year the THS Newspaper Staff is solely focused on giving our readers the best news reading experience through the most current headlines ranging from Truman to World News. We really hope our readers notice our attention to detail throughout every story and we hope you have a successful year with us.
Public Forum Statement:
The Spirit is considered a public forum for student expression. We will accept criticism in the form of a letter to the editor. Letters may be delivered to room 244 or emailed to thsnewsmedia@gmail.com. All letters become property of the spirit. The Spirit is produced by students for students however, a faculty adviser provides guidance. Become a Guest Columnist: Guest columns can be typed and submitted to Room 244 or emailed to thsnewsmedia@ gmail.com. The content must be school appropriate and is subject to change at the editors’ discretion.
Get your exclusive on Truman’s news, sports and clubs. Follow us on Twitter @THSNewsMedia. Also like us on Facebook: THSNewsMedia. Leave us your feedback!
Truman High School 3301 S. Noland Road Independence, MO 64055 (816) 521-5350 thsnewsmedia@gmail.com www.thsmediaonline.weebly.com
BE A PART OF HISTORY... January / February 2016
TRUMAN NEWS
3 / SPIRIT / THS News
The “2015 Dodgeball Champs” from last year’s Dodging for Dollars tournament take the 2016 title hence their new name “Back 2 Back.” Back 2 Back went undefeated in their title run again. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media THS NEWS
Dodging for Dollars To raise money for local families in need for the holiday season, Truman host their annual Dodging for Dollars dodgeball tournament with some familiar faces.
KANE MOBLEY Sports Editor
W
hen money is raised for those in need of it most, it gives a satisfying feeling. When money is raised while having a fun time, it’s even better. Dec. 8, THS had it’s annual Dodging For Dollars dodgeball tournament. The money given by teams to play is donated to local families in need for the holiday season. The tournament was a success, a good amount of money was raised, and the teams that came to play had a lot of fun.
January / February 2016
“I’m really not that outgoing when it comes to sports, but I enjoyed that this is for a good cause,” junior Ellis Staton said. “I got at least one person so that’s even better.” Teams packed in the South Entrance of Truman that Tuesday night ready to play. All teams came in wanting to win, but only one could be crowned as champions. This wasn’t too much of a task for the defending champions, who named themselves “Back 2 Back” assuming they would win again. In the previous tournament, which was in January 2015 the team had titled themselves, “The 2015 Dodgeball Champs” and won that tournament. There were some intense matchups throughout the tournament, but none that featured the defending champions. Just three players combined got out throughout the whole tournament, thus leading “Back 2 Back” to its second straight undefeated tournament.
“Even though we went undefeated and it feels good, I think we all need to remember what this is really for,” senior Rorey Combs said. “This competition raised a lot of money and that’s why we played.” The team consisted of all seniors except for one junior, T.J. Ruiz. Ruiz was playing in the tournament with a sprained foot. “It was all about just helping these guys take home the win in their last year here.” said Ruiz. Senior Trent DuRall won MVP and senior Kane Mobley won the award for Hardest Hit. Luckily for underclassmen, they are graduating and won’t be back to take another championship. With the majority of “Back 2 Back” being in it’s last year at Truman, next year’s tournament will be wide open for any team wanting to win. But who will take home the crown?
TRUMAN NEWS
SPIRIT / THS News / 4
Woodshop teacher, Andy Shockley guides an underclassman in the use of a power drill. Truman hosted their first Jamboree during the school day dedicated to guide underclassmen on what they will pursue when choosing their classes in the future. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media THS NEWS
Picking a Path
With the newly implemented freshman academies in place, Truman host their first dedicated Jamboree to help underclassmen choose a career path with their upcoming courses.
GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
T
ruman implemented Freshman Academies in 2015 but on Jan. 20 it was the first time THS hosted a fully dedicated jamboree in efforts to help underclassman narrow down their options and focus on a career pathway for the next three years. In order to take any further courses students will have to take a introduction class as a prerequisite in whichever
academy group they choose. The jamboree itself lasted all day and took up the last 20 minutes of class time each class period. Hosted in the small gym, countless booths were set up representing a certain course or academy. “It’s important for underclassmen to take this seriously because it will help them down the road when choosing a profession or career,” senior Noah Deitrick said. “It’s also good for teachers to have students who are actually interested in the course.” Students were given a sheet of paper with a set of questions for each group of academies available including Public Services, Business, IT, STEM and Arts and Education. The questions asked one thing the students learned about that course or academy and if they are interested. Students are encouraged to ask questions
about each academy and if they were to choose after today what would they choose. “It was crazy to have that many options and it’s tough to choose right then,” freshman Andre Guzman said. “I learned a lot and I enjoyed the ones who were really enthusiastic, those will be the ones I remember and choose from.” Underclassman have a big decision to make, and based on how in depth upperclassman went when describing their course will determine their choices. “It’s important to give them everything they need to be successful,” senior DaVontae Hair said. “We have a responsibility to them to make their high school career as enjoyable as possible based on our experiences.”
