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The Shield 2014-2015 In Review
November 9, 2014 Senior Lucas Bartlett celebrates a boys 5A state soccer victory.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield 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 monthy. Orders can be sent to newspaper@stasaints.net LETTER 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.
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The Shield Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
11411 Pflumm Road Overland Park, KS 66215 913-319-2460
issue 1 volume 28 Editor-in-Chief Alex Kinnan
Advisor Matt Hallauer
Managing Editor Daniel Petracek
Reporters Annie Gellott Connor Ragan Ansley Reynolds Kate Schartz Alex Wagner Seth Walker
Social Media Editor Hagan Marozas Back Pages Editor Olivia Rode Reports Editor Ellie Heit
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General news and updates from the staff.
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2014-2015 In Review
Why Aquinas?
Inside Letter from the editor / 3 Staff Pages / 2
The School
The goal of this issue is to make this question something that isn’t difficult to answer. The issue that you are holding in your hands is full of our best. Its mission is for us to show you just how great our school is and just how much we have accomplished. This special edition is divided into three sections: The School, The People and The Milestones. Each section has content that we hope will not only get you excited about the possibiltiy of being a Saint, but will also allow you to be more in touch with what we are all about. In this issue, we will show you the best of our staff’s reporting from the past year. This issue was made possible by a dedicated group of new staff members who worked tiressly this past summer to make this is just as professional as our regular editions. Much of the content in this issue was
25 Reasons to Love Aquinas /4 Saints Nation /6 Aquinas 2020 /8
written by our graduated staff members. Their ambition and drive are made crystal clear in their reports and photographs. The simple yet all important question, “Why Aquinas?” is one that serves as a sort of theme for this issue. Everyone who is Aquinas has been in your position and has asked this allimportant question. As you look at our school, look deeper, ask questions, be critical. At The Shield, we look for flaws just as much as we look for things to celebrate. Hopefully in this issue you will not only be able to answer that all-important question, but you will also be able to answer another important question. Where are you going to high school?
Alex Kinnan Editor-in-Chief The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield
About The Cover: Photo courtesy: Michele Gress. On
November 9, 2014, Senior Lucas Bartlett celebrates a boys 5A state soccer victory.
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The People
Leo Brown’s Return /12 Ahern’s Battle / 14 Praying For Hunter /15 Kemp Conquers All /16 Desch’s Success / 18 Trainer For All / 19 Best of Social Media / 20
The Milestones
2015 Canstruction /23 Cross Country Double Victory /25 Volleyball’s Domination / 27 Icebreaker: Devin Diggs / 28 Get Invovled / 29 Last Look / 30 2015-2016 Calendar / 32
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Awards
In 2015 The Shield was named a publication of excellence by the Kansas Schloastic Press Association.In 2014, The Shield was named a first class publication by the National Scholastioc Press Associstion.
2014-2015 In Review
Welcome to what’s next
Take a look at what Aquinas wants to see done in the next five years.
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What goes where
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- 1,2,3,4 Entrances made to accomodate those with disabilities. -5 A complete renovation of the Library, “for the 21st century.” -6 This area is currently occupied by SMC, whose lease is set to expire in December 2016. -7,8,9,10 Offices converted to a central office and main entrance to reduce confusion and allow for a more secure building. 8
The School
2014 - 2015 In Review
“We have 175 athletes in the fall, with only three taping tables and one Whirlpool. That’s not good for anybody.” President Bill Ford
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Not Pictured -A remodel of second floor restrooms -Basement classrooms moved upstairs and basement converted to storage -New lights in sophomore lot -Improved security systems throughtout the building 9
The School
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield
Big Renovations Ahead Our school could possibly be embarking on a major renovation, and the possibilities are endless.
