Blue & Gold Issue 7 2010-2011

FEATUREFour editors say goodbye

page 7

&Friday, May 20, 2011

Volume 88, Issue 7Findlay High School

1200 Broad Ave.

page 6

goldgoldStudents face life-threatening food allergies

page 5

WEATHERTODAYPartly cloudyHigh: 75 Low: 58

TOMORROWPartly cloudyHigh: 77 Low: 62

Drug testing policy makes progresspage 4

blueblue SPORTS

Serving up victory

Two doubles teams and a singles player dominate the boys tennis sectional meet

to qualify for the district tournament.

Findlay, Ohio , 45840

HATSOFF5things to

make you look smart

Of seven statewide digital schools in Ohio, five have graduation rates below 55 percent according to a study by Innovation Ohio.

Seniors have received $4.2 million in merit-based scholarship money as of May 19. The record amount was approximately $5.2 million in 2007.

HEALTH

NEWSpage 8

SUNDAYT-showersHigh: 79 Low: 65

Singer Twista set a record by rapping

597 syllables in 55.12 seconds May 20, 1992 according

to Jet magazine.

Editorial...............2 Entertainment....3News/Feature.....4

Health..................5College.................6Feature.................7Sports..................8

INDEX

sophomore Will Jones

n By Leah Cramer

n By Michaela Marincic


courtesy of classic.thumbplay.com (fair use)

courtesy ofmycollegeaid.com

Cheese contains an enzyme that can result in a false positive on drug tests.In a poll of over 1,200 teens between ages 13 and 17, two-thirds had received a text from a parent during class.

Major League umpires are required to wear black underwear during games.

Singers Weird Al Yankovic, Alicia Keys and model Cindy Crawford graduated as valedictorians of their classes.

Judges select speakers for graduation ceremony

Schools will feature eco-friendly technology

Two seniors and a singing group were chosen to present along with the valedicto-rian and salutatorian at the commencement ceremony May 29 at the University of Findlay’s Koehler Center.

Speeches will relate to the senior class quote, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, dream for tomorrow,” attributed to scientist Albert Einstein.

“Students perform the speech they want to give at graduation in front of a group of teachers and administrators who rate them on things such as originality, adherence to the theme, variety, gestures and rate of speaking,”

ontractors gained eco-friendly certifica-tion for the three new schools from Lead-

ership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by using green alternatives.

LEED uses rating systems to evaluate building projects based on criteria such as the installation of green technology and promo-tion of eco-friendly habits.

“We want to build the most efficient build-ings we can,” Superintendent Dean Wittwer said. “Heating and cooling over the life of the buildings will be much more energy-efficient.”

communications teacher Debbie Benson said. Senior Tim Sherman was chosen for his

use of the theme by focusing on two main aspects of Einstein’s quote.

“I’m really going to emphasize seeing the world not as the cruel place that society makes it, but rather as the beautiful place we can make it into,” Sherman said. “I’m also going to encourage everyone to never stop dream-ing because some people think that they have limits when there’s really nothing that they can’t do.”

Future career dreams involving public speaking were part of the inspiration for senior Alecia Frankart to audition.

In addition to efficient heating and cooling, designs for the schools include multiple eco-friendly features:• Rainwater retention cistern

Large reservoirs at Glenwood Middle School and Millstream will collect rainwater and filter it for use in restrooms.• Energy-efficient lighting

LED lights will use daylight harvesting and occupancy sensors to dim and brighten as sunlight increases and decreases and to turn themselves off when no one is in the room, reducing electricity usage.

“I wanted to be a graduation speaker because it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Frankart said. “I also hope to someday have some career where I’ll be a public speaker, so practice is always beneficial.”

Seniors Lauren Franks, Brady Miller and Abby Essinger will put a spin on the traditional speeches by performing the song I’m Not Gonna Cry by Corey Smith.

“The whole song talks about graduation and friends being there for each other,“ Franks said. “It represents the bittersweet feeling of graduation really well, with the sadness of everyone leaving, but also the happiness of having everyone there together.”

• Geothermal wellsThese pipes carry fluid underground where

the earth’s heat warms it to around 58° F. Then the liquid is either heated or cooled before be-ing pumped through the building.

This system will require less natural gas, cutting temperature control costs by 40-50 percent according to Wittwer.• Chilled beam

In this cooling system, which is more ef-ficient than air conditioning, cold water runs through a pipe hanging from the ceiling to chill the air.

BLAST PASTfromthe

sources: innovationohio.org, msnbc.msn.com, spiritmag.com, ehow.com, gossip.celebritycowboy.com, funfactz.com Yankovic

Building projects underwayGroundbreaking marks new start

tudents and community members are invited to the ground-breaking ceremony for the Millstream Career & Technology Center Monday, May 23 at 7 p.m. next to the high school.

The event will start off construction on the new school building as administrators move the first shovelfuls of dirt

for the foundation.“Groundbreakings are extremely important because they are the

first opportunity for people to see that it’s time to celebrate the start of the most major building project since Wilson Vance, Bigelow Hill, Chamberlain Hill and Washington were built,” Superintendent Dean Wittwer said. “That’s a long time, so this is a big, big project.”

Wittwer will host the evening, which includes speeches from stu-dents, teachers and administrators and a performance by Pantasia.

It is also a chance to display the work done by Millstream students.“We want to showcase Millstream students,” Public Relations Co-

ordinator Barb Shick said. “We will have culinary arts students provide hors d’oeuvres and automotive students showcase their electric truck.

“The welding students will display the time capsule they made to put in the walls of the new schools during their dedications.”

ompleted in time for the 2012-13 school year, the school will com-bine all three current Millstream buildings, housing automotive,

cosmetology, culinary arts and technology programs under one roof.Since the Millstream and high school campuses will be 30 feet apart,

administrators hope to connect them with a hallway or courtyard.“The nice thing about it is that it will really make the campus at the

high school look nice and be functional for high school students,” Wit-twer said. “Students can go over and take a class at Millstream if they want, so there are a lot of positives.”

Millstream is part of a construction project that includes building two new middle schools. Their foundations are now underway after their groundbreaking ceremonies May 16.

“As it starts off, things will go slowly, and not much will happen above ground,” Project Manager Eric Kern said. “Then, after about a month and a half the masonry will start going up. That’s when the com-munity will see a lot of change.”

he middle schools will feature up-to-date equipment in all areas from computer and science labs to art and music rooms.“They will have the latest technology, even right down to the art

rooms,” Project Manager Cathy Zellner said. “They will have drying cabinets, two kilns and everything they ever wanted.

“There will be great acoustics in the music rooms, which have none now, and nice cabinets for musical equipment.”

Athletes can take advantage of more locker rooms, a weight room and a double gymnasium, while performers and speakers will have a stage in the “cafetorium” (cafeteria-auditorium).

“We’ve been planning, preparing and designing since 2009 for the groundbreaking,” Wittwer said. “We believe we got the best architec-tural team together, and the buildings are outstanding with the best furnishings and materials that you can buy now.”