January / February 2016
TRUMAN NEWS
5 / SPIRIT / THS News
Etching out another number on his playing board, senior Andrew Huber looks for a Bingo. On Truman’s first day back of second semester, StuCo hosted their first ever school wide Bingo game during 5th hour. Photo Credit: Taylor Simms / THS Media THS NEWS
StuCo Host School Wide Bingo
First day back for Independence School District students was easy going. As for Truman to get back in the rhythm of things they turn to a school wide Bingo!
GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
J
an. 6 was the day that Independence School District students returned back to school, and what better way to ease students back in the groove of second semester then a School Wide Bingo game. With the influence coming from administrators and the support from Student Council (Stuco), teachers were given a stack of blank Bingo playing cards to hand out to students during fifth block period. Students could play with as many cards as they liked to increase their
January / February 2016
chances of winning a free beverage from Sonic and THS’s own Patriot Cup. Three representatives from StuCo, seniors Isabelle Rizi and Becky Tebe and junior Brianna Francis worked behind the intercom announcing letters and numbers to jump start the games. After countless combinations, four in a row, diagonal, horizontal, most people know the rules, students who claimed they had a Bingo and made the trip to the main office to claim their prize. “It was definitely needed,” senior Reid Titus said. “I thought it was fun, I had a bad case of senioritis so it was a fun way to start off.” For freshman who were new to the school and did not see this coming, it was definitely a good impression of the school their first year. “I won,” freshman Andrew Ladner said. “I enjoyed it because it was interactive.”
“It was different to say the least,” said General Metals teacher Randy Knotts. “I felt everyone needed it because it had to come sooner or later.” Bingo doesn’t fix everything but it’s definitely sets a good tone for the rest of the year.
Sophomore Jordan Mabry double checks his potential winning Bingo card. Winners of the game received a free beverage from the Patriot Cup. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media
TRUMAN NEWS
SPIRIT / THS News / 6
Juniors Chloe Miller and Shelby Abts dance the night away. Truman hosted their annual Courtwarming dance with the theme “Stand By Me.” Photo Credit: Tabitha Williams / THS Media
THS NEWS
Stand By Me
THS annual Courtwarming dance gets standing ovation with theme
Dancing with her friends to
thumping music in the Truman cafeteria, sophomore Grace Laffoon enjoyed THS’s annual Courtwarming dance Saturday, Jan. 30. “The dance was awesome,” Laffoon said. “The decorations were beautiful and I had such a good time with everyone there.” The theme for the dance was “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King, which was chosen by juniors in student council. Senior Andrew Huber was crowned courtwarming king at the dance, while Teala Sadler was coronated Courtwarming Queen at halftime of the boy’s basketball game the night before. “After they called my name it kind
of made me realize how many people loved and support me, despite all my flaws,” Sadler said. “It made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to.” Although the night was a successful one for Sadler, the Truman boys basketball team didn’t fare so well. Facing a seemingly inferior St. Joe Central squad, the Patriots were looking to rebound after two straight losses to Columbia Rock Bridge and Ruskin. However, the Indians had other plans. After holding a 34-29 advantage after three quarters of play, the Patriots ended up squandering the lead and fell to the Indians 55-56. Leading the way for the Pats, seniors Derek Sykes, Zach Rader,
BRI SAVIDGE
Reporter and Reid TItus scored 22, 17, and nine points respectively. The team’s record moved to 8-9 and 0-3 in conference. “Even though we didn’t win the basketball game, I felt that the week was great overall,” sophomore Dylan Boin said. “The spirit that THS showed was amazing.”
January / February 2016
TRUMAN NEWS
7 / SPIRIT / THS News
Junior Jake Masuch showing his intensity while cheering on the boys’ wrestling team in their Kansas City Metro tournament. Truman took third place in the tournament. Photo Credit: Kendra Amos / THS Media THS NEWS
Glow fo’ Sho
Truman gets ready for the Pack the House dance by watching boys wrestling take third in their Kansas City Metro tournament.