BY ALEX KINNAN For the past 27 years, most of Saint Thomas Aquinas’s renovation plans have focused around one thing: expanding. Now, Aquinas is focused on something else for its next renovation project: improving. “Every five years, it gets exciting around here,” President Bill Ford said. Aquinas was recently audited by a group of architects who evaluated the school and told the administrators what needed to be done in the next five years. “[They] figure out what makes sense and what doesn’t,” Ford said. This year, everything the architects suggested needed to be taken care of,” Ford added. Along with those suggestions, the administration and board of trustees also created a list of facilities they wanted. That list also had virtually nothing that could be left off. “Our board has been working with this for the past 90 days,”
Ford said. He said they know that all the things suggested need to be done. Now it is a matter of how to phase it. Aquinas’s last five-year cycle was around 2009 when the economy was in a recession, Ford said. The stadium was able to be upgraded in
University of St. Mary’s building (SMC) was built. In 2000, the auxiliary gym was built, and in 2002 the wireless system was upgraded. Those have been Aquinas’s largest projects to date. Following those, the science rooms, stadium and chapel were the
“Every five years, it gets exciting around here.” President Bill Ford early 2012, once the recession was over. “In the ideal world, we probably could’ve done the locker rooms then,” Ford said, but the Archdiocese was working on their own program. Ford added, “We defer to the archdiocese because it is their building.” This upcoming period has the potential of being one of the bigger renovation projects. In 1998, the theater and the
other major projects. The five-year cycle Aquinas is just beginning has the goal of being completed in 2020, featuring renovation possibilities that range from new locker rooms to automatic doors for people with disabilities. “We will try for a rollout in April,” Ford said. What Saints can anticipate in the coming months: two plans will be finalized, one
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The School
with the idea that the University of Saint Mary renews its lease, and the other is if it chooses to leave. As of now, its lease expires in December 2016, according to Ford. Other than that, there will not be any construction at Aquinas in the coming months. Aquinas is at a really good place financially, although the majority of funding for these improvements will have to come from a fundraising program, Ford said. There isn’t really anything standing in the way of Aquinas’s plans, with the archbishop’s project finished and the economy strong. For Aquinas, “all the ducks are lined up,” Ford said. “If the dominos fall, it could be a pretty big deal.”
This story was formatted by reporter Ansley Reynolds, and was written by senior Alex Kinnan, the Shield’s current Editor-and- Chief .
The People Whats inside
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Leo Brown’s Return
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Ahern’s Battle
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Praying For Hunter
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Kemp Conquers All
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Desch’s Success
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An Athlete’s Best Friend
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Best of Social Media
October 31, 2014 Theology teacher Leo Brown surprises students with return from the war in Afghanistan
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield
An Interview with a Hero
BY JORDAN EBERHARDY
What exactly was your job in Afghanistan? “My job title is First sergeant. I was responsible to a commander of a squadron (generic term for a certain number of people). There were about 550 people in my squadron, and my squadron worked on aircraft mechanics. I reported to squadron commander and my job is to make sure that group of people keep their heads in the game, kind of like a social worker. I would make sure that everything in their life was going ok, everything back home was ok, and that they were getting along with everyone. My job is not the technical side; it’s the personnel side. My focus is on the people and how they are doing. It’s a very humbling job because you are let in on people’s hearts and minds. I am not so much a counselor as much as I just try to see if someone is having a rough time and to make a determination as to what kind of help they need.”
and work until 7 p.m. During that time there would be some time for meals and maybe even some workout time, but the schedule was packed full for the most part. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. was time for yourself. Some days were really slow; some days were really long. It’s a very prison-like existence. Every day you wear the same clothes, see the same people, eat at the same locations, same variety of food. A Monday is a Thursday is a Saturday. The mission at Bagram goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After awhile, you lose sense of time.” What was one of your hardest tasks?
“One of my jobs was to do Red Cross notifications. If one of my squadron members had a loved one that was sick or near death, we would get called by the Red Cross and they would tell us the situation. We would then sit down with the member and tell them what was going on. This is tough since you are in a stressful environment, you’ve got loved In military terms, what was your position and mission? ones who are sick and dying at home, and the question of “My rank is Senior Master Sergeant and I was the First “am I going to be able to get home?” is a concern. My job Sergeant of the 455th expeditionary aircraft maintenance as a First Sergeant was to make sure that member is safe squadron. Our mission was to fix aircraft to make them (had their head on straight) since you never know what can combat ready for guys on the ground fighting the Taliban. happen when people and weapons and emotions get mixed Weapons loaders (the guys I dealt with most.) loaded bullets up, and to make sure they had everything they needed if they and bombs onto planes in case pilots would have to use did need to get back home. I had to address about 25 Red those. I also worked a lot with Crew Chiefs, who go through Cross notifications while I was there. Only about half ended all the checks on the aircraft to make sure it’s ready to fly.” up being able to go home. One that stands out is I had to tell a young man about 20 years old that his grandpa had died What was your daily routine like? and that he would not be going home. I could see the tears “Everyone was on 12 hour shift. I would get up at six am welling up in his eyes and I told him that this 12 and have a Dr. Pepper for breakfast and I just didn’t meet the requirements for going would take my Doxycycline so that I wouldn’t home. We just made sure he was ok and that The People get malaria. I would be to work at 7 a.m. he stayed focus.”
