11.24.

2009 haslett high school 5450 marsh road haslett mi 48840 volume 15 issue 3

Feeling the shock

When a split second becomes a disaster
by elizabeth YOUNG

The date is June 4, 2009, the day before school gets out and students embrace their newfound freedom for the
next three months. Senior Aili Beauchine drives her car down Meridian Road with fellow senior Kat Smith in the
passenger seat and Beauchine’s 12-year old brother, Andy, in the back. As Beauchine pulls up to the intersection,
she glances right and left, the tall grass obscuring her view. Seeing nothing, she decides to creep forward.
What she doesn’t see is the red Monte Carlo attempting to pass an ongoing tractor.
“She wasn’t in my oncoming lane,” Beauchine said. “All I really knew was that she wasn’t there when I looked
and then she was.”
The lady’s car slams into the side of Beauchine’s tan Jeep Cherokee.
Accidents page 2
2 November 24, 2009 news
Car accidents Top 5 Tips from Officer Greg Frenger
from page 1 1. No text message is more important than your life or the life of others around you.
Smith recalls what happened next. 2. If you think it will never happen to you, you are wrong.
“I was looking the other way and so I just kinda heard a crash 3. Don’t drink and drive.
and then there was just dust everywhere from the airbags,” Smith 4. Don’t get in a vehicle with a drunk driver.
said. “It felt like we were sitting there forever. It was probably 5. Keep your mind on what you are doing and your hands on the steering wheel when
only a couple of seconds but it felt like forever. And then I just you are driving.
remember yelling, ‘Get out of the car!’ And we all just ran out
of the car and out on the side of the road and Aili called the
police.”
While Beauchine is on the phone with the cops, her younger
brother aids them by calling their father. It isn’t until later that
“I pass it every day on my way to work and recall that horrible her car accident were everywhere. Each intersection became a
they realize the accident resulted in more than bodily damage to
night,” Frenger said. “It bothers me to this day. But I know that reminder of what she should and shouldn’t do as a driver.
the car.
what I feel about it cannot at all compare to the victims, their “I feel like every time I pull up into an intersection, I can
“My leg was pretty bashed up,” Smith said. “I still have some
families and the man who caused the crash.” feel like, ‘Oh, if I wouldn’t have been looking, this could have
scars, but it was pretty much from here to here (indicating on her
While Beauchine, Smith, Baker and Rom were not involved happened again,’” Beauchine said. “I see accidents happening a
shin). All my skin was off.”
in any fatal accidents, they all had to face repercussions in the lot more when I’m driving, not like physical accidents, but I can
Beauchine felt terrible that her friend had gotten hurt while she
aftermath of their accidents. The consequences varied, ranging picture it in my head.”
was driving.
from hefty car damages to a decrease in their parents’ trust. Riding in cars with friends has also become an entirely new
“I cried for nine hours ‘cause I felt bad,” Beauchine said, her
Beauchine in particular had to deal with multiple consequences. situation as Beauchine and Smith easily pick up on the mistakes
voice remorseful at the memory.
“I still can’t drive past midnight because I’m on probation in their friends’ driving. Smith becomes especially wary whenever
A teenager getting into a car accident is not a new phenomenon.
because of my ticket so that sucks,” Beauchine said. “As far as she sees one of her friends speeding or punching buttons on a cell
According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning,
my parents go, they don’t like me (doing) unnecessary driving. phone while driving.
the number of teenage and young adult-related accidents reached
Like they don’t like me taking trips for no reason. If I’m going to “I know it’s (texting) really common and I have been the kid
122,187 in 2007. However, while the rate has gone down by
the grocery store, they don’t want me going if I only need to get to say, ‘Can you please not text right now?’” Smith said. “I feel so
an average of 23.1 percent since 1998, people still get into car
like one thing. It’s simple stuff like that and not making a bunch lame but, especially right after the accident, I remember having to
accidents, mainly due to small, typical errors.
of extra trips.” tell my friends, ‘Slow down, please.’ It’s worth your life.”
“Common mistakes are those that involve experience such as
While Beauchine’s parents have begun to trust her again, she Beauchine agrees.
driving too fast on ice and snow,” Meridian Police Department
senses the newfound doubt coloring that trust. “Accidents seriously happen so fast, so fast and they’re normally
officer Greg Frenger said. “The use of cell phones or distraction
“It’s getting a lot easier here because they know I’m a good preventable,” Beauchine said. “Texting while you’re driving is
has been a factor in some crashes. However, I believe these
driver and they trust me, but you know it’s always in the back of actually a terrible idea. I wasn’t doing it, but knowing that your
statistics are hard to verify as they are usually ‘self-reported.’”
their mind that ‘she did crash her last car’,” Beauchine said. attention is not focused, even if you’re good at it or you can do it
Senior Liz Baker is familiar with the former. When Baker drove
The most enduring consequence is the wake-up call that they without looking, you know you’re not paying attention.”
her friends home from a day at Boyne Mountain last December,
have all received. Now that the idea of getting into a car accident Officer Frenger warns new drivers that the freedom of driving
she learned the hard way about the importance of being cautious
is more of a concrete experience than conjecture, the students comes with being responsible on the road.
in the winter time, especially during a snow storm.
have reflected on their driving habits and have adjusted them “Driving is a privilege, and young drivers need to be aware
“I went to change lanes…and I hit the slush in the middle of the
accordingly. that they can lose the privilege,” Frenger said. “Studies regarding
lanes,” Baker said. “My car spun around, hit the guard rail and
For Baker, her experience with being in a winter car accident texting while driving have shown a driver texting is more dangerous
then got smashed into by a truck. We spun around again, before
left her wary about driving again. than a drunk driver. Other distractions such as telephone calls can
finally getting stuck in the two feet of snow in the middle of the
“It definitely changed the way I drive,” Baker said. “Right after reduce driver attention and cause accidents as well.”
median.”
the accident, I would not drive anywhere. It took me a couple of Despite the widespread mentality, teenagers aren’t indestructible
Baker was so jarred by the shock of the accident that she
weeks to get comfortable driving to places just around the corner. and infallible. The mistakes that they get away with today may not
couldn’t do anything at first.
Finally, once the snow melted, I felt a little bit better, but not be ones they can get away with tomorrow.
“At first I was really mad. I was thinking, ‘This can’t be
much. I still hate driving.” “It really could happen to anybody,” Smith said. “You always
happening. How am I gonna tell my parents?’ Baker said. “And
When Beauchine got back on the road again, memories of think, ‘Oh, it can’t be me.’”
then the tears came. I could not stop crying for like three hours
afterward. Dana (Alexander) actually took control a bit and asked
if everyone was okay and all that. The first action I took was to get
out of the car and look at the damage…then I called 911 and told
them what happened and then I called my parents.”
What bothers Baker most about that night is the knowledge that
she could have prevented the accident.
“I definitely could’ve done something different. Slowed down
or just not passed the person at all,” Baker said. “It’s frustrating
now knowing that it might not have happened if I would’ve just
slowed down.”
Sometimes, it’s the other drivers’ negligence that people need to
watch out for. Senior Brendan Rom’s accident was the result of a
rising problem made by the birth of the cell phone.
“I was going to the Eastwood Towne Center and a lady turned
in front of me and I hit her,” Rom said. “The lady I hit was texting
and wasn’t paying attention to the way she was driving.”
Rom soon realized that there were younger passengers in
the woman’s car and was concerned that they could have been
affected by their mother’s carelessness.
“I tried getting out of my car and I couldn’t ‘cause it was in
drive still,” Rom said. “(I) hopped out the window and went to the
other car to make sure the kids in her car were all right.”
Small mistakes, ranging from texting and driving to drunk
driving, can escalate into deadly, unforgettable consequences.
Officer Frenger will never forget having to investigate a 2007
Hagadorn Road accident. A drunk driver had been trying to cross
the center line at the top of a hill when he crashed into a car of
five teenagers, killing two and injuring three others.
“The teens were sober and completely innocent in the incident,”
Frenger said. “The driver was convicted of murder.”
A flower-wreathed cross surrounded by little toys serves as a
memorial for the innocent victims.
3 November 24, 2009 news

