Predator - October 2011

PREDATOR PAUL R. WHARTON HIGH SCHOOL

Oct. 10, 2011

INSIDE

AMERICA REMEMBERS 9/11

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

An All-Florida Publication

Volume 15 Issue 1

Say goodbye to lacrosse

From New York to the Wharton High, Americans join together for the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

Pages 8-9

NEWS

Page 2

JUNGLE LIFE Dark Side of the Gardens amps up the horror and zombies.

Page 7

ENTERTAINMENT Pottermore brings Hogwarts magic back to muggles.

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SPORTS

Dani Albright and Chad Ankers: top competitors and best friends. Page 16

Justin Velazquez, senior, takes on an East Lake defender in an effort to score. Unless the Hillsborough County School Board sanctions lacrosse as a varsity sport, this may be their last season. Photo by Emily Broaddus

School-sponsored lacrosse clubs shut down in Hillsborough County alliedavison sports editor Unless the Hillsborough County School Board passes a ruling to sanction lacrosse as a varsity sport, students must say goodbye to both the girls and boys school teams.

“We have a centralized program. That means that we make those types of decisions at the county level,” said Lanness Robinson, director of athletics in Hillsborough County.

In June, the Florida High School Athletic Association mailed a letter to all member schools clarifying their stance on school lacrosse teams statewide.

According to Dr. Roger Dearing, executive director of FHSAA, the association had become aware that many schools were sponsoring lacrosse as club teams, despite lacrosse being one of the 30 recognized or sanctioned sports in the state of Florida.

Under FHSAA policy, school-sponsored clubs may not function as a sport that is recognized or sanctioned by the FHSAA. Any connection made between the school and club that involves taxpayer money (supplying equipment, insurance, transportation) automatically qualifies it a school sponsored team.

For a sport to become club participates on campus like sanctioned, like basketball any other club, Hillsborough or football, there must be 10 County is allowing it to stay. percent of member schools, in “Lacrosse clubs that meet all four sections of the state, during the day are okay as long who participate in the sport. as they operate like any other Each section has an average interest club at a school. The of 200 schools, with the Miami teams outside of school must area having close to 209 and the not be affiliated with the school panhandle having an estimate in any manner,” Robinson said. of 197.

“Members of the outside teams A recognized sport is one that is can attend any school that the distinguished club allows and to be upcan even use a and-coming name.

I don’t think they school in the state, However, understand the but doesn’t those teams have enough are not a part competitiveness teams for it the athletic and the fans that of be sanctioned. program of the love the sport.

For example, school.” water polo Counties Brant Wickersham, has grown across the state junior in numbers have been around the affected by the Palm Beach area according to FHSAA ruling and have now Dr. Dearing. However, the sport taken action to solve the issue. only has participates in two out Lee County, located near of the four sections which is why Naples, created a “Save Lee it is considered a recognized County Lacrosse” campaign to sport. help bring the problem to the Due to the amount of schools attention of board officials. On violating the policy of school- July 26, the Lee County School sponsored teams, the Board of Board passed the sanctioning of Directors granted an amnesty lacrosse as a self-funded varsity period for previous violations of sport. the rules.

On Sept. 2, news-press.

Following the 2011-2012 com released an article saying Florida schools, the schools Randy Heitz, president of the must conduct lacrosse under the Lee County Lacrosse Alliance, FHSAA or the school sport will deposited the first required half discontinue sponsorship. If the of the $61,425.72 fees which

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The Florida Aquarium and St. Pete Times renovate.

allowed the schools to have full recognition for both girls and boys teams under the FHSAA this upcoming season.

Despite these achievements in Lee County, rumors amongst Hillsborough County players have become unsettling.

“I don’t think they understand the competitiveness and the fans that love the sport. They could bring in so much money and help encourage the sport and spread it around the area,” said Brant Wickersham, junior.

Since the announcement of the lacrosse policy in June, 45 boys teams have been added statewide to the 94 recognized in 2010-2011 and 24-25 girls teams were added as well, according to Dr. Dearing.

With one year left before schools must make their decisions, players hope officials see how much lacrosse means to them.

“It is disappointing because we all work hard, and we are just as important as any other varsity sport at Wharton. I think we deserve an equal opportunity just like they do and we should get the representation they do as well,” Wickersham said.

“Lacrosse isn’t really like any other sport, it’s a lot different. It bonds every team member more than anything I’ve ever seen because you all have to work together and you have to play as a real team.”

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News

Oct. 10, 2011

Predator

Tampa prepares for critical convention final propositions and proposals, and the winning candidate represents the political party in the 2012 Presidential race.

Many large cities, including 326 days, 21 hours, and 42 sec- New York and Minneapolis have onds remain until the 2012 Re- hosted past Republication Napublican National Convention tional Conventions. This event opens at the St. Pete Times Forum has been an economic success for kicking off the next step in the these cities.

2012 Presidential race.

Hotels and businesses are al“The Republican National Con- ready preparing for the event and vention is like a big pep rally for are expecting heavy traffic in the the Republican Party,” Todd Har- Tampa Bay area. vey, American Government and ”We are expecting to be close U.S. history teacher, said. “It’s a to maximum capacity, if not sold big step in getout for the ting ready for weekend of the general electhe RepubliThe convention is tion in Novemcan National ber of 2012.” important because Convention,” The convenTim Yankou, the candidate tion, which will Marriott Wawho wins the begin on Aug. terside and 27, 2012, is exRepublican Party Marina hopected to draw tel manager, nomination could national crowds said. become the next including govOn top of ernment offipresident of the the projected cials, Republi15,000 plus United States. can candidates, booked hotel as well as other rooms, traffic Todd Harvey Republicans in the Tampa U.S. history teacher participating in Bay area is the 2012 Presiexpected to dential Primary sky rocket Elections. during the “The convention is important convention. because the candidate who wins “August is going to be a rethe Republican Party nomination ally tight month for us,” Deputy could become the next president Mike Miller, Wharton student reof the United States,” Harvey source officer, said. “We are on a said. lockdown where we are unable to This convention is held as the take off time during the month. It last step with the final nomination just goes to show how the departof the Republican political party. ment is preparing.”

Here, the candidates rally their The Tampa Bay Police and Hills-

brandongoldman staff writer

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Texas Governor Rick Perry gives a thumbs-up to the audience in front of the Texas State Capitol building in Austin on Jan. 18, 2011. Photo by Andy Jacobsohn, Dallas Morning News, MCT Campus borough County Sheriff Departments expect the convention to reward the Tampa Bay area, while benefitting local small businesses and retailers.

Debbie Carter, public relations officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff Department, expects that the crowds the convention brings will prominently draw more people to the streets, leaving the sheriff and police departments on high alert during the convention.

“The local sheriff department and Secret Services are heavily preparing for the convention,”

Carter said. “We have already begun holding meetings with all of our law enforcement officers so at all of the towns will be able to work in conjunction.”

In addition, Tampa expects a significant increase in tourism dollars prior to, during and just after the convention. This includes revenues to restaurants, transportation, local businesses and tourist attractions.

Florida has not hosted a Presidential Nomination Convention since 1972. Tampa has previously hosted major events such as the 2008 World Series, the 2001 and

2009 Super Bowls, 2011 Stanley Cup and other major internatioal tournaments.

“I best see this convention coming very close to the Super Bowl, with a large sum of people pouring in from all over the United States, all here for the same thing,” Carter explained. “Local venues are definitely going to see similar impacts.”

Alongside the expected 50,000 visitors for the convention, over 7,500 volunteers including teenagers and adults of all ages will be deployed to make sure convention guests are welcomed.

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Hurricane Hunters lose $12 million in budget cuts kellyperetz news editor Before hurricane Irene breezed in, the Hurricane Hunters were on the case. They used a powerful WC-130J plane which rides on 4,700 horsepower to venture deep into the swirling clouds of hurricane Irene on Aug. 20, 2011.

Also known as the ‘53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron,’ in the Air Force Reserve, the Hurricane Hunters have been flying into the eyes of hurricanes since Aug. 7, 1944. In the middle of World War II, a training aircraft was taken into a hurricane because of a dare, although they did not deliberately fly in until September 1945.

The schedule of the modern Hurricane Hunters, however, is much more demanding.

Three storms. Twice a day. The Hurricane Hunters’ schedule is

intense. Predicting the path and condition of storms, the Hurricane Hunters are a vital part of hurricane forecasting. A full-time Hurricane Hunter receives from $30,000 to $70,000 per year.

Plans to cut research budgets for the squad at MacDill Air Force Base, which consists of the three planes that are responsible for the tracking of Hurricane Irene, may put the brakes on future Hurricane Hunter flights. The cut of $12 million may also make finding the money for natural disaster relief difficult, and require the money to be borrowed from other sections of the federal budget.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operates the squadron based at MacDill, and is trying to make clear to the Unites States Congress how imperative the research flights really are to the forecasting of potential disasters. Even though

there are foreseen short-term savings, there are also high long-term costs.

These flights save lives and money in hurricane damages because they can accurately predict the impact the storm will have when it lands. The budget cut of a whopping $12 million could affect the accuracy and precision of the forecasting, and the east coast’s safety.

Although these proposed budget cuts aren’t final, if they are implemented, there could be a serious nega- Water from the floodgates of the Conowingo Dam crashes violently, tive impact for next Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, in Port Deposit, MD. Photo by Karl Merton Feryear’s flights. ron, Baltimore Sun, MCT Campus.

Today in History

1780:

1845:

The Great The United States Hurricane kills 20,000 to Naval Academy opened 30,000 in the at Annapolis, MD. Caribbean.

1991:

1911:

The Panama Canal opens.

US cuts all foreign aid to Haiti.

1959:

Pan Am World Airways announced the start of the first global airline service.

1996:

Cornerstone dedication for Holocaust Museum in NYC.

News

Predator

Oct. 10, 2011

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NASA ends 30 year space program heathermontgomery editor-in-chief On July 21 at 5:57 a.m. the end of an era commenced as the space shuttle Atlantis’ wheels touched down for the last time, marking the end of NASA’s Space Transportation System.

It was decided by the Bush administration to shut down the program after 30 years and 135 manned missions. Reasons include new goals for NASA, such as returning to the moon, extended space flights and risk reduction, especially after the Columbia accident in 2003.

“Following the loss of space Shuttle Columbia, the President announced a new vision for space exploration, whose goals were to use the space shuttle to finish construction of the International Space Station and then retire the shuttle,” NASA spokesperson Michael Curie said.

Though there will not be any manned liftoffs from the Kennedy Space Center, American astronauts will rely on the Russian Federal Space Agency to commute to the International Space Station.

“NASA astronauts continue to fly aboard Soyuz capsules to the International Space Station as NASA works to develop its next launch vehicle, and assists commercial ventures with their programs to launch humans into space,” Curie said. “The shuttle accomplished its mission of constructing the space station and transitioning to a new era of exploration out of low Earth

Space shuttle Atlantis lands at the Kennedy Space Center concluding 30 years and 135 space missions for the program. Atlantis will be displayed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors’ Complex. Photo by MCT Campus orbit.”

For senior Erin Kocher, the end of the shuttle program is not only sad, but discouraging. Her fifth grade field trip to MOSI’s old space mission simulator sparked a passion for space exploration.

“I’m freakin’ furious [about the end of the shuttle program].

Now my dreams of becoming an astronaut have been sucked into a

black hole,” Kocher said.

The end of the shuttle program is not only affecting students’ ambitions, but also the economy of the Space Coast. An estimated 9,000 shuttle-related jobs are expected to be laid off, and many local businesses are feeling the financial effects of the shuttle program cancellation.

However, Charlie Ragland, sales

manager of Space Shirts, a local t-shirt store, is confident with the businesses along the Space Coast.

“It is a tough economy in Brevard County with the space shuttle program ending, but we have diversified,” Ragland said.

“We have learned with the end of the Mercury program, the Apollo program and now the shuttle program. I think in the coming

years we will be fine. We will come back. It is just a matter of time; it always has been.”

Although it may feel as if this is the end of NASA’s human space exploration for a while, aspiring astronauts and galaxy gazers should not lose hope.

As Apollo 13 crew member Gene Kranz once said, failure is not an option.

Florida Aquarium, St. Pete Times Forum undergo multi-million dollar renovations haleygonzalez college editor “The changes going on in Channelside will really help with the economy and bringing in more tourists,” Darby Frankfurth, junior, said.

Buildings around Channelside are making more than a couple changes in the next few years.

The St. Pete Times Forum and the Aquarium are both being renovated.

Renovations to the St. Pete Times arena are not only basic repairs but also a change in appearance. They are changing the color scheme to a new blue and white theme and replacing all the stadium seats.

The arena will also include a new concession stand on the second floor, a pipe organ for in-game entertainment, an indoor stage and a large lightning bolt that will light up during player introductions.

“This building needs help. It hasn’t been properly maintained,” said Tom Leiweke, Lightning team executive.

In addition, a new 11,000 square foot outdoor party deck will be installed where fans can overlook downtown Tampa while enjoying treats from the 10 different food and beverage places on the deck.

“The party deck sounds awesome!” Nick Gigante, a senior, said.

The renovations, costing a little more than $40 million, aren’t only coming from the pockets of the

Thomas Tonelli, sophomore, looks in on the shark tank on display at the Florida Aquarium. The Aquarium is currently undergoing renovations to enhance the visitors’ experience. Photo by Alex Montgomery team and owners.

“The Lightning will pay for the work upfront and seek partial reimbursement from Hillsborough County tourist taxes,” said Leiweke.

Another payment made towards changing Channelside was made

by Mosaic. The Florida Aquarium is starting a program called “Rising Tides.” The purpose is to raise $15 million in order to expand the

aquarium. Mosaic, a global phosphate company, helped fund this program by donating $2.5 million.

This is the largest gift the Aquarium has ever received. The “Rising Tides” program now has $6 million towards its goal.

“Mosaic made the donation in order to further stabilize its 16 year partnership with the Florida Aquarium,” Senior Vice President of Phosphate Operation Bo Davis

said.

The Aquarium, already ranked as a “Top Five Kid- Friendly Aquarium” by Parents Magazine, is planning to renovate their facilities once they have raised all the money needed. They hope to add a wing southeast of the main entrance which will change the appearance of the front of the aquarium. The new lobby will feature some exotic, aquatic animals be-

hind glass panels, a slight change of color scheme and more space to move about and explore.

“I think it, [the changes] will bring the Aquarium into the public eye, encouraging Florida citizens and tourists to visit the Aquarium and all its new aspects,” Frankfurth said.

In addition, the Aquarium plans to add marine science classrooms, exhibit space and a new conference space that will be called the Mosaic Center. The science classrooms will mainly be used for school field trips and private parties to teach kids all about various types of sea life and to be able to bring creatures that the children can see up close without fear of harming the animals.

“I would love it (to the Aquarium) because you would be able o see the way animals interact in their surroundings,” Shannon Parma, junior, said.

“We are hoping that these changes will be able to bring in more students so we can teach more about the ecosystems and how they are affected by everything we do,” Davis said.

The new changes to the Aquarium are planned to begin in September of 2012 while the renovations to the St. Pete Times Forum are underway now.

“This really shows we are serious about believing in the Aquarium’s mission and committed to environmental sustainability and stewardship,” said Davis.

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NEWS

Oct. 10, 2011

Predator

‘Hiking ‘em up’ new law; students forced to comply marlenemiranda feature editor Florida high school students, pull up your pants and tighten your belt. Senate Bill 228, known as the “baggy pants” bill, was approved by Governor Rick Scott on June 2.

“This new law is being enforced in all of Florida. It’s not Wharton, it’s not Hillsborough County. It’s your state legislature who decided this,” Kevin Stephenson, assistant principal, said.

The new law states that “each district school board is to adopt a dress code policy that prohibits a student, while on the grounds of a public school during the regular school day, from wearing clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner or that disrupts the orderly learning environment.”

“You could wear a t-shirt with Bob Marley smoking a joint and you’ll be required to take it off or turn it inside out, but the punishment is different if you wear clothes that expose your underwear or body parts indecently,” Stephenson said.

For the first offense, a student will be verbally warned and his or her parent or guardian will be called. For a second offense, the student will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities for five days. For a third or subsequent offense, the student will receive in school suspension for three days and will be prohibited from extracurricular activities for a time not exceeding 30 days.

“Where the dress code gets different this year is that they added extra-curricular activities to the punishment. Things like Prowl, homecoming, basketball games and football games will be prohibited to those who break the new dress code law,” Stephenson said.

“I think the new dress code law is extreme. I could understand why they’re enforcing rules about people wearing inappropriate clothing because it is distracting.

However, I don’t think it is right to not allow a girl to prom or homecoming because she was wearing shorts,” Brandon Kramer, sophomore, said.

“We’re really encouraging students to just follow dress code.

We don’t want them to miss out

on their extracurricular activities.

If you’re on a volleyball team, let’s say you have two matches that week. If you get a second offense in the beginning of the week, you’re going to miss both of them,” Vicki Key, assistant principal, said.

The penalty is not just limited to athletics. LSA, band and clubs are included too. However, if a student has LSA and band, he or she is not going to be taken out of the class.

“The punishment doesn’t go into academic time; it only goes in any extra hours put in. You’re in LSA, you are still able to participate during your classtime, but you won’t be able to be in the production if you’ve violated dress code around the same time, Key said.

“Also, you not participating because of dress code will not be held against you for your graded work. It wasn’t your choice to not participate, it was the school that pulled you out.”

Key says she thinks students are dressing more appropriately now.

“The administrative group here recommended three days and sent it to district,” she said. “The consequences are very harsh.”

Which of senior Erin Kocher’s outfits is appropriate for school? Help her choose wisely. She doesn’t want to risk losing her privileges to participate in extracurricular activities, and the soccer team is counting on her to play in every game. Photo illustration by Emily Broaddus

Hydration key to athletes surviving killer Florida heat joshacierno staff writer

Sophomore JC Ulbrich quenches his thirst after two long, hard hours of basketball conditioning. He, like many other students, drink water to stay hydrated. Photo by Scott Sollazzo

This summer six student athletes were dead within one week of each other due to severe heat illness after intense and hot summer practices.

Heat-related illnesses are a leading cause of death for high school athletes throughout the United States. The heat and humidity in Florida is intense enough to make anyone vulnerable to heat sickness but when athletes are exerting themselves day to day and do not have enough rest, that is when the risk is highest.

“Drinking before, during and after practices or games is the best way to stay hydrated,” Dr. Rebecca Lopez, assistant professor in the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine said. “When muscles get too hot they fatigue and don’t work properly or as productive.”

Water is a basic necessity for everything your body does. To digest just one calorie it takes about 1.5 milliliters of water. Because most

athletes have hungry appetites, it requires more water to digest the high amounts of food ingested.

If water lost through sweat, urination and chemical reactions are not replaced, it is very likely for an athlete to become dehydrated or possibly end up with heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

“Taking off the players’ pads and replacing fluids, preferably with sports drinks, is the best way to treat for heat exhaustion,” Lopez said. “Heat stroke, on the other hand, requires professional medical attention but you should take the same precautions and put the player in an ice bath.”

The easiest way to determine if you are properly hydrated is through urine. If your urine is a dark yellow color, it is a sign of dehydration. Other colors you want to pay attention to are black, green and red because they can be associated with different illnesses that may require medical attention.

“I drink all day... probably about two gallons a day. I drink at school and when I get home I drink and drink and drink and drink. I prefer Gatorade over water though

October 2011

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6:15 PM Varsity & JV Volleyball vs. Bloomingdale

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3 PM Boys/Girls Golf vs. Freedom

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7 PM Boys/Girls Swimming @ King 7 PM Varsity Volleyball vs. Riverview 7 PM JV Football vs. Sickles

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Football Pep Rally 7:30 PM Varsity Football vs. Freedom

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7 AM Western Conference Swimming @ Bobby Hicks

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because it tastes better,” senior varsity running back, Marcolm Banks said.

Although different drinks that may contain water such as sports drinks and coffee are said to hydrate your body, it isn’t true. Water is always better to drink unless your body has endured physical strain for long amounts of time,.

In that case, sports drinks are favored because of the electrolytes that are in them.

Electrolytes dissolve through sweat, and they are necessary for cellular metabolism and creating energy from calories. In other words, it allows normal body functions and performance to take place properly.

Every athlete needs water, whether he or she plays in pads, in heat, rain or snow. It’s a basic need for every athlete in every sport. Some may believe that in cold sports people do not get dehydrated but senior ice hockey player Jordan Camposano said that is not true.

“Well,” he said, “ we don’t drink the ice. We still get just as hot as any player for any other sport.”

2 PM Girls/Boys Golf District 7 PM Varsity Volleyball vs. TBT 7 PM Fall Concert

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Band Competition @ Chamberlain

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Boys/Girls Swimming District Meet

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2 PM Boys/Girls Golf District

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Club Day JV Football vs. Freedom

2 PM Boys/Girls Golf Regionals 5 PM Cross Country County Championship @ Lake Park

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End of 1st Grading Period 5 PM Cross Country Conference 5:30 PM Boys/Girls Swimming @ Tampa Prep 7:30 PM Varsity Volleyball vs. Bloomingdale

5 PM Volleyball District vs. Bloomingdale 7 PM Prowl

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7 PM Volleyball District @ Bloomingdale

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6:30 PM Homecoming Dance

COLLEGE

Predator

Oct. 10, 2011

5

Getting scholarships, no big deal haleygonzalez college editor It’s your senior year. You have taken the SATs and ACTs and scored your highest on them. You have sent in your college applications, and you are planning the rest of your life. No more worries, right?

Wrong. You still have to figure out how you are going to pay for the transition into the rest of your life, beginning with college.

Some students may have the benefit of their parents footing the bill for college tuition, but if that isn’t possible for you, there are still options.

“The most common [scholarships] for students in Hillsborough County are from Hillsborough Education Foundation, Rotary Club, Elks Club, etc.,” Damieon Lovett, assistant director of University Scholarships and

Financial Aid at USF, said.

Students tend to apply for scholarships that they have heard of and are familiar with. However, few realize how many different scholarships are actually available for students who are willing to work for them.

“The biggest mistake most students make when applying for scholarships is being apathetic and procrastinating,” Leena Hasbini, Success Center manager, said.

Looking for scholarships may not be fun, which is why many students tend to put it off, but in the end its worth it.

“The worst thing about looking for scholarships is figuring out where to start. There are so many out there, you just have to do your research and never give up…”

Madelyn Diaz, senior, said.

While it is fun to sit around and believe that you will go to school without any money issues, you need to start facing the facts. The people who get the most scholar-

ships are the ones who apply for every scholarship that relates to them.

“No scholarship is unusual if you can get free money at the end,” Lovett said.

Although, Lovett admitted that the scholarship he received from a funeral home when applying for college was pretty unusual.

“Some unusual scholarships include the Duct Tape Scholarship, the Milk Mustache scholarship, the Little People of America scholarship,” Hasbini said.

There are plenty of scholarships available even if you don’t have a strange talent.

There are a huge variety of scholarships available: for participating in a special event, for volunteering in your community, and even for showcasing your creativity.

Scholarship possibilities are endless if you know where to find them and how to go about applying.

Websites such scholarships.com

Illustration by Carin Coursey

and fastweb.com have been proven helpful.

While it may seem silly to go back and double check that you

have filled in every single blank in a scholarship application, it really is important.

“Students often forget to include all the information that is required to apply for the scholarship (i.e. letters of reference, transcripts, essay, etc.)

Some even forget to put their contact information on the application. If you are selected, you can’t be notified if they can’t contact you,” Lovett said.

There are scholarships out there for everybody, so put your best foot forward, and don’t forget to include your address.

Say ‘so long’ to SAT stress, hello to higher scores alydamminger staff writer The SAT is said to be one of the most important tests you will ever take… Nervous? Don’t be.

At first, the SATs can seem a little intimidating.

Guidance Department Chair, Cindy Rogers, offers this advice: “To avoid being so anxious about the SAT, plan on taking it more than once, This way you have time to retake it after you have seen it once, and then your anxiety will go down.”

The exam is composed of three major sections: critical reading, mathematics and writing. The critical reading segment consists of 19 sentence-completion questions and a series of reading passages with 40 comprehension questions. The mathematics segment includes 35 multiple choice questions, about 10 gridded-response questions and 10 studentproduced response questions.

For the writing segment, students are given one hour to write an essay based on the topic provided.

Prompts usually deal with an ar-

Illustration by Carin Coursey gument, so be prepared to pick a side and defend it.

Nationally, the best possible score for the SAT is a 2400 and the average highest score is a 1500.

So what can you do before you take the test to make yourself feel more comfortable?

“Practice, practice, practice!” said Mitchell Rebenstorf, SAT instruc-

tor. “You should start preparing for the exams at least six months prior to the testing date. This gives you plenty of time to prepare for the exams: practice, review and quiz yourself again and again.”

Students tend to have many different methods of prepping for the big day. Some hire a tutor, some obtain SAT practice booklets, and

some review everything they have collected throughout their entire high school career.

“I think it’s a good idea to hire a tutor before taking the exam,” Rebenstorf said. “If for some reason you can’t afford a tutor, don’t panic, everything helps! Get a practice book and put in the time each day to complete them. Keep doing the practice tests over and over one section at a time.”

Believe it or not, Wharton High School offers a free summer SAT course to prepare you for the exam. The program lasts four weeks and runs from 8 to 12 Monday - Thursday.

“I enrolled in the program to get a good score on the SAT,” said Meghana Tatineni, freshman. “My parents were the ones who got me into it, and it wasn’t even all that hard. The good thing is that you work at your own pace and you teach yourself. It’s an online course, so you don’t need to worry about getting a ride anywhere.

“First, you take a practice test and then, based on your results, you get lessons to enhance those skills. At the end of the fourth week, you take one final test to

evaluate the improvement you’ve made over the past weeks.”

The summer SAT course is written by the same people who make the exam. There are many practice tests and problems that you will see again on the actual SAT, so it’s extremely beneficial to enroll.

Even after taking the test, the pressure is still on. Some students aren’t happy with their score and decide to take it again to improve it.

“Students should retake the exam even if they do great! Now-a-days, your SAT score is the key to being accepted into a college. If students do poorly, go back to square one: re-evaluate your study time and seek extra help,” Rebenstorf said.

If your future means anything to you, he stressed you should: make sure you stay on top of things. If you don’t prepare for these tests while you have time, the results will be shown in your score.

“The need to take these test are the utmost importance,” Rebenstorf said. “Sacrifice things to study for this. Believe me, all the study time and perseverance will pay off in the end. It all begins with you.”

OPINION

Oct. 10, 2011

STAFF

6

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Heather Montgomery MANAGING EDITOR Diana Dellecese FEATURE EDITOR Marlene Miranda

Predator

Wharton pulls up its drawers EDITORIAL Perhaps never portrayed better than ‘General’ Larry Platt during the ninth season of American Idol is America’s (and Wharton’s) battle against the sagging pants of modern society. “Pants on the ground, pants on the ground.

Lookin’ like a fool with your pants on the ground, with the gold in your mouth. Hat turned sideways, pants hit the ground. Call yourself a cool cat with your pants on the

ground. Walkin’ downtown with your pants on the ground!”

Yes, gentleman, you look like fools with your pants on the ground. Man was created with two arms for a reason. That reason does not entail one arm being used for regular purposes, and the other latched onto the waist of dragging trousers, all the while keeping them from creating a very large pair of ankle socks.

It’s always a treat to see what kind of person believes wearing cargo shorts as full-length pants is appropriate for an environment

of learning. At Wharton, we are given this treat too often.

The Florida Legislature knew of our qualms even before we realized they existed. They delivered a new dress code mandate, or “Sagging Pants” bill, which prohibits students from “wearing clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner.”

It is a breath of fresh air, knowing that fresh air will not be reaching areas “south of the border” on male students walking around campus. However, the conse-

NEWS EDITOR Kelly Peretz ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Bryant Morisseau SPORTS EDITOR Allie Davison PHOTO EDITOR Emily Broaddus EDITORIAL EDITOR Yvonne Bertovich CENTERSPREAD EDITOR Ashley Benjamin MUSIC EDITOR Dylan Constant COLLEGE EDITOR Haley Gonzalez ILLUSTRATOR Carin Coursey ADVERTISING MANAGER Jessica Shrinsky

Illustration by Carin Coursey

FINANCE MANAGER Princess Claveria STAFF WRITERS Nick Rogers Aly Damminger Brandon Goldman Jade Beuth Manal Benyamine Breanna Stackpole Will Barnes Olivia Mahanor Josh Acierno PHOTOGRAPHERS Scott Sollazzo Alex Montgomery Kelley Nesler ADVISER Terry Sollazzo

quences, some feel are too harsh.

They believe that suspensions from extracurricular activities or school should not be involved with the acceptable or unacceptable distance from your bellybutton to the waist of your pants.

If you are one of those people who tout, “I wear my pants below my waist,” the “formal” rules guarantee a call home to Mom and Pop on the first offense. Still not scared? The second offense involves ineligibility for extracurricular activities for up to five days, and the third offense involves inschool suspension. So, “Hiking em’ up” is highly recommended.

Keeping the “class” in class now has a new, mandatory rule of cooperative drawers. This is not a difficult task with the help of a simple invention many take for granted.

Clearly, knowledge of this ingenious device is rare enough that the state had to step their patent penny-loafers in. The word of the day is belt. B-E-L-T. In the dictionary, a belt is “a strip of leather or other material worn around the waist, especially in order to support clothes.” Now that that is common knowledge, the transition from emulating the dragging britches of prison inmates will be a bit easier.

Limping around town leads the belt-wearing folk to question the level of intelligence that fills one’s brain. They wonder if the gears “up there” are turning, or if there is a pebble stopping production.

Success does not arise from these inquiries.

Grades, and opportunities will slide down, down, down. Much like those jeans, those cargos, whatever. Maybe those bigwigs of the state knew what they were talking about. Just maybe.

As we climb the ladder of life, wherever it may lead; college, a career, who knows, what we do know, is that our pants should be there, right with us, with every step.

No assistance necessary.

ROVING REPORTER : Overall, do you agree with the new ‘Saggy Pants’ law?

“No, I don’t believe saggy pants are attractive, but passing a law is a waste of time.”

Lea Estrill, freshman

“I think it’s fantastic. I think if girls can’t show their undergarments neither can guys.”

Lindsay Holder, sophomore

“Yeah I do. No one wants to see people’s butts and stuff. It makes them look stupid.”

Leah Chisolm-Allison, junior

“I think wearing low pants is degrading. Why would someone walk outside like that?”

Adam Holm, senior

Predator staff publishes 2011-12 editorial, advertising policies The journalism students at Wharton High School publish Predator, the only official newspaper on campus. The purpose of the newspaper is to factually inform and entertain its readers.

As an established open forum for the student body, truth will be the staff’s major goal. It is the responsibility of each staffer to adhere to the Journalism Code of Ethics as set by the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi. All published material will be the result of brainstorm sessions by the staff. Subjects stimulating to the majority of the student body will be used. The Editorial Board will determine the priority of the stories and the overall design of the publication.

The adviser serves to give students a better understanding of the functions and ethics of a free press. The adviser does not serve as a censure. Student editors will decide material to be published.

In accordance with community standards, profanity will not appear in this publication.

Students are free to express an opinion on matters of public interest under the “fair comment rule.”

Under this rule, the student has the right to intelligently criticize the school and its policies.

Editorials reflect the opinion of Predator.

Opinion stories reflect the opinion of the writer and do not represent the opinions of the faculty and WHS administration.

Controversial issues will be covered from both points of view. School news, as well as any local, national or international events will also be covered. All illustrations/photos will be bylined.

Any factual errors will be corrected.

Letters to the editor are welcomed. Letters must be signed and be between 200-300 words. They may be submitted to Room 237. Predator retains the right to edit letters to comply with journalistic standards.

Ads which promote illegal products under Florida Law, oppose any religion, are written in bad taste, include racial or sexist comments or false statements will not be accepted. The Editorial Board has the right to refuse any

advertisement. No advertising that is copyright protected, libelous, irresponsible, or that violates school or community standards for good taste will be accepted. Students who appear in ads must sign a model release acknowledging that they will not accept monetary remuneration from the client, and that their appearance in the ad is for the benefit of the publication rather than the business or professional.

All accepted advertising accepted must meet the same guidelines as editorial content.

Acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement by the school, the staff, or its individual members. Ad rates are available by calling (813) 631-4710 ext. 264.

Oct. 10, 2011

U GE IE

Paul R. Wharton High School

20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, FL 33647

Volume 14 Issue 1

Zombie Mortuary is one of three new haunted houses added to Howl-O-Scream this year. In addition to the new houses, Howl-O-Scream brings back past popular haunted houses as well as two new live shows to better the experience. Reprinted with permission from Busch Gardens/Tampa Bay

Howl-O-Scream: Better with the lights off brandongoldman staff writer

“Alone” allows guests to go through a haunted house completely by themselves. It first debuted in 2010. Reprinted with permission from Busch Gardens/Tampa Bay

Step into the Dark Side of the Gardens and be blown away by haunted houses, thrilling live shows and menacing zombies for this year’s Howl-O-Scream at Busch Gardens.

“It’s practically a ritual to go to Howl-O-Scream with my friends and my family,” Jamie Winfrey, sophomore, said. “I think it’s pretty safe to say that this year’s theme is going to top anything they have done before.”

Described as “the most horrifying Howl-O-Scream yet,” this year’s theme will feature bone-chilling zombies as well as all new additions to the previously popular haunted houses. The new haunted houses at the Dark Side of the Gardens include Nevermore, Zombie Mortuary and the Ultimate Gamble: Vampire Casino.

“We have done away with the ‘scare zones’ of the past and, instead, have made the entire park one big scare zone,” Jill Revelle, media relations manager for Busch Gardens, said.

“There are hundreds of zombies that roam the park in 20 hordes – clown zombies, biker zombies, doctor zombies… even a multi-generational fam-

ily of zombies.”

Continuing the thrilling experience, The Dark Side of the Gardens will bring back some of the scariest haunted houses from the past, but to keep people on their toes, there will be new thrills and surprises.

“While we do bring new houses to the mix each year, we feel it’s important to bring back some of the guest favorites each year. Just like people enjoy going to their favorite restaurants over and over again or seeing their favorite movie repeatedly, they also enjoy seeing some of their favorite haunts again the following year, according to our survey results,” Revelle said.

Back by popular demand, The Dark Side of the Gardens will bring back the popular personal experience ‘Alone’, as well as expanding the experience in Nightshade Toy Factory, Death Row Vengeance: Fear the Dead and Deconstruction: The Doctor Is Out of Control.

“I can’t even imagine what the haunted houses are going to be like this year.” Winfrey explained. “It’s like they are taking a great thing and making it a million times better – it’s going to be awesome.”

On top of all of the haunted house attractions, Busch Gardens is also intro-

ducing two all new live shows, including Midnight Hour and Fiends.

The experience lives on as visitors will ride all of the bone-chilling roller coasters in complete darkness.

“The best part of Howl-O-Scream is riding all of rides at night,” Chris Rodriguez, sophomore, said. “SheiKra and all of the other roller coasters are insane in the dark because you can’t see what’s in front of you.”

The Dark Side of the Gardens will be open every week Thursday-Saturday until Oct 29.

“For our first time guests, you should expect to experience an edgy, scary, adult event that starts the moment they walk up to the front gate and doesn’t let up until they leave at the end of the night,” Revelle said. “We’ve turned Busch Gardens into a totally immersive experience where the scares come at you from all sides.”

Standard admission for this year’s Howl-o-Scream is $77.99, while discounts are available to current Busch Gardens Season Pass members.

Savings for admission can also be found at participating Publix Supermarkets or with promotional codes found on select Pepsi products and participating Applebee’s, Taco Bell and Lifestyle Family Fitness centers.

8

CENTERS

Oct. 8, 2011

9/11: Memories never fade

by Ashley Benjamin

“That’s when it really became painful, because it was like seeing a wound in the side of your country, your family, your friends,” said Frank Culbertson, Expedition 3 commander who was at the International Space Station and viewed the attacks on the World Trade Centers from space.

America was frozen in shock on Sept.

11, 2001, when 2,977 innocent Americans were killed after the first terrorist attacks on American soil. Ten years since that day the events are still etched into the hearts and souls of Americans.

On the tenth anniversary of the tragedy the National September 11 Memorial opened in Manhattan at the plaza where the attacks took place.

The memorial features two reflecting pools that are about an acre in size and 30 feet deep in the footprints where the World Trade Center used to stand.

The names of those who were lost in the Twin Tower attacks, the Pentagon, Flight 93 and the six who were killed in the 1993 World Trade Center North Tower bombing are etched into bronze panels circumscribing around the pools.

The names are grouped with the people who were friends, colleagues or with whom they spent their final minutes to make the memorial even more unique.

“It makes it even more special to know that their names are together,” said Kelcey Cohen, sophomore.

Some even feel a deeper connection the names on the memorial than others.

“It sparked a little emotion,” said Briana Jeffries, junior, when she saw the name “Monica Rodriguez and her unborn child” on the 9/11 Memorial. “It makes me upset that she’d never be able to see her child smile or get to spend those little moments with her child that we take for granted.”

To commemorate 9/11 New York Governor , Andrew M. Cuomo and his office created the official New York State September 11 Flag that flies at the entrance of the National

September 11 Memorial.

The flag is navy blue and has a white bordered Pentagon in the middle, symbolizing the Pentagon attacks, two white silhouettes of the Twin Towers inside the Pentagon that represent the Twin Tower attacks, and around the pentagon shape are 40 yellow stars that embody the 40 passengers on flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania.

At the bottom in white text states the infamous phrase: “We Remember.”

“It represents the incident correctly. It has a strong quote that touches out hearts.

It makes me remember what happened and gives respect to the people that died,” said Ilouisa Salazar, sophomore.

After the two buildings fell, it was thought that everyone in the rubble died.

However, 20 people were pulled out alive.

The last rescued person was Genelle Guzman-McMillan, who was stuck under the rubble for 27 hours.

“I feel so bad for her. Personally if I were here I’d be down there crying the whole time. That is a very traumatic experience.

Thank god she made it through all of that,” said Jocelynn Benton, sophomore There are also two other main September 11 memorials. One is located in Shanksville, PA, and honors the Flight 93 victims, and The Pentagon memorial opened in 2008.

The Flight 93 Memorial will feature a Wall of Names with the 40 victims who prevented an even greater attack on American soil.

A Tower of Voices that will hold 40 chimes that ring in the wind, honoring the ones lost. The Sacred Ground Plaza will be blocked off by a wall, surrounding the area of land where the plane crashed.

The Pentagon Memorial features benches with the names of the victims, and a wall that goes from 3 inches to 71 inches, the range of ages of the people who were killed.

“Many people try to forget what happened on September 11, but you can’t forget so a memorial makes it real again,” s a i d Andrea Mann, junior.

Families place flowers and fla 9/11 memorial. The memorial Saul/ Philadelphia Inquirer / MCT

Americans pay their tribute to morial service was held at Ar son/ St. Louis Post-Dispatch / MC

w o n d n a n e h t e 1 1 n i / l 1 1 e / 9 tim from

Oct. 7, 2001 War in Afghanistan begins

Sept. 11, 2001 Terrorist attacks on American soil

May

Cons begin me

SPREAD

Oct. 10, 2011 The Idaho Statesman

Anchorage, Alaska

Biloxi, Miss.

Boise, Idaho

The Charlotte Observer

FOLIO LINE

A look at newspaper front pages the day after 9/11

Charlotte, N.C.

9 FOLIO LINE

Anchorage Daily News

The Sun Herald

Anchorage, Alaska

Biloxi, Miss.

The Idah

Bo

‘I had to remind myself to breathe’ My Sept. 11 was spent in my out all the bad emotions people American history class. This was don’t like to feel. It all seemed scripted. a time in my life when When the towers fithe most important nally collapsed, there things in my world conwas a period where I sisted of video games, had to remind myself professional wrestling to breathe. I was numb. and why I wasn’t popuThere were people inlar in school. “REAL” side of those buildings, issues when you’re a 16 normal people just like year old. me.

Witnessing a real life Joseph After the first tower attack on home soil Iovino collapsed I saw somewas much different Former thing that changed me than what I had seen Predator staff as a person. A group in video games; it was member of firefighters were real. marching into the secThere was death, panic and a helpless feeling of not ond building after witnessing knowing what to do. It brought the first building collapse! It was The Miami Herald Miami

The Kansas City Star

The Wichita Eagle

Kansas City, Mo.

Wichita, Kan.

9/11 ANNIVERSARY BONUS PAGE -- SEPT. 12, 2001 MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE

a suicide mission and you could see it on their faces, yet they marched on.

A look at newspaper The following years wouldpages the day after show replays of the buildings collapse; the same emotions surfaced.

When you’re a child everyday in school you will say the Pledge of Allegiance not quite knowing why you’re saying it, but you just do it because you know you’re supposed to. Sept. 11, 2001 was our reminder.

A decade later with proper training and education, I am now a firefighter/paramedic. That event made me realize who I wanted to be in this life.

I will not forget.

The Charlotte Observer Charlotte, N.C.

The Miami Herald

The Kansas City Star

Miami

Kansas City, Mo.

9/11 ANNIVERSARY BONUS PAGE -- SEPT. 12, 2001 MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE

‘I’d never seen New York City so empty’ A few minutes later I heard the It’s almost surreal that it has World Trade Center had been hit. been 10 years since 9/11/01.

I couldn’t believe it. It didn’t seem I remember it was my first possible. Believe it or not class day at NYU. I had just moved resumed until we heard from Tampa to news that the Pentagon New York and had been hit. On that note, was excited for my our professor sent us back new life in the Big home. Walking home was Apple. I remember like being on a movie set. walking to class There were all these people and seeing a crowd in business suits, covered of people looking with debris, bleeding, up. All I could crying; people with no see was smoke shoes, torn stockings all and didn’t really understand what Melissa Hago walking north.

I lived downtown was happening. I Former so I had to walk in the continued on and Predator staff opposite direction of the walked into my crowd. I was uncertain class. It was there member about whether I should that I overheard even be going that way. When I someone say a plane had got to my dorm that’s when I saw crashed. my roommates watching TV. That My first thought went to was the first time I saw the actual my father who was supposed footage of the towers being hit. It to fly back to Tampa that day.

was like my brain was working in slow motion I used AOL Instant Messenger to let everyone know I was okay.

The days after were like an old western movie. Downtown was isolated. You were only allowed in the area if you lived there.

I’d never seen New York City so empty. I just remember somehow getting home to my family in the Bronx and thinking how crazy everything was.

I thought about how lucky I was that nothing happened to me or anyone I knew and how we have to appreciate every second of our lives.

I’m sure no one thought in a million years that something like this could happen, but it did.

Even though 10 years have passed, every day I try not to sweat the small things, to be thankful that I’m alive and enjoy life as it comes.

‘I saw planes falling from the sky’

o 9/11 on the tenth anniversary. This mert Hill in St. Louis, MO. Photo by David CarCT

tower - live on television. It was A plane fell out of the sky now obvious that this was no into one of the buildings of accident. I remember taking my the World Trade Center. It was cell phone out and trying already on the news to call my mother. She in homeroom when was working at the United I walked through Nations at the time - just the door. a cab ride away from the Although it was World Trade Center. odd to see this, Phone lines were most of the people jammed all day. I kept watching the TV wondering when the next at that moment plane would fall from the thought it was a Nick Tester sky. I heard in my next freak accident. Out Former of nowhere a second Predator staff class that the Pentagon was hit. Still couldn’t get plane hit the other member

through to mom.

By the time I got to my fifth period English class my phone battery was nearly dead. I watched the news all day when I got home. Finally, I got a call from a Connecticut number around 4pm - It was my mom, and she was fine. I was happy that I was one of the lucky ones that didn’t lose a family member, but still troubled and fixated on the news.

I watched cable news all day and all night for weeks after that.

Watching and hoping not to see another plane fall out of the sky.

Design by Ashley Benjamin

June 15, 2001

Sept. 11, 2008

Construction begins for Pentagon Memorial

Pentagon Memorial opens

May 8, 2006 Flight 93 memorial construction begins

Sept. 11, 2011 National 9/11 Memorial opens

May 1, 2011 Osama Bin Laden is killed

by US forces

Photos by MCT Campus

struction ns on 9/11 emorial

The Sun Herald

Alumni Remember 9/11

ags onto their loved ones’ names at the l opened on Sept. 11, 2011. Photo by April

y 8, 2006

Anchorage Daily News

The W

Wic

10

FEATURE

Oct. 10, 2011

Hurricane season stirs up new names oliviamahanor staff writer Camille, Andrew and Katrina are more than just names; they are the names of the most destructive hurricanes to ever hit the United States.

Killing 2,304 people and causing approximately $115 billion in damages. These three storms are considered the most powerful, the most deadly and the most deserving of early retirement. In other words, no other hurricanes can share their names. So, how are the names of hurricanes chosen?

It may be confusing, as to why we use names for hurricanes as opposed to numbers. However, behind each name is a meaning.

WFLA head meteorologist, Steve Jerve said the World Meteorological Organization, a part of the United Nations, gets to choose each of the names for all the hurricanes. Every name that is picked by the WMO is supposed to represent the culture of the countries that the hurricane has impacted.

The names of hurricanes are short and should be easily pronounced and sensitive to other cultures and regions. This alleviates incorrect pronunciation and no countries getting offended with the selected names.

The origin of the hurricane names began with military words like Able, Baker and Charley. Then

Three More Destructive Hurricanes

Bhola-Deaths(300500,000) Ninja - Deaths (100,000+) Pauline-Deaths (300,000 homeless, 400 dead) SOURCE: ranker.com

they were changed to women’s names. In the late 70s,at the height of the Women’s Liberation Movement, the military started to include men’s names along with the popular use of women’s names.

Now the WMO takes turns every year using men’s names one year and then women’s names the next year.

“It is very fair to switch the names from boys and girls so it is not sexist,” Aniko Illes, sophomore, said.

Names are chosen alphabetically as a way to keep track of all the hurricanes. The Atlantic is assigned six lists of names for the hurricanes. Each year every name on the list starts with a different letter. The only letters in the alphabet that are not used to name the hurricanes are Q, U, X, Y and Z. Since 1954, over 40 names of hurricanes have been retired due to damages done.

Illustration by Carin Coursey

Predator

FEATURE

Predator

Oct. 10, 2011

11

New Tampa sweet area for fro-yo lovers

Frogury is one of the hot spot yogurt destinations for teens. Alex Johncola, sophomore, heads for Frogury for a sweet treat right after school. Photo by Kelley Nesler

Frozen yogurt, fro-yo, frogurt, whatever you call it, it has one definition: delicious. There are quite a few places in the local area where fro-yo lovers can get their fill of this sweet treat.

“They’re literally popping up all over the place,” Kami Roush, junior, laughs. “I don’t know where they all came from, but I’m not complaining.”

Anybody who’s been to Wiregrass mall is familiar with Mochi Berry at 2000 Piazza Ave #150, where they offer a variety of different flavors to refresh their customers after long hours of shopping in the sweltering Florida heat.

“I like the vanilla yogurt,” Kaitlyn Hoyt, sophomore, said excitedly of her favorite flavor at Mochi Berry. “I put strawberries, chocolate fudge and graham crackers.

It’s so good!”

Another frogurt place that’s been rising in popularity with students is Yogurt Mountain, at 12817 N Dale Mabry Hwy. “Yo Mo,” as some call it, is rated at an 80 per-

cent positive feedback on urbans- prefers the new Frogury, located poon.com, a food reviewing Web at 6431 E County Line Rd Ste 110, site, and where 16 flavors along and also rated above average on with over 500 toppings are offered. urbanspoon.com.

“I go a lot,” Haynes admitted.

Yogurtology at 1202 S Church Ave Suite C is also a must for frozen “I’m going today, actually.”

Frogury is conveniently located yogurt fans, according to junior directly across from LA Fitness, Shawn Jones.

“I’d have to say I’ve been there to cool off their customers after a about 10 times,” Jones exclaimed, hard work out. Workers at Frogury promise that “…in the past their delicacies month.” are healthy Jones claims enough that to be a huge I’d have to say I’ve they won’t fan of the been there about 10 ruin whatever cookie sandwas just acwich, where times...in the past complished at customers month. the gym. take two cook“We’re a lot ies, put some healthier than yogurt in the Shawn Jones most frozen middle, and junior yogurt plac“smash ‘em es,” said Morall together.” gan Sturgeon, Not many other places offer this, which is a server at Frogury, and true to why, along with other reasons like their word, Frogury does indeed their variety of toppings and fla- offer a vegan-friendly specialty vors, that this frozen yogurt shop and other healthy choices.

If you have a sweet tooth that was rated way above average on urbanspoon.com, as “95 percent needs curing fast, you can be sure that there’s a delicious treatment like it!”

Senior Scarlett Haynes, however, just down the street.

“

“

jessicashrinsky advertising manager

Trick or treat, smell my feet, give us something good to eat marlenemiranda feature editor By the time they have their driver’s license, many consider hanging up the old pillowcase.

However, some teens contradict this and continue their favorite Halloween tradition of trick or treating.

“I’m probably going trick or treating with my friends this year,” Nathan Monkress, junior, said. “Besides, your options are limited when Halloween is on a Monday.”

In the past, cities across the country have banned trick or treating for teenagers, placing an age limit.

And even though rarely enforced, many people debate over the appropriateness of teenage trick or treating.

“Trick or treating isn’t about age; it’s about the joy of reliving what it was like when you were a kid at Halloween, remembering what spooked you and how much fun you had,” Monkress said.

Parents argue that their younger

children are frightened by the older teens trick or treating in their neighborhood.

“When I trick or treated when I was little, I always saw teenagers out. I didn’t mind because I was with my older cousins. No one lets a little kid go out in town alone,” Luna Sepulveda, junior, said.

Not only that, but most teenagers today are perfectly capable of getting their own candy supply.

“You know you are too old for trick or treating when you have facial hair and drive a car,” Lisa Speranza, mother of sophomore AJ Speranza, said.

On the other hand, teenagers say that they have a right to be able to trick or treat during Halloween.

“A lot of parents don’t like the idea of a teenager showing up at their doorstep asking for candy, but I don’t see what the big issue is,” Shawn Jones, junior, said. “If a teenager came to my house, I’d ask them how much candy they want.”

“It’s not a holiday that is restricted to just kids,” Jones said.

Illustration by Carin Coursey

12

Oct. 10, 2011

Top 5 Horror Films

by Bryant Morisseau

The Shining is an eerie picture chronicling the caretaker of a hotel’s descent into madness.

It’s required viewing for any film aficionado, with its scenes being parodied in everything from Scary Movie to the Simpsons.

Nightmare on Elm Street stands out from the rest of the slashergenre due to Freddie Krueger’s terrifying ability to kill victims in their own dreams.

Saw is a grim tale of a man with a troubled past who takes up an alter-ego named “Jigsaw” to punish those who don’t value their lives. Tough break for the victims trapped and tortured to death in various agonizing ways. Fortunately for us, this makes for great horror.

Silence of the Lambs is about FBI agent Clarice Starling’s attempts to pry information on the criminal mind from psychiatrist turned cannibal, “Hannibal Lecter.”

Paranormal Activity and Saw writers merge in the most unholy of unions to create Insidious, a horror detailing the events of a family under siege by the forces of the paranormal. As if a haunting is enough, the youngest member of the family inexplicably falls into a coma, further stressing the cracks of their relationship.

SOURCE: amazon.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Predator

Get arms of steel with Deus Ex bryantmorisseau entertainment editor It’s the year 2027. Red security lasers hum ominously as you crawl on all fours out of the man-sized vent, but you pay no heed to their warning. You have a job to do, and as you become more and more entranced with finding the truth, your already tunneled-vision grows narrower. Now heavily armed guards bay at your position. You need to think fast.

You count one door- one doorand a vending machine. Crossing the water wouldn’t be an option even if you were fully human, so you compromise. You can do things other people can’t- other people who can’t afford the surgery that is.

In an effort to buy time, you whisk up the vending machine and place it at the door way and make your way towards the security console. You wrestle FEMA’s security algorithms and you come out on top.

That robot the guards were going to use to flush you out? It sweeps the corridor with bullets and, in an instant; one of your problems is gone. Now to figure out how to get past that water.

This is just one way a situation can play out in Deus Ex- and just one of the ways you could’ve handled it. Scripting was thrown to the wayside in favor of a more open ended approach to how you can progress through the Deus Ex this time around.

Instead of the game holding your hand and telling you where

SOURCE: amazon.com to go, you’re let loose into the sprawling city hubs of Hengsha, China and Detroit- free to hack, eavesdrop and break into all the hideouts you need in your quest for the next big lead.

All of this is possible thanks to a heavily augmented mercenary leader called Jaron Namir who

brutally beats you, slams you through a window and shoots you in the head during an attack en masse at biotech company Sarif Industries where you work as the head of security.

In order to save your life, the CEO of Sarif Industries (David Sarif,) gives you top of the line

prosthetic limbs, organs and even eyes. Adam didn’t ask for thisbut since his line of work now includes hunting ruthless mercenaries, finding his girlfriend (and the host of other kidnapped scientists) and uncovering countless conspiracies, augmentation is no longer an option.

Experience points are earned for pretty much everything you do: hacking, killing, exploring, finding alternate routes and even not killing people through use of nonlethal weaponry. As you progress through the game, your experience points are used to unlock any augmentations you’d like. Different augmentations will make different areas accessible or make combat (or avoiding combat) an easier feat. You could get through this whole shooter without killing anyone at all through stealth and talking to the right people, in the right way.

All those augmentations are available- but not all at once- so you’ll have to choose whether you want to spend your time crawling through airducts and bypassing guards with invisibility and silent footsteps or being more combatoriented with augmentations like steady aim and the typhoon system which bathes everything within eight metres in fire.

Deus Ex is the kind of game that you can’t put down until you’ve left no path undiscovered and no vending machine left unturned. In a genre saturated with mindless linear shooters, a game that isn’t on-rails that encourages strategy is a much needed breath of fresh air.

Pottermore brings magic to muggle fingertips jessicashrinsky advertising manager Two months ago, the magic of Harry Potter ended. On Oct 1, it began once again.

“Since the last movie just came out there’s nothing left, so this is something they can get excited about. It’s just never ending awesomeness,” Cory Goldman, senior, says of the new Harry Potter interactive Web site, Pottermore.

“A cataclysm of never ending awesomeness.”

Goldman of the house of Gryffindor, wielding his 11 inch ¾ elm wand, unyielding, with a phoenix feather core, stands by sophomore Brianna Ward, Hufflepuff, as they are two out of a million lucky fans who received the official Hogwarts’ letter via email on July 31, (which happens to be Harry Potter’s birthday.) Once receiving the email, the new Hogwarts’ students were permitted to log into the Web site early, rather than on the grand opening Oct 1, to find out which of the four Hogwarts “houses” they belong, and to receive their wands.

“I have an 11 ½ inch maple wand,” Ward proudly said, “unicorn hair, springy.”

Fans agree that this is a great way of keeping the legendary series from truly coming to an end, with advantages such as keeping in touch with other crazed fans, as well as keeping the story alive.

“JK Rowling is still writing and posting on there and so stuff is always coming out, so it’s a cool interactive way to continue the se-

Seniors Madeline Baker, Abby Doupnik and Cory Goldman gather around their makeshift portal to Hogwarts. They were lucky enough to get early login information. Photo

by Alex Montgomery ries,” Goldman said.

In Pottermore, Rowling goes through each chapter of each book, elaborating on just about every character, with fun facts about their lives before and after the Harry Potter books.

“Pottermore is pretty much where JK Rowling invites you to live in the Harry Potter story, and she gives more information than

she’s been writing [in the books],” explained Ward.

According to the article “Pottermore Secrets Revealed: J.K. Rowling’s New Site is E-Book Meets Interactive World” by Sonia van Gilder Cooke, the Pottermore Web site will allow fans to read over 18,000 words of exciting new Harry Potter content.

“It talks about every character

and every artifact in depth,” Goldman said excitedly of the new content. “It feels like you’re inside of Hogwarts, but you’re actually sitting at your computer.”

This month, Potter fans better board their broomsticks and prepare for the flight through Pottermore. Ward only has one word to truly describe this adventure: “Magical.”

Predator

ENTERTAINMENT

Finding music? Faking a text? Saving a file?

There’s an app for that... bryantmorisseau entertainment editor If you’re like most teenagers, your phone is already an extension of your hand, let it become an extension of your mind with these apps.

Fake-a-Text: Standing around with no one to talk to? Need an excuse to leave a party that just flatlined? Fend off those, and many more awkward situations with Fake-a-Text, an app that will revolutionize your social life! It allows you to schedule a fake text for any time in the future, and even allows for pseudo conversations to elude those suspicious to the origins of your messages. As if absolving yourself from commitment isn’t enough, you can even name your texter. Now you can be excused

by Kelly the imaginary girlfriend or Barack Obama- whatever suits your mood.

Soundhound: Hear a song on the radio that you just have to know the name of? Hold your iphone up to the speakers and Soundhound will tell you the name and allow you to purchase it right then and there. It works by analyzing the nuances in frequency of the song, then holding them up to scrutiny against thousands of other songs in a database.

I gave it the most real world test I could think of- driving with the AC on full blast and a conversation going on and it worked the

Illustration by Carin Coursey majority of the time. False positives are rare and if it isn’t able to figure out the name of the song it probably just needs to be closer to the source of the music.

Dropbox: Claiming to have forgotten your flash drive is no longer an excuse thanks to Dropbox.

It lets you sync your documents,

pictures, and any other folder you would use on the computer to the cloud- allowing for easy access on your iPhone, Android or PC. This app has been my lifeblood for years- letting me get away with forgoing flash drives and providing quick and simple data retrieval wherever I may be. Best

part about it? Assuming you don’t have to transfer more than two gigs at once, it’s completely free!

Last.FM: Now that you have an app to identify songs, you’ll need an app to find new bands and genres you never knew you’d enjoy. That’s where last.fm comes in.

Touting a library of over three million songs, you’d be hard pressed to not find something you like in this boundless vat of melodies.

“But what about Pandora?” Pandora may be good at what it does, but last.fm does it better. Sporting a wider variety of music and a library with such high numbers you can’t go wrong, last.fm is the winner here.

IMDb: This popular Web destination often flies under the radar of people looking for apps- and that’s a shame because it’s one of the most helpful on this list! Assuming you’re into movies (who isn’t?) The IMDb app brings showtimes, trailers, reviews and more to your fingertips. Bugging your friends and the clerk at the concession stand about what movie to see is a thing of the past.

Wikipedia: Obvious, but definitely worth a mention. This app makes googling things a whole lot easier. No more sifting through cryptic Web sites for you! The information culminated from centuries of history is at the forefront with this app- making online searches that much more efficient than the bulky textbook you “have” to use.

Blink-182 on the Honda Civic Tour dylanconstant music editor This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Honda Civic Tour, and the second time Blink182 headlined it.

Although it’s been nearly two decades since the punk-rock trio first hit the music scene in southern California, their energy and stage presence still continues to keep fans entertained.

The tour, which was held at the 1-800-ASK-GARY-Amphitheatre on Sept. 24, was sold out to 18,000 screaming fans as Blink-182 played songs off their soon to be released album Neighborhoods as well as all the classic hits fans have come to know by heart.

Matt & Kim opened up the show with lots of fun, and balloons, in the air, followed by My Chemical Romance playing their rather unusually short set, but fans were really still waiting for the main act of the night, Blink-182.

Through a cloud of smoke and laser light show the band started with a bang, literally, playing with their classic high energy hit, and personal favorite, “Feeling This” and transitioned into their newest single “Up All Night.”

Then finally, the moment fans were all waiting for: the on-stage jokes and tom-foolery that makes Blink-182 one of the most fun, and at times funniest, bands to watch.

After five minutes of jokes and welcoming, the band began their appropriately named “The Rock Show” followed by “What’s My Age Again?” which Mark Hoppus (bass guitar, vocals) said was Tom

Blink-182 plays songs off their new album Neighborhoods on the Honda Civic Tour.

Other bands that performed include Matt & Kim and My Chemical Romance.

Delonge’s (guitar, vocals) time to shine.

As a musician and performer, it was obvious they were having a lot of fun up there and that they were happy to be back and doing what they love.

Even the more “sentimental” songs as Hoppus called it, started with childish giggles between Hoppus and Delonge.

It was also very refreshing to hear Delonge show off his skills in some of their more technical songs like “Stay Together for the Kids,” not to mention a couple of very impressive drum solos by the now legendary Travis Barker (drummer). However,

the trio never let the electrifying atmosphere die down and so it was back to singing about teenage angst and girls in their songs “Dumpweed,” “First Date” and “Always.”

Halfway through the show, the guys decided it was time for a dance contest with Kim from Matt & Kim and playing their perverted little tune entitled “F*** a Dog”, which reminded fans that even though Mark, Tom and Travis are all married with children, they still haven’t grown up.

After a couple more classics, the band left the stage to begin the encore, which as any Blink-182 fan knows, means a an extravagant

drum solo by Travis Barker, probably flying through the air.

And so it was no surprise when the curtain came up and Barker was strapped to an enormous mechanical lift which hoisted him and his entire drum set above the heads of thousands of fans for almost 10 minutes.

The band ended the night with “Carousel” and “Dammit,” and the now concert favorite “Family Reunion,” just a bunch of curse words sang in a melody.

With a promise to “see you next time!” from the band, fans left assured that Blink-182 was back and better than ever. Honestly, the boys put on one fantastic show.

Oct. 10, 2011

13

OFF THE CHARTS Dylan Constant, music editor

David Guetta The job of a DJ these days isn’t what it used to be. The demand for catchy music is higher than ever, and it is increasingly becoming the job of crossover DJs like David Guetta to fulfill this demand.

One the latest releases in the long list is David Guetta’s fifth studio album, Nothing But the Beat, released Aug. 29, which combines his electronic, dirtypop, house-music style with catchy vocals by pop and R&B superstars such as Akon, Chris Brown, Dev, Flo-Rida, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, Sia, Snoop Dogg, Taio Cruz, Timbaland, Usher and Will.I.am.

The album follows his 2009 Grammy-Winning One Love, which sold millions worldwide.

The album begins on a high note with the popular “Where Them Girls At” and “Little Bad Girl” followed by equally catchy, yet at times repetitive songs “Turn Me On” and “Sweat.”

The first change in style comes in “Without U” featuring R&B mega icon Usher. Compared to the rest of the album, this song has a much more melodic take on the club style of music that has made Guetta famous.

To be honest, the rest of the songs on the CD begin to blend together.

Guetta has a supreme command over the genre to which he is appealing; however, it does not seem that any real crossover is made to any other style.

The songs, themselves, would make for good tracks to dance to at the clubs, and already are, but don’t expect the album to make any mainstream success.

Overall, if you are looking for a couple good songs to dance to with your friends, check out Nothing But the Beat on iTunes. Choose the songs you like and buy them separately.

If you’re looking for the next great pop sensation, look somewhere else.

14

Oct. 10, 2011

HOTSPOT

H T P T:

Oakley’s Grille offers great food, hang-out

dianadellecese managing editor

gonna be wowed by everything encouraging the growth of bonds between people while still offering that’s happened.”

The menu offers a diverse low prices and exceptional food.

“The main goal is basically to give selection of food, ranging from their signature sandwich, “The a great dining experience for the Oakley” featuring turkey breast, guests, and the main way I’m doing genoa salami, roast beef, capicola, that is through consistent quality smoked ham, provologne, tomato, food and genuine hospitality and onions and Italian dressing priced a very clean environment. That’s at $7.49, to a seasonal fruit salad the main thing is to make sure with fresh fruit, cranberry raisins the guests have a great dining experience, and sweet Oakley said. pecans, priced “In these We’re gonna at $6.49. Prices economic range from make sure that times you about $4-8. when they leave, want to make “My favorite sure that it’s they’re gonna item on affordable. their menu be wowed by They feel like is the bacon everything that’s they’re really cheeseburger ( getting the happened. $6.79). You can bang for the tell it’s better buck when Keith Oakley, quality than they come in. other fast food owner You don’t feel restaurants. It’s like you’re totally worth the price. It doesn’t break the bank getting ripped off.”

With chain restaurants becoming either. I know I’m getting a lot for my money. It’s become one of my more dominant in the world of favorite places to go,” Steffany eateries, Oakley’s Grille offers a refreshing take as to how eating Belcher, senior, said.

People these days are constantly out should be done. Once you step in a rush to get from place to place, foot through the doors, you’ll be but every once in a while it’s good smiling straight through the bill, to slow down and catch up with and find yourself planning your next visit. friends.

Oakley’s Grille’s business hours While some restaurants pride themselves on speed and delivery, are Sunday- Thursday 11 a.m.-9 Oakley’s Grille tends to stick to p.m., and Friday- Saturday, 11 these more traditional practices, a.m.-10 p.m..

“

“

It is said that some teenagers’ stomachs resemble black holes.

With restaurant prices going up and food quality going down, it’s important to make the right picks when looking for a bite to eat to fill those black holes.

Oakley’s Grille offers a fresh alternative to the dimly lit tables of other chain restaurants. It’s bright yellow walls and welcoming employees lure new customers into the restaurant every day.

Their reputation has been built upon great service, fresh food, and exceptional atmosphere.

Their family based restaurant has only been open for a few months and have already gained a legion of loyal followers.

“It’s a family-owned restaurant.

We get a lot of comments that they’re glad to see a family restaurant, something that’s not a chain. And I think people like to support that, owner Keith Oakley said.

“We’ve had people who have already been here 20 times, and we’ve been here two months.

They’re gonna get great food at a very reasonable price. They’re gonna be greeted as they come through the door, someone’s gonna make sure their food is perfect. We’re gonna make sure that when they leave, they’re

Predator

Sebastian Sandoval, senior, enjoys his burger after a long day of school. Oakley’s Grille has become a popular hangout for high schoolers. Photo by Emily Broaddus

SPORTS

Predator

DAVISON’S PLAYBOOK Allie Davison sports editor

Excuses, excuses, excuses...

Dirty Laundry?

Recruiting gets aired “But, Mom, everyone is doing it.”

The universal excuse, heard around the world, from every high school student.

Unfortunately, blaming actions of others extends beyond the perimeters of high school and into the complex world of college athletic recruiting.

You hear stories and allegations of NCAA investigations coming out of almost every elite athletic college in the country.

This summer, one of the most eyeopening headlines to grace the news desks was the fallout of the University of Miami’s recruiting process. Their dirty laundry was aired all right, but, in this day and age covers are bound to be blown from sources willing to compromise in fear of the NCAA board.

However, accusations at UM went beyond the typical pay for play concepts.

Statements were made against boosters and coaches that they paid out of pocket for prostitutes for new signees and had even terminated a recruit’s girlfriend’s pregnancy to free him of obligations that would have caused him to de-commit.

Some believe this scandal is just as bad as the 1980’s blow-up of Southern Methodist University that was given the “death penalty” by the NCAA. Others believe what went down on South Beach is much worse.

If you were in anyway shocked by the uncovering of the illegal actions at UM you are naive. Every big time college has closets full of skeletons. In order to win today, you flash a high school student a stack of crisp bills and you have yourself a player.

The NCAA consistently warns athletic directors at these universities that they are coming for them, but is that threat enough to make them stop?

The only punishment ruled for Miami players involved in the allegations has been suspension, the most being three games.

You can’t stop the boosters sending heartwarming gifts, and you can’t stop players accepting them until the NCAA puts its foot down...for real. Talk is cheap.

Until the disciplinary heads take serious action, these major colleges are willing to take the risk of getting caught. If players are taught to cheat, they will cheat their way through the rest of their lives.

What would happen if powerhouse programs such as Oregon and Auburn are found guilty? What happens to the integrity of college football?

This is bigger than schools paying players.

This is bigger than losing a few players to suspensions.

This is bigger than anyone is able to comprehend.

But wait, just go tell Mom everyone is doing it.

DON’T FORGET THE BLACK OUT: VARSITY FOOTBALL vs. FREEDOM 10/14 AT HOME. *TAILGATE at 6:30*

Oct. 10, 2011

15

Will play for food, respect nickrogers staff writer “If they protect my boy, they get fed,” says proud Wharton mother Lisa Litton.

Litton promised that she would provide a steak dinner with a baked potato every Thursday night before a Friday night game, if her son is not sacked in the previous game.

Pretty inspiring for a group of five hungry offensive lineman.

The Wharton offensive line is responsible for the protecting and safe keeping of quarterback Chase Litton.

They are a young group of five players who are more than just players. This group has been together for two years and is still flying under the radar due to their lack of size and the team’s recent performance.

“Nobody believes in us. They think we are going to have another disappointing year,” says junior captain Gabe Nold. “We haven’t lived up to expectations the past two years, and we have to change that.”

With so many newspaper articles praising Wharton’s skill positions over the summer, the offensive line has stealthily slid under all the headlines. This might be just what they need.

“We hope teams overlook us, because then we can just surprise them on the field,” said lone senior offensive lineman Forest Lefler.

After playing together for well over 20 games and developing a chemistry that has surprised many of Wharton’s spirited alumni, the line has loosened up this year and seems to be having more fun than they have in the past.

Senior running back Marcolm Banks preached, “When you just focus on winning, you don’t have a good time, and things don’t fall your way. You just have to go out and have a good time. That’s why we love the

Forest Lefler, 12, and juniors Jacob Meier, Gabe Nold, Erin Danzi and Chris Jones, left to right, make up the veteran offiensive line. Together for two years, these players hope for success. Photo by Scott Sollazzo game.”

It looks like all the pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together. A preseason win over an up and coming Riverview team (4228) seems to have given the team life and shown that they can be a team to look out for in Florida high school football again.

According to maxpreps.com, the offensive lineman have paved the way for senior run-

ning back, Darius Page, who is averaging over 50 receiving yards per game.

It’s been three years since Wharton made the playoffs, five since they took home a district title and nine since the played in Tallahassee for the state championship. All players seem to be eager to get the show on the road and prove the doubters wrong.

The Cats are back, and their hungry!

Lightning strikes at Brandon rink has spent most of his time in the American Hockey League, this reward is a boost of confidence.

Last season after the All-Star break, Purcell managed 21 points in 31 games and was After a bittersweet playoff run, the Tampa given a bigger role in key moments like the Bay Lightning are poised to make another power play unit. In the post-season alone, stellar post-season appearance for the 2011he found the back of the net six times and 2012 season. Except this year...they plan on racked up 17 points. going all the way.

During training camp, Purcell looked, With the taste of a tough loss in game 7 of faster, stronger and smarter. Expect to see 25 the Eastern Conference Finals still fresh, the goals and plenty of assists off set ups for the team will rely on key players to make their power play. moves game in and game out for a chance to 4. Mathieu Garon: Since winning the Stancompete for a Southeast division title. ley Cup in 2004, the Achilles’ heel for the 1.Vincent Lecavalier: Since the Lightning Bolts has been the person in net. Over the last acquired Steven Stamkos in 2008, number few seasons, a slew of goalies have made the one overall draft pick, Lecavalier has been noble attempt to protect the puck, and none given a small pass when producing less. He of them have seemed to stick. made huge strides during the post-season, On New Year’s Day, Yzerman and comespecially during the Washington Capitals pany made the best series; knocking in the OT acquisition of the goal in game 2. season in goalie Taking over the second Roloson, who led line duties at center, Lecavthem to the Eastern alier should be looking Conference Finals. to continue the chemistry However, due to between himself and upMike Smith’s outincoming forward Teddy standing showing Purcell. during the playoffs, Entering this season the Lightning were healthy for the first time on the hunt for a in five years, the team capreliable back-up, tain is ready to burst out once again. onto the scene once again.

Garon is a 10-year Expect to see him logging veteran.

He knows minutes on the deadly what it takes to be “MVP” power play line a solid goalie in the with Stamkos and Marty NHL. St. Louis. He must net at During camp, Galeast 30 goals for the Lightron looked in great ning to take charge in the shape and showed stacked division. some stellar moves 2.Victor Hedman: The with breakaway 6-6” defensive man has already notched two full At the Lightning training camp at Brandon Ice Sports Forum on Sept. stuffs from Stamkos and St. Louis. years in the NHL and is 17, goaltender, Dwayne Roloson, stops a puck during a scrimmage. only 20. Drafted by the The team has high hopes for the season. Photo by Scott Sollazzo

alliedavison sports editor

Lightning as the second overall pick in 2009, Hedman struggled in the beginning with his control and stick handling. He was thrown into the professional level instantaneously and never looked back. Grabbing hold of free agent veteran defensive players, Mattias Ohlund and Eric Brewer led to a giant growth in his game play.

Projected to play as the team’s first-pairing with Brewer, Hedman must continue to be a heavier contributor on the offensive side of the puck.

This season is the year before he is enters the free agency world. The Bolts look to squeeze 30-points out of the young player and that is very probable.

3. Teddy Purcell: Hard work pays off and it certainly did for Purcell this offseason. General Manager Steve Yzerman signed him to a two-year contract, and for a player who

16

GAME DAY

Oct. 10, 2011

Predator

Senior captains swim into friendship alliedavison sports editor

sport, but Ankers credits a swimsuit...or lack there of.

“My mom had pushed me to try and swim because I was always in the water,” Ankers said. “I didn’t want to wear a Speedo. Once I found out that wasn’t required, I started right up.”

Ankers partnered up with Tampa Bay Aquatics for his competitive swim team. TBAY happened to be an intercity rival of Tampa YMCA Swimming for whom Albright just happened to swimming for.

Call it a coincidence g or luck of tin the rui s-

For swimmers, H20 means more than just water. It means two parts heart and one part obsession.

Danielle Albright and Chad Ankers, senior captains for the swim team, are proof.

“I was born into swimming. My mom went into labor with me at my brother’s swim meet. It became my life. You grow up with your team and they become your second family. I love it,” Albright said.

It is rare when athletes are able to put aside their competitive bite and become friends. It is even rec stres e rarer when two friends in middle e h t school are able to stay best lly r. W gh s rea lose are friends throughout the u o i e c four years of high thr hich a lot at w ior g h n w s school. w in go ther, ght u and ht, se Albright e r s u ig ge and Anke a s to s bro ache Albr W “ ers are ces t ha t co elle proof of pro and i abou Dani that as well. ful talk for.” n “We met d r a w. ca king during our The last seven o lo first year of years this land duo has been middle school,” tested as enemies in the water.

Albright said.

“Of course, I would go watch him “We had almost all of if we happened to be at the same the same classes, and we bonded meet. If he was up against a TYS over lunch detail the first week of swimmer, I would try to cheer for school.” both,” Albright said.

“I would always talk to Chad Entering the high school level of about swimming and he had no swimming was an easy transition clue what I was talking about.” for both. Albright and Ankers have Albright takes credit for encour- made it to States since freshman aging Ankers to begin the water year and have been named two of

the elite swimmers in Hillsborough County by the local papers.

“At FHSAA states ’10, we swam the same events. 200 free and 100 fly. We know the mental difficulties of each event and I think that has made us even stronger competitors and closer friends,” Ankers said.

It was only fitting that coming into their final year of high school, these two would be given the positions as two of the four senior captains and have begun the treacherous waters of the recruiting process.

“Swimming definitely builds relationships that last longer than most other ones because you have so much in common and you both understand the sacrifices it takes to be an athlete at this level,” said Albright.

Already looking up how far a part their possible colleges are, Albright and Ankers are a perfect example of how valuable finding true friendships are.

“I think it is a great relationship. They are very competitive and they motivate and push each other to be be the best swimmers they possibly can,” said Samantha Reeves, coach for Wharton’s swim team.

Senior captains Danielle Albright and Chad Ankers prep for their final high school swim season. Both have competed in FHSAA state championships since freshman year. Photo by Emily Broaddus

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