2014-2015 In Review What did you do in your free time at night? From 7-10 you might hop on the internet, check emails, some would skype. I did a little reading. There were morale centers around the base with big screen TVs for movies. I would work out every once in awhile. For me and my personality, at the end of the day I just wanted to go vedge since I had been doing things all day. I would be in bed by 10 or 10:30 and then wake up the next day and do it all again. What was something in Afghanistan that helped you keep going while you were over there? “One thing that really helped me while I was over there is that there was a chapel on the base. It was called the Enduring Faith Chapel. Catholic mass was offered Sunday nights. And I got to be pretty attached to the people there. There were all kinds of people from all over—navy guys, army guys, ariforce guys. Just having that little piece of normalcy of going to mass was huge. Afterwards they had a little gazebo back patio area where we would go and talk. The priest started something called “Holy Smokes” and they would all go back there and smoke cigars after mass. I never smoked, but I always went for the conversation and it was just a fun time to just relax and be.”
rifle with ammunition. I would do some of the readings or administer communion, all with my weapon at my side. It was just a weird thing to get used to.” What were some dangerous situations that you encountered? “The Taliban would attack us from time to time and they would send rockets into our base. Thankfully, they were really bad shots and none of our planes got damaged, and more importantly, none of the people were harmed. The alarms would go off and everyone would get down on the ground. That happened a fair number of times. You just deal with those kinds of things. After the attack is over you just go back to work.” What did it mean to you to have so much support from the Aquinas community?
“The biggest piece in getting people through an experience like that is love and support from loved ones back home--in my case, the students and staff at Aquinas. It was very emotional (good emotional) for me to see the constant flood of love and support and concern. They had the letters dated and I was very good with reading them on the day I was supposed to. Just knowing that at the end of What was one some very difficult of the weirdest days there were 2 aspects of or 3 letters waiting your time in for me at home was Afghanistan? amazing. I took the “One of the stuff that was sent stressors that for Troop Out over you are dealing to my unit. Within with constantly Photos by Jordan Eberhardy | The Shield about 4.5 minutes, is that everyone is carrying they were like ducks on Mr. Brown looks out into the crowd of 900 students on the weapons all the time. I carried a pond and everything in a standard 9 mm pistol. It’s a morning of his October 31st return. the packages (everything standard police pistol. And even from gummy bears to chips) just got scarfed immediately. It though we never had to pull them or use them, just the fact was and is so appreciated, I really don’t know if words can that I was carrying a deadly weapon—everyone was carrying describe fully the emotions that I felt knowing that more and a deadly weapon—added to the intensity of daily life. You get more support kept coming from Aquinas. I would not trade used to it but you kind of constantly have to be “on”. There that for the world. As difficult as that job was and as much as are about 4,000 locals that are led onto Bagram every day I missed my family and friends. I am very thankful that I had from the Afghan town and villages to clean and cook and do that experience because it opened a whole new world to me. laundry. Some of those people are probably friendly to the I heard a line and it has stuck with me that “we are probably Taliban cause. For that reason, weapon safety was hugely more important to people than we realize”. And when I saw important. You don’t know if someone who was friendly with the flood of support and love and concern, that idea was just the Taliban would try to grab a weapon and kill Americans driven into my heart and mind. It was an absolute window with it. That happened while we were over there at another into Heaven.” base. An Afghan policeman killed an American general. You This story was formatted by Kat Schartz, written by Jordan carried that weapon everywhere with you. I had never been Eberhardy, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Shield 2014-2015 to mass before where the altar boys are wearing an M16
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The People
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield
For the Love of the Game Coach Chip Ahern helped impact the football and basketball teams, all while fighting cancer. BY JORDAN EBERHARDY “He refused to take a day off. It was very difficult for anyone in our program to feel sorry for themselves when Coach was fighting his battle and still finding the courage to come out and work with our team,” said Head Football Coach Randy Dreiling of Coach Chip Ahern. Ahern has completed four years on the football coaching staff and is preparing for his fifth. He is also the only man to be recruited to coach by every single football coach that Aquinas has ever had. Coach Dreiling says that Ahern is one of the reasons he chose to come to Aquinas and that his energy provides a huge catalyst for the team every day at practice. “I coach on the defensive side of the football and I work primarily with the Willy linebackers,” said Ahern. “I’m a team player and just try to do what I’m told, but I put my own personality into it to get the job done.” Ahern has also completed seven years coaching with the basketball staff. Head Basketball Coach Sean Reilly said that though Ahern mainly coaches freshman boys, he is interested in all of the players, all the way up to the varsity level. Even when he had to miss a couple of weeks during the basketball season, he remained very invested. “He would have daily phone calls to Coach Gerstner concerning his players, and he also had me provide game footage of varsity games so
he could analyze players and scout. Simply amazing,” Reilly said. Ahern discovered that he had cancer in his lip in 2013. This past football season, the cancer metastasized to the lymph nodes in his neck. He and his family decided that it would be best to have surgery as soon as possible, and the first good opportunity for this fell on Halloween, the night
back to practice the following Monday. I wasn’t expecting him to be back until around the state game and it was just amazing to see him at practice only a few days after having that kind of surgery.” After the surgery, Ahern also went through radiation and chemotherapy. As of the beginning of April, he has received a perfect bill of health. He said that the
Photo by Bernie Concannon | The Shield
Coach Chip Ahern instructs 2015 graduate Nathan Stukel on the sidelines of the state championship game. of the football game against Pittsburg. “That night I listened to the game on the radio and also had one of my sons giving me a play-by-play,” said Ahern. Quarterback Karter Odermann said, “After 14 his surgery, he came
Aquinas community played a huge role in supporting him throughout his fight with cancer. “From the Wigs Out program to just the little things like people praying forme, the support of the Aquinas community is overwhelming. It is pretty special and my
The People
family and I appreciate it so much,” said Ahern. Ahern received his treatment from KU Medical Center. He says that he would recommend their care to anyone having to face cancer like he did. “They are second to none and put the patients so far ahead of everything else,” said Ahern. No matter the sport or the circumstances, Coach Chip Ahern’s commitment to strong relationships with his players is evident. Senior Chris Bollig recalls how Ahern would always ask the players about how their day had gone and about what they had learned in school. Coach Dreiling said that Ahern couldn’t attend the end of season football banquet, but when he found out that Nathan Stukel had won the Defensive MVP award, he so was so happy that he cried, since Stukel played the position that Ahern coached. “Coach Ahern has handled his fight with courage, dignity, and grace. He has never expressed self-pity, but rather a fighting spirit that is an inspiration to us all,” said Coach Reilly.
This story was formatted by Annie Gellott, written by Jordan Eberhardy co-editorin-chief 2014-2015.
2014-2105 In Review
Hunter Cussigh’s Aquinas students are relentless when they have a goal to reach. Here is one of their stories.
Fight
BY JORDAN EBERHARDY Junior Hunter Cussigh continues to fight his Leukemia by enduring chemo therapy every Friday and by maintaining a positive outlook about his diagnosis. Hunter was diagnosed with Leukemia in February of 2014 and the school responded with much support. Hunter said that all of his friends have been very supportive. One friend in particular, however, really rallied support for Hunter’s cause. Jasper George started a social media campaign that became known as “#PrayForHunter.” “I started #PrayForHunter because he’s my best friend,” said George. “I was focused on letting Hunter know there was a bunch of people there to support him. It was cool to start a hashtag that trended throughout the Aquinas community, but what I did isn’t as important as why I did it.” Hunter’s cousin and
Saint Thomas Aquinas graduate Elizabeth King said that the bond between the George boys and Hunter is really something special. “They are like brothers and their bond has helped them all through this,” said King. Aside from friends, Hunter has three siblings: Morgan, who is an incoming freshman, Clara, who is in sixth grade, and Parker, who is in third grade. Hunter said that his
three younger ones definitely feed off of Hunter’s positive energy.” In his free time, Hunter likes to go out to eat with his family, especially to Red Lobster, and to watch TV shows like The Simpsons. “He is such a normal kid. He took something that was so life-changing and potentially tragic and has made it into a positive thing that has brought our family and community together,” said King.