The Answers in Black and White

by lauren HOOPER

“They wanted to do it
in the summer, but the
Why is there so much stimulus money didn’t
construction right “They’re comfortable
come in time.” Why do girls wear leg-
now? and they go with pretty
-police officer Chuck gings?
much everything you
Glumb wear. Plus they’re warm
and are like pants but
cuter.”
-sophomore Nikki Devine

“Obviously it was cut Why was the Michigan “We don’t want any unsu-
Why does principal pervised students in the
because of the budget. Merit Scholarship cut Bart Wegenke get
Students won’t have the and what does that building. We want to keep
everyone out of the our building safe, for our
same opportunities that mean for students? school by 2:40 p.m.?
they previously had.” students when we aren’t
-English teacher Delores here to supervise.”
Schnarr -associate principal Andrea
Rumsey

photo illustrations by andrew BEAUMAN

Students balance work and school

by nick WAKULSKY
Waking up at 6 a.m., driving
to school by 7:30 a.m., getting
to work by 3:30 p.m. and
starting homework at 8 p.m.
doesn’t leave a high school
student much time for fun,
sports or other extracurricular
activities. But that is a typical
day for some students.
As students get further along
in high school during their
junior and senior years, many
have the need to find a job.
While some kids today think
that going to school is their only
occupation, there are many
others who go to school, play
a sport and still manage to
hold down a job.
For most students, having
their first job during high
school is just a part of growing
up and a look into what their
futures might be like. Senior
Arron Lippincott works at
Abercrombie Kids. “I always
wanted to get a job in high
school so I could have some
extra money,” Lippincott said.
Other students find going to
school and having a job at
the same time rather difficult
to manage, while others don’t
seem to mind it. “It does add
stress when I have to work,
For more students
on the job see
Photo Story page 10
especially right after school,”
Lippincott said. “But it’s money
in my pocket so it’s worth it.”
Stress for students builds as
they try to find a balance between
working outside of school and
completing their responsibilities
with school-related work.
Many students feel that without
their jobs, they couldn’t pay for
things they need like gas for
their car, food or entertainment
expenses.
Senior Lexis Guarnaccia
works at the AMC theater near
the Meridian Mall. “The best
part about working is getting
a paycheck so I can have
some extra spending money,”
Guarnaccia said.
For many, having a job is
just a necessary part of high
school life. However, they
do have to miss out on time
with friends and other school
activities because of their work
duties. “Working is a great
experience, but sometimes I
wish I could have a little more
time to spend with my friends,”
Guarnaccia said.
Although finding a balance
between school and work can
be difficult, students soon fall
into a rhythm.
“I just get used to the stress,”
Lippincott said.
For most students, working
at their jobs doesn’t necessarily
affect their grades, but it
definitely makes it harder to get
all their homework done and
find time to study for tests. “I
have to make sure I still have
enough time to get everything
else done, like homework and
stuff at home, and still go to
work,” Lippincott said.
For some, having a job makes
them feel tired at school because
they have to stay up later to
get all of their homework
completed.
“Sometimes it’s really hard
to get everything done, but
somehow I manage to do it
all,” Guarnaccia said.
If given a choice, most
students would prefer to
just work on the weekends
because going to school and
work in the same day can be
stressful. On average, students
who work spend between four
to 16 hours a week at their
jobs while still attending school
and often playing sports or
belonging to school groups in
their decreased free time.
4 November 24, 2009 opinion
STAFF EDITORIAL:

Don’t forget: There’s more to school than just football

In the fall, the football field draws in the mass-
es. It seems like everyone plus their grandparents
arrive to watch “our boys” take down the oppos-
ing team. What is it about the football team that
attracts so many spectators?
Then in the winter, the majority of the student
body can be found at a Friday night boys basket-
ball game.
Why are so many people drawn to spending
over an hour in a hot, sweaty gym in the middle
of the winter?
The football team and basketball teams are
both made up of very hardworking athletes.
They deserve credit for this. But how many
spectators show up at a cross country meet, a
swim meet or a soccer game? All of these teams,
including many others, have had successful sea-
sons.The cross country team, which has some of
the top runners in the state, has placed well at
many of its meets. The girls and boys swimming
and diving teams have won numerous league
championship titles and consistently remain un-
defeated in their league. The boys soccer team
recently competed on the road to states.
There are numerous athletic teams at our
school that receive little recognition for their
accomplishments. When is the last time an an-
nouncement was made for the gymnastics team
winning a meet? Or the water polo team defeat-
ing its latest opponent?
Sure, the football and basketball teams are pop-
ular. That’s fine. But this esteem becomes prob-
lematic when the success of other sports teams is
eclipsed by the football and/or basketball teams’
popularity.
So listen up, Haslett High: Support the other
athletic teams here. You might just be surprised
at how entertaining these various sports are to
watch. Let’s give all of our athletes the recogni-
tion they deserve.
photo illustration by taylor PARKER

“We are pretty immature like all “[The sophomores are] a fairly hard- “ Were pretty sweet. It will be in-
freshman classes are, and you working class. They don’t act up, [they’re] tresting to see who’s at our 10-year
could say I contribute to that.” quiet, good kids.” reunion.”
-Patrick O’Donnell, freshman -Kate Miller, junior -Noah Timm, senior

“The majority of (the juniors) seem

like pretty cool people from what Class “Everyone says that we are the most
hardworking class... I believe that.”