DIG ITLevy campaign chairs, school administrators, board members and a Central Middle School student kick off construction for the building project at Donnell Middle School. The next groundbreaking ceremony will be for the Millstream Career & Technol-ogy Center Monday, May 23 at 7 p.m. photo by Taylor McGonnell

Senior Alecia Frankart practices her graduation speech. The commencement ceremony is May 29.

photo by Katie Logsdon

First levy to build two middle schools and a Millstream campus is rejected.

From conception to completion, planning and building the three new schools will last more than four years.

Flood provides opportunity to build new middle schools.

Same levy passes.Groundbreaking ceremonies kick off construction.

Current Donnell building gets demolished.

Millstream opens its doors.

Students and faculty transfer to the new middle schools.

August 2009 November 2009

August 2007 May 2011 July2011

TIME LINE August 2012 January2013

Twista

S

C

REHEARSE

seniors Taylor McGonnell, John Sisser, Kim Maples and Katie Logsdon

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

T

C

THE GIST OF IT• Eco-friendly schools will save the district money in the long run.• Green buildings are shown to improve test scores.• Blue & Gold editor in chief John Sisser shares his newspaper experiences.2

blue & gold friday, may 20, 2011

EDITORIAL

How will the eco-friendly schools be beneficial?

YOUR VIEW

Contact us

Each year, there’s that one class.

The class preceded by its infamous reputa-tion. The class you

know you are going to be up late stressing

about. The class you just figure is going to take your hard-earned GPA and tear it to shreds as you weep

helplessly and lose all hope for your future.

Journalism was that class.

“Good luck,” every-one told me. “Hope you will be happy with a C.”

Once sixth period began, I immediately understood what people were talking about. Journalism

was no “typical” high school course. There was no textbook, we barely used the chalkboard and assignments weren’t just worksheets I could put off until study hall.

For the first three weeks, I pondered drop-ping Journalism I. With four honors and Advanced Placement courses, the last thing I needed was another class that would have me stressed to the max.

Instead, I stuck with it—and so began my journalistic life.

In retrospect, journalism was the most effec-tive way to be introduced to the high school. As a freshman, I scrambled throughout the building—getting interviews and writing sto-ries. With each succeeding rewrite, my skills, and confidence, improved.

I survived the class (and no, I didn’t get a C) and began my sophomore year as the news editor of the Blue & Gold.

The first issue was tortuous. Much like the start of freshman year, I was swamped with assigning stories and designing pages. With a staff of inexperienced editors and a frazzled adviser, no one was particularly helpful, either.

However, after weathering the storm and seeing our hard work come to life in a print edition, I knew I had to stay with the paper.

The next three years were a roller coaster ride of successes and learning experiences. Upon taking on the editor in chief position my junior year, the workload expanded, but so did the pay-off. Working on a newspaper staff is an investment: you gain more than what you give (even if it feels like you are giving everything).

In just three years, I have watched our news-paper take first place twice in Best of Show contests at national conventions.

I have proudly hung a “Superior” medal around my neck for placing in the National Write-off Contest.

I have helped create and establish a fully-functioning news website. I even saw history being made at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C.

Most importantly, I have made a difference. I can say I have left a legacy and made an im-pact on my high school and community.

Yet, in education, journalism seems under-appreciated as a course, facing censorship,

n By John Sisser

“Being in an eco-friendly environment will help students feel connected to the world. Green schools are environmentally responsible and teach students to be responsible citizens.”

freshman Sarah Barkey

“With our new generation of eco-friendly values, the school system needs to modernize.

Especially with what they teach us in school about protecting the environment, the new buildings could really have a great impact.”

junior Leah Olsen

Staff policy

Blue & Gold is a monthly student publi-

cation for the students of Findlay High School.

Blue & Gold is a public forum which is funded

by advertising.

Letters to the editor

As an open forum for students, letters to the

editor are welcomed by the staff, but we request

that they be 300 words or less due to lack of

space. All letters must be signed. Blue & Gold staff reserves the right to edit letters without

changing the meaning. Letters may be dropped

in room 286.

Staff editorials

All editorials without a byline reflect at least two/thirds opinion of

the Blue & Gold staff but are not necessarily the

opinion of the administration.

Contact us

Blue & Gold1200 Broad Avenue

Findlay, Ohio 45840(419)-427-5474

About us

Blue & Gold is a member of the

Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the

National Scholastic Press Association,

Quill & Scroll and the Ohio Scholastic Media

Association.

The staff

John SisserEditor-in-chief

Kim MaplesFeature editor

Taylor McGonnellKatie Logsdon

Photo co-editors

Lexi PerraultSports editor

Leah CramerMichaela Marincic

News co-editors

Sam MalloyAdvertising editor

Kieley RayStacy Graham

Emily EckhardtKrystal Kornblatt

Shelby WilsonEmily Wolfe

Photographers

Lydia BaulerErin Dougherty

Reporters

Autumn SimmermeyerArtist

Jim McGonnellAdviser

“They’ll save tax money and the environment at the same time, and it could have a good influence on the community, too.”

seniorDJ Yockey

“The benefits are that we will have healthier lives and preserve the Earth’s resources.”

teacherNancy Frankenfield

“They will help the school save money to

use for other, more important things as well as benefit the community

and district.”sophomoreCiara Martin

Eco-friendly schools are an improvement

OUR VIEW

“Seeing the school building become eco-friendly may inspire some students togo green themselves.”

freshmanCiara Ralston

Graduating editor reflects on journalistic career

Administrators and planners are doing a favor to students, taxpayers and the environment by including eco-friendly and money-saving technologies in the new schools.

The new buildings will include rainwater collection basins to reduce water use and geothermal heating, to use the natural heat of the earth to warm and cool the schools.

To implement geothermal technology, contractors dig deep wells into the ground to utilize the natural heat. Not surprising-ly, this adds to the total cost of the buildings, as green schools typically cost $3 more per square foot to construct.

However, this is a worthwhile investment as they save money in the long run. Aside from benefiting the environment by reducing energy use, the schools are expected to save 40-50 percent in heating costs.

Geothermal drilling isn’t the only eco-friendly technology in the new schools. The use of rainwater collection will also help cut energy and water costs in the buildings.

But it’s clear that “going green” has far more benefits than just cost-cutting.

The new green technologies will provide an excellent op-portunity for younger students to learn about protecting the environment and preserving natural resources.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, environmen-tally sound facilities are shown to improve test scores in math, science and language arts, as they improve productivity with better lighting and airflow.

Those in the school district aim to educate students and prepare them for the real world. What better way to do that than through hands-on education in an energy-efficient building?

Though some may argue that these eco-friendly alterna-tives are pricey and unnecessary, a little research shows when it comes to the new schools going green, the benefits far outweigh any cost.

For example, Fort Atkinson School District in Wisconsin was one of the first schools to implement geothermal technology and now saves approximately $80,000 annually.