treatments in a simple way: “You go in and get poked a lot,” he said. “I am going through one of the hardest parts of chemo right now, but I am almost to the maintenance phase of treatment, which means I will only have chemo once a month,” said Hunter. Hunter entered this maintenance phase in October of 2014. “Hunter radiates happiness and his laugh can light up a room. He is absolutely aweinspiring,” said King. There is no doubt that the Saint Thomas Aquinas community has Photo by Laura Cline been inspired by siblings and his parents Hunter has completed the courage of Hunter, and have helped him through the “Induction” phase of the support will continue this time by being there for his treatment and has to follow him as he beats him every step of the way. recently completed the Leukemia. “It’s amazing how seven-month phase that Graduate Jordan Eberharhappy the Cussigh siblings consists of once a week dy was the Shield’s Edialways are,” said King. chemotherapy treatments. tor-in-Chief in 2014-2015. “They are always smiling Hunter described his This story was layed out by and excited, weekly 15 Connor Ragan. and the Friday
The People
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield
Kemp Conquers All Senior Isabel Kemp had multiple surgeries the summer before her junior year and has made a full recovery. BY ELLIE HEIT Senior Isabel Kemp learned last semester that she suffered from a Chiari Malformation, a structural defect in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. She had one surgery performed in the spring and three more in the summer to repair her deficiency. Kemp is known for her crazy red hair and her positive attitude. Thankfully her hair was saved and Kemp has kept a shining attitude. “I was amazed at how Isabel handled herself through all the surgeries and her recovery,” said Michele Kemp, Isabel’s mother. “She has an
amazing ability to think of the others around her even when dealing with excruciating pain and fear of what is coming next. She still always tried to smile and ask
and trying to get better, no matter how weak or badly she felt.” Two of her most frequent visitors were her grandparents. “They were constantly
“I could not have been more blessed to have so many amazing people surrounding me.” Isabel Kemp Senior
all the doctors, nurses and visitors how they were doing. She was helpful to the younger patients when we were at Children’s Mercy and she never stopped fighting
at the hospital, watching her little brother and sister or bringing meals and snacks to home and the hospital,” said Michele. One thing she and
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her visitors did to pass the time was making paper cranes. After her grandfather read the book ‘Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes’ in the hospital one day, all of Isabel’s guests were inspired to make paper cranes to show their support. “My friends and family have been amazing,” Isabel said.”From my family’s unending love to my friends constant visits, I could not have been more blessed to have so many amazing people surrounding me. Everyone has been so supportive, and I could not have made it through without them.”
2014-2015 In Review “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes” by Eleanor Coerr is a book based on the true life story of Sadako Sasaki. She was a two-year-old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, only one mile from her home. Nine years later, she was diagnosed was leukemia. She lived in a nursing home and decided to make 1,000 paper cranes because of the Japanese legend that said a person would be cured by the gods if they did this. She died after making 644 cranes, but her family finished the task for her after she died.
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Photo courtesy of Mrs. Kemp Isabel’s guests, inspired by the book “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes,” decided to make some paper cranes to show their support.
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield
Desch Talks Olympic Prospects
Senior Maddie Desch has made it big already, but isn’t done yet as she trains for the 2016 Olympics. Maddie Desch is busy. Maddie has been busy for a long time. She was six when she started gymnastics, and in the fifth grade began leaving school halfway through the day for practices. If you think that is a lot wait until you hear about the summer she just had. “All summer we had two a day practices, in the morning from 8 to 12 and in the evening 4 to 7,” said Desch. Desch had made the World’s team this year. She was training along with her other teammates. Then August 14th came around. As Saints began a new school year Desch was on her way to Pittsburg for Nationals. She then made it to International Assignment in Toronto, Canada where the United States placed first. She accomplished all of this in the first two and a half weeks of school. Desch was then back at Aquinas for a week and a half. She just tries to get
BY ALEX KINNAN
as much school work done as possible; she doesn’t have any problems getting caught up. However, finding time to take tests is a challenge. Meeting before school or during seminar is the only chance she has.
She had missed almost a month of school returning to Aquinas in mid-OctoMaddie’s Daily Routine: ber. “This is kind of my off 6am wake up to finish season,” said Desch. She still has practice everyday homework. Then leave for and leaves Aquinas half- school. way through the day. She 12:30pm leave school. 1:30 to 7:00pm practice. also has camps 8:00pm get home. eat in November and dinner. do homework. go January which is where she and her to bed. Repeat. teammates show the national coach where they are at. When it comes to what’s next for Desch, she is focused on staying healthy Maddie Desch and making World’s Senior, talking about the again this March. World’s Competition in China. Making the World’s team this year is On September 15, she a very important step in was off to Texas for selecsecuring her chances of tion camp for World’s. By making the Olympic team September 22, after makin 2016. ing the World’s team, she was off to Nanning, China. This story was formatted by “It’s bigger than the olymMaddie Desch | Instagram Social Media Editor Hagan pics,” said Desch. She Feburary 2014, Maddie and Marozas and was written and her team competed teammates at gymnastics by Senior Alex Kinnan, the against 142 countries and camp which she attends were able to bring home a Shields current Editor and monthly. Chief. win for the United States.