BRI SAVIDGE
Reporter
T
ruman’s annual Pack the House Dance was held Friday, Dec. 11. Before the dance, students attended the Truman Wrestling Tournament to cheer on their Patriot wrestlers as they took on schools from across the Kansas City metro area. Truman ended up finishing third out of twelve teams with Kane Kaiser and Jonathan Gosserand leading the way for the Pats. “I’m really proud of the guys,” wrestling coach Brad Jones said. “Especially for the seniors in the bunch. It’s a good way
January / February 2016
to go out.” Students then headed down to the cafeteria to participate in the dance. With black lights adorning the Truman cafeteria, the students’ Pack the House shirts illuminated neon pink and blue. “I loved the decorations, and the black lights were really cool,” sophomore Alyssa Jensen said. “I had an amazing time with all of my friends.” Students got their groove on to various genres of music in the Truman cafeteria until 10:30 p.m. Many students regard the event as the best school event of the year. “It was a really good time,” senior Cole Caswell said, “I had fun watching the wrestling match beforehand and the dance was a blast.” For students, the electric energy from the wrestling matches to the dance itself still circled the air even after the last track played. Students exited the cafeteria leaving a trail of neon glow behind them, bringing the night to close.
Senior Myles Odom flaunts his glow at the Pack the House dance. The theme for the dance was “Glow fo’ Sho”. Photo Credit: Kendra Amos / THS Media
SPORTS
SPIRIT / THS Sports / 8
Senior foward Dalton Eighmey picks up two easy points over William Chrisman defender. Truman’s 66-59 win over the Bears. Photo Credit: Bri Savidge / THS Media THS SPORTS
Rival on the Hardwood BRI SAVIDGE
Reporter
Two teams trotted out onto the
court, both with the same mission. The student sections from both schools roared to life as the players took the court. It was the annual I-Town showdown, the rivalry game between foes Truman and Chrisman. “The I-Town Showdown is always one of my favorite events of the year,” junior Jake Masuch said. “There’s nothing like it; it’s so much fun and it’s a great event for the community.” After warmups, the National Anthem, and player introductions, it was showtime. Truman senior guard Derek Sykes stared down Chrisman senior forward Ronnie Cravens as both lined up in the cen-
After slow start, Truman dominates the second half to edge William Chrisman 66-59 in their rivalry game ter circle for the tip off. Time seemed to stand still as the referee blew his whistle and tossed the ball high above the opponents as both players skied into the air. Truman won the tipoff and scored two quick points with a layup from senior Reid Titus, but Chrisman answered back immediately with a bucket of their own, tying the score at 2-2. The game continued to be neck and neck, with Chrisman holding a 28-27 edge over the Pats at halftime. The second half was a different story. After a strong third quarter where the determined Patriots outscored the Bears 21-16, Truman closed out the game with an impressive fourth quarter and earned a 69-55 victory.
“We worked really hard in practice and watched film of what kind of offense they run,” senior Tyler Hickert said. “We keyed in on their main players and talked about how to shut them down.” Leading the way for the Pats,Titus scored 25 points, 15 of which came from the free throw line, where he shot 88 percent. Sykes also had an impressive stat-line for the night, with 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists while senior Dalton Eighmey chipped in 11 points. “The atmosphere of the game was truly amazing,” Eighmey said, after a stellar performance, “I’m glad I could help keep the trophy here at Truman.”
January / February 2016
SPORTS
9 / SPIRIT / THS Sports
Seven more top-tier Truman senior athletes commit the next four years of their lives. National Signing Day was Truman’s second signing day of the year. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media THS SPORTS
Another day, Another Signing Next group of Truman’s top tier senior athletes commit on National Signing Day
Six athletes from Truman High
School signed National Letters of Intent to participate in athletics at the college level on Feb. 3. Senior athletes are looking forward to push their boundaries further and grow as an athlete and as a student in college. Senior Hans Azuara signed to play soccer at Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Kan. The Panthers men’s soccer team went 7-2 and went 4-1 in conference play in the 2015 season. “I’m looking forward to competing at the next level and grow as a student and a player,” Azuara said. Senior Andrew Bronson signed to play football at Southern College Prep in Lafayette, La. ”I am extremely blessed to have this opportunity,” Bronson said. “I’m
January / February 2016
excited to see all the opportunities.” Senior Dean Clemons committed to play football at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. The Ichabods went 5-7 last season overall. “To be able to complete at the next level is one of the highest honors I could ever receive,” Clemons said. Logan Jester, senior, signed to play football at Missouri Western State University. The Griffons football program went 6-5 last season overall. “I’m looking forward to the college life and being able to play football for a great team and program,” Jester said. Senior Laura Presler signed to play volleyball at Avila University in Kansas City, Mo. The Eagles volleyball team went 14-16 overall and 2-9 in conference play last season. “Playing at Avila will be a great experience for me as a player and
KEVIN LOSCH Reporter
student and I can’t wait to grow through this program,” Presler said. Senior Jordan Salima committed to play football for Truman State. The Bulldogs program went 5-6 last season overall. “I’m so excited to have the opportunities I have been given,” Salima said. “My family and I can’t wait to be involved in the program and all it has to offer.” Lily Schnakenburg, senior, signed to run track and field for Central Methodist University. “Running track in college has been my dream for a long time,” Schnakenburg said. “Now that I have that my chance I couldn’t be more excited.”