Hats off to administrators for improving the education envi-ronment and saving taxpayers money by using green technol-ogy in the new schools.

?MY VIEW

what’sproblem

the

consolidation or cuts. It is difficult for me to watch as the program that gave so much to me becomes seen as an “unnecessary” or “ir-relevant” class.

Through journalism, I gained leadership, communication and time management skills. I learned how to work with a staff to create a professional finished product. I even made various connections at the local, state and national levels.

I entered the journalism program as a quiet freshman, consumed with homework, class ranks and final grades. I am leaving, four years later, as a well-rounded, hardworking and experienced adult.

Each year, there is a class.The class you can look back on and real-

ize you are a better and more knowledgeable student, worker and overall human being because of. The class that truly prepared you for more than just exams and research papers. The class that challenged your intellect and gave you the skills to be successful in any ca-reer path or college major you choose.

Journalism was that class.

Thinking green

ENTERTAINMENT THE GIST OF IT• Four hit television shows will air finales this week. • NBC’s The Voice stands out from other singing competitions.• Glee star Matthew Morrison’s debut album lacks originality. 3


3TOP

albums on the Billboard 200 chart

3. Now 38Various artists

LOVE? puts Lopez back on topAlbum: LOVE?Artist: Jennifer Lopez

Sound: PopLast Release: Brave

Why buy it: While LOVE? doesn’t have much variety, the songs included are fast-paced and keep fans listening. Tracks like Good Hit are catchy and have a good dance beat. Whether you’re a die-hard Lopez fan or looking for some

creative dance beats, LOVE? won’t disappoint.Download this: Papi

Grade: A-

n By Erin Dougherty

Morrison’s debut full of cheesy, cliché songs

Album: Matthew MorrisonArtist: Matthew MorrisonSound: Pop, Adult ContemporaryWhy skip it: Any fan of the hit show Glee knows Morrison can sing his heart out. Songwriting, though, is not his strong suit. The songs are cheesy, have cliché rhymes and seem to go on forever.

The two remakes, including Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters/Rocket Man by Elton John, are the only pleasant songs on the album.Download this: Somewhere Over the RainbowGrade: C-

n By Emily Eckhardt

MOVIES TELEVISION

HIT MISS From movies to shows to CDs, we’ve got you coveredor

Special effects help make up for Thor’s weak plot

Title: ThorStarring: Patrick Wilson, Rose ByrnePlot: Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is banished by his father to Earth in order to learn a lesson about arrogance. He lands in New Mexico, encountering a trio of scientists who befriend the heavenly outcast.Why see it: Hemsworth makes the perfect Norse god with brawny strength and impressive delivery of the cocky hero. His character offers valiance and comic relief with an out-side view of earth.

The special effects and 3-D elements are well-executed and supplement the occasionally weak plot. While the film isn’t dull, those who have no interest in the more techie and super hero-infested genre may not find it enjoyable.Grade: C

n By Lydia Bauler

Fast Five is non-stop actionTitle: Fast FiveStarring: Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster Plot: After breaking Dominic Toretto (Diesel) out of police custody, Mia Toretto (Brewster) and Brian O’Conner (Walker) run away to Brazil and get a job stealing cars. Luke Hobbs’ (Johnson) has to catch these four fugitives. Why see it: Fast Five keeps audience members on the edge of their seats. The film has drama and comedy, making it per-fect for everyone in the family. The story is well-developed, but the plot leaves the audi-ence hanging, making way for a sixth movie.Grade: A

n By Krystal Kornblatt

2. Hot Sauce Committee Pt. 2

Beastie Boys

1 Fourth Pirates film in theaters

Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew are on an adventure seeking the Fountain of Youth in the fourth installment of the Pirates series. See Johnny Depp, Pené-lope Cruz and Geoffrey Rush kick off the summer blockbuster season when Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides hits theaters tonight, May 20.

2New Lady Gaga album

After months of hype, preparation and contro-versy, pop megastar Lady Gaga’s third major album,

Born This Way, hits stores Monday, May 23. Hailed as the most anticipated album of the year, the track list

features popular dance beats like Born This Way and Judas, along with slower ballads like You and I.

Everyone remembers the box office smash hit that took theaters by storm in

2009. Now, actors Bradley Cooper and Zack Galifianakis return to the big screen in part two of the raunchy comedy Thursday, May 26.

The Hangover Part II

I am Number Four DVDThis film about a super-

powered teen escaping his enemies stars Alex Pettyfer. The movie, which grossed nearly $23 million in its opening weekend, comes to DVD Tuesday, May 24.

10 Through My Eyes novel

Looking for a summer read? Look no further. College and professional football superstar Tim Tebow will release his first novel, Through My Eyes. Grab a

copy of the novel when it hits shelves Tuesday, May 24.

On Stranger Tides photo: courtesy of ninjaromeo.co.tv (fair use), Born This Way photo: ladygaga.com (fair use), Hangover Part II photo: cinemawallpaper.com (fair use), I am Number Four DVD photo: tower.com (fair use), Zac Brown photo: broadway.tv (fair use), Dancing With the Stars photo: newtvepisodes.info (fair use), American Idol photo: thecultureofpop.com (fair use), Jason Ritter photo: poptower.com (fair use), Comedy Wednesdays photo: tvposter.net (fair use), Tim Tebow photo: wedding-resource.com (fair use)

What’s buzz?

NBC finds success with The Voicen By Keiley Ray

the

10 things YOU need to check out this week

In Plain Sight shines in fourth season

Title: In Plain SightStarring: Frederick Weller and Mary McCormack

Plot: Marshal Mary Shannon (McCormack), an em-ployee of the Federal Witness Protection Program, is struggling to have faith in second chances as her little sister is unsteadily turning her life around. Why see it: In Plain Sight offers action, romance and comedy in its new season. The older cast allows for maturity and depth in the personalities and plot. The unbalanced heroine is raw, bitter and played brilliantly by Mc-Cormack. The series not only offers well-developed characters, but also side-splitting dry, acidic humor.

In Plain Sight airs on the USA network Sundays at 10 p.m.Grade: A

n By Lydia Bauler

The Event on NBCNBC’s sci-fi action

drama ends its premier season Monday, May 23. The Event, starring Jason Ritter and Sarah Roemer, airs at 9 p.m.

Comedy WednesdaysABC’s comedy line-up, in-

cluding The Middle and Mod-ern Family, finish up their seasons with finale episodes at 8 p.m and 9 p.m. respectively on May 25.

McCormack

1. 21Adele

FOX’s American IdolFOX’s hit competi-

tion also wraps up a successful season in two parts. The final two American Idol contestants perform Wednesday, May 25 and the winner is announced Thursday, May 26. Both shows begin at 8 p.m.

Diesel

Title: The VoiceStarring: Carson Daily, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green,

Adam Levine and Blake SheltonPlot: After blind auditions, the coaches (judges) choose

two of their teammates to go against each other and sing the same song in a battle round. Only the strongest members continue to the live stage shows. At the end of the season, the winner receives a recording con-tract and $100,000.Why see it: The Voice is unique from any other singing

competition because the first audition is based only on talent, not appearance. The coaches add an upbeat feeling to the show and encourage their teammates to show off their talent, making viewers want to call and vote for their favorite.