“Bigger than the Olympics.”
Maddie Desch | Instagram
October 2014 - Worlds Competition in Nannining, China.
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2014 -2015 In Review
An Athlete’s Best Friend Donald Jamison brings his experience and injury expertise to Aquinas athletes as the school’s new athletic trainer.
BY DANIEL PETRACEK Most Aquinas student athletes probably hope they will never have to see the athletic trainer, but those who do require treatment are in the reliable hands of Donnie Jamison. A recent hire as the Aquinas Sports Medicine Coordinator and Athletic Trainer, Jamison brings much experience with him. Jamison interned as a student Athletic Trainer at Manhattan High School. He then went on to be the Athletic Trainer for the Kansas State Men’s basketball team. Prior to his career as an athletic trainer, and even before his college years, Jamison served in the U.S. Army for four years of active duty. During this time, he lived in Iraq for a 15 month period. His four years of active duty was followed by four years of inactive ready reserve. Now at Aquinas, Jamison has proven to be a huge help to the athletic programs. He gives each individual the necessary attention and proper treatment. His care for the athletes is displayed through his work and dedication. Jamison arrives at Aquinas every afternoon to get the training room set up. When class is dismissed at 3 p.m., he goes right to work, giving
athletes the needed medical care. He treats the long line of athletes that seek his invaluable treatment. Jamison evaluates athletes’ injuries, tapes them up and prepares them for practice. Once everyone is taken care of, he goes to the practice or competition
coach Sarah Cretors said, “He has been there as great support for our team.” Jamison is always attentive to the specific needs of athletes. Every day, he tapes up the volleyball players that require it. He also provides them with ice and heat rub for sore muscles.
knowing that professionals administer treatment and determine what is best for our players’ safety.” Jamison is grateful for his position in the Aquinas community. “Sarah Burgess has accepted me with open arms and believes that I can help out the athletic program and she has been nothing short of spectacular in helping me help the programs,” Jamison said. The warm welcome has not stopped at coaches and faculty. He added, “The student athletes have been great. They have been slowly warming up to me and making me feel like I Photo by Daniel Petracek | The Shield belong here. They have Jamison tapes up an Aquinas football player during the game versus Blue Valley. He is on the sideline of every football game been the utmost respectful group of kids and that is to evaluate and treat any injuries that may occur. greatly appreciated by me.” of the most high-risk Jamison has also been Jamison also sport for that time of year. a huge asset to the mentioned his admiration He is present in case football program. He for the coaches and any athletes need his has helped make sure the way they run their assistance. that there is a mode of programs. He alluded to After the conclusion communication between the impressive number of the practice or game, rehab professionals and of banners in the gym as Jamison returns to the team doctors. Jamison is evidence. training room. There, also on the sideline for all In an unfortunate set he evaluates and treats the football games, readily of circumstances, athletes injuries, sets up the cold attending to those players will have to see Jamison whirlpool and gets ice that require treatment. for a visit. Just know that for anyone who needs it. Head football coach he will do all he can to Jamison has a very busy Randy Dreiling said, “I feel have them on their way to schedule, but he enjoys his fortunate that we have Mr. a speedy recovery. job and makes it his goal Jamison to care for our This story was written and to never let a athletes. It formatted by senior Daniel 19 coach down. is a huge Petracek, the Shield’s current The People managing editor. Volleyball comfort
The Milestones
Whats inside
Saint Thomas Aquinas students collected 158,377 cans in 2014, setting a national record
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2015 Canstruction
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Cross Country Double Victory
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Volleyball’s Domination
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Get Involved
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield
The Icebreaker
Devin Diggs Meet Devin, varsity runner, class president, and, last but not least Aquinas’ Mr. Congeniality 2015.
Just for fun, what is your favorite Disney princess and your favorite TV show? My favorite princess is Belle and I LOVE Gray’s Anatomy. What would you say is your favorite thing about Aquinas? My favorite thing about Aquinas is how everyone’s always working together to achieve greater things. I see that in our Canned Dood Drive, academics, sports programs, and everything we do.