Opinions
I’ve seen.” -Tanisha Thompson, junior
-Lauren Linscott, senior

Different perspectives on different grades

“I think (the freshmen) are all right ex-

“I think the seniors are nice. They
aren’t mean and they’re very sup-
portive.They encourage me to
take hard classes.”
-Christine Harder, freshman
“We definitely have a sense of unique
originality. We know who we are. I’m
definitely proud to be a sophomore!”
-Matt Sauer, sophomore
cept for the select few who think they
are better than everyone else. Those
people I don’t care for and don’t have
any respect for.”
-Kwane Shacks, junior
5 November 24, 2009 opinion
Students deserve to be heard
Even though we’re students, we’re not dumb.
Yes, we are learning. Yes, we are rascals. Yes, we
Don’t call rap and pop music
W h e n ity; also: vocal or instrumental cog in an industrial machine tion away from the “important
are extremely different from each other and have I was as- sounds having rhythm, melody programmed to sell itself to a things.”
a variety of viewpoints. But together the student signed to or harmony.” Certainly, rap- society that is too distracted to But have you ever listened
body is an intelligent bunch. It only takes about write this pers compose vocal parts in- notice. to pop radio? It’s an auditory
by ali FOOTE a month to figure out the way things go around column, I volving rhythm. But two of We all realize that our glo- cesspool full of three chord har-
here. There is a justified amount of authority, by casey had no idea music’s main elements are balized world provides a monies and four note melodies,
about the same amount as any other public VANDENBERG what topic missing. constant flow of new held together by a factory- is-
school. But there’s limited freedom for the students. it should be Without melody and information to us at sued drumbeat.
I don’t mean freedom as in letting us go out to lunch and smoke on. I tried harmony, how can you ever increasing rates. What happened to creativ-
pot every day. Freedom as in our voices. After what seems like 150 to think about things that inter- call something music? It has addicted us to ity? Inventiveness? Original-
years committed to Haslett athletics, athletic director Jamie Gent est me and that I have strong Rap has neither melody speed and productiv- ity? It’s like artists aren’t trying.
has declared his retirement. The question on our minds, however, feelings about. nor harmony. In most ity. A moment of rest They just say, “This is what’s
is who will replace him? The school board decides and it will be Immediately I thought of rap, the rapper has one is a moment wasted. selling now, let’s see how much
someone who has spent years here committed to Haslett sports and music. I had to find an appeal- or two notes that every Our entertainment of it we can pump out.” And
has done nothing but good things for the program. It will probably ing angle to write from. I was word is said on. Hardly a has followed suit. Tele- people buy it.
be one of the men’s athletic coaches. asked what sorts of music I like. melody. vision, video games, Unfortunately, Americans
The athletes will have absolutely no say in the matter and be “Well,” I said, “everything- EX- This is not to say that high speed Internet can’t get enough of pop music.
stuck with what they get. How is that right when we are the ones CEPT rap and pop!” rap doesn’t involve mu- – all of these mediums This is not meant to insult
playing the sports? Aren’t we the ones who are affected the most Surprised by the conviction sic. There is music on ev- offer us instant stimula- those artists who are innovat-
by this situation? Does it matter what we would prefer in an athletic in my own voice, I knew exact- ery rap album. Musicians tion. We simply can’t ing and making good music.
director? Nope. It doesn’t. And it won’t. And that’s what’s wrong ly what my topic would be: the make the backing beats wait to turn our minds There are people out there
with this school. lack of musicality found in rap and instrumental harmony off and burn away the trying new things and playing
Our nation is suffering from the worst economic recession since and today’s popular music. parts behind the rapping. stress. music for artistic expression.
the Great Depression. And, as we know, Haslett has definitely suf- I fully respect rap as a form Unfortunately, the artist This attitude has It’s unfortunate that they don’t
fered. With budget cuts up the wazoo, money has been tight around of poetic expression. But to whose name goes on the leaked over into popu- get recognized for it. These are
here. It’s been the school board, once again, who decides where the call a rapper a musician would album often has nothing to lar music as well. the people who are musicians
little money we have will be distributed. Students are the ones who be akin to saying a toad is a do with the composition or Just like TV and vid- for the right reasons, not the
sit in class all day long, doing homework out of books older than fish. Sure, there are similari- playing of any music on the eo games, pop music money.
my parents. Yet they want to get new football jerseys? If a poll went ties there, but musicians and album’s tracks. does not make us think. Neil Young said, “A lot of
around the school asking students where they would rather put the rappers have one fundamental Rappers are, however, art- We turn on our radios and music is crap, and it’s all com-
school’s money, the school board would be surprised by how many difference: Musicians make ists. They write their poetry hear a catchy tune and it in- mercial.” There is still great mu-
would choose new desks or more computers. music. and perform it as an outlet of stantly sticks in the back of our sic being made, you just have
Although I am thankful for our school, our exceptional staff and Why isn’t rap music? Web- expression. Still, rapping makes consciousness as our thoughts to be willing to look for it.
high ranked athletics (that was me being serious), some things are ster Dictionary defines music them no more a musician than zoom from work to tennis to
unjust. The school board doesn’t take into consideration the voice as, “The science or art of com- a painter. the latest world crisis. The mu-
of ALL of the students. bining tones into a composition Admittedly, rap is part of sic doesn’t distract us, it doesn’t
We deserve to not only be heard, but to be listened to. having structure and continu- something larger. It is one even attempt to pull our atten-