The Voice airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on NBC.Grade: B+

5 Zac Brown Band concertThose wanting to kick off the summer

with a concert can see Grammy-winning country group Zac Brown Band perform at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

But get your tickets soon—the group, whose six number one country hits in-clude Colder Weather and Highway 20 Ride, hits the stage Thursday, May 26.

The 12th season of ABC’s hit Dancing

with the Stars competition is coming to a close. See who takes home the Mirror Ball Trophy when the finale airs in two parts, Monday, May 23 at 8 p.m. and Tuesday, May 24 at 9 p.m.

Dancing with the Stars

Zac Brown

FINALES

Ritter

Lopez

MUSIC

THE GIST OF IT• A drug policy is working its way through the process for approval.• Yearbook and Blue & Gold announce next year’s editors.• Graduation requirements change for the class of 2015.

4blue & gold friday, may 20, 2011

NEWS/FEATURECOMING SOON

HEADS UP

Jazz band membershost annual concert

Paper editors chosen

Jazz band members from the high school and Donnell Middle School will host their annual spring concert May 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the courtyard.

Song styles will vary from swing, rock, pop and Latin to ballad.

“Some songs have a more smooth, blues-band feel to them, while others have a faster tempo,” sophomore Shannon Logsdon said. “It’ll also be nice for people to be able to listen to the music outside where it’s open and airy.”

Admission is free.

n By Leah Cramer

n By Leah Cramer

Sophomore Lydia Bauler will take over as next year’s Blue & Gold editor in chief.

“I’m really excited,” Bauler said. “It’ll be fun to get more involved with the paper and see what kind of new things we can try with stories and design.”

Also taking charge in leadership positions are juniors Franki Abraham (Feature), Autumn Simmermeyer (Art), Zac Brown (Advertising); sophomores Patrick Hall (Sports), Emily Wolfe (Photo), Krystal Kornblatt (Photo); freshmen Caitlin Coward (News) and Adam Twining (2aToday).

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Drug policy submitted for reviewthey can give up the privilege of parking here.”

According to Swartz, many students will be included because they have parking permits.

“There’s no way to put a picture up showing what a kid who uses drugs looks like,” Swartz said. “Anyone can make a mistake and we want to help as many kids as we can.”

Another way for students to be included is that parents would be able to opt in for their child by paying $17.

“Our goal is to help as many students as possible and the opt-in program provides us with an opportunity to help students who may not be in the testing pool,” athletic director Nate Weihrauch said.

In accordance with the law, students in marching band (choir, etc.) cannot legally be tested because they are part of a graded class.

“Although we can’t test students for being in band, 75 percent of upperclassmen band members will be tested anyway because they are involved in another extracurricular, play a sport or hold a parking permit,” Swartz said.

A draft of the chemical health (drug testing) policy was submitted on April 25 to the Findlay City Schools Board Policy Committee, a group that consults with lawyers about policies and then either makes recommendations for changes or sends them on to the board of education for approval.

The Drug Testing Committee has recommended that 20 percent of all eligible students be tested each season.

The estimated cost of this is $10,608 per year. Tentative support has been offered by one of the booster organizations, which, along with a raise in the parking permit fee from $30 to $35, will pay all but about $2000, which will be covered with grant money.

The fine for parking without a permit will also be raised from $20 to $35.

“Any student who holds a parking permit is eligible for testing, so they will help pay for it,” principal Victoria Swartz said. “If a student doesn’t want to participate in drug testing,

Yearbook experienceschanges in leadershipn By Leah Cramer


Junior Abby Arnet will lead next year’s yearbook staff as editor in chief of The Trojan.

“It’s going to be a big time commitment and a lot of work, but I’m excited to hear the new staff members’ ideas and help them with their pages,” Arnet said.

Other editors include juniors Kristin Schmidt (Art/Cover), Ella McClain (Senior Portraits), McKenzie Curlis (Senior Section), Taylor Polder (Student Life), Emily Marshall (Events) and Lainy Foltz (Varsity Sports).

Millstream Business teacher Ruth Rinker will also take over as the new adviser.

Sisser named runner-upfor Journalist of the Yearn By Leah Cramer

Blue & Gold editor in chief John Sisser won runner-up for Journalist of the Year at the national Journalism Education Association/ National Scholastic Press Association convention in Anaheim, Calif., after being named Ohio Journalist of the Year.

The application process, consisting of a 40-page portfolio and letters of recommendation, is described by Sisser as grueling and intense, but well worth the recognition.

“I’ve worked really hard for the paper for the past three years, so to be noticed at the national level is an incredible way to end my high school journalism career,” Sisser said. “It’s also great to be recognized for something I’m passionate about.”

Emerging Technologies will replace Communications I as a graduation requirement beginning with the class of 2015.

Administrators hope this class will prepare students for the growing reliance on technology in many careers.

“This is a direct response to changes in work across the U.S. so that our young people can be competitive out in the world,” Director of Secondary Instruction Nancy Allison said. “Most jobs have a technology base to them.”

All students will still be required to take

Communications II their junior or senior year.“Personally, having had two kids go

through Communications II, it is valuable for them to do the interview,” Barb Lockard, vice president of the Findlay City Schools Board of Education, said. “But now they will get the opportunity to explore other technologies while still getting communications.”

The Emerging Technologies requirement can be fulfilled during any year of high school with classes that teach computer and technology skills. Eligible courses have yet to be determined.

“We can’t state all of the classes yet; that’s why it’s emerging,” Allison said. “This will help maintain the cutting edge for what technology will be required for the future.”

However, there will be a pilot class specifically for Emerging Technologies during the upcoming session of summer school.

“We decided to do a blend of Communica-tions I with technology components,” com-munications teacher Andy Cantrell said. “The point of the class will be using different forms of technology in communicating, not only writing but video, website and blog.”

Credit requirements change for class of 2015

Students apply science to Rube Goldberg project

COURSE INFO

NAILING IT

Senior Claire Elchert (left)and her physics group attempt to drive a nail one centimeter into a board by using a chain reaction lasting at least a minute. “It was stressful, but also really fun to come up with all the random, weird ways to make it happen,” Elchert said. “We used a Lego cannon, marbles and a Lego car that eventually hit a pair of scis-sors that cut a piece of string, releasing a six-inch two-by-four onto the nail and pushing it into the board.”

photo by Taylor McGonnell

PHYSICSFUN

Emerging Technologies will teach students how to use the following software:

• Bridgeit

n By Leah Cramer

QUESTIONBoard member Barbara Dysinger ques-tions details of the chemical health policy. An open community forum on drug testing was held May 9.


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“Every time I have a reaction, I have less time until I could possibly die.”