SPORTS
SPIRIT / THS Sports / 10
Sophomore Erin Davis passes the ball to wide open teamate, senior Kierra Collier for the easy three. Davis led Truman to a blow out victory over Ruskin with a single game record, 10 3-pointers. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THS Media
THS SPORTS
Breaking Records
Sophomore guard Erin Davis erupts for 40 points with 30 points coming of 10 3-pointers, setting a new Truman record for most 3-pointers made in a game in a blow out victory , 98-26 over Ruskin.
The Truman Girls basketball team
went up against the girls from Wyandotte, in a tournament hosted by Truman High School. The Truman Patriots came right out of the gate scoring. Right from the start, the game was lopsided, and it stayed that way. “We came in like it was a regular game, but I didn’t expect this,” sophomore Brodi Byrd said. “I kind of was just watching her.” At the half, Truman was up 63-9. The Patriots were led by sophomore Erin Davis, who had scored 25 points in the first two quarters of the game. Davis was lighting it up from the three-point line.
As the second half started, Davis wasn’t done. She got the ball and scored on her first shot-attempt of the half, which was a three-pointer. Davis made her presence felt from behind the arc as she would go on to break the record for three-pointers in a game for Truman girls, with 10. “It’s definitely something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Davis said. “I’ve never done that before and it felt surreal I don’t know if I could do that again even if I tried.” Davis ended with 40 points, which was a career high for the sophomore guard. An all around good game from not only Davis, but the rest of the ladies for Truman on both sides
KANE MOBLEY Sports Editor of the ball would lead the Patriots to a 98-26 victory over Wyandotte. “She was in the zone, she was everywhere and we just let her do her thing,” senior guard Sydney Paialii said.
January / February 2016
SPORTS
11 / SPIRIT / THS Sports
Senior Derrick Sykes scores a tough contested two pointer to go over Grandview defender. Truman escaped Grandview in double-overtime, 83-82. Photo Credit: Darrien Smith / THSMedia THS SPORTS
Truman Escapes Double-Overtime Thriller After six quarters of play, Truman outlast Grandview’s last minute efforts to hold on 83-82.
The Truman Patriots hosted a Friday
night game against the Bulldogs from Grandview High School, in a game that could be summed up as an instant classic. Grandview jumped out to an early lead, and ended up being up four points as the first quarter came to a close, with a score of 19-15. This lead wouldn’t last much longer, as the Patriots came alive. Truman would score 23 points in the second quarter, and go up six points before the break. Truman led Grandview 38-32 at halftime. In the third quarter, Grandview stayed in the game despite the display of offense the Patriots were showcasing. The Bulldogs trailed by nine as they went into the final quarter of regulation. The Patriots would extend their lead to double digits, but wouldn’t keep it. The Bulldogs put on an offensive display and would erase their deficit. “When I saw that they were only down 6, I started to worry,” said Patriots’ foward senior Zack Rader. Senior Darrius Walker for the Bulldogs hit two huge three-pointers that would
January / February 2016
tie the game, and then take the lead. With under a minute to go, the Bulldogs would go up 69-67. The Bulldogs had to inbound the ball with about 13 seconds left, still up two over the Patriots. Truman’s Coach Billy Guinnee had put in substitutes to foul due to senior Reid Titus and senior Derek Sykes being in foul trouble, but Truman didn’t have to foul. Truman got the steal thanks to defense on the inbound pass from seniors Deanthony Roach and Rader. Rader would hit a layup that would send the game into overtime. In OT, both teams played conservative basketball, scoring a combined total of 14 points. Free-throws had been a struggle for both teams, being a reason the game hadn’t been closed out by either team. Both teams shot under 75 percent from the free-throw line. After an overtime of inconsistent freethrow shooting, the game was sent to double overtime. The same was seen in the second overtime, with the story being how Patriots just hit more free throws when it mattered. “I hate that we put ourselves in these situations,” Patriots’ foward senior Reid
KANE MOBLEY Sports Editor Titus said. “Even though I’d like to win by 10 every game it says alot about the fight in this team.” After six quarters of play, the Patriots were victorious. The Patriots were led in scoring by Titus (24), Rader (23) and Sykes (19). “I was trying to shoot my free-throws using my legs as much as I could, but after so long they felt like spaghetti,” said Patriots’ senior Philip Woosley. Woosley had nine points on the night. It took two extra periods to decide this game for the Patriots, but they brought home the win. The Patriots look to use this win as momentum going forward in their season.