Wicasa’s
World
by michael SHERMAN

STAFF Kerry Morris

The CREW Ali Adkins Gabe Nester

The Viking Longboat is a monthly publication of Haslett High School, 5450
Meghan Anderson Zach Parker
opinion editor Chelsea Ridenour Marsh Road, Haslett, MI 48840. It is published by the fifth and sixth hour
Chris Andresen
Viking Longboat staff Bailey McMillan Liz Baker Liz Ringlein Newspaper Production class and Journalism class. The Longboat has been
Courtney Black Nick Rosenbery established as a student run public forum circulated within the school and to
sports editor Michael Sherman subscribers in the community and outside the school district. The Longboat is a
Mary Brown
Jerry Eastwood Kat Smith member of the National Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education As-
Kelsea Ellis
editor-in-chief & Lexis Guarnaccia Kristen Everhardt Jessica Stanich sociation, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Michigan Interscholastic
Emma Claucherty feature editor Aaron Grove Cassie Staszuk Press Association. The publication is an eight-time Spartan award winner and
copy editor Shane Heston Maggie Turney
Hannah Nowicki Calla Van Atta
CSPA gold medalist.
Elizabeth Young ad manager Lauren Hooper Letters to the editor are accepted at the discretion of the editorial board. Forms
Jake Lampman Casey VanDenBerg
photo editor Mary Hilker Jenny Little Nick Wakulsky of speech not protected by the First Amendment will not be published. Letters
Taylor Parker & adviser Chris Lounsbery Kevin Wilson must be signed by the author and may be edited for grammar, spelling and
Andrew Beauman Julie Price & Jeremy Whiting Jacob Meier Shelby Wood style. Direct all questions to the Publications Room, Room 411.
Rebecca Wright
6 November 24, 2009 features

Q:
1. Do you think the world is going to end in 2012?
2. What would you do before it was ending?

Billy Hastings Ian McCabe

1. Hopefully. 1. (The only person who said yes)
Katharine Nunn 2. “I would commit grand theft auto 2. “I plan to satisfy all of my de-
1. I am undecided. and rob a bank. I’d go parasailing and sires.”
2. “Hula hoop for an hour while shoot a shark at the same time. And
eating Jello in one hand and tex- then, right before the world was about
ting Jill Detwiler in the other.” Jacob Glietsman (SP)
to end, I would jump out of a plane in a
1. No.
Superman costume.”
2. “Become a trapeze artist who
doesn’t use a net.”
Aaron Dimet Maggie Whaley
1. No. 1. No.
2. “Drop out of school and party a lot. Ian Culver
2. “Go to Meijer, steal all of the 1. No.
And move to Australia and go Zorb- Double Stuf Oreos and share
ing.” 2. “I would not wear clothes,
them with my family and and cross country road trip in
friends.” a tank.”

‘2012’ Movie Review

by calla VAN ATTA

I went into this movie begrudgingly, assuming that I would come out of it
depressed and scared - terrified of the rapidly approaching apocalypse. How-
ever, this was not the case. The movie follows father and author Jackson Cur-
tis (John Cusack) and his estranged family - distanced by a divorce - as they
struggle to survive amidst the most traumatic event in the history of mankind.
As the family narrowly escapes catastrophe after catastrophe, their relation-
ship begins to rekindle and they are reminded of what is really important -
looking out for one another.
Although many scenes are extremely unrealistic, the special effects are
impressive - with toppling skyscrapers, harrowing airplane rides and a high
speed escape in a limo, I felt like I was in a 3-D theater.
Unlike other “end-of-the-world” films, there is no spiritual source causing
or influencing the apocalypse, and there are no other external forces affect-
ing the outcome. The movie is very science-based because all events of the
apocalypse are brought on by natural forces alone.
Director Roland Emmerich addresses this devastating topic in a somewhat
sensitive manner by demonstrating the power of humanity as the people of
the world are truly united during the ultimate struggle for survival.
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photo illustration by
taylor PARKER
8 November 24, 2009
blue compass November 24, 2009 9

“
[Music] is my life. It’s what
entertains me and it takes
my mind off of everything.
� � �� �� �� ����
Music sings to every aspect of life
Six years and an embarassing amount of

�
concerts later and I was finally able to see

�
them up close. O.A.R, my favorite band of all
It’s like background noise. time came to a small venue in Grand Rapids,
and to me it was more than just a concert.

” “
-Bianca Nieto, freshman The tiny room was completely crowded, but
being pushed around and shoved into random by kat
Music is pretty big. I’m people was completely worth it. I had never SMITH

�
been so taken away by a concert. Afterwards
choir every day and I’m in all my friends and I could do was talk about
what had just happened over and over again.
the musical. Otherwise, I’m My older sister was there too, and during the middle of the concert
not one of the people who she even texted me saying, “Awh, I love you little Kat”. Everyone
was just so happy.
turn on the radio and like Being so close really made me think, what is it about music that
grabs people? To me really good songs are more than just catchy
it.

”
tunes, they’re something you can live by and seek advice from.
-Molly Hudgins, senior Music has always been there for me. Looking around at all the
people, just like me, being captivated by O.A.R made it seem like

�
other people feel the same way.

Ever wonder what’s playing Finding that one song that perfectly describes a situation can be
everything you need. Personally, I have my Michael Buble for the

�� � �
lovey dovey moments, LFO and N’Sync for screaming with my
on your teachers’ iPods? friends, Slightly Stoopid and Mae when I need some cheering up,

����������
and O.A.R for pretty much everything else. Music can reflect on
and even create the moments that make our lives. In movies and
Jan Shoemaker: TV shows the songs they play really set the mood; Miley Cyrus’
Build Me Up Buttercup –The Foundations Eppie Zenker in Long After Dark “Party in the U.S.A” wouldn’t really fit in movies like “The Note-
bookz” or “Fight Club.” Music can portray emotion and complete-
by jenny LITTLE
ly change people’s moods.
Pattiya Dabler: High school bands are not uncommon, but junior Eponine Ze- Most teenagers, including myself, can’t even drive without being
Beast of Burden –The Rolling Stones nker’s band has something most don’t. Not only have they played at the risk of blowing out a speaker. I follow music wherever I go.