Sophomore Lydia Bauler says it so matter-of-factly, as if it no longer fazes her. She keeps her bare hands in her lap to avoid accidentally brushing the couch. She hardly touches any-thing without gloves anymore.

Coming in contact with any of the foods, or even just oils, on her growing list of allergies—nuts, seafood, shellfish, bananas, mangos and legumes—can set off a deadly chain reaction.

First, the hives start appearing, but other people usually notice them before she does. Then comes the pain in her stomach.

“The blood is rushing to all my vital organs,” she said. “It’s almost like a burning feeling because it’s so hot with all the blood. Then my limbs get really purple.”

Her reactions occur every few months, and they are increasingly painful.

“It seems like it’s getting worse,” Bauler said. “That’s why we take a lot of preventative measures. Eventually I’ll just go into complete shock and shut down and begin to die, instead of a longer, gradual shut down.”

Food allergies are considered more severe

éé

HEALTH THE GIST OF IT• Food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions.• Some allergies, like egg or milk, likely disappear as you grow.• There isn’t a cure for food allergies unless you outgrow them. 5


than inhalant allergies, like trees and grasses, because the reactions change each time.

“Food allergies are life-threatening,” Tricia Crane, medical assistant at Dr. Safadi’s Findlay Allergy branch, said. “The first reaction might not be as bad as the second reaction, and the reactions get worse as they go.”

Bauler developed allergies in seventh grade, after years of eating foods she’s now allergic to. She used to eat peanut butter sand-wichs every day, and now she can’t touch one.

“There’s a chance I can develop more (allergies),” Bauler said. “They think I might be idiopathic, which means that I can react without any rhyme or reason.

“Someday I could randomly react to some-thing I’ve never reacted to before, or I could touch something and not react as much.”

With the possibility of a reaction hap-pening any time, Bauler’s mother, Katie, has reason to fear for her.

“It’s a lot to worry about,” Katie Bauler said. “I don’t think we understood the severity when they first told us. After she had a couple other episodes, we realized with every episode it was going to get more severe.”

While Lydia Bauler has been battling se-

vere reactions for the past three years, sopho-more Amanda Reynolds has been dealing with her food allergies her whole life.

At six months old, Reynolds’ parents took her to the doctor because she was spitting up blood, caused by an ulcer in her esophagus.

Reynolds reacts strongly to dairy products, breaking out in hives and swelling just by touching them, and is also allergic to peanuts, eggs, cranberries and mushrooms.

“Essentially, my body thinks that the food is a disease or a foreign object and it wants to fight it off like an infection,” she said. “It reacts by trying to take care of itself.”

There was a chance, however, that the allergies Reynolds was diagnosed with could disappear as she grew.

“In some cases when babies are diagnosed with an egg or milk allergy, those will go away at an 80 percent chance,” Crane said. “But if they were diagnosed with a peanut allergy, chances are they will never go away.”

Though the allergies were worse when she was younger, Reynolds still has reactions. Un-fortunately, there isn’t a cure for these, accord-ing to Crane; the only way to prevent reactions is to avoid the food you’re allergic to.

“Once you get used to it, you know what you can have and can’t have,” Reynolds said. “I pack my lunch almost every day for school, and never buy in the cafeteria.”

When reactions do occur, both Lydia Bauler and Reynolds use what’s known as an EpiPen, a medical device that injects epineph-rine, which stops the reaction.

Both students carry one with them. “Once I use the EpiPens, I only have 20

minutes,” Lydia Bauler said. “Once they wear off, they’re kind of useless.”

Other allergy medicines, like Benedryll, can be administered, but Lydia Bauler must go to the hospital every time she has a reaction.

“Surprisingly I don’t really panic,” she said. “Last time was a lot more painful, though, so that kind of freaked me out. That was probably the first time I’ve ever been a little panicky.”

Reynolds is also frightened sometimes, but she’s learned from experience to stay calm because she has her EpiPen.

“There’s a momentary panic when you’re not sure what will happen,” Reynolds said, “but it usually ends up working itself out in the end. You’re not scared once you realize you have what you need to take care of yourself.”

Foods that fight backCommon allergies

Peanuts

Dairy

Seafood

Wheat

Soy

According to the Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network of America, 90 percent of all food allergies are caused by these seven foods:

Students face life-threatening effects of allergies

Tree nuts

n By Kim Maples

Eggs

Around 2.5 percent of children under three are allergic to milk.

Up to 20 percent of children outgrow allergies to peanuts.

Nearly seven million people in the U.S. are allergic to seafood.

Wheat allergies are usually outgrown by adulthood.

Tree nut allergies affect an estimated 1.8 million Americans.

Soybeans are one of the most common food allergies.

Approximately 1.5 percent of children are allergic to eggs.

CCGs, RPGs, minis, games, and more

CCGs, RPGs, minis, games, and more

photo illustration by Taylor McGonnell

w

THE GIST OF IT• Make sure to buy extra-long sheets for your dorm room bed.• Don’t expect your roommate to be your best friend in college.• Getting involved in campus activities wil help you adjust to university life.

6blue & gold friday, may 20, 2011

COLLEGE

By n

ow, sen

iors are wrap

pin

g up

their

classes, looking forw

ard to grad

uation

and

cou

ntin

g dow

n th

e days u

ntil th

ey pack th

eir b

ags and

leave for college.B

ut m

aking th

e jum

p from

high

school to

college can b

e a diffi

cult tran

sition.

Deb

orah M

iller, Director of A

dm

issions at

Oh

io North

ern U

niversity, b

elieves the college

workload

is the m

ost diffi

cult ad

justm

ent.

“On

e of the b

iggest shocks for in

comin

g fresh

men

is the am

oun

t of work covered

in a

short am

oun

t of time,” M

iller said. “M

ost visit-in

g high

school sen

iors wou

ld say th

at they d

id

not h

ave to stud

y mu

ch in

high

school. Th

ere are very few

stud

ents at th

e college level wh

o cou

ld get aw

ay with

that an

d b

e successfu

l.”2010 Fin

dlay H

igh Sch

ool gradu

ate Jess B

radd

ock, now

a freshm

an at Th

e Oh

io State U

niversity, b

elieves that th

e academ

ic chan

ges w

ere the m

ost diffi

cult to ad

just to.