NATIONAL
SPIRIT / Opinion / 12
Photo Credit: buzzfeed.com OPINION
The Winner is.... What would you do with $1.6 billion? GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
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he winner is...Actually the winners ar three lucky people stretching from the east coast to the west coast, have their wildest dreams come true when realizing they have drawn the winning numbers 8, 27, 34, 4, 19 and lucky number 10. Winning the lottery is a big deal but this time is different, as the winners each split the largest PowerBall Jackpot in history nearly reaching $1.6 billion, three ways. How it works is each winner receives $529 million each if they take a 29-year annuity or can opt to get a lumpsum payment of $328 million, all before taxes. While the chances of hitting this lotto were not great, at 1:292.2 million, two out of the three winners have one more reason to celebrate. Winner of the first lottery ticket which was sold in Chino Hills, Calif.who has yet to be identified but John Robinson from Munford, Tenn. struck gold twice as they dodge state lottery taxes on their winnings. “We’re going to take the lump sum,
because we’re not guaranteed tomorrow,” Robinson said. “We just wanted a little big piece of the pie. Now we’re real grateful we got the big piece of the pie.” While the other winner comes from Melbourne Beach, Fla. who also has not yet been identified, it seemed as the locals were just as excited that it was near them. Carolyn Smith owner of Publix grocery store where the ticket was sold said, “We’re all fairly jubilant for whoever it is. A huge smile is on my face. Everybody knows everybody here and we hope that it’s someone local.” The winners were very cautious, by either not revealing themselves or taking a lump sum whichever it was, all are seeking to invest in a financial advisor to avoid the impossible feat of spending every last penny. Financial security set aside, with over $500 million, they could get just about whatever they’d like but here are some examples of what a budget like that could get. Recently the PlayBoy Mansion was up for sale with a price tag of $200 million, leaving $300 million left over say for 1,500 Lamborghini Gallardos’ or fulfill a life fantasy to own an island for $50
To take the poll, click the photo above. million located just off Panama’s pacific coast named Cebaco Island but for that price tag renaming should not be a problem. “I would keep investing it so I can make more money,” senior Joseph Quezada said. “But if I could choose one thing I’d like to buy my own private jet.” How would you spend it? How would you go about everything? Take the poll at thsmediaonline.weebly.com
January / February 2016
WORLD NEWS
13 / SPIRIT / World News
Photo Credit: telegraph.co.uk WORLD NEWS
President Barack Obama gives his last State of the Union Address President Barack Obama’s last State of the Union promotes optimism for the future of America.
ABBIE PENA Reporter
The State of the Union Address, in fact
addressed many questions that middleclass America has on their mind from economy, technology, climate change, police brutality and finally the refinement of politics. President Barack Obama assures to the American people that the United States economy is among the strongest
January / February 2016
in the world. During Obama’s terms he turned over an average of 1.12 percent annual job growth. With this increase Obama plans to issue more initiatives that help youth become job-ready with Pre-K for all and an emphasis on computer science and math. Obama also proposed to grant all high school graduates two free years of community college. During his last year of presidency Obama wants to focus on improving social reforms like retirement and Medicare. Obama also mentions many proposals such as personalizing medical care, revising the immigration system, gun violence protection and new working reforms. He proposed the work place in 2016 will have “Equal pay for equal work”, “Paid leave” and “Raising minimum wage.”
President Obama wants to use his last year in office to set up America for the future with an emphasis on social reforms and finding breakthroughs in the medical and environmental commu-
Photo Credit: whitehouse.gov
WORLD NEWS
SPIRIT / OPINION / 14 David Bowie 1947-2016
Photo Credit: cloudfront.net OPINION
Remembering David Bowie How he impacted the community even off the stage, remembering the late and great David Bowie.
Born as David Robert Jones,
David Bowie rose to critical acclaim in the early 1970s with his release of “Space Oddity” on the album “Hunky Dory.” This album was considered by Rolling Stones Magazine as one of the 500 greatest albums of all time. He was not only an influential musician but an influential performer giving us characters like Ziggy Stardust, Halloween Jack, Thin White Duke and Major Tom. These characters served as seminal moment for the acceptance and support for the LGBT community. His influence and character allowed for a mix of queer and pop culture. With his gender fluidity and open sexuality David Bowie inspired and self acceptance and swept internationally.
In 1972 Bowie came out as gay and then later as bisexual but was often quoted saying that he was a “Closet Heterosexual.” This allowed him to become an icon and a voice for the LGBT community. Without the ostentation and eccentricity of Bowie mainstream media would have never had a platform to understand nor appreciate the artistry of the performer. Bowie gave inspiration to a new culture known now as the drag community, men in wigs and makeup. Bowie gave an international face to a niche and underground group of individuals who just wanted to express themselves. His influence on the LGBT and drag community will always be a part of Bowie’s legacy His passing on Jan. 10 due to liver cancer has left the memories of
ABBIE PENA Reporter how he touched the lives of those around him. Also a release of a new album titled “Blackstar” that was recorded while he was still battling cancer. Bowie continues to inspire with his legacy and dedication to the craft.