“
Russ Olson:
Skyline Rush goes the techno route at Common Ground, but they had never met each other before at-
tending the School of Rock, a program held by the band The Otter
My taste in music seems to change as I change as a person – it’s
something I’ll always have in my life.
“Music makes me by gabriel NESTER
Vibe, over the summer. The connection music brings to people is really important. It
Paperback Writer –The Beatles Zenker, 16, plays keyboard and sings for the band Long After can always be a great conversation starter when meeting new peo-
think, it’s the best A Haslett newbie has students talking about his band Skyline Dark. The band is made up of Zenker, guitarists Courtney Mey- ple. It’s completely possible to feel a connection with someone you
barely know just by knowing the same bands and having the same
Julie Price: thing that was Rush. Junior Barrett Peters is the lead singer for this three person
band. Two Okemos students, Ram Choi and Peter Webber, have
ers and Quincy Lafayette, drummer Nathan Lafayette and bass-
ist/singer Kyri Rowanwood. The band was thrown together at the favorite song. Music is a reflection on who a person truly is. So ask
No Woman, No Cry –Bob Marley ever invented by played with Peters in Skyline Rush for a year and two months. school by luck and has stayed together since July.
“We all just happened to be together and we all just clicked,”
yourself, what’s the soundtrack of your life?
“I used to stick with strictly acoustic music, which eventually got
John Moore: anybody ever.” boring,” Peters said. One day during the summer of 2008, Peters Zenker said.
Denzek and Keebaugh come

”
said they “created a techno song for fun and people really liked it.” For now, the band does mostly covers of Creedence Clearwater
Unchained Melody –The Righteous Brothers -Andrew Heinz, junior The guitar player, Choi, writes majority of the techno while Peters Revival and Tom Petty, but it is working on writing new songs.
writes the lyrics. The intricate lights and production is thanks to It’s not the songwriting, done mostly by Quincy Lafayette and together for A Makeshift Summer
Rob Porritt: Webber, who also critiques and inputs musical ideas. The band
performs state wide from Ojibway Park in Saginaw to Mac’s Bar
Meyers, that’s Zenker’s favorite part though. “I think the coolest
part is performing because, I mean, you really can’t beat it,” Ze- by cassandra STAZUK
What A Wonderful World –Louis Armstrong on Grand River. nker said.
One phone call in August was all it took to start A Makeshift
Skyline Rush is inspired by the Summer for two high school boys. The drummer, junior Conner
Charlie Otlewski: Beauman is a one man band
genre of metal because of its strong
rhythm and beats. “That’s where
Keebauch, got a call from the bass player, senior Tyler Denzzek,
asking if Conner wanted to start a band. Guitarist Jeff Kapps, al-
Halo –Beyonce our sound gets its intricacy,” Peters though excited about the prospects of getting a drummer, was wor-
by meghan ANDERSON said. The group will listen to music ried that Conner, who had started playing merely six months be-
Nick Stanko: Junior Andrew Beauman is a one man band. While recording
his own music, he plays the keyboard and percussion as well as the
together to get ideas, then the writ-
ing begins.
fore joining the band, was not ready. “He didn’t want a 16 year old
in the band,” Kapps said,
Rabbit Habits –Man Man electric, acoustic and bass guitar. He loves the endless possibili- Denzzek and Kapps came over to play in Keebauch’s basement
“Once you learn one instrument it’s relatively easy to transition ties music has to offer. “With sports and within the first 20 minutes of playing together, they got their
to another,” Beauman said. “My favorite is the acoustic guitar.” you are in a box. There are rules first song “Nov 9th” written. “We all came from different musical
of students have been The songs are born in a friend’s recording studio where he plays restricting your creativity. Music backgrounds and have different tastes” Keebauch said, which en-
to a concert of their each instrument individually before combining them for the final is whatever you can pull from the courages them to experiment with their sound and come up with
favorite singer/group. product. air,” Peters said.
The goal for Skyline Rush is to
something that they all can agree with.
His lyrics are about life, love, God, people, his feelings and his The lack of having a singer isn’t holding them back. They

61%
questions. “Music is a way for people to take what they feel and are get signed with a record label. The wouldn’t mind playing an all instrumental show at a local venue
wondering about inside and attempt to express it,” Beauman said. group’s dream “is to be self suffi- someday. Hesitant however, Keebauch said, “I’m worried that the
Beauman holds up a well worn colorful notebook. He has about cient and tour full time,” Peters fans won’t get as into it without the vocals.” Once a singer is found,
of students have over seven similar ones filled with lyrics, but has only recorded about said.
Fans can keep updated on perfor-
they hope to play larger events.
1,000 songs on their 25 songs. From rock and electric to alternative, Beauman’s range
mances and new music through the
The band’s name is unique and comes from a variety of aspects
iPod / music player. of music reflects his own musical preferences.
group’s Facebook page. Search for
they all put together. “We all agreed to have Makeshift a part of

98%
Although he’s been too busy with school lately, Beauman has (the name) because that’s the best way to describe our experiences.
performed at About Face Youth Center and his church’s youth ‘Skyline Rush street team’ to read Everything about us is makeshift,” Keebauch said. The “summer”
group. more information about this local comes from the time they began playing.
His music truly characterizes who he is. His variety in general, techo band. For now, the band is content and is looking forward to its future
of students agree his love for different instruments, and his fun and deep lyrics ema- and what comes with it. “We’re going to do what’s best for the
that music is a way to nate his vibrant, unique personality. Junior Barrett Peters performs during band,” Keebauch said.
brighten and lift up a Skyline Rush concert at Fowlerville
their spirits. High School.
courtesy photo barrett PETERS
10 November 24, 2009 photo story

WE DO
STUDENTS WORK HARD AROUND THE CLOCK
WORK

Above: Junior Taylor Guarnaccia and senior Raché Nickerson greet and seat customers at Outback Steak-
house. Below: Junior Michelle Schimpke and her co-worker Brandy Atkins work together to host hungry
patrons at Dusty’s Cellar.