“There is m

ore weigh

t on you

r exams. In

on

e of my classes, ou

r wh

ole grade w

as based

on

two m

idterm

s and

a fin

al,” Brad

dock said

. “P

rofessors aren’t con

stantly ch

ecking u

p on

if you

un

derstan

d th

e material, so it is you

r resp

onsib

ility to be review

ing you

r notes an

d

staying u

p on

wh

at is going on

in th

at class.”H

owever, acad

emic ch

allenges w

on’t b

e the

only ch

anges eager fresh

men

face. College life

will also exp

ose stud

ents to d

ifferen

t cultu

res an

d w

alks of life, accordin

g to guid

ance cou

n-

selor Ray E

lbin

.“Stu

den

ts will b

e going to sch

ool with

p

eople ou

tside of H

ancock C

oun

ty and

they

will fi

nd

that w

e are fairly sheltered

here,”

Elb

in said

. “Their m

ore tradition

al values an

d

ph

ilosoph

y will b

e challen

ged by p

eople from

oth

er places an

d oth

er coun

tries with

diff

erent

ways of lookin

g at thin

gs.”B

radd

ock agrees that stu

den

ts need

to be

more accep

ting in

college.“Fin

dlay stu

den

ts need

to be m

ore open

to d

iversity by comin

g into college w

ith an

open

m

ind

and

disregard

ing som

e of the ‘stereo-

types’ th

at have b

een p

lanted

in th

eir head

as a p

rodu

ct of Find

lay,” she said

.B

ut w

ith a n

ew social atm

osph

ere comes

new

distraction

s. “Th

e social aspect is goin

g to be ch

alleng-

ing,” E

lbin

said. “Fresh

men

are possib

ly going

to be exp

osed to d

rugs an

d alcoh

ol, and

suc-

cessful stu

den

ts are able to keep

to their valu

es an

d id

eals that h

ave mad

e them

successfu

l up

to th

at poin

t.”G

etting in

volved an

d b

ranch

ing ou

t help

ed

Brad

dock ad

just to life aw

ay from h

ome.

“The b

est way to m

ake the m

ost out of you

r college exp

erience is to get in

volved in

some-

thin

g you are p

assionate ab

out, like stu

den

t organ

izations or a job,” B

radd

ock said. “W

hile

classes can b

e interestin

g, it is these op

portu

ni-

ties that w

ill help

you realize you

love wh

ere you

are going to sch

ool.”

New

students adjust to college lifen By John Sisser

Wh

en 2010 grad

uate N

icole Fisher sh

owed

u

p for h

er first d

ay of college at Miam

i Un

iver-sity, sh

e had

only talked

with

her room

mate

throu

gh Faceb

ook.Fish

er was th

en faced

with

an en

tire year of sh

aring a room

with

someon

e she h

ardly kn

ew.

“Wh

en w

e met in

person

, we h

app

ened

to b

e movin

g in at th

e same tim

e so we in

tro-d

uced

ourselves,” Fish

er said. “Sh

e was really

shy at fi

rst, but, as I got to kn

ow h

er more, sh

e d

efin

itely becam

e a lot more talkative.

“On

ce we b

ecame com

fortable w

ith each

oth

er, I was su

rprised

by how

fast my d

orm

room felt like h

ome.”

Makin

g a first im

pression

, wh

ether it’s w

ith

your room

mate or in

a new

class, can b

e criti-cal in

the fi

rst few w

eeks of college.B

ut like Fish

er, man

y peop

le are meetin

g th

eir roomm

ates throu

gh th

e Intern

et, makin

g im

pression

s before th

ey come face-to-face.

“Over th

e sum

mer, d

on’t b

ecome b

est frien

ds,” H

arlan C

ohen

, auth

or of The N

aked R

oomm

ate: An

d 107 Other Issu

es You M

ight R

un

Into in

College, said

in a p

hon

e interview

. “Th

ere’s plen

ty of time to d

o that.

“By th

e time sch

ool starts, your frien

d-

ship

will b

e over. You w

on’t h

ave mu

ch to talk

abou

t. Be frien

dly w

ith th

em over th

e sum

mer,

get to know

them

wh

en you

’re living togeth

er.”H

owever, th

ings can

qu

ickly sour if you

get off

to a bad

start. From th

e begin

nin

g, 2010 grad

uate C

arrie Lamm

ers, wh

o attend

s

the U

niversity of C

incin

nati (U

C), h

ad a b

ad

imp

ression of h

er first room

mate.

“My fi

rst imp

ression w

as that sh

e was a

rich, stu

ck up

girl,” Lamm

ers said. “Sh

e moved

ou

t the m

idd

le of win

ter qu

arter.“I h

ave a new

roomm

ate now

that I love; w

e h

ave becom

e so close.”Th

e key to getting alon

g is to come in

with

-ou

t any exp

ectations, accord

ing to C

ohen

.“D

on’t force or exp

ect your room

mate to b

e you

r best frien

d,” C

ohen

said. “W

hen

you w

ant

your room

mate to like you

so mu

ch, you

don

’t talk ab

out u

ncom

fortable issu

es, and

then

they

becom

e hu

ge prob

lems.”

Some exam

ples C

ohen

’s book cites are

roomm

ates wh

o are extremely m

essy or steal you

r stuff

. Bottlin

g up

your aggravation

can ju

st resu

lt in a m

assive figh

t later on.

To avoid th

is, Coh

en su

ggests setting u

p

rules w

hen

you fi

rst arrive.“You

’re forced (at U

C) to set u

p a con

tract w

ith you

r roomm

ate, an agreem

ent on

thin

gs like keep

ing you

r side clean

,” Lamm

ers said.

“With

my fi

rst roomm

ate, we d

idn

’t take it seri-ou

sly. That w

as a hu

ge mistake.

“Wh

en m

y second

roomm

ate moved

in, I

mad

e sure to talk ab

out d

ifferen

t rules.”

On

ce you lay ou

t the d

etails, the im

portan

t th

ing to rem

emb

er is to be cou

rteous.

“Start with

‘Hello’ an

d go from

there,” C

o-h

en said

. “Treat th

em th

e way you

wan

t to be

treated: kin

d, h

onest an

d cou

rteous. If you

do

that, you

’ll make a great fi

rst imp

ression.”

First impressions critical

when m

eeting roomm

aten By Kim

Maples

15Freshm

an

must-haves

Make life easier w

ith dorm essentials

Towels? ✓

Mini-fridge? ✓

Clothes? ✓

In the rush to pack up the car and set out to your

new college life, it’s easy to forget som

e of the smaller

things that will m

ake dorm room

living much easier.

Check out these m

ust-haves that you should add

to your list.

n By Kim M

aples

Whether you have

comm

unal showers or

a suite-style dorm, it’s

best to keep your shower

supplies organized in a

convenient tote.

Shower tote

$4.99, Bed, Bath and Beyond

After that all-nighter you

spent studying, you’re

going to need at least

five hours of energy to

actually take the test.

5-hour energy

$4.99 (2-pack), CVS

A d

iet consistin

g of Ra-

men

nood

les and

pizza

isn’t goin

g to do an

y good

for your b

ody, so

try to sup

plem

ent w

ith a

mu

ltivitamin

and

keep

up

your n

utrition

.

Vitam

ins$6.99, W

algreens

Bathroom floors are

disgusting enough,

but multiple students

sharing the same one

is even worse. You’re

probably going to want

some foot protection.

Flip flops$3.50, O

ld Navy

Most d

orm room

s have

hard

floors, so p

ut a

hom

ey touch

in you

r room

with

a nice ru

g.

Area R

ug$57.69, Low

e’s

If you have a late-night

cram session, respect

your sleeping roomm

ate

with a clam

p lamp that

can be maneuvered to

face any direction.

