The Shield Saint Thomas Aquinas High School | November 2016
What’s inside:
THE SPECIAL NOVEMBER ISSUE This issue chronicles all of Aquinas’s memorable sports, activities, and events that wrapped up this fall.
Photo by Mia Power | The Shield
Follow The Shield @stashield
Senior Yianni Perahoritis, who played the title character in Shrek the Musical on Nov 3-5, sings during the second act. “Playing Shrek was a dream,” Perahoritis said.
The Shield Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Editor-in-Chief Ezri Killeen Managing Editors Becca Haeusser Kat Schartz Social Media Editor Mia Power Copy Editor Maria Scanlan Design Editor Chloe Maher
Adviser Matt Hallauer Reporters Seth Walker Jake Burkhart Annie Patton Grace Platt Delaney Smith Grace Mayer Briley McGreevy Freelance Reporters Rachel Raney Andrew Schoonover
Mission Statement The Shield is a newspaper sponsored by Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and produced by its students to provide information, entertainment, and open forum, as well as a learning experience for its staff members. The goal of The Shield’s staff is to meet professional journalism standards. Staff members are responsible for the content of the newspaper and strive to report news accurately, objectively, and completely. The Shield is an open forum for student expression and aims to communicate the concerns of the student body as well as the faculty, staff, and Aquinas community.
Advertising The Shield sells advertisements to help with publication costs. All ads will be subject to the same scrutiny as stories. The Shield will not print any obscenities or any ads promoting products illegal to those under the age of 18. For advertising, please call (913) 319-2460, send an email to mhallauer@ stasaints.net, or visit www.stasaints.net/ shield Subscriptions Subscriptions to The Shield are $3 per issue. Subscriptions can be sent to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School c/o Matt Hallauer. Digital subscriptions are free and sent via email monthly. Orders can be sent to newspaper@stasaints.net Letters Policy Letters may be accepted by The Shield, provided that they are signed and do not contain libelous statements. The Shield reserves the right to edit the letters for grammar, obscenity, or space consideration, and also reserves the right to not print a letter. Saint Thomas Aquinas High School 11411 Pflumm Road Overland Park, KS 66215 913-319-2460
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Organized Chaos
The busiest--but also most fun--month at Aquinas is finally wrapping up. a letter from the editor
Well Saints, we did it. As I said in my last letter, I thoroughly believe that November is Aquinas’s busiest month. It’s chaos: sports are wrapping up at STAte, the musical hits the stage, and the canned food drive takes over the commons, just to list a few reasons. Let’s not forget about Extravaganza, or classes picking up the pace before Thanksgiving. Students are swamped in November--but this isn’t to say they don’t love it. I’ve never talked to one Aquinas student who said they didn’t love the November craziness. Because of the jam-packed month, we decided to dedicate an entire issue of The Shield to document Aquinas’s finest. In this issue are stories on all the big events: every fall sport, the musical, and the canned food drive. Don’t worry, we’ve still got some recurring segments, including the Social Spread (page 16) and What’s Next (page 31), which features the upcoming winter sports. These stories were a blast for the staff to chronicle. We spent a considerable amount of time following the teams and events, trying to get the best stories and views of their paths
for our readers. Take Social Media Editor Mia Power, for instance: she saw the musical four times before performances even started because she was following her story so closely (read her story on page 14). We want to give you a behind the scenes look at all the November chaos, not just stories with information you already know. We talked to team members, coaches, directors, and StuCo members to get the whole story. This is an issue of The Shield that we want Saints to look back on years from now and think, “Wow, that was a great time.” Look back at the stories and memories and say, “I miss that.” Look back at the pictures and remember, “That was a fun day.” At the end of the day, we’re all creating memories of some of the craziest years of our lives. Here in The Shield, we want to help you remember and cherish them. It’s a wild ride Saints, but it only goes up--and we’re all here together. ‘Til next time.