Top: Senior Lizzie Kronner pays close attention in PDM and also takes orders as cashier for Noodles & Co.
Above: Senior Arron Lippincott keeps Abercrombie Kid’s display looking brand new.
photo story by taylor PARKER
11 November 24, 2009 Features

A Closer Look at:

by kerry MORRIS by liz BAKER

F M
rom chess to basketball, painting to tennis, theater to track; one element remains constant
regardless of the discipline: the need for passion. Athletes and artists alike must strive to
achieve the best of their ability in order to reach their audacious goals.
Seeing senior Cammy Henry in class, the level of determination she has exhibited since the age of
four isn’t obvious. While most students spend their summers on the beach or at the movies, Henry
is repeatedly running up and down the stands of the Suburban Ice rink. During the year, most head
home after the final bell while Henry performs an additional two hours of intense physical training.
No, she’s not trying out for the NFL, she’s a figure skater.
“Everybody thinks it’s a ‘twirly whirly’ sport,” Henry said “It’s not.”
Henry’s severe summer training consists of laps, suicides and vigorous endurance exercises all led
by a merciless trainer of the Detroit Red Wings. It doesn’t get any easier off the ice, as Henry heads
to ballet and yoga classes to stay perfectly fit. Despite summer temperatures of 85° and above, Henry
sports Under Amour leggings and a long-sleeve t-shirt. But through it all, Henry is never alone. The
support of her long-time friend Sophie Othoudt from Williamston has helped her keep strength.
“It’s nice to have someone who understands what
Cammy you’re going through,” Henry said. “We support
Henry each other so much.”
figure In addition to her vigorous physical regimen,
Henry’s mental preparation plays a crucial role. Be-
skater ing a figure skater means performing in front of
hundreds of eager spectators all while being
ruthlessly judged for every detail of her routine. Having
the courage to hit the ice is just as important as every
step climbed.
“It’s a rush of excitement, but it’s a scared jittery type,”
Henry said. “Once the music starts you just go.
Despite her young age, Henry has already had a lively
oving to a new school is never easy, especially when that school is an ocean away in a
different country. Junior Rangariro Mutatu was faced with this exact challenge.
Mutatu and his family packed up and moved to Haslett from Zimbabwe, Africa in
2007 so his father could continue his studies in chemistry at Michigan State University.
“It was easier for all of us to be in one place as a family” Mutatu said.
Although he had some idea he was going to move, Mutatu didn’t know if he was happy or sad
about the decision. He had to leave behind his friends, girlfriend and even most of his clothes,
to move to America.
Looking back, Mutatu can vividly recall his first experiences in Michigan. He remembers see-
ing the light powder we are all so accustom to during the winter months. The snow was not the
only foreign thing to him though. He said, “somehow it felt weird. The air, people, and build-
ings.” The first thing Mutatu and his family did after leaving the airport was stop at a Burger
King, something foreign to them.
Although times were tough in the beginning, Mutatu adapted to the chang-
es fairly well. One of the best changes he experienced was
becoming part of the United States school system. Rangariro
“School here is easier...teachers can’t hit you when Mutatu
you mess up” Mutatu said. soccer
Simply talking in class could result in some sort of player
physical punishment. Going from a system where
abuse is not frowned upon to the United States was
a giant leap for Mutatu, but that did not change his study habits.
When he first moved here, he got bumped up to a higher grade.
Difficult at first, Mutatu adjusted and began to excel in school
once more. Along side his studies, Mutatu made new friends
while playing soccer, swimming and running track. He par-
ticipated in all three sports

“
career on the ice. Just this past summer, Henry placed back in Zimbabwe, so he
first in a major Grand Rapids competition. Confidence was key, was comfortable on the
as she kept her nerves from taking center stage. With the motiva-
tional help of her coach, she was able to see the event for what it School here is teams. Mutatu even says
most of his friends are soc-
was: a simple competition.
“I was laid back, it was the best I’ve ever skated.” Henry said.
easier...teachers cer players.
Most kids Mutatu’s age
Henry’s skating career continues to move forward as she plans to can’t hit you when could never dream of mov-
continue her passionate work at the college level. Right now she is
you mess up. Mu- ing over seas and starting

”
working towards Michigan State University’s collegiate figure skat- a new life. But through
ing team. For her it is not just an extra-curricular activity, but an
intrinsic part of who she is. It factors into her decision-making, her
tatu said. a strong work ethic and
good friends Mutatu has
social life and her schoolwork. -Rangariro Mutatu fit right into the American
“It’s the best and worst part of my life. It has such an amazing dream.
impact [on me],” Henry said. “It’s a great escape and helps me “Most people are kind
get through things.” of nice, so it wasn’t that
With the goals Henry has set for herself and the accom- hard,” Mutatu said.
plishments already behind her, figure skating has been
one of the most important aspects of who she is today. It
has shaped her as a student, and taught her that nothing in
her path is unattainable. photo by liz BAKER
photo courtesy cammy HENRY
“At the end of the day I’m just so happy I do it,” She said.