Clamp lam

p

$19.99, Staples

Many dorm

room

mattresses are actual-

ly longer than regular

twin beds. Stores usu-

ally run dorm room

specials during the

summ

er, so you can

get them for less than

the sticker price. XL sheets$50, JCPenney

Living with college kids

can get pretty gross.

Bring some disinfec-

tant to get rid of

the germs. D

isinfectant

$9.70 (2-pack), Meijer

More than likely you’re

going to be doing a lot of

walking around cam

pus

and the weather m

ay not

always cooperate. Keep

dry with a com

pactable

umbrella.

Um

brella$22, Kohl’s

Keep

in tou

ch w

ith you

r far-aw

ay friend

s and

fam

ily via Skype, a free

dow

nload

able vid

eo and

voice-ch

atting service.

Skype accountfree, skype.com

Save space in

your

closet by han

ging

mu

ltiple item

s on

one h

anger.

4-step hanger$9.99, Target

Messes and college stu-

dents go hand in hand,

but a small vacuum

can

help clean up a dirty

floor or desk.

Hand Vacuum

$26.96, Walm

art

Spice u

p you

r borin

g cem

ent w

alls with

p

osters from you

r fa-vorite m

ovies, ban

ds

or TV

show

s.

Posters

$7.99, Hot Topic

Keep all your dirty laun-

dry in one convenient

place and not splayed

around your room.

Ham

per$11.99, Target

With all your chargers,

computer cords and

everything else, plug

space in the room w

ill

be limited. Pick up one

with a surge protector.

Power strip

$11.88, Walm

art

dorm graphic used w

ith permission from

DesignYourDorm.com

FEATURE THE GIST OF IT• Four editors are graduating this year after three years on the paper.• “The Fab 4” have won a combined 149 individual awards in their journalism careers.• Youth group members will travel to Benque Veijo, Belize in June. 7


The Editor in ChiefWhen he was a freshman, editor in chief

John Sisser almost dropped journalism.Three years later, Sisser is the highest-

awarded staffer in Blue & Gold history, with a runner-up for National Journalist of the Year, two Superiors in National Write-off Contests, 12 Gold Circles and a heap of other awards to his name.

“The paper is a lot of work,” he said. “It definitely isn’t a class you can just blow off and scrape by.

“It can be incredibly time-consuming, but I don’t believe there is another program that could have prepared me better for the real world.”

Sisser’s job picks up all the odds and ends of the paper. Not only is he in charge of the editorial and entertainment pages, but he also puts together the sports pro-gram, helps run blueandgoldtoday.org and heads the senior magazine.

“He’s obviously very dedicated and really cares about the paper and website,” adviser Jim McGonnell said. “He’s kind of like a silent leader; he puts in a lot of time and truly leads by example.”

The Photo DesignerJournalism runs in co-photo editor

Taylor McGonnell’s blood. Not only is McGonnell’s father the ad-

viser of the paper, but her sister was also once an editor in chief.

“I wanted to take journalism because I enjoyed the papers my dad brought home when I was younger and I’ve always enjoyed photography,” McGonnell said. “So I wanted to be a photo editor someday.

“The thing I will miss the most is taking pictures for the paper and The Vid. I have cap-tured a lot of fond memories and events.”

Some of her favorite memories are going to conventions and winning awards. McGon-nell won two Excellents in National Write-off contests, a Gold Key from Quill & Scroll, three Gold Circle awards and other national and state awards.

“Taylor is a great photo editor,” editor in chief John Sisser said. “She is a hard-worker, responsible and always has the paper’s best interest at heart. She never backs down from a project and has a great eye for design.”

The Photo AssignerCo-photo editor Katie Logsdon was the

last to begin her journalism career, enrolling in Journalism I while taking pictures for the paper full-time her sophomore year.

But though she was the last of “The Fab 4” to join, she’s the only senior planning to continue her journalism education.

“Blue & Gold has taught me many lessons and has made me into the person I am today,” Logsdon said. “It has inspired me to continue my journalism career and someday teach young journalists like myself.”

As a photographer, Logsdon received two Excellents in National Write-off Contests and many state awards. In addition to taking pictures, she’s also in charge of the other pho-tographers on staff.

“Katie keeps track of the rest of the staff photographers and makes sure every-thing gets done by deadline,” editor in chief John Sisser said. “She’s always ready

to roll with the punches, even if we throw a last-minute assignment at her.”

The Feature EditorFeature editor Kim Maples’ journalism

career has been a roller coaster ride of worry, anger and success.

“It’s incredibly stressful,” Maples said. “There’s never a time to sit and relax; as soon as one issue is at the printer, we immedi-ately move to the next.”

But the workload hasn’t gone without reward. Maples received two Superiors in the National Write-off contests, eight Gold

Circle awards, an Honorable Mention for Ohio Journalist of the Year and other state and national awards.

“Kim is an extremely dedicated and hard-working individual,” adviser

Jim McGonnell said. “Her drive and deter-mination to succeed have greatly contrib-uted to the quality of the paper.”

Although her time on staff has been bittersweet, Maples will look back fondly on Blue & Gold.

“Being on the paper has been one of the most aggravating and best experienc-

es of my life,” she said. “As excited as I am to leave the impending deadlines behind

me, a part of me will always miss being in the news loop.”

As the children leave the schoolroom into the stifling Belizean sun, one boy hangs back. His face is dirty and sweaty from the heat, but junior Abbi Reed only sees his giant smile.

He scurries excitedly over to Reed and, beaming, holds out a small, shiny treasure: a button reading “I ♥ lungs.”

“This little kid didn’t have anything except this button, and he was so excited to give it to me,” Reed said. “They (people in Belize) don’t have as many material things, but they are more spiritual and can teach you so much.”

This June, Reed will go on her third mission trip to Benque Veijo, Belize, where Findlay’s St. Michael the Archangel church has a sister parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Eight other members of her youth group will join her in Central America, along with her Youth Minister and a mission worker.

“All of the youth and I are looking forward to this,” Youth Minister Sean Tehoke said. “This is my first out-of-country mission trip and the experience in a different country doing service action will be really rewarding.”

Seven of the youth will experience a

St. Michael’s youth group will teach vacation Bible school in Belizen By Michaela Marincic

foreign mission trip for the first time in Belize, including junior John Runion.

“I hope I learn a great deal about their cul-ture and way of life,” Runion said. “I’ve heard stories, but it’s always different when you actu-ally get there and experience it for yourself.”

The volunteers will run a five-day vacation Bible school, teaching Catholicism to children.

However, due to the poor conditions, the members will have to bring all of their own materials for the sparse schoolroom.

But despite their lack of material com-forts and unorganized lifestyle, the citizens of

Benque Veijo lead a contented life that holds a certain appeal for junior Kristen Schmidt.

“They don’t have set schedules, they just live,” Schmidt said. “Down there, it is much less stressful; that’s why they’re so happy.”

Reed learned from their compassionate lifestyle during her mission trips.