Photo courtesy of Devin Diggs
What activities did you participate in and what did you enjoy about them? I did soccer, debate, basketball, Student Council, Key Club, and track this year. In each activity I learned a lot of new things and made new friends. I liked how I got better at each activity while still having fun with my friends.
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What was your favorite thing about freshman year? My favorite thing about freshman year was meeting a lot of new people and making new friends. Interviewed by senior Olivia Rode, @oliviarode on Twitter, The Shield’s back page editor.
2014-2015 In Review
Cross Country
Boys Snap Carroll’s Streak
The boys cross country team overcame Bishop Carroll and won their first state title in 6 years. BY JANIE BACHKORA
After their 2nd place finish last season, the boys cross country team began the 2014 season with one goal: break Bishop Carroll’s streak of five consecutive state championships, and they did just that. Their path to the podium was difficult. Senior Mike Grasing said, “We had injury problems, including our best runner (junior Michael Shanahan) having to sit out for a while. We proved that we had depth to overcome these injuries. Everyone else just stepped up.” The boys had Photo by Abby Pope | The Shield a successful regular Junior Alex Gill edges Carroll graduate season, winning four Hunter Nance to place 17th.
meets, taking second at the Eastern Kansas League championship and placing third at Rim Rock and the Metro championship. Grasing said, “I knew we were capable of it. Everyone was very confident, and that is extremely important for this sport.” The state race itself played “I knew we were capable of it. out just how they wanted it Everyone was very confident, to. Grasing said, and that is extremely important “I felt like we for this sport.” needed to run to our potential, and we would Mike Grasing get the win.” 2015 Graduate They ended up winning by a wide margin. The Saints scored 58 points, beating rivals Blue Valley West (81) and Bishop Carroll (107) with depth: Junior Daniel Petracek (5th) sophomore Will Cole (11th), senior Mike Grasing (13th), sophomore Alex Gill (17th), and seniors Cole Friedman (24th), Alex Dwyer (35th) and Jackson McElroy (40th).
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The Milestones
The Saint Thomas Aquinas Shield
Cross Country
Girls Remain Unbroken
The girls cross country team trounced St. James to extend their state unbeaten streak to three titles.
BY JANIE BACHKORA
The girls’ goal this year was to defend their title. They went into the state meet with confidence and competitiveness. Senior captain and individual champion Emily Downey said, “We looked at how successful we were last year and how we had worked “...if we believed in hard over the past year ourselves we could do and knew that if we believed in ourselves great things.” we could do great things.” Emily Downey The team had a very successful regular Graduate season. They placed first at every meet, except for Rim Rock where they placed third. Downey said, “We had gone to a lot of meets with big competition and lots of teams, racing people from all over the Midwest. In the postseason, our races have a lot less girls and competition compared to those meets so because of our success in the more competitive fields we felt confident and at ease during state.” They went into the meet with a plan, and they were
Photo by Elizabeth King | The Medallion
The Saints take control early at the state championship. able to execute it. Downey said, “[We] pulled out all the right moves right when we needed to.” The final results were Downey in first, freshman Margaret Pigott in second, sophomore Maggie Sieben in fourth, junior Olivia Rode in fifth, sophomore Grayson Smith in seventh, junior Haley Dietsch in eighth and junior Abbey Hopfinger in 17th. Downey said, “I have worked for four years for a day like that and it’s nice to see it all pay off. It was such an honor and truly amazing to have such great This story was formatted by Seth Walker and written by Janie Bachkora, The Shield’s co-editor in 2014-2015.
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The Milestones
2014-2015 In Review
Beating the Odds
Against all odds, the Saints volleyball team beat St. James, securing a state title. BY DANIEL PETRACEK
Photo by Liz Conard | The Medallion
What better way to finish the season than to defeat your archrival, the defending state champs and a national powerhouse, in the state title game? The Aquinas girls volleyball team was able to do just this, avenging last year’s loss to St. James Academy in the 2013 5A state championship game. Winning state had been a goal since day one for this team. They understood, though, that they had to be patient to get their revenge. The team set very high standards for itself. Senior Sara Sullivan said, “We wrote down all of our goals at the beginning of the season. It included a lot of little stops along the way, like winning EKL, beating St. James, and going undefeated.” The girls were able to make it through the regular season with only four losses. At the state
tournament in Topeka, they straight points to give the defeated Newton, Seaman, Saints the lead. Bishop Carroll and Sullivan said, “Reagan Shawnee Heights. They Pittman, Carlyle Nusbaum’s went on to face St. James back row and Christy’s in a rematch of last year’s serves are definitely what championship. brought us back into the “We went into the game.” game planning on playing After going back and three sets. We forth for knew they’d put rest “We knew them better the up a good fight,” of the set, than anyone. We knew Aquinas Sullivan said. The Saints was able how to play them.” started the to win by first set strong. a score Sara Sullivan Whenever St. of 25-22, James scored negating 2015 Graduate a point, the the need Aquinas girls understood for a third set. that it was essential to get “Right after the ball hit the next one. They were the floor on that last point, able to win the first set we were on top of each 25-23. other, crying and smiling. The second set did not It was amazing,” Sullivan begin as well. The Saints said. faced a 10-4 deficit early The Thunder were a on, and were forced to call familiar opponent. Aquinas a timeout. Coming out of had already played them the timeout, junior Christy four times prior to the Rheinberger served seven championship with a 2-2
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The Milestones
record against them. Sullivan said, “We knew them better than anyone. We knew how to play them.” It was this experience and confidence that allowed the Saints to defeat their rivals, who have reigned at the forefront of Kansas volleyball for so many years. They ended the Thunder’s streak of six consecutive titles, and won their first since title 2007. The Saints won every match of the state tournament in straight sets and finished the season with a dominant 42-4 record. Sophomore Bridget Doherty set the Aquinas record for assists and assist efficiency, and Pittman set the record for kill efficiency.
This story was formatted by freelance reporter Becca Haeusser and was written by senior Daniel Petracek, The Shield’s managiong editor.
2014-2015 In Review
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Last Look 2014-2015
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1) Junior Rhyann Fisher salutes the crowd and senior Holly Hanson during introductions of the girls basketball game against Bishop Miege. Photo by Tiffany Nguyen | The Medallion 2) Sophomore Bridget Doherty sets up junior Regan Pittman for the championship-winning point in the volleyball state final against St. James. Photo by Liz Conard | The Medallion 3) Teammates chase senior Lasse Nilsen as he celebrates a goal just eight minutes in the 2014 state championship game. Nilsen, a foreign exchange student, scored twice. Photo by Rachel Spenner | The Medallion 4) Senior Tom Pyle jumps at the Saints Invitational track meet. Pyle is the school record-holder in the long jump and triple jump. Photo by Liz Miller | The Medallion
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2014-2015 In Review
Last Look 2014-2015
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5) Junior Laney Zabroske holds a sign as part of the annual Life Chain movement. Photo by Anthony George | The Shield 6) Junior Maggie Martin and Senior Russell Brown sing together in the first act of the school musical, Children of Eden. Photo by Elizabeth King | The Medallion
7) Sophomores particpate in the Chariot Race during Spring Olympics. Photo by Brianna Woicke | The Medallion
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8) Seniors James Pyle and Madison Holmes dance together at WPA. The couple dressed up as Clark Kent and Lois Lane for the “Dynamic Duo� themed dance. Photo by Michelle Gress 9) Student Council members roll in a cart of cans for the canned food drive. Photo by Jenni Nguyen | The Medallion
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2015/2016 School Year Events Calendar
8/12 Freshman class party 8/15 Saints’ Stampede 5k 8/24 NHS Supply Drive 8/28 V Soccer vs. SJA 9/4 Blue & Gold Kickoff 9/5 XC Greg Wilson Classic 9/11 Middle School Tailgtate 9/25 V Football vs. Miege 9/26 Sta Novice Debate 10/2 V Homecoming FB Vs.GE 10/3 Homecoming Dance 10/15 Open House 10/17 Tennis State 10/30 State XC & VB 11/5 Musical 11/6 State Boys Soccer
11/28 5A State Football 11/28 State Boys Swim 2/20 Dinner Theatre 2/26 State Wrestling 3/10 State Basketball 4/8 Wigs Out 4/15 Spring Olympics 4/17 Saints Walk for Life 4/21 Spring Play 5/10 Baccalaureate Mass 5/11 Graduation 5/13 State Boys Tennis 5/20 State Girls Swim 5/26 State Baseball & Softball 5/27 State Girls Soccer 5/28 State Track and Field
The Shield Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Visit www.stasaints.net/calendar for a more extensive version of this calendar.