January / February 2016
ENTERTAINMENT
15 / SPIRIT / Entertainment
Photo Credit: fssta.com
ENTERTAINMENT
MU Football Head Coach: #MizzouMade After tragic news surfaces of the declining health of coach Gary Pinkel, Pinkel announces he will retire after the end of the 2015 season. Opening the door for a familiar face.
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he University of Missouri has a new face as the head of their football program after a tragic occurrence with their former head coach Gary Pinkel. Pinkel, after coaching for 15 years at Mizzou, has decided to retire due to his health. Pinkel had recently been diagnosed with lymphoma, a cancer that weakens the immune system. This year, in his final season, his Tigers went 5-7 overall and 1-7 in conference play. Mizzou faced the Arkansas Razorbacks in Pinkel’s final game as coach. The game had an ugly turn out for the Tigers. They lost the game 28-3 bringing an end to their season. “I take responsibility for the game. I didn’t want it to end like this, but what a ride for me to be able to be a part of this program,” Pinkel said. After suffering the loss of head coach Pinkel the Tigers were on the search to find who would be the new “captain of the ship,” for Mizzou. Missouri looked towards the former
January / February 2016
defensive coordinator, Barry Odom and they found their man for the job. Odom had attended the University of Missouri as a former student athlete who has now came back and risen to the top of the football program. “Mizzou means the world to me and to my family, and we couldn’t be more proud and excited to be in this position,” Odom said. Mizzou is hopeful with their new coach after he has made Missouri’s defense one of the top defenses in the nation in past years. He first served as a director of football recruiting’s for the Tigers back in 2004. In 2009, he became the safeties coach for Mizzou which started his career as a defensive coach where he stayed until 2011. From 2012 to 2014 he went to the University of Memphis, where he was a defensive coordinator. He came back to Mizzou in 2015 and served as the defensive coordinator. Odom is now the head coach for Missouri where he will command the
KEVIN LOSCH Reporter Tigers in the 2016 season. “I’m tremendously honored to have this opportunity,” Odom said. “It’s something I’ve thought about for a long time as I’ve made my various stops leading up to this point. I understand the responsibility we have to not only carry on the tradition of excellence that Gary Pinkel has built here, but also to help this program reach new heights.” The Mizzou tradition is not an easy feat to uphold but Odom and the Tigers are eager to see what their future has in store for the program and university.
ENTERTAINMENT
SPIRIT / Entertainment / 16
Photo Credit: kansascity.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Staying Put Entering the 2016 offseason as a free agent, The Kansas City Royals opens their check books to keep their three time All-Star in KC for $72 million dollars over the next 4 years.
KANE MOBLEY Sports Editor
F
our time Gold Glove Award winner, Platinum Glove Award winner, three time All-Star, and World Series champion; his name is Alex Gordon, and he’s returning to the Kansas City Royals. After months of negotiating, Gordon has signed a four-year deal, worth $72 million. This is the most expensive contract in Royals history, passing Mike Sweeney and Gil
Meche who each had a contract worth $55 million over 5 years. Gordon, who is from the Midwest, has been with the Royals since he was drafted out of the University of Nebraska in 2007. Gordon helped Kansas City win their first World Series since 1985. Gordon hit a crucial game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Game 1 against the Mets, a home run that would force extra innings in a Kansas City win. It had been reported that the Royals were not making much of an offer to Gordon, and so the Royals ultimately had no chance of Gordon returning to Kansas City. Gordon said those reports weren’t true, and that he was still open to return to the Royals.
Gordon will be 32 years old by Opening Day in which they play the Mets, a team whom they beat in the World Series this past season. Gordon is coming off a season where he missed two months with a groin injury. He played 104 games last season, in which he hit 13 home runs and 48 RBIs. After a stressful offseason for Kansas City baseball fans, they will be more than excited to see their All-Star Gordon back in left field. The Royals hope to reach the World Series for their third year in a row this season, with Gordon leading the way.
January / February 2016
ENTERTAINMENT
17 / SPIRIT / Entertainment
Photo Credit: nflcdn.com
ENTERTAINMENT
Houston has a Problem
The Kansas City Chiefs break a 22-year winless playoff streak. Blowing out Houston, 30-0.
The Kansas City Chiefs finished
off a fantastic season, bouncing back from a 1-5 in their first six games, they finished off the regular season at 11-5. Chiefs fans were extremely worried going into Week 7 with a record of 1-5 but Chiefs silenced all critics when they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and continued on to be undefeated the rest of the regular season. Winning 10 straight games was impressive, but the real accomplishment was their win over the Houston Texans. This Wild Card win broke the Chiefs 22-year playoff win dry spout, their first playoff win being in 1994. “Was it 1994? I didn’t feel it, but I know how important it is, too,” head coach Andy Reid said. “You get to
January / February 2016
the playoffs, and first round, if things don’t go well, that rips your heart out.” The Chiefs last playoff appearance in 2013 ended with blowing away a massive 28-point lead and losing to the Indianapolis Colts. The Chiefs were determined not to let go of another lead and went into Houston with that mindset. “What happened to us a couple years ago, everybody remembers that even the coaches included, so our entire mentality is about finishing,” quarterback Alex Smith said. “The mentality doesn’t change.” The Chiefs started off strong in the game and were already up 7-0 on the Texans after just 11 seconds of play time. The Chiefs had dominated throughout the whole game including forcing five turnovers and blowing out the Texans by a final
COLIN SIMS Reporter score of 30-0. The win over the Texans gained the Chiefs the opportunity to take on the New England Patriots at their home stadium in Foxborough, Mass. In the cold, winter air of Massachusetts the two teams battled it out with Patriots taking an early lead. The game was back and forth with the Patriots leading at the halftime, 14-6. As the clock ran down and the game came to an end, so did the Chiefs postseason. New England came away with the win, 27-20, damping many fans hopes, but not for the Chiefs head coach. “I’m proud of my guys,” Reid said. “They battled like crazy this year, but came up a little short. We’ll be a better team for it next year.”
ENTERTAINMENT
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ENTERTAINMENT
History in the Making GREGORY MIRANDA SPIRIT Editor
I
n the golden anniversary of the game, Super Bowl 50 had many potential storylines to choose from. Many dubbed SB50 as the old school versus the new school, with 2015 NFL MVP Cam Newton going head to head with six time NFL MVP, “The Sheriff” himself Peyton Manning. Manning being the oldest quarterback to compete in the Super Bowl at age 39 and Newton being the second youngest to start in the game at 26 years old. Newton was also the first overall draft choice in the 2011 NFL Draft going against Denver Broncos inside linebacker and second overall pick Von Miller. This was the first time the first two picks have face each other in the game. “I think it’s going to be a blow out in Carolina’s favor,” senior Jonathan Gosserand said. “They’ve proved everyone wrong with the regular season why stop now.” The storyline that dominated the headlines was the number one ranked defense in the Broncos versus the red hot Carolina Panthers. But it was the Broncos offense that put them up 3-0 early in the first after Carolina won the coin toss and chose to differ and
Old school versus new school meet in the biggest game of the season, take a look at what other history will be made on Feb. 7. receive the second half kick-off. It was Newton’s turn to continue his spectacular regular and postseason performances as the Panthers started off back up behind their own 20 yard line and that when the game changed. Broncos rushed early and it rattled Newton. A overthrow to the wideout and on third down, Von Miller begins his night with stripping the ball from Newton later being picked up by defensive end Malik Jackson to push the lead to 10-0. The second quarter was better than the first for the Panthers but Newton still being tested by the Orange Rush. Newton with down field heave to avoid the Broncos pressure to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery for 17 yards pushes the Panthers up the field. After an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib pushes the Panthers up another 20 yards to the red zone where the Panthers cap of a touchdown drive with a one yard hop over the goalline by running back Mike Tolbert. The first half ended with the Broncos ahead 13-7. The second half was more of the same, but with more turnovers. Newton hands off the ball to running back Tolbert, breaking a few
tackles but Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan coming up with the fumble recovery. The turnover did not stop their as even the Manning threw an interception and Newton throwing one of his own as well, both potential scoring opportunities in the red zone but Newton’s coming in the fourth quarter when trying to mount a comeback. The final score read 24-10, with the Broncos leading the whole night. “I really didn’t expect the turnout of this game, I thought Carolina was the more complete team.” Junior Cooper Mangels said. In what might be Manning last hurrah in the NFL walks off just like his predecessor John Elway with a Super Bowl ring, and Miller showing Carolina why he should have been chosen number one overall in the 2011 draft with one forced fumble, sack and quarterback pressure that caused Newton interception, earning him Super Bowl MVP honors. Miller credits the Broncos performance as a true team effort, “If I could cut this award, I would give it to DeMarcus [Ware] and [Derek] Wolfe and all the other guys,” Miller said. “That’s what I would do. This is all great and stuff, but for me, I want to be with my guys.
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REVIEW
19 / SPIRIT / Review
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REVIEW
Making Soundwaves How others are reacting to the controversial song, White Privilege II by Macklemore. The new song addresses cultural appropriation and white supremacy.
A
merican rap artist Ben Haggerty, best known as popular Macklemore, recently released a single entitled “White Privilege II”, following his song released in 2005, “White Privilege.” Both songs involved his insight on pop culture being built around the appropriation of black cultures and his role he plays in white privilege. The artist, best known for writing songs about thrift shops and mopeds has taken an unexpected leap into the issues of racism and systematic oppression when he released his nearly nine minute track that discussed a variety of controversial topics, including cultural appropriation with popular musicians Iggy Azalea, Miley Cyrus and Elvis, to white supremacy and the Black Lives Matter movement.
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Within 24 hours of the songs release there was already critique over the song’s several controversial
JAZZMIN MATCHETTE
Managing Editor
Azalea how she felt about Macklemore using her as an example in her song.
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topics. Including the line in his song that brought up cultural appropriation in pop culture.
“You’ve exploited and stolen the music the moment, The magic, the passion, the fashion, you toy with The culture was never yours to make better. You’re Muley, you’re Elvis, you’re Iggy Azalea.”
Several different entertainment news sources made this verse in his song a topic of discussion, along with people on Twitter asking
Azalea responded on Twitter with less anger than the public was expecting. “The world is funny. I’m not actually heated about macklemore’s song or its message. I don’t think it’s intention was to make me a trending topic,” Azalea stated shortly after the song’s release. Macklemore expanded on his feelings of trying to avoid backlash and processing what this song’s true purpose was in an interview with Rolling Stone.
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Making Soundwaves Cont. “This song was a processing-out-loud and it wasn’t, like, ‘How can we beat the critics to the punch? How can we exempt ourselves from this angle, and this angle, and this angle?’ Starting the song at a protest, hearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ for the first time, not knowing what to do,” I’m processing, that I’m going through, hearing different people’s perspectives, coming to some sort of conclusion, still asking that question: Will I show up for black lives at the end of this? I had to do all this out loud and come to the conclusion that this is not about me.” Macklemore has previously written songs in which he briefly discussed his opinion on white privilege and racism within our society, but stated that it was the night of Darren Wilson’s non-indictment that set off the chain of events to lead up to the production of this song. “I remember streaming it, watching the non-indictment, and feeling
sick, physically sick, frustrated and angry. I got in my car, and I drove by these people assembled outside of the police precinct. I parked my car as the march was coming down the street, we proceeded to march all over Seattle, and we ended up shutting down the freeway. I was like, ‘What is my place here? What am I doing?’ I feel this overwhelming sense of injustice in my bones and I don’t know what to do about it, and I feel compelled to do something. ‘How do I show up in an authentic way and be in solidarity?’” Macklemore said according to Rolling Stone. He expanded on this experience in his song,
“Pulled into the parking lot, parked it, zipped up my parka, joined the procession of marchers in my head like, “is this awkward?” Should I even be here marching? Thinking they can’t, how can I breath? Thinking that they chant, what do I sing? I want to take a stance cause we
are not free. And then I thought about it, we are not we.”
Within the self analysis Macklemore made throughout this song, he came to some hefty conclusions about the kind of decisions he feels he needs to make as someone who has white privilege. “Do I want to be safe, under the umbrella of my white privilege? Or do I want to push back and resist?,” Macklemore states. “It’s easier, as a white person, to be silent about racial injustice. It’s easier. On paper. But it’s not easier on the whole, because injustice affects all of us, whether we know it or not, whether we acknowledge it or not. At a certain point, this song might affect sales, this might affect touring, but it doesn’t matter if I’m not speaking up – if I’m not pushing myself to speak truth.”
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Black History Month: Poem Edition ANTONIO FRANKLIN POET History lives on today and forever Everybody’s leaning from the past and their new endeavors They try to reach the kids as they teach the kids About another level of success and yes it did Help out when Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks Along with Mr Malcolm little X & just to start A little movement for the black community Along with other people who believe opportunities & they take risk just to show they have the heart Speaking for the people to the people the biggest start You can ever make to get people that’s thinking smart Have new ways to really spread your message do ya part We become better stewards and the privileges we gain Don’t ever take for granted as you try to maintain You being a humble person or the best that you can be You put your heart in it anything you can achieve To every single person like me who still believe You put your mind to it and you go fulfill your dream Don’t let nobody stop you from making history Keep to yourself make it a mystery Than surprise people with the unexpected Keeping the spirit alive as i felt it As i’m delivering this poetry One day in heaven hope they notice me To be another leader as i have the key To the doors that open newer policies Of a Holiday we call Black History (Month) One day in heaven hope they notice me To be another leader as i have the key To the doors that open newer policies Of a Holiday we call Black History (Month)
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January / February 2016