There’s No Vaccine Days Missed This Year vs. Last Year Top 8 Reasons Seniors Have
M i s s e d C l a s s T h i s Ye a r
For This One Black= Last Year
9
by rebecca WRIGHT Gray= This Year 8 1. Doctor Visits/Sickness
Sleeping in, lack of
concentration and skipping
“I don’t see the point in
going anymore since I’ve
7 2. Senioritis
6
class-- senioritis is already
plaguing the Class of
gotten into college,” she
said.
3. School Related Trips
2010. Nineteen percent of
21 seniors surveyed think
But other students
surveyed said just because 4 4. Visiting Colleges
senioritis isn’t a problem.
Yet 31 percent of students
it’s senior year doesn’t
mean attendance should be
3 5. Skipping
2 2
said senioritis is the main
reason they’ve missed
a problem.
“People should get over 1
6. Sports
school this year.
Senior Jane Fast admits
the fact that it’s senior
year, suck it up and go to 0 7. Family Trips/Issues
she has trouble staying
focused because of
school,” senior Kimmy
Schmidt said.
1 to 5 5 to 10 10 to 15 15 to 20 20 to 25 8. Call of Duty
Days Missed
senioritis.
12 November 24, 2009
photo illustration by
taylor PARKER
Local bars provide provide hot music venues
by mary BROWN
The music scene in the
Lansing area has been relatively
underground throught the
years, with only a few followers
and a couple of venues
available to watch their favorite
musical acts.
But over the past couple
years, an increasing number
of local bands has helped the
music scene gain popularity
among the young people in
the area. Local venues, such
as Small Planet in East Lansing
and Mac’s Bar in Lansing, are
two of the more popular local
venues for high school and
college students to hang out
at, eat and watch musical sets
from both local and nationally
known artists. Both are open to
all ages, although Small Planet’s
doors close to under 18 at 11
p.m. and Mac’s Bar doors close
to under 18 at varying times,
based on when the shows start.
Small Planet was founded
in 1974 in downtown East
Lansing, but closed in 2000
when the city tore down the
building to build the City
Center. It reopened in 2008
at 1600 Chandler Road, near
Chandler Crossing and has
since been gaining popularity
with local music fans.
“Small Planet is a much
better music venue than Mac’s
Bar,” sophomore Amber Polhill
said. “The way they have it set
is that you can see the stage no
matter where you are in the
building. Also, there’s more
room in front of the stage for
people to dance and stuff.”
UPCOMING
CONCERTS
Quarter Past Never
• Every Thursday
• Wild Wing Cafe,
Okemos
• Evenings
• Free
Of Virtue
• December 19th
• Mac’s Bar, Lansing
• 5 pm
• $10
Dashboard Confessional
w/ New Found Glory
• December 8th
• St. Andrew’s Hall, Detroit
• 7 pm
• $28
Music is definitely the main
focus for the Small Planet,
and each performance has a
theme to it. There is generally
a main attraction band, one
that is relatively famous and
many people want to see. Local
bands usually open for that big
band. This allows people to
have a night of diverse types
of music, and lets local bands
get news out about themselves
and develop a fan base. There
is also a bar for people who are
of age. But it is predominantly
a concert venue as well as a
restaurant. The menu includes
food for vegetarians, as well
as food for meat lovers.
“The food looks actually
appetizing,” Polhill said. “Not
like that nasty bar food stuff.”
Tickets are approximately $12.
features
Phoenix
• December 8th
• Clutch Cargo’s, Pontiac
• 7 pm
• $25
Rooney
• December 9th
•Majestic Theatre, Detroit
• 7 pm
• $15
Haily Wojcik
• December 6th
• Small Planet, East Lansing
• 7 pm
• $7
Goo Goo Dolls
• December 31st
• MotorCity Casino
Hotel, Detroit
• 9 pm
• $50
Mac’s Bar is a Lansing classic.
It has been around for roughly
60 years and has hosted diverse
music genres: punk rockers,
Road Trip
hip hoppers, old local rock
guys and college students. Its
atmosphere is much different
• Hill Auditorium • The Annex
from that of Small Planet. 825 N. University Ave. 400 E. Grand River Ave.
“It feels much more like a Ann Arbor ,Brighton
bar scene than a music venue,” (1 hour, 4 minutes from (44 minutes)
Polhill said. “It seems like most HHS)
of the people who go there • Hartland PAC
only go there to drink, not to • Basement 414 9525 E Highland Rd,
listen to the music.” 414 E. Michigan Ave,
There isn’t much for food,
Howell
Lansing
just stereotypical bar food like (46 minutes)
(19 minutes)
pretzels. “It’s a decent venue
though,” Polhill said. “The
bands are mostly local people, • Clutch’s Cargo • Mixtape Venue
and the people who don’t go 65 East Huron St. Pontiac 133 Division Ave S, Grand
there to drink are the band’s (1 hour, 16 minutes) Rapids
friends supporting them. I like (1 hour, 11 minutes)
that.”
13 November 24, 2009
ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
Senior Cody Little helped lead the Haslett soccer team to a 18-4-1 this season.
Horstman hits ’em hard
by courtney BLACK
“I don’t think about any-
thing else but hitting,” junior
Allie Horstman said of her
pre-game mind set. She is
completely focused and deter-
mined before every game.
Horstman has been a force
to be reckoned with in the
middle front. She is respon-
sible for many of the kills the
team put down this season.
There is passion in Horst-
man’s voice as she discuss-
es volleyball, which is an
enormous part of her life. “I
thought it was better than ex-
pected. We did a really good
job,” Horstman said.
The volleyball team ended
up making it to the second
round of playoffs this year
until it suffered a devastating
defeat to DeWitt. Win or lose,
there was progress individu-
ally and as a team.
“I feel like the team became
closer and got more comfort-
able playing with each other
throughout the season,” Horst-
man said. “I think our confi-
dence levels grew as well.”
Fowlerville is Horstman’s
favorite team to play. She likes
that Fowlerville is challeng-
ing, but her team can still win.
The intensity builds during
games against the Gladiators
because of the long rallies.
Other favorite parts of her
season include team dinners,
making team shirts and going
to Subway with teammate ju-
nior Miranda Rogers before
games.
Even though the season is
over, Horstman plans on stay-
ing conditioned and getting
prepared for next season.
“I’ll be working out to stay
in shape now that the season
is over,” Horstman said. “I’ll
also play LAVA in the winter
and spring.” LAVA is the Lan-
sing Area Volleyball Associa-
tion, which is a club team.
This is only the beginning
for Horstman as she still has
one more year of varsity vol-
leyball to go. Her goal for the
future is to go to a Divison 2
or Divison 3 school to play
volleyball in college.
photo courtesy of cody LITTLE
Junior Allie Horstman goes up for a solid hit during one of the many games she played during the season.
Little goes out on highest note
by courtney BLACK
“This is the best season
we’ve had during my career,”
senior Cody Little said about
the soccer team’s spectacular
season.
“We’ve all been playing
together since grade school,”
Little said. “So that and a
combination of our new coach
let us win leagues and make it
to district finals.”
Little was one of 13 seniors
on the team this season and
was the starting center de-
fender. “Mental toughness,
our ability to stay cool and
confident, as well as experi-
ence both individually and
as a team, lead to the season’s
success,” Little said.
To get pumped up before
a game, Little listens to punk
and alternative music. “I like
to warm up and just mess
around with the guys,” he
said. “Then it’s game time,
and I focus on what I need to
do to excel on the field.”
One of his highlights from
the season was playing long-
time rival, the DeWitt Pan-
thers, in the first round of play-
offs. The team was confident
it could win after beating De-
photo courtesy of allie HORSTMAN
Witt in a league game earlier
in the season.
But DeWitt was not just an-
other game for Little.
“Our pride was on the line,”
he said. “We had to defend
our field and show we had im-
proved enough to beat them
again.”
Another highlight was play-
ing and tying Holt. The Rams
were nationally ranked on
ESPN at the time and ended
up making it to the finals this
year.
“We played out of our
minds because we were excit-
ed to play them and confident
we could hang with them,”
Little said. The game ended
in a 2-2 tie.
Even though the season
is over, Little misses being
around and messing around
with his teammates.
“I mostly miss just hanging
out and goofing off with the
guys on the team,” Little said.
Little’s future plans for soc-
cer include men’s league and
indoor in the off season. As
for school, he will attend Mich-
igan State University to study
mechanical engineering.
sports
Expectations for
upcoming
winter sports
Boys Basketball
Dom Choma, senior:
“We expect big things.
Breslin or bust.”
Dec. 8- First home game vs
St. Johns @ 7:30 p.m.
Gymnastics
Crystalle Izzo, senior:
“Hopefully [make it to]
states this year.”
Jan. 16 - Haslett Invitational
@ 9 a.m.
Boys Bowling
Andrew Dotson, sopho-
more: “We will be OK,
I’m gonna be pretty
good.”
Jan. 7- First home match vs.
Eaton Rapids @ 3:30 p.m.
Boys Swimming
Ranga Mutatu, junior:
“Going to be win the
league, it’s going to be
cake.”
Dec. 10 - First home meet vs.
Ovid-Elsie
Hockey
Brennen O’Berski,
senior: “It’s a building
season but everyone
else in the league is
weak.”
Dec. 4 - Home game vs.
Okemos @ 8 p.m.
Girls Basketball
Alicia Foren, senior: “I
think [our season] will
be interesting but fun.”
Dec. 1- First home game vs.
Sexton
Wrestling
Anthony Byrnes, senior:
“(We are) a young
team, (there’s) good
leadership, (and) ev-
eryone sticks with it.
(We) will be good.”
Dec. 5 - First mome meet vs.
Lainsburg
14 November 24, 2009
born to
BATTLE
by emma CLAUCHERTY
Less than a minute into
the fight, Nick Benton had
his opponent in a choke hold.
His coach Jamie Stevenson
shouted “Let go of the head!”
through the latticed caged
walls of the octagon. Benton
let go, and laid eight final
punches into his opponent.
“He just went limp,” Ben-
ton said. “His eyes rolled back
into his head. The ref stopped
the fight because the guy was
unconscious and bleeding all
over the mat.”
Benton’s first mixed martial
arts fight lasted a glorious 56
seconds.
“The ref broke it off and I
just ran around the ring,” Ben-
ton said. “I looked at my dad
who looked like he was about
to cry, he was so happy. I just
pointed at him. It was kind of
emotional.
“It was probably my num-
ber one moment ever.”
The 20-year-old Benton, a
2007 HHS grad, began the
sport of Mixed Martial Arts
last January. MMA is a full
combat sport using a wide
range of self-defense tech-
niques including martial arts,
boxing and wrestling.
“My dad works with a guy
named Jamie Stevenson who
used to be an Olympic boxer
and is now a trainer,” Benton
said. “I got introduced and
started training with him at
his private gym in Holt.”
Benton trains five days a
week for two hours or more at
a time. “We do a lot of run-
ning, a lot of sparring, a lot
of punching hand mitts and
jump rope,” Benton said.
So far, Benton has had two
fights within the 170-pound
weight class. Both fights were
knockouts, the first one with-
in 56 seconds, the second in
a minute and eight seconds.
His next fight has not yet been
scheduled.
Benton admits he was ner-
vous for his first fight, but he
knew he was ready. “I knew
I did more than anyone else
to prepare so I wasn’t too wor-
ried,” Benton said. “But it takes
one punch to get knocked out.
You could get caught just right
and it would all be over.”
Benton has been a fighter
his whole life even though he
only began MMA last year.
“I’ve been wrestling since
second grade,” he said. “I
would’ve boxed but my mom
would never let me. So this
has been my chance to do it
now.”
In the past, though, Benton’s
fights always went beyond the
wrestling mat. “I was always
getting into fights in school,”
he said. “I was cocky and
short-tempered. I was always
trying to prove myself.”
Benton recalls many fights
over the years. “I would be
fighting on the playground all
the time.”
The worst of Benton’s fights
happened right after he gradu-
ated from high school.
“I got into a fight with this
guy and six of his friends were
watching so they basically
came up and stomped me,”
Benton said. “I ended up los-
ing a tooth. I was all cut up
and beat down. It was the only
time I ever lost a fight.”
Benton’s troubled past was
a big factor in his decision to
take up MMA. Because of his
past behaviors, he figured, “I
might as well do it legally.
Benton has long outgrown
the pointless spur-of-the-mo-
ment fights of the past. Much
of that has to do with taking
up MMA. “It brings a lot of
discipline to you. It brought a
lot to me,” he said.
He has noticed a change for
the better after becoming an
MMA fighter. “It’s not hard
for me to walk away from
stuff anymore,” Benton said.
“Through MMA, I learned
that heated arguments are
just stupid. MMA helped me
group up in a big way.”
Benton believes having
MMA in his life sooner would
have been helpful. “I think I
would’ve missed out on a lot
of my troubles,” he said. “A lot
of it would’ve been avoided
if I had the discipline I have
now.”
The sport of MMA has re-
cently risen in popularity with
TV shows like “Tap Out” and
sports
“The Ultimate Fighter.” Fans
get caught up in the glory of
the sport without knowing ev-
erything about it. Watching
the punches through a screen
is quite different than feeling
them collide with muscle and
bone.
“I’ve seen so many people
come to our gym and try and
make it through our training,”
Benton said. “They end up
coming twice and quitting be-
cause they can’t do it.”
Many people don’t un-
derstand the immense effort
put into training. “Everyone
thinks it’s a fun joke. You go
in and throw a few punches
and that’s it,” Benton said.
“There’s so much more to it
than that.”
The satisfaction of a win
does not come without the
pain of hard work. “Everyone
thinks it’s so cool, but it sucks
until you get into that ring,” Nick “The Kaffine Kid” Benton
Benton said. “You feel good finds his place in the octagon.
when you’re done but every-
thing else sucks.”
Some of Benton’s most pain-
ful moments have been in the
gym with his trainer.
“My trainer is hard. He beats
on me,” Benton said. “In the
gym, I would get to the point
where I couldn’t even hold my
hands up. My nose would be
bleeding everywhere and my “When that song is on,
trainer still won’t let me stop. everyone knows it’s me,”
Those are probably some of Benton said. “When the
the worse moments of my ca- announcer says, ‘And
reer, but you feel like you can in this corner hailing
take on the world after.” from Haslett, Michi-
Right now, Benton plans to gan, Nick the Kaffine
continue training and work- Kid Benton!’ that is
ing, but hopes to go into some my time to shine.”
branch of the armed services Looking across
eventually. that octagon, Benton
“I’m considering the Air doesn’t feel nervous,
Force or possibly the Coast just determined to
Guard,” Benