Bryan High School * 3450 Campus Drive * Bryan, TX 77802

Sadie
Girls ask the guys for annual dance...p. 7

NetZone
Local venue for gaming fans...p. 8

Committee presents proposal to board for second high school

Though still in the talking stage, plans for a second high school are moving forward. A tentative plan, which would require approval by the school board and voters, was proposed by the strategic facilities planning committee last week. The proposed plan carries a $74.6 million price tag. In addition to a second high school, it also calls for reconfiguring lower grades. Fifth and sixth grade campuses would be established as intermediate schools, and a new elementary school would be built. Several Bryan High teachers serve on the facilities committee, which is composed of faculty, staff and community members. Science teacher Colleen Holmes said the decision to recommend a new high school met with some opposition initially, but eventually became a unanimous decision. Holmes sees at least one obstacle looming as plans go forward. Passing the land referendum [bond election] to allow appropriate funding [for the new school], Holmes said, is going to be a challenge. Funding the new school is a chief concern for the district. Board member Brett Cumpton says it is important to get community support for the proposal. We need to get the community to vote on the bond issue, Cumpton said. A bond issue is essentially a bank loan which must gain voter approval. Property taxes are usually increased to pay for the bond. The two biggest questions most people seem to have concerns the location of the

SING IT OUT!

school, and how attendance zones will be determined. Both decisions will be made by the board. Wed decide the location [of the new high school] based on growth in the community, Cumpton said. Some, like teacher Debra Lawhorn, believe a geographical boundary dividing the city into east and west zones would be the best solution. Others, like senior Haley Whitmer, say the second school should be where the current SFA middle school is located, or in that general area. Teacher Elizabeth Pennebaker recognizes the location issue as controversial. Chorale members rehearse a scene from New York, New York last week. The choir There is not a perfect location in production featured well-known tunes from various Broadway musicals. Funds raised which everyone will be satisfied. There from the presentation will help defray costs of the choir trip to New York later this spring. needs to be a public hearing in which photo by Scot Gasch, Alter Image Photography everyones voice is heard, Pennebaker said. Any change in attendance zones to accomodate a second high school will create empty square footage at Put freshmen and sophoBryan High School, says mores at one school, juniors The new school should be Cumpton. This will mean and seniors at the other one. built somewhere big--where evaluating the effectiveness Kaitlyn Nachlinger, 12 theres a lot of land, like by of having secondary camSam Rayburn. puses such as HammondDorius Muniz, 10 Oliver and the Tech AcadStudents should be able to * $74.6 million plan emy. choose which school to go to, Build it next to the Brazos * build second high The Tech Academy and we should add boxing as Center. school and Hammond-Oliver are a sport. Tasheena Miyagi * reconfigure expensive campuses to opXazadrian White, 10 grades erate because of the busing The new school should be in * create four situation, Cumpton said, north Bryan, by Bonham intermediate indicating that those camThey should just re-draw the Elementary. campuses for 5th puses may be incorporated attendance zones to decide Adriel Taylor, 11 and 6th grades back into the main campus which school to attend. * new elementary once a new school is built. Britney Kocman, 11 school

What students are saying...

Facilities committee proposal highlights

WEDNESDAY Feb. 11, 2004 Vol. 33, No. 4

History
Downtowns Carnegie Library valuable resource...p. 2

Downtown Bryans Carnegie Library holds wealth of historical information

Jennifer Haynie Norseman staff A distinction unique to downtown Bryan is probably one of the more obscure facts about the historical area. Located on Main Street is the largest Carnegie Library in the United States still used today for its original purpose--that of a library. The library was built in 1902 and opened to the public that December. Only a handful of the 2,811 Carnegie libraries remain as a place for public research for historical purposes; the rest have been transformed into timeless museums. Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie funded the free libraries for communities across America, as well as some in England and his homeland of Scotland. This library, however, is not your average town facility to pick up the latest Stephen King novel or a childrens bedtime tale. Within the walls are records from not only Texas past and present, but Brazos County history as well. Many college students and teachers flock to Main Street, where the library stands. Tech Academy teacher Jerrod Neff recommended his students to the Carnegie to help research information for the next big class project. The Carnegie does a good job of keeping records. Its purpose is for historical preservations of county history, Neff said. Neff says the Carnegie is the best place in town to take a peek into Bryans past. Here, visitors will find the census, genealogical indexes, old newspapers and other documents and memorabilia. Also contained at the Carnegie are military records and passenger lists for ships and planes. Yearbooks from various Brazos County school districts are also kept among other bound texts. Thats not all the library has to offer these days. A grand entry is visible as visitors step through the front door, with two staircases off to the side leading to the second floor. The vast majority of books are housed on the second floor. The first floor finds helpful assistants and librarians who will all but complete the assignment that took you to the Carnegie in the first place. Along the walls are paintings, drawings and photographs of old Bryan.

NEWS
THE NORSEMAN ! FEB. 11, 2004

The Carnegie Center of Brazos Valley History has stood at 111 S. Main St. since 1902. photos by Jennifer Haynie

On display are items from the past that the library or Carnegie collected over the years. Andrew Carnegie left such a legacy behind that a former Bryan High art teacher, Mary Edna Dorsey, painted a portrait of the librarys benefactor to be displayed at the local library on the 100th Anniversary of the structure this December. Dorsey believes younger generations do not know the full force the library has had on our nation.

Education is a very important quality that many people long for. Mr. Carnegie longed for more knowledge as well; he had such a passion he was able to grace all the libraries with the necessary funds to build them. He only asked that in return the people of the community fill it with books and employees, Dorsey said. Thats the best way to learn, and thats exactly the way Carnegie intended it to be.

AROUND THE CAMPUS

Acadec team advances to state
Acadec team members performed well enough at their district meet to earn a state berth in the upcoming state Academic Decathlon competition later this month. Placing at district were: Jonathan McAuliffe: 1st in music, science, lang/lit, essay and Overall Individual award; Nathan Greig: 1st in super quiz, 3rd in essay, interview and 5th in overall individual awards; Marie Anastasi: 1st in music and 3rd in science; Andrew Orozco: 1st in super quiz, interview, 2nd in math and essay, 3rd in science and 1st in overall individual scores; Devin Overman: 1st in math, 2nd in economics and 5th overall individual scores; Patricia Marquardt: 1st in art, and 2nd in math, music, science, lang/lit, essay and overall individual scores; Robert McArthur: 1st in super quiz, 3rd in math, music, economics, science, speech and 4th overall individual award score; Steven Kochevar: 1st in music, science, lang/lit, speech, essay, interview, 3rd in math, economics and 1st overall individual score award. placed 13th out of 38 teams at the National Cheerleaders Association High School Nationals in Dallas on December 27-30.

Musicians earn state honors

JV Cheerleaders named National Champions

Acadec team members celebrate their district win. They will advance to state competition later this month.

At the Cheer Power Nationals on January 23, Tiffany Drozd, Abby Hodges, Haylee Smith, Laura Keating, and Kim Millone were named National Champions of the Junior Varsity Division. The team will be featured in the American Cheerleader magazine. Junior Ashley Emola placed second in the Individual Best Cheerleader Varsity Division. The cheerleading squad

Andrew Orozco was named to the Texas All-State Mixed Choir, and Brittany Green was selected to the Texas All-State Treble Choir in auditions held Jan. 10 at The Woodlands. Kelly Pechal was named first alternate to the Texas All-State Choir. Morgan Jenks, a senior tuba player, was selected for the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Band at Area auditions Jan. 10 in Brenham. This is Morgans third year to make the All-State group, which will perform at the TMEA Convention in February. Two other BHS Band members were first alternate to AllState. Jared Ensign, a senior tuba

Lucas elected Lt. Gov. of two-state Key Club district

player, and Rebecca Ingram, a junior flute player missed the AllState Band by one chair.

Yearbook ordering deadline Mar. 1

Junior Lauren Lucas was elected Lt. Governor of the TexasOklahoma District of Key Club International. She will preside over 18,000 members in the Texas-Oklahoma District.

The deadline for ordering the 2004 Saga is Mar. 1. Books are $55 and must be paid for at the time of ordering. The 2004 book will be allcolor, and includes all events, activities and sports for the current school year. Orders may be placed in Rm. 6160 on the Blue Campus.

FEATURES
THE NORSEMAN ! FEB. 11, 2004

Staff members recall youthful pranks

Hilary Francis Norseman staff However annoyed adults may seem by students practical jokes, it is well known that as teenagers these same adults were anything but perfect. When asked, some will even sheepishly admit to pulling the wool over their authorities eyes as well. Campus monitor Lester Banks recalls heading a posse of seniors to move his government teachers vehicle from the parking lot to the field house area. Banks said that afterwards, teacher Brown Blair ...wasnt a happy camper and recalled him being very hot. Banks admitted to the crime but re- Banks ceived nothing more than a verbal reprimand. Others recall pranks around Halloween, the traditional time of mischief. On Halloween Eve of his junior year, photography teacher Michael Kelling and a friend gathered rotten cucumbers that had soaked in water for two weeks. After placing them in the back of an old pickup truck, they drove around, hitting their least favorite teachers homes Kelling with the smelly veggies. A highway patrolman pulled them over near the end of their adventure, but surprisingly, they were saved by the local sheriff. The sheriff pulled in, distracted the patrolman, and signaled us to drive on, Kelling said. We became very good friends with the lawman after that. Some staff members are reluctant to reveal their past antics. Desiree Skinner, a Bryan High counselor, was hesitant to answer. I dont want to give seniors any ideas! she said, laughing. She was part of a group of seniors that stole a large Skinner blow up duck from a local car wash. They nabbed the unsuspecting bird and placed it in their school courtyard. One guy was caught, she said, but never reported the others involved. Another adult, who wishes to remain anonymous, shook her head when retelling her high school prank. Her computer class was on the top story of the building containing a large door leading to the fire exit stairs. The teacher, answering a phone call, had left the class alone. The student hurried down the stairs and laid in the grass as if she had fallen from the upper level balcony. I kept as still as I could, she said, but ants kept biting me. Her teacher, an elderly man, returned to his classroom, finding chaos within. He hurriedly ran to the open emergency door and peered over the edge. I heard him gasp and knew that I was going to be in big trouble when he found out it was a prank. The sly student slowly stood up and faced the teacher. One look, and I knew I was in for it. The prankster was suspended from school for three days and was kicked off the basketball team. She now says that if any student performs a feat as daring as that, there will be an even bigger price to pay. Craig Drew, a campus monitor, attended school on a Navaho reservation. One of his favorite pranks was to prolong the beginning of school by letting wild animals, such as wild sheep and porcupines into the buildDrew ing. One that always worked, he chuckled, was the fake snake in the teachers drawer. You should have seen the way they would jump after finding the serpent in their desk. He also recalled playing jokes during lunch, such as unscrewing salt shaker lids, giving someone a very salty surprise. Others, instead of playing jokes on others, would skip school entirely. I attended school in a bor- DeJesus der town, said food service worker Margarita Dejesus. We would just drive down to Mexico for a day instead of attending school. At the malls around our town, we would be asked why we werent in school. Instead, these crafty students took an outing--to a different country. All teachers want their students to have fun, but remind youngsters to be safe and aware of the consequences that lie within. You never know what lies around the corner--so beware when it comes to playing jokes. Remember, revenge is sweet-the person who laughs last, always laughs the hardest.

Teachers kids have unique situations at school

Elisa Santana Norseman staff Teachers . . .mysterious creatures , right? Ha-ha! No. They are like you and me and they have normal lives. They have normal things like a house, a car, friends, children. Hold up--children? Yes, most of them have kids, and since BHS is the only public high school in Bryan, those who work here will eventually see their children here. This means that the two worlds will meet. So what happens when they do meet? You would think that as a student your life would be much different and more stressed with your Mom and Dad here, but its almost the exact opposite. When I need someone hes here, said Andrea Thorne daughter of World Geography teacher and football and baseball coach Ken Thorne. Most of us are embarrassed by our parents and dont want our friends around them, so them teaching at your school would be your worst nightmare right? Not at all, said Greg Fritz, son of Gourmet Foods teacher Lisa Fritz. He rides with her to and from school and even helps her out when she needs it. There are many advantages as well; you know those times when you forgot to get something signed? These kids can get that signature that they need, or the fast cash to pay for lunch. If I forget to get lunch money I can go get some from him, said Heath Hausenfluck, son of agriculture teacher Terry Hausenfluck. Also, with a parent working here some students may get to see and hear information in advance. He knows a lot of people and a lot of stuff, said Evan Eike son of chemistry teacher Eric Eike. Knowing people does have its drawbacks though. Coach Eike got the principal and superintendent to come into his sons first period on the first day of school this year. Not only do they know people, but they know every rule and procedure. Its probably kind of tough because I know all of the rules and he [her son] cant get away with anything, said Lisa Fritz. Parents have certain expectations for their children, which includes believing their children will behave at school. Teachers kids know their parents will find out quicker than most of anything less than good behavior. Heath Hausenfluck actually has his dads class and he said that he has to be quiet and civilized because it is his class. Most of these kids are really close to their parents because they are always around. They are there in the same place before, during, and after school school, at your house and when you have winter,

Ag Science teacher Terry Hausenfluck (left) and son Heath, a sophomore.

spring, summer break and pretty much every holiday, they have that day off as well. Theyre always there, said Andrea Thorne. But, even teachers kids practice the same principle most all teenagers use, as pointed out by Evan Eike. Just stay as far away as you can.

OPINIONS
THE NORSEMAN ! FEB. 11, 2004

Sorry Janet, skin is not in

The Superbowl fiasco appalled people around the world. Jaws dropped simultaneously as Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson ended their duet in a flashy manner. Young and old alike tuned in Sunday, February 1, to watch one of the most hyped battles between NFL teams, the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers. Little did they know that the halftime show would end with more than a song and dance. Instead, Jackson literally got naked by the end of the song! Many debated whether the incident was an act or accident. Timberlake claimed the exposure was a wardrobe malfunction. To the eyes of the audience, it seemed intentional--enough to raise enough eyebrows for America to call and complain to CBS. 68 percent believed it was staged according to an online poll at costomize.org. Jackson and Timberlake should be held responsible and prosecuted for their actions on stage as they knew the whole world was watching. Also, both should give a full apology and explanation for their actions. It seems that those in the spotlight are showing more skin and rockin their bodies in front of the cameras without taking their audience into consideration. Skin exposure has become increasingly popular. Just look around at school. There may be a dress code, but it is very rarely enforced as evidenced by all the bare midriffs. Barely clothed people is a sure attention grabber for almost everything from music to commercials. Americas uproar has probably influenced the broadcasting companies to re-evaluate the restrictions set on shows with too much skin or too much cursing, thank goodness. Accident or not, the choreographed action should not have happened, and those responsible should be held accountable. -Norseman Editorial Board

Conformity works against free will

A free mind is the best thing that, as humans, we have. It is the best gift that God has ever given us. We can choose Jared Pitt Norseman staff our own thoughts, words, and actions. We can worship whomever we choose, or we can try to break down whatever everyone else worships. As thinking human beings, we can love one another, or we can hate and destroy each other. Why can we do this? Free will. So then, why does everyone do the same thing as everyone else? We follow the same morals as our neighbors, and we practice the same rules. Its like we are a flock of sheep, and the leader sets all the trends and rules to follow. Back in the 50s, the beatniks had it right. Randomness, spontaneous actions, and noncomformity were going strong. Then in the 60s and 70s we had the hippies. Now the defiant are few and far between. We like to belong to a group, thinking that numbers provide protection, or makes us superior to others. If youre not with us, youre out in the cold. But, social conformity isnt the only problem. Religious and moral conformity is also a big problem. We all have to follow the rules of our creeds, and some of them have strict guidlines. Defiance is unacceptable, and trying to do it your own way is completely frowned upon. Another place for a conformist to hide is in the school. A place where we get told everything to do, whether or not we agree or believe that it is right. If what they say goes against what we feel is right, we have to deal with it. Our opinion doesnt count for anything, and if we try to go against it we are punished. We have a voice and we need to use it. When you see or hear something that doesnt go with your feelings you should stand up and say something about it. If it is another student or a co-worker dont bring them down too hard, just try to go with it. But, if you see someone with the power and authority using it for no other reason than because they can, thats a different thing. We have a free will, and we should use it to fight the people with the power. Not with violence but our words, and try to work things out. If our voices go unheard though....

Oh grow up!
At an office building, a bus station, an airport or other public place, you are going to inevitably run into some Lorena Rangel people you would Norseman staff rather cross the street to avoid in any other situation. This scenario is especially true at any public high school and possibly at some private schools too. I am mainly talking about the type of people who do not act their age around certain persons, namely their friends or coworkers and who, on purpose, say and/or do the most unnecessary or inappropriate thing at an inappropriate moment. This is an escalating problem in schools as defiance becomes more and more common among the cool things to do as a pasttime. Dont misconstrue my words. Im not saying that we should all act like a bunch of 40 year old grandparents, but we should act like the mature young adults we are or are preparing to be. Yes, kids should have fun, but again, we are not KIDS anymore. We stopped being kids when we stopped walking in a single file line with our hands behind our backs, and we should not be acting as such. We should be enjoying ourselves with the maturity we have gained throughout the years and act our age. I know that most of you just said either What? or Yeah, right as you read that last sentence. For those of you that said What?, what I meant was for us to go ahead and have fun, joke around with our friends and whatnot, but to do it knowing that there is a difference between laughing at something you did last week, and telling jokes and throwing paper at each other during class or starting a food fight during lunch. Now for that of you who said Yeah, right you probably said it because you hear it day in and day out. Well, maybe now you should pay attention. Yes, it is one of the oldest cliches in the book, but also one of the more true ones. I know it

Schools, businesses no place for obnoxious, childish behavior

is so much fun to be childish, but there is a time and place for that, and it is most certainly not at an office building or here at school. Bottom line is when you are sitting in the lunch room or a waiting room in an office and one of these obnoxious, rude, childish people is there, you are not the only one who has to deal with them and it obviously does not help to try to let them know that they are being obnoxious, rude or childish because it just gives them more of a reason to do so. The best way to deal with one of these people is to go on about your business and ignore them, because you are not going to accomplish any thing by attempting to communicate with someone who displays the maturity of a third grader. As for those of you that are acting like this you should know that all I feel when I see you is pity and repulsion at the fact that you dont have enough self-respect to be the educated young person that you know you are.

BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL 3450 CAMPUS DRIVE, BRYAN, TX 77802 Volume 33, No. 4
Editor Desiree Kelso Assistant Editor Lorena Rangel Staff writers Hilary Francis, Jennifer Haynie, Jasmine Conley, Alicia Ferrazas, Iris Lopez, Jared Pitt, Elisa Santana, David Shirley, Veronica Williams, John Williams Adviser Sandy Farris
The Norseman is a publication produced by the Advanced Journalism Newspaper Production class at Bryan High School. The opinions expressed are those of the author and may not represent the opinion of the faculty, staff or administrators of Bryan High School. Signed letters to the editor are welcome and may be delivered to Rm. 6160 or the Blue Campus. Member-UIL Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) Winner of the ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit 1998-99, 1999-2000 Silver Star, 2001-2002.

OPINIONS
THE NORSEMAN ! FEB. 11, 2004

Perpetuating stereotypes is harmful

Malcolm X, Cesar Chavez and Korematsu are just a few minority leaders who have erased the hyphen in AllAmerican. This term is notorious for being assoVeronica Williams ciated with the best-lookNorseman staff ing guy or the blonde hair and blue-eyed female. Living in a small conservative town is a hinderance in achieving a society in which we all are equal. Dont get me wrong. I am fully aware there is a big difference between how minorities are treated today and how they were treated in the 1960s. It just appalls me how ignorant some people still are. Ignorance is not only applied to race, but also religion, gender, style and sexual preference. The only difference with ethnicity is that there have been measures trying to correct the past, but those who dont understand view this as reverse discrimination. This is not so. The past still haunts everyone, especially with regard to stereotypes. Ive heard many people say such things as, He acts black. What does this comment really mean? This comment is usually said when someone is not acting civilized. Such comments blast Ignorant but no one does anything about it. We still see such signs of segregation inside of school. Just look at the cafeteria next time you walk through. You will see that every culture uses the tactic of selfsegregation. Blacks with their bois, Mexicans with their homies and whites with their preps. That is a perfect example of how stereotypes affect us. They offend me and they should make those who say it feel even worse. We must remember what a minority really is. A minority is not a percentage of the population, but rather those who are not holding the central authority and arent well-represented. So, next time dont react. Act. Dont yell. Speak. Dont hear. Listen! The greatest gift one can give is yourself.

CAMPUS FORUM

Whats the best Valentines Day present youve received?

A huge teddy bear. Danielle Minor, 9 Some candy. Jamie Washington, 9

A big bear, flowers & a candle light dinner. Lasharon Green, 10

Heart candy. Clintin McMiller, 9

Roses & some candy Aaron Valadez, 9

Self control is key to maturity

A few weeks ago, I was enjoying my lunch in the cafeteria with my friends when suddenly something comes flying through the air towards me and hits me directly Desiree Kelso Norseman Staff in the neck. It hurt, and it made me very upset. Why does anyone in their right mind throw something in the cafeteria? Is it supposed to be amusing? I didnt think so. It proves to everyone how immature high school students really are. Food fights may have been cool and funny in the third grade, but now you should realize that it only creates a mess and could possibly ruin someones clothes. Actions such as these are just one reason we have campus monitors. Students complain about the strict rules and mean teachers, yet it is only because of someones bad actions that a rule has to be enforced. These days, showing a little respect is the farthest thing from a students mind. There are students who give and receive respect, but its not as many as I would like to see.

Some flowers & $100. Courtney Alexander, 10

It may be one of the oldest sayings in the book, yet it is still true: you treat people the way you want to be treated, simple as that. You dont want to be disrespected or treated badly in any way, so think about what you say or do before you do it. I have learned from my own experience that acting before you think can get you into serious trouble with friends, school and at work. Controlling your mouth and your actions takes a certain amount of practice but in the long run it shows your maturity and responsibility. Why must so many people be so cool or playa? Isnt being yourself enough? Evidently not, because being loud, rude, obnoxious, and inconsiderate is the new thing. Why dont you just get over yourself and be quiet. I do not know of one person who can really say that those things make them feel good about themselves deep down inside. Love thy neighbor. It is a simple rule to follow; it just requires a little effort on your part. Actions always speak louder than words so just keep your mouth shut and think before you act. Its the best prevention for embarrassment and humiliation.

Roses & chocolate with I love you on it. Naomi Cardenas, 9

A flower & a card. Terrance Williams, 10

A big stuffed animal. Crystal Pineda, 10

Two gerbils & promise ring. Holly Campbell, 11

A card with five dollars in it. Marshall Bengs, 10

A candy gram because no one loves me. Clint Fuqua, 11

SPORTS
THE NORSEMAN ! FEB. 11, 2004

Wrestlers capture district title; 12 advancing to regionals

David Shirley Norseman staff The Bryan Viking wrestling team won the District 23 championship this past weekend, ending a five-year hold on the title by Klein High School. Twelve Viking wrestlers qualified for the Region III meet this weekend. Bryan won with 226.5 points. Klein was second at 209.5. A&M Consolidated finished fifth with 74 points. Winning individual titles for the Vikings were: Jonathan Taylor, 130-pound division; Jordan Dockery, 145; Saul Rico, 152; Javier Gonzales, 180; and Nathan Luman, 189. Second-place finishers were: Luis Aguilar, 103; Thomas Robertson, 171; heavyweight Justin Mortashed. Placing third were: J.C. Regini, 125; James Luce, 135; Jose Elizondo, 140; and Derek Bishop, 215. Finishing fourth were: Landon Meekma, 112; and Michael Frederick, 160. The Bryan junior varsity placed second to Klein. Winning were: Wesley Stratta, 215; Freddie Cerda, 180; and Zak Tinkle, 160. Garrett Dorn, 215, finished second while Duncan Johnson, 171 and Daniel Corgey, 130, were third and Daniel Dodds, 145 and Jared Farris, 130, placed fourth. Coach Michael Zito was named District 23 Coach of the Year. Going into the meet Coach Zito was confident in victory. I expect us to win, he said. The team record prior to district was 51 in district matches and a 14-8 overall this season. The teams previous defeats have been influenced by the injuries and ineligiblities sustained by the wrestlers, keeping them from obtaining earlier victories. When the matches are held it takes a

Viking Saul Rico dominates a Klein Forest wrestler in the Doc Hess Memorial Tournament in December. Rico won his weight class at the district meet and will advance to regional competition. photo by Bill Meeks

lot to win. Whether it takes brute strength or quickness of the mind, Zito says, a good mixture of everything helps to win. Size has its advantages, but you get a smaller wrestler who understands more

about it and can think quicker, hes probably going to win, Zito said. If you get both of those traits youve got a champion.

Swim teams win district; Allen, Cryer qualify for state after regional wins
Desiree` Kelso Norseman staff The Bryan Viking boys and girls swim team made history on January 24 at the Texas A&M Student Rec Center by capturing the District 13-5A championship title, the first time ever. The final score for the girls was 129, beating Temple by 48 points. The boys team finished with 113 and Temple trailed with 95 points. John Cryer finished first in the 50 freestyle (22.35 sec) and 100 freestyle (49.28 sec). Cryer was also named District Swimmer of the Meet. Team members credit strenuous workouts for their success. Two-a-days [workout] in the winter really paid off for me. I am glad that we all could come together and dominate at the district meet. It was a team effort, said Grant Quimby. Nick Lee finished first in the 100 backstroke in 57.18 seconds. Quimby finished first and Mark Van finished second in the 100 breaststroke. Bryan placed first in the 200 medley relay leading the team was Lee, Quimby, Galindo and Belford. Practices were hard, but they paid off, said Travis Kiser. Lee also placed second in the 200 freestyle, and Nathan Belford placed second in the 50 freestyle. Adrian Galindo finished second in the 100 butterfly, and Josh Karkoska finished second in the 500 freestyle, which is the longest race in the competition. The Viking boys placed second in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. In the 200 freestyle relay Bryan was beat by 7 tenths of second. There were 39 kids swimming to prepare for the district meet and every single one was eligible, Murphy said. Head coach Kevin Murphy was named the district coach of the year for the girls and boys. Our whole focus was a team effort to glorify God with our performances, said Murphy after the competition. Hannah Karkoska, Amber Pittman, Addie Crawley and April Hart took first place in the 200 medley relay. Dru Murphy placed second in the 200 freestyle and Addie Crawley placed second in the 200 IM. Its not the hours you put in, its what you put in the hours, said Sarah Rayburn. Halley Allen took first place in the 50 yard freestyle and 100 freestyle races. April Hart placed third in the 50 yard freestyle. Addie Crawley took second place in the 100 butterfly. This team has put in a lot of hard work as you can see our effort has paid off, said Allen. The 500 freestyle second place winner was Dru Murphy. Hannah Karkoska placed first in the 100 backstroke. The 200 and 400 freestyle races was taken by Bryan in the first place leading the races were Karkoska, Allen, Hart, and Murphy. The first year Murphy arrived, six students went to regionals. The following year, 17 went and this year 29 qualified for regionals. The boys finished the season 10-0, while the girls ended with a 7-3 score overall. The top six swimmers from each event advanced to the Region IV swim meet in San Antonio at the Blossom Aquatic Center last weekend. Finishers who place first automatically qualified for the state meet. John Cryer is going to state in the 50 freestyle where he placed fourth in 47.2 seconds. Cryer also placed second in the 100 freestyle. Halley Allen finished third in both the John Cryer 50 and 100 freestyle races allowing her to go to state. Bryans four relay teams also set school records in the finals. The boys consisted of Cryer, Lee, Quimby and Galindo in the 200 medley. While the 400 free relay was lead by Cryer, Lee, Karkoska and Belford. The same four girls lead in the 200 and 400 races who consisted of Allen, Hart, Karkoska and Murphy. Both relay times are in the all-state selection. The state meet will be held on February 20 at Texas University in Austin.

Halley Allen qualified for the state meet in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. photo by Bill Meeks

FEATURES
THE NORSEMAN ! FEB. 11, 2004

Sadie traditions change over the years

Hilary Francis Norseman staff Sadie Hawkins, an annual Bryan High dance, has been a popular practice among high schoolers for years. But as all things go, changes have been made in our girlchases-boy tradition. Assistant principal and former Bryan High student Ruth Waller has a personal perspective on the evolving changes of the Sadie Hawkins dance. I cant believe how much Sadie has changed, Waller said. When I asked a guy to the dance, I would simply ask, How bout Sadie? She explained that the dress was casual, and the theme more like hillibillies or Dukes of Hazard. Most of us would wear hillbilly clothing, and looked like we just arrived from Arkansas. The students would usually just grab a quick bite or even eat at home before departing for the dance. The tickets were much cheaper and it wasnt a big deal if you didnt have a date--lots went single. Waller remembers a time she called the mum war. The fad was to get your date a mum, usually created by a florist and with certain personal touches made by the girls. Every year the mums grew larger and larger, Waller recalled. Some were even carried in on coat hangers and seemed as long as tables! Finally, administrators had to ask girls to bring smaller mums for their dates. The next big craze was the teddy bear. Instead of the mums, girls would buy stuffed bears for their guys. Of course, this started small but grew quickly and guys began to receive bears bigger than themselves. The dance was traditionally held in the Blue Commons area, a place that was well-suited for an intimate evening of socializing. Now the Silver Cafeteria is transformed into a barn like area, filled with haybales, tractors, and other items one might find down on the farm. Girls ask the guys in creative ways, such as decorations in their rooms, vehicles, or classes. Catchy slogans and cute sayings are found among toys and candy for the date-to-be. The dress is still casual, but the tradition now is for the girl to buy matching shirts for her and her date. Shirts are usually made to order or from favorite trendy shops. Tickets are now $9 for singles and $14 for couples. Dinner beforehand is part of the deal, where for one night, the guy can forget his wallet at home. Another way for the girls to express their thanks for the guys accepting, are the ever popular buckets. Girls will fill tin buckets full of toys, candy, trickets, and other mementos. Paint and glitter turn the tin into a creative container to carry the guys gifts. Sadie has definitely taken a turn in traditions over the years. But no matter what, students and teachers alike agree the dance is a great way to have a fun-filled evening. So girls, grab your partner, do se do, and head on down to the Silver Cafeteria, February 21 to get hitched!

What do you think about girls asking boys to Sadie Hawkins?

Thats good cause the girl can P.I.M.P. the boys too. Courtney Isom, 9 Its a good idea cause the girls can be in control. Stacy Dotson, 11

Its throwed. Lester Redd Conner, 9

I think its cool cause some girls are shy and this gives them an opportunity to open up. Patreeta Williams, 9 I think its good, but guys should ask too. Katie Borski, 9

It should be the other way around. Bioncia Lamar, 9

Sadie Hawkins has comical start

David Shirley Norseman staff Why do we go to a dance called Sadie Hawkins? Homecoming speaks for itself, Prom is a high school legend, but why a dance where the girls take after the guys in the middle of Febuary? Interestingly enough, it all stems from the old comic strip Lil Abner. Al Capp, the creator of the strip, published on November 15, 1937 the first appearance of Sadie Hawkins. She was a homely gal who grew tired of waiting for the guys to come and court her. Her father, Hekzebiah Hawkins, was even more moved than her by the thought of her never leaving the house. So he held the first annual Sadie Hawkins Day, in which there was a foot race where the single women chased the towns bachelors. For those men fortunate--or unfortunate--whichever way you look at it, enough to get caught, marriage was the consequence. Fortunately, we dont carry the tradition to such lengths at this school, but many other colleges and high schools really liked the whole idea of Sadie. Over 200 colleges were reported by Life Magazine to be holding Sadie Hawkins events within two years after the comic strip appeared. Unwittingly, Al Capp had created the beginning of a popular tradition that would sweep the country and endure to this day. Also, for those ladies reading this, the event helped add fire to the growing Womens Liberation Movement by making the thought of a woman chasing a guy or asking him out somewhat OK, even appealing. Al Capp, having created this firestorm of friendly events for companionship, ironically never got married himself.

I think its cool. Its about time. Jeremy Alderete, 12

Boys ask girl all the time, so why not girls ask boys? Christine Pineda, 10 They finally get to pay back all the money we spend on them at Homecoming. Zachary White, 10 I think its a good way to have fun. Paola Trevino, 11

It gives him a opportunity to feel special. Chris Santos, 9

I think its cool, cause the boys dont have the pressure to ask. Cash Ahmed, 9

ENTERTAINMENT
THE NORSEMAN ! FEB. 11, 2004

A sequel worth watching

Lorena Rangel the field Norseman staff just in time There have been many movie sequels to see the that have not been accepted by the public, c r e a t u r e while others keep the viewer on the edge of take off their seat. with the Jeepers Creepers was among one of the boy. more suspenseful horror films put out in With a the summer of 2001. teaser like Many critics at the time did not think that, one that it would call for a sequel. Surprisingly, could only imagine what would come in the it did better than anyone thought, and a rest of the film. Even though there was not continuation of the film was created. much blood or gore in the beginning of the Similar to the first, Jeepers Creepers II film, the remainder will supply plenty of starts off with a bang. It opens with a young blood and guts, close calls and mind twirlboy out in ing scenes. a field of T h i s The idea of a high school basketball team corn, hangcauses on its way home after an out of town game ing scareJeepers is a very convincing story line for viewers to crows for Creeper II the seato be transaccept and follow. son. He noformed into tices something suspicious but doesnt give a real scream of a show. it a second thought. Director Victor Salva gives the audiAs he continues to hang the scare- ence a chance to get to know and care for crows, we see his father and brother work- the characters. ing on other things around the house. The The idea of a high school basketball boy feels a spine-tingling sense of danger team on its way home after an out of town and begins to hurriedly walk to the house. game is a very convincing story line for As soon as he starts to run, a creature jumps viewers to accept and follow. It is down to off of the scarecrow post he was hanging earth and something that happens in most upon and chases after the boy. peoples day-to-day lives. After realizing the creature is after him, Remember to rent the successful sethe boy starts to yell for help. Hearing his quel to Jeepers Creppers. Sit on the edge cries, his father and brother run towards of your seat and watch the horror unfold.

Epic movie moves hearts

Desiree` Kelso Norseman staff The epic Cold Mountain is a wellcrafted movie that captures the horror and hardship of love and war. Cold Mountain is a movie with many trials and tribulations. Unlike this movie, most contain a main situation and subproblems which contribute to the suspense and tension of the story. This movie has a combination of high drama, suspense, adventure, and love. Inman (Jude Law) is a Confederate soldier who longs for a woman he barely knows, Ada (Nicole Kidman). Kidman plays a southern belle and preachers daughter, stuck in the middle of nowhere as the world closes in around her. On Law journeys from Virginia battlefields back to Cold Mountain, North Carolina, he encounters rugged terrain, freezing weather, and near death experiences. Kidman goes through life, dealing with struggles on her own, until Ruby (Renee Zellwegger), a mountain woman, helps transform her into an independent woman. Kidman learns how to cook and work thanks to Rubys outlandish tomboy features. Inman and Ada are initially attracted to each other. When the time comes for Inman to leave for war they share one kiss, a deep, clumsy embrace. Afterwards, they are eternally bound to each other. The heartache of separation from one another is tearing them apart. Ada hasnt heard from Inman in over three years and wonders if hes even alive. Inman prays that Ada is still waiting for him as she promised. Yet so much time has passed. Does she still love him? Has she found someone else? The attraction is so primal between the two that they know in their heart that they must be together. This film shows the hardship of what Americans went through during the Civil War and how different everything was back then compared to now. The cinematography and music combined makes this an enormously great movie. The scenery is breath taking, plus the music only adds to the emotions of the moment. There were many times during the movie, when I found myself covered in chill bumps because of the combination of sounds and scenery. Cold Mountain is primarily a love story yet is also an anti-war epic that hangs on a hook. Watch it, you will not be disappointed

NetZone providing online gamers fast connections

David Shirley Norseman staff It has finally come! The most extensive and entertaining gaming environment that Bryan or College Station has ever seen. NetZone Centers, is the premiere computer gaming facility within 90 miles. With over 30 top end computers networked together and connected to the internet with a super fast T1 connection, NetZone is a gamers paradise. NetZone has all the latest games such as Warcraft III, Counter-Strike, Battlefield 1942, Halo PC, Diablo II, and other first-person shooters and strategy games, just to name a few. With all the games and quality components it also has a great location. Located beside Sweet Eugenes and a stones throw away from Fudruckers, not only can you go for gaming but also to eat, and relaxing a quiet environment. The staff of NetZone is also very laid back, but professional in knowing what to do and how to do it to make your experience as best as it can be. Events often run there also, such as lock-ins and tournaments. Dont worry about time because it is a good place to go to for six hours or 30 minutes, whichever your tastes or timeslots allow. Smart prices are also prevalent there with membership deals that pay for themselves over time, especially if you are a regular customer and even if youre not. This is a place to be relax and enjoy yourself for realistic good prices. NetZone is located at 1702 George Bush Dr, College Station. Or visit the website www.netzonecenters.com.

NetZone Memberships $20 - 6 months $35 - 1 year Time: $6 per hour $4 with a membership
Money-saving deals available

(normally open till 11 or midnight)