Ezri Killeen Editor-in-Chief, The Shield
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Special November Reports
This issue, The Shield abandoned the usual format of Reports, Spreads, and Back Pages in favor of representing all of the fall events at Aquinas. page 6 // Together We CAN Despite counting controversies and class disputes, the Aquinas community came together to feed the hungry in the CANsas City area. page 10// Short Lived Season The boys soccer season came to an abrupt halt after losing to Blue Valley Southwest. page 12// Spiking to State The volleyball team had a successful season that ended in a 3rd place finish at state. page 14// Welcome to the Swamp Due to its widespread appeal and an exceptional cast and crew, Shrek the Musical saw an unprecedented level of success. page 16// Social Spread This month’s best social media posts from the Saints. page 18// Business as Usual Saints cross country teams sprint for two more state titles.
page 22// Putting in the Postseason The girls golf state team drove another victory home for the Saints. page 24// All-Around Strength The football team’s season was strong, but the friendship that grew between the players and coaches was even stronger. page 26// Tennis
State
Fights Their Way to
The girls tennis team overcame a slow start to the season, sending five girls to state. page 28// The
Untold Story of the Wizards of Managing
With all their hard work and crazy tasks--which include anything from sorting players’ uniforms to sacrificing their face to be green-- the fall managers are the real stars of the season. page 30// What’s
Next? Featuring the Winter Sports
Winter team sports set out for state championships, team bonding, and personal excellence.
COUNTDOWNS
THANKSGIVING BREAK: 4 DAYS CHRISTMAS BREAK: 31 DAYS PROM: 143 DAYS GRADUATION: 273 DAYS
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Spiking to State
The volleyball team led a strong season that ended in a 3rd place finish at state. BY ANNIE PATTON
This year’s state volleyball team served up their season with many successes as they headed to state.. “We had a lot more raw talent this year. We had two freshmen and seven seniors. So, we are kind of top heavy,” said Senior Bridget Doherty. Freshman Annie Rokusek said, “The seniors are all really good leaders on and off the court. They are just really good people.” Sarah Cretors helped with their success. “She cares more about us as people than she does as volleyball players,” Doherty said. “We had a bunch of rough practices one week. To calm us down she took us to the chapel and had us meditate over our season and what we want out of the rest of it. She prioritizes our
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spirituality over volleyball which I think helps us play better.” Head coach Sarah Cretors said her favorite part about this particular team was their chemistry. “They just have fun together, so even when it’s an intense practice or a hard game, they still genuinely like to be around each other and have a good time,” said Cretors. Junior Katie Lacy said one of her funniest memories was “Mariah [Brim] being the weird person she is. Like one night she wore a quarter zip over her legs as leggings and practiced
with it for about half of the practice.” Doherty said, “We laugh a lot, probably more than we should, but we know when to kick it in gear when we need to.” The team underwent some disappointments by losing to St. Teresa’s Academy and St. James Academy. They also had some major successes, too. Rokusek said one of the team’s high points during the season was “ beating Shawnee Heights because I think they are better than
that every single girl on the team is going to be one of your best friends by the end of the season. [With] the atmosphere surrounding Aquinas volleyball, the success that we are expected to have every year and the program that we are, I don’t think anything will match it.” Junior Annie Patton is a reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by reporter Grace Mayer, and designed by Design Editor Chloe Maher.
“They just have fun together, so even when it’s an intense practice or a hard game, they still genuinely like to be around each other and have a good time.” Sarah Cretors Head Coach
St. James and it was just a really good game.” The team felt a lot of pressure going into the State tournament. Lacy said, “Just because we have Saints written on our back, you kind of feel pressure to always win and always beat the hardest teams out there. Everyone wants to beat you because you are Aquinas.” The volleyball team beat Emporia High School for third place at State to finish up their season. Doherty said, “I don’t think anything will compare to Aquinas volleyball. Because of the coaching staff as well as knowing
Photo courtesy of Michele Gress
Senior Shelby Innes spikes the ball during the state tournament. Innes is committed to Emporia State to play volleyball next year.