“They’re so welcoming; it’s a life-changing experience,” Reed said. “I just appreciate people and don’t judge; I’m more compas-sionate and understanding.

“I went there to teach Sunday School, but they taught me.”

With two first place trophies and a sea of individual awards, this year has been one of the best the Blue & Gold has seen.

Success has been the defining factor for four graduating editors, who’ve spent three winning years on the paper.

Here’s the final bow for “The Fab Four” seniors who will head to opposite parts of the country in the fall, but will always remember their years as news junkies.

McGonnell

Sisser Maples

Logsdon

fab 4the

Editors celebrate last yearn By Kim Maples and John Sisser

BELIZE FACTS

percent live in poverty

43

percent are Roman Catholic

49.6

years expected lifespan at birth

68.23

Source: CIA

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Team fighting for second placein league

Baseball

Team falls, 6-2, to Anthony Waynein sectional game

Softball

junior Austin Hookjunior Chelsie Risser

&goldgoldblueblue

Boys capture first league title

sports

Online More sports updates on blueandgoldtoday.org

Who will win hockey’sStanley Cup?

OPINION

Boston Bruins

San Jose Sharks

Tampa Bay Lightning

Vancouver Canucks

Vote at blueandgoldtoday.orgOn th

e web

junior Nick Kovaleski

Friday, May 20, 2011

Greater Buckeye Conference Findlay regains lead in all-sports race

Findlay 80.0 Napoleon 78.5Fremont 67.0Sandusky 49.0Marion Harding 33.5Lima Senior 27.0

Baseball 17-7Boys Tennis 13-6Softball 3-15

Varsity records (as of May 19)

senior Holly Bartonsenior Hayden Gephart

Tennis sends five to districtn By Lexi Perrault

And then there were two.Of the five players who qualified for dis-

tricts, doubles team senior Connor Hoban and junior Chikara Oshima is headed to the finals on Saturday, May 21 in Bowling Green.

“Getting five guys to qualify for districts in itself is a great accomplishment,” Oshima said. “I would really love to get to state, but I know it’s not going to happen if we play like we did on Wednesday.

“I’m hoping we can have a good couple practices and be ready to step up to the occa-sion on Saturday.”

Oshima and Hoban will face Lexington, a familiar opponent, in the semifinal match.

“We have played Lexington, Perrysburg and (Toledo) St. John’s earlier this season and lost,” Oshima said. “These teams have so much talent.

“Perrysburg and Lexington paired up a couple of their best players for districts, similar to what we’re doing. St. Johns has a solid doubles team that played together throughout the regular season so they will be tough also.”

SWINGSenior Connor Hoban returns the ball during practice. Hoban, his partner junior Chikara Oshima and three other teammates qualified for districts in Bowling Green, which began May 18. photo by Katie Logsdon

Dominating the Greater Buckeye Conference (GBC) in many sports is over for Findlay.

With the disbandment of the GBC, Findlay will be competing in a 10-team conference called TRAC (Three Rivers Athletic Conference) beginning in the fall of 2011.

“Findlay had basically two options as we attempted to join several different leagues and were denied,” athletic director Nate Weihrauch said. “The two options were becoming an independent or forming a league with other districts.”

During the time that Findlay was looking to join a new league, six public Toledo schools cut funding for athletics. Other area schools that weren’t affected by those budget cuts were forced to create a new league to provide competition for their athletes.

“TRAC was formed as a result of massive budget cuts, but fortunate-ly it will be a very competitive and challenging conference,” Weihrauch said. “Many teams that Findlay will face each week have had successful tournament runs in each of their programs.”

Volleyball players are preparing to face tougher competition.“We will be in a league with the defending state champion (St.

Ursula) and other top teams, so every match will be a battle,” junior Lainy Foltz said. “After going unde-feated in the GBC, it will be difficult for us to do the same in TRAC.

“However, winning the league is possible. Playing against these teams in conference matches will prepare us for tournaments.”

Though the competition may be stronger, Weihrauch acknowledges other positives in joining the new league.

“There are many benefits to this league that people may not realize,” he said. “We have a firm schedule, stability, unity, rivalries, easy travel-ing distances and many other positives.

“If we went independent, we would not have these benefits.”Though many athletes seem to be excited about joining a more

competitive league, swimmer Nick Topel isn’t so sure.“It will be harder to earn league honors like first team all-TRAC with

new powerhouses in our conference such as St. Francis,” the junior said. “Having these teams in our league won’t affect our preparation for state because our elite athletes already push it to the limit with training.

“I don’t know if this new league is a good thing or a bad thing. With TRAC, we have both ends of the competitive spectrum, while I believe the GBC had more balanced competition in swimming.”

Softball coach Jake Trevino believes the league will benefit every sport in the long run.

“This new league will be a big challenge for every sport,” Trevino said. “But playing a tougher schedule will only make you better.

“Though winning a league title will be more difficult for many sports, I know that in the long run, this conference will make Findlay more competitive.”

Findlay joins new leaguen By Lexi Perrault

Who will be the 2011 NBA champion?

These teams will compete in the Three Rivers Athletic Conference (left to right): Toledo Central Catholic Fighting Irish, Clay Eagles, Findlay Trojans, Fremont Ross Little Giants, Lima Senior Spartans, Notre Dame Academy Eagles, St. Francis deSales Knights, St. John’s Jesuit TItans, St. Ursula Academy Arrows and Whitmer Panthers.

With two sports left in GBC play, Findlay has edged ahead of Napoleon. Here are the current scores:

SPRINT Freshman Shadd Risser looks to pass a Whitmer opponent during the district cross country race last fall. Whitmer is one of the 10 teams that formed the new Three Rivers Athletic Conference with Findlay.


Though the road may be difficult, coach Ray Elbin believes his players can get to state.

“We are hoping that Chikara (Oshima) and Connor (Hoban) can get to state,” Elbin said. “Basically, the competition is so balanced that whoever is having the best day is the team that will get to state.”

Although sophomore Lucas Schiable did not make the district semifinal, he is still con-tent with how his season ended.

“Overall, my season was a great success,” he said. “I just fell short in the end.

“I have learned a lot and really have im-proved my game.”

Before tournaments, the team clinched their 12th consecutive league title.

“It was an amazing feeling to win the con-ference this year because we have never lost a title in the eight years the league has existed,” Schiable said. “It was cool to leave the confer-ence on such a high note.

“It will be much harder to win next year because the new league has much harder competition, but with hard work our team will have a good chance of winning.”

Districtbound

in a random survey of 100 students

ONLINE

Miami Heat

Dallas Mavericks

Oklahoma City Thunder

Chicago Bulls

38%

36% 11%

15%

Singles

Sophomore Lucas Schiable

Doubles

Senior Connor Hoban and junior Chikara Oshima

Senior Hayden Gephart and sophomore Will Jones

Dwayne Wade

courtesy of tracsports.org (fair use)

Documents

Blue & Gold Issue 7 2010-2011