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Due to its widespread appeal and an exceptional cast and crew, Shrek the Musical saw an unprecedented level of success.
A
lthough the show didn’t take place until November, it had been in the works since last year. Producer Kim Spillman, Music Director Joe Heidesch, and Director Mark Hamilton carefully considered factors such as cost, appeal to audience, and the abilities and talents of the potential cast before deciding on Shrek the Musical. “We went through and thought about what would be the most enjoyable for the audience and for the kids, and we kept coming back to Shrek,” Hamilton said. “It’s an up-to-date comedy that is appropriate for all ages,” Heidesch said. The show really does
BY MIA POWER
feature something for everyone. It’s bright, colorful sets and costumes, along with moments of somewhat immature humor make it enjoyable for younger audiences. It has plenty of meaningful moments, too. “It is very touching and sentimental and has a great message that everyone can relate to,” said senior Yianni Perahoritis, who played the role of Shrek. The plot of the musical, which ran on Broadway from 2008 to 2010, resembles the plot of the 2001 movie, with the addition of original songs, backstories, and subplots for many characters. The result is
a colorful, hilarious, and heartfelt show. The cast and crew worked virtually around the clock to prepare the show. Auditions were held in late
“We have never presented a musical that involved so much technically.” Kim Spillman Producer
August and once the cast list was out, daily after-school rehearsals began. The cast spent approximately three hours each day rehearsing and choreographing. They also put in countless additional hours memorizing lines, researching their characters, and reviewing what they’d learned. The crew took on the task of creating a detailed set that included Shrek’s swamp, Fiona’s tower, and Lord Farquaad’s castle. Compared to musicals done in the past at Saint Thomas Aquinas, Shrek involved an ambitious level of costuming, sets, and makeup. “We have never presented a musical that involved so much technically,” Spillman said. The makeup crew had the Photo by Mia Power | The Shield task of creating realistic looks Seniors Ezri Killeen, Jaden Castinado, and Yianni Perahoritis sing during the second for characters such as Pinocchio, act of Shrek the Musical. The three portrayed the iconic trio of Fiona, Donkey, and Donkey, Shrek, Fiona, and countless Shrek. other fairy-tale creatures. Wigs,
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prosthetics, and airbrush makeup were utilized in the process. Perhaps the most extravagant part of the show was the large, purple dragon. The 15-foot puppet, affectionately nicknamed Moniqua by the puppeteers, was rented from The Paul Mesmer Puppet Theater. “Four student puppeteers were trained and rehearsed for a month in order to make the dragon an effective part of the show,” Spillman said. The cost of renting the dragon, along with everything else that went into the show, added up considerably. Fortunately, Shrek
“It can be funny, but if you don’t care about the characters then you don’t really have anything,”
Photo by Mia Power | The Shield
Freshman Amy Gassel, who played the Sugar Plum Fairy, sings with senior Isabella Pierce, who played Pinocchio.
Mark Hamilton Director the Musical saw some of the best attendance in Saint Thomas Aquinas theater history. “This was the first show I was apart of at Aquinas that sold out nearly every performance,” junior Abby Kate LaSala, who played the role of young Fiona, said. Even the Saturday afternoon matinee had a full house. It’s not hard to understand why the show was such a success. The hard work of the cast, crew, and directors was evident in every aspect of the two and a half hour production. The students took on the unique characters and made them their own. To say that they did the wellknown story justice would be an understatement. Like ogres and onions, this show has many layers. On the outside it is colorful and humorous. But at its core it contains a surprisingly
Photo by Mia Power | The Shield
Senior Matthew Walberg admires his reflection in a mirror. Walberg played Lord Farquaad.
relevant theme of and celebrating diversity and accepting what makes us each unique. “It can be funny, but if you don’t care about the characters then you don’t really have anything,” Hamilton said.
Senior Mia Power, @miacbpower on Twitter, is the Social Media Editor for The Shield. This Story was edited by Editor-In-Chief Ezri Killeen.
November 2016 | Page 15 g
The Social Spread Twitter Maddie Mirich @MaddieMirich When you’re the only school that gets to sleep in this morning #MondaysInOctoberAtAquinas
Twitter Ellie Thompson @Ethompy Not ready for nights like these to end
Instagram Clara Pope @clara_pope couldn’t think of better people to end my musical career with Twitter Clara Pope @Clara_Pope “That’s not rain. It’s 108 years worth of tears.”
Twitter Will Swanson @wswanson25 Ben Zobrist have my kids
Twitter Devin Diggs @dtdiggs Adoration tomorrow, come prepared
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Instagram Grayson Dunst @gcdunst 2/8 people in this picture actually ran at state meet today!! regardless, GO SAINTS(: love #familee
Best of Canned Food Drive
Twitter Lindsay Schaller @LindsayScha What are you having for thanksgiving? Points #pointsdontfeedpeople Twitter STA Senior STUCO @seniorof17 Wow, it’s a real HurriCan out here, right guys? #jokes
Twitter Jack Shaw @jack_shaw6 If we get 40,000 cans as a class i will shave my head
Instagram Katie Hill @katielishes There are many paper towns but only one CANsas City #93000 #juniors #johngreen #tradition
See any posts worth putting in The Shield? DM them to us @stashield on Twitter or Instagram!
Saints in France
Instagram Claire Heiman @claireheiman hello everyone, how is america? Instagram Lanie Hall @laniebug12 In love with Paris
Instagram Jade Steffensmeier @jadesteff So happy to be reunited with my French twin
Twitter Lauren Black @loblack “how was Normandy?”
Twitter Nathan Mark @NateMark_1 points don’t feed people
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November 2016 | Page 17 g
All-Around Strength The football team’s season is strong, but the friendships that grew between the players and coaches are even stronger. BY CHLOE MAHER
Photo courtesy of Michele Gress
When you think of football players, you probably envision big, tough boys tackling each other and working out. While that may be true, you probably don’t envision any heartfelt connections or emotional bonding. But according to seniors Shawn Doherty and Nick Bulleigh, the sentimental side of football we don’t get to see is what makes the team so unique. Getting motivated is a huge part of the Saint Thomas Aquinas football culture. Each Thursday the team has dinner and a different coach speaks and motivates them for the upcoming game. Before each practice or game, stories are told by the coaches to hype up the team as well. “Our staff is probably one of the best in the state,” Bulleigh said. What the coaches do behind the scenes is what keeps the team going and performing to their best ability each week. Players find inspiration in student leaders as well. A player who Doherty and Bulleigh pointed out in particular was senior Steven Rohde, a team captain and starting defensive tackle. “He’s a real emotional leader,” Bulleigh said, “He is a huge factor on our team, not only playing wise but getting everybody
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ready.” Doherty agreed and said, “He holds us together and makes sure we are all doing our part.” Rohde is not just a source of encouragement, but contributes to the teams many jokes and unique traditions as well. “Every week at our dinner he takes a snapchat story on his phone of the meal we’re eating and the team’s name. It’s symbolic because we’re eating a meal on Thursday night and the team’s name is also the meal we will be eating on Friday night,” Doherty explains. This is just one example of various traditions and jokes that stengthen the teams bond as a whole. In fact, the team’s bond is able to survive even one of the toughest things to happen to any sports team: injuries. “There are a lot of injuries to starters, so a lot of people had to step up,” Bulleigh said. Injuries aren’t uncommon in football but this year there were more than usual, particularly at the varsity level. Angel Dominguez was a starting senior who suffered from ACL, MCL and Meniscus injuries this season. Though he wasn’t able to play, both Doherty and Bulleigh pointed out his extraordinary support and involvment with the team. “He got hurt but still leads us. He is still an emotional factor on the team
and just really helps us get ready for Friday night,” Bulleigh said. “He’s just there for anyone who needs a motivational boost.” Dominguez, along with Doherty and Bulleigh, is just one of 16 seniors on the team. “We have a lot of depth. Last year the whole offensive was seniors so we lost all of them,” Bulleigh explains. This years varsity is full of young talent, including many juniors, sophomores and even a few freshman. Having a team with a lot of younger players is a good way to ensure even more successful seasons in the future. With only three losses, this season has been going very well. The team had some unexpected losses, including one to Southwest. “It wasn’t expected, but we just have to take each game one week at a time,” Bulleigh said about the teams loss to Southwest. But with seven wins, a “one game at a time” mentality, and
a two game road to state, the team is expecting a very positive finish to the season. On Friday, November 18, they play in the sub-state championship game against Mill Valley for a chance to go to state. Junior Chloe Maher is the Design Editor for The Shield. This Story was edited by Social Media Editor Mia Power. Freelancer Rachel Raney assisted with this story.
DATE
OPPONENT
RESULTS
September 2
vs. Gardner Edgerton
W 42-13
September 9
vs. Blue Valley North
W 35-14
September 16 @ Bishop Miege
L 21-48
September 22 vs. Blue Valley West @ BVNW DAC September 30 vs. Mill Valley
W 35-7
October 7
W 40-33
October 14
vs. St. James Academy W 24-7 @ Mill Valley vs. Blue Valley Southwest L 27-30
October 21
@ Blue Valley
L 34-45
October 28 Playoffs November 4 Regional November 11 Sectional November 18 Sub-State November 26 State
vs. Leavenworth
W 39-13
vs. Bonner Springs
W 42-14
vs. Seaman
W 57-21
vs. Mill Valley @ Pittsburg State Top left: Senior Steven Rohde, #55, jogs off the field on a Friday night game. He is the varsity defensive tackle. Photo courtesy of Michele Gress
Top right: *As of November 14, 2016 Info-graphic courtesy of stasaints.net Bottom left: Seniors (from left to right) Angel Dominguez, Nick Bulleigh, Mason Howard and Steven Rohde walk out together at the first game of the season against Gardener Edgerton.
Photo courtesy of Michele Gress
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Tennis Fights Their Way to State
The girls tennis team overcame a slow start to their season, sending five girls to state. BY SETH WALKER & KAT SCHARTZ
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Photo courtesy of Michelle Gress | The Shield
Junior Taylor Smart serves the ball. Smart was one of five varsity players to qualify for State this year.
Photo courtesy of Michelle Gress | The Shield
Senior Mary Selanders returns a volley in her last regular season tennis match of her high school career. Coming off one of the best seasons in years, the With records like 26-15 from Black and Root and 2016 Aquinas girls tennis team was ready to perform 25-14 from junior Taylor Smart, it’s no surprise that even better than they had last year. many Aquinas Tennis players were state bound. Under the leadership of Head Coach Peta Shinn, the However, the road to state wasn’t without girls set their goals for the season. challenges. Teams like Arkansas City and Pittsburg Senior Mary Selanders simply wanted to have a proved to be daunting for the Saints. memorable and fun senior season. Black said, “Our hardest opponent was definitely Senior Megan Root’s goals were to win first at Pittsburg. We were evenly matched with them so that regionals and win MVP for the made us work even harder. We “It was a toss up. You don’t really played them in regionals and second year in the row. Sophomores Nell Black know who you’ll have to face at beat them 7-5, 7-5. It was not and Bridget Hanrahan both match!” regionals and what seed you get an easy wanted to qualify to play in the “We didn’t play Arkansas depends on how you did your City that often, but they’re state tournament. Junior Taylor Smart’s goal whole season. I tried not to think always at the big tournaments was to place at state. and we always have close about state or if I would go or not.” matches,” said Selanders. The stage was set for the road to state, but while Smart’s most challenging some were confident in state match came at state. “I played Megan Root prospects, others had doubts. Grace Ball and she was the one Senior Black said, “I knew I was who ended up winning state.” going to go to state the whole The 2015 Aquinas girls season. I had a really good feeling this year. Me and my team was undeniably impressive, but none of them doubles partner really clicked.” placed at state. Unlike last year, at the 2016 state Her doubles partner Root said, “It was a toss up. tournament the doubles team of Black and Root placed You don’t really know who you’ll have to face at 12th. Smart placed 11th in singles, and the doubles team regionals and what seed you get depends on how you did of Selanders and Sophomore Bridget Hanrahan placed your whole season. I tried not to think about state or if I failed to place after a hard fought loss. would go or not.” As the season drew to a close, the goals of Black, This Black and Root doubles team did end up Hanrahan, Selanders and Smart were recognized. This qualifying for regionals. years team performed even better than the 2015 team, “Nelle and I were the No. 2 seed and St. James leaving hope for another great season in 2017. Academy was the No. 1. We had a bye our first round Senior Seth Walker, @SethWalker3 on then played against De Soto and then Pittsburg. Both Twitter, is a senior editor for The Shield. This were close matches then we played against SJA and we Story was edited by Social Media Editor Mia finished 1st,” Root said. Powers.
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The Untold Story of the Wizards of Managing With all their hard work and crazy tasks--which include anything from sorting players’ uniforms to sacrificing their face to be green-- the fall managers are the real stars of the season. BY EZRI KILLEEN
E
very day after school, hundreds of Aquinas students stay, preparing for practice by changing clothes, stretching, and getting water. Several nights a week, huge masses of the student body turn out at games and performances, ready to support their peers and cheer on their school. These are both familiar scenes. But the real magic of those teams comes from behind the scenes: it’s the untold story of the managers. This fall, several of the sports and activities had managers running the show--both literally and figuratively. Junior Gina Rousselo literally ran the show when she stage managed for Shrek the Musical. But she wasn’t the only one: the football team had seniors Maria Weese, Emily Overton, Ellie Thompson, and Mia Power, juniors Katie Hill, Claire Heiman, Claire Verbenec, and Grace Lee, and sophomores Miya Bassi, Kyndal Park, and Sydnie Gaona helping out. Juniors Jenna Pommenville and Mary Clare Halpin managed the cross country teams. The soccer team held seniors Elizabeth McCormick, Bridgid Linder, Katelyn Heying, Hania Crow, and Caroline Romme, as well as junior Alex Moss, as managers. Last but not least, the volleyball team relied on seniors Sydney Courser, Nicole Jackson, Sydney Scott, and Ansley Reynolds.
MUSICAL
It would be safe to say that junior Gina Rousselo runs the show. Rousselo was the Stage Manager, as well as the Student Director, for Shrek the Musical. She also was the Stage Manager for last year’s musical, Once on this Island. “I do a little bit of everything,” Rousselo said. She could be seen calling cues over a headset from backstage, moving sets, and assisting with quick changes at any given rehearsal or performance. This year, she also directed a scene and would assist with blocking. Rousselo was first given the opportunity to manage during Once on this Island. “(This year) I wanted to manage
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Photo by Ezri Killeen | The Shield
Junior Gina Rousselo prepares to call places before a rehearsal for Shrek the Musical. Rousselo stayed backstage the entire show to call technical cues. because I loved it so much last year,” Rousselo said. Unlike most crew members, who, in any production, only spend the last few weeks with the cast, Rousselo was present at all rehearsals from day one. Because of this, she, the cast and directing team are inseparable. “Spend about a month with the same people everyday, and you’ll feel the same, too,” Rousselo said.
FOOTBALL
VOLLEYBALL
The football team is in good hands with the biggest group Seniors Sydney Courser, Sydney Scott, Nicole Jackson, of managers. Seniors Maria Weese, Emily Overton, Ellie and Ansley Reynolds are vital to the volleyball team. Thompson, and Mia Power, juniors Katie Hill, Claire Heiman, The girls had all played volleyball in past years, and Claire Verbenec, and Grace Lee, and sophomores Miya Bassi, this year decided to manage. They are responsible for taking Kyndal Park, and Sydnie Gaona watched over the team all statistics and filming some of the players. season. Toward the end of the season, the freshman managers Not only are the managers close to the team, which were also at varsity practices to help out. includes several of their good friends and former teammates, Although the most visible thing they do is fill waters, the they also have a good relationship with the coaches..“[Head football managers do so much more. Every day, they set up Coach Sarah Cretors] jokes around with us,” Courser said. for practice, film when it’s needed, and set up for games, in “She’s really cool,” Scott added. addition to whatever else they’re needed for throughout the day. The managers are there before and after every practice-SOCCER and on game days, they often don’t leave. “I feel like we’re Seniors Elizabeth McCormick, Bridgid Linder, Katelyn they’re moms,” Bassi said. Heying, Hania Crow, and Caroline Romme, as well as junior For Thompson, the desire to manage came from her Alex Moss, are the managers that keep the soccer team on its ambition to be a trainer one day. Since she started her feet. sophomore year, These she’s loved every managers are second. Same goes responsible for for Bassi, who was a wide range of one day pulled deeds: they attend onto the field by every game, check one of her friends. the boys’ bags, “The girls (other take statistics, run managers) are so fun, around for the and it’s fun being out coaches, and even there because you order pizza for the feel like a part of the team. Additionally, team,” Bassi said. they give Thompson encouragement to agrees that the other the boys whenever managers are the best possible. “That’s part of managing. what [Head Coach “The 11 of us are Craig Ewing] like sisters, honestly. says our job is,” We’re together every McCormick said. day.” “Because I’m Photo by Ezri Killeen | The Shield The managers not playing club Sophomores Miya Bassi and Sydnie Gaona bring water and ice onto the field for a are extremely close, soccer this season, football practice. Some of the managers favorite memories come from riding on this and, according to I still wanted to John Deer Gator. Thompson, the be involved in friendship will last the soccer community,” McCormick said. “I would go to the a long time. She still talks to managers that graduated years games anyways to watch them play, so I was like, ‘why not before. manage?’” The managers can agree that the big wins are the best Just like the other groups of managers, the girls all feel memories. “I fell on the ground and cried [when we beat Mill very close. Spending time together, both on their team and as a Valley],” Thompson cried. She also said that going to state her part of the boys team, has made them even better friends. sophomore year was one of the best moments of her managing “I feel like we’re a part of the team. I don’t feel awkward career. or anything,” Romme said. To this, McCormick added that it’s The girls have fun as managers. Their stories include like they are “one of the bros.” riding around in the Gator, making up songs about the players, Ezri Killeen is The Shield’s Editor-in-Chief. This story and huddling under trash bags to film in the rain. was edited by Managing Editor Becca Haeusser. “I just love football managing. It’s so fun,” Bassi said. November 2016 | Page 29
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What’s Next?
Winter Sports Boys Basketball
Photo courtesy of Michele Gress. Senior Nick Bulleigh dribbles past Blue Valley Northwest player. Saints fought hard but fell short with the final score at 53-66.
Girls Basketball
Photo courtesy of Michele Gress. Sophomore Blythe Pearson beats Leavenworth player in the State Championship game.
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Winter season sports set out for State Championships, team bonding, and personal excellence. BY BRILEY MCGREEVY
A successful season should be expected from the boys basketball team who is set out to win league and then the State Championship. “The boys are back in town,” said senior Mike D’Amore. Head coach John Rost said that the team has been preparing nonstop for competing at the highest level possible, with their biggest opponents being Bishop Miege, St. James, and Blue Valley Northwest. Their difficult schedule this year will prepare them for post season. “We have the talent to compete, but I think the real art of coaching basketball is putting all the pieces together into an unselfish and smooth running unit.” “Our biggest opponent is going to be St. James. They beat us in a big time game last year and we’re out to get it back,” said D’Amore. “We have some good chemistry and a lot of strengths this season, we’ll be prepared.” D’Amore said that he is most excited “to get back in the gym with the boys” for a successful season. Team rituals consist of getting hyped up in the locker room listening to music. The team also says a Hail Mary together before the start of the game to calm down and walk on the court with confidence.
The girls basketball team is preparing to win another state banner this year with a close knit team and hard work in and outside of practice. Head coach Rick Hetzel said that he is most excited for getting to work with such an amazing group of girls this year. “We view every next game as the most important game of our life. However, it is always fun to play Miege,” said Hetzel. Junior Sereena Weledji said that her goal this season is to have the team be the best that they can be. She said that the girls are hanging out often together to build chemistry and bond off the court. “We really feel that if we’re all playing for each other then we will do very well,” said Weledji.
Junior Briley McGreevy, @BrileyMcGreevy on Twitter, is a reporter for The Shield. This story was edited by Managing Editor Becca Haeusser.
Bowling The bowling team is determined to win regionals this year and qualify for state. Head coach Terry Droge said that the team is working to improve every meet and grow closer at practice. The biggest struggle this season is getting people to practice outside of practice. “Bowling is weird with the fact that you have to go to a bowling alley to practice. It’s not like you can do it at home or just walk onto a soccer field and kick the ball around. It is a big challenge for us,” said Droge. The team is also working on growing closer with each other and socializing at practices and meets. Droge said that working with such a diverse group of kids is one of the most interesting parts of being the bowling coach.
Swim and Dive The boys swim and dive team is working to qualify as many people for the State Championship as possible this year. Head coach David Youker said that he is excited to work with the new kids on the team and see what they have to offer. “I am excited to work with the new kids to the team, trying to develop them into a quality teammates. But more importantly, the returning athletes who have invested a great deal of time and effort into making the Saints a quality team at the state level,” said Youker. Senior Grayson Dunst said that his goal this year is to qualify for State and have as many of his teammates as possible qualify as well. “I think if everyone works hard to qualify, everyone will have a chance,” said Dunst.
Wrestling Head coach Eric Akin said that the wrestling team this year is set on success. The guys are preparing for the season with clean living, hard training, and nutrition balance for optimal results in their matches. “I’m excited to see how far our returning wrestlers have come. They have worked really hard in the offseason going to practices, camps, and national competitions. I’m expecting to see that they’ve made some pretty big strides,” said Akin. Akin is also excited to work with the freshman wrestlers and transfer students this season. “We have a good handful of young men who have a long youth wrestling background. That experience is huge when you get into high school wrestling,” said Akin. One of the team’s goals this year is to put three guys in the State Finals. Hunter Bindi, Bret Minor, and Anthony Gaona Photo courtesy of Michele Gress. are all ranked in the top four at their weight in the preseason The Saints wrestling team waits for their results at Shawnee Mission rankings. South match. “All three of them could be state champs this year if they continue to train and focus like they do,” said Akin. “However, that doesn’t mean they’re the only Saints that could win it. We have other guys with the same goal and the ability to place at state.” Junior Anthony Gaona said that he is most excited for the team to be able to fill up about 95 percent of a full line up which would be a big change from last year. He has been training hard this year in hopes to win the State Championship. “My main goal this year is to be to be a State Champion and get huge along with it. As a team to get our set goals we just have to train hard day in and day out like I know we will,” said Gaona. The team’s biggest opponents this year will come from Goddard, Ark City, and Mill Valley.
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November-December 2016 Event Calendar 11/22 - Thanksgiving Mass 11/23 - Thanksgiving break begins 11/29 - Reconciliation 11/30 - Coffee House Concert 12/4 - Freshman class costume party
12/8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass 12/10 - December ACT 12/12 - NHS Christmas wrapping 12/14 - End of semester 1 12/15 - Semester exams 1 and 2
12/5 - No school
12/16 - Semester exams 4 and 5
12/6 - Christmas Concert
12/19 - Semester exams 6, 7, and 8
12/7 - 9:00 am start
12/20 - Christmas break begins
12/7- Football banquet
12/21 - Semester 1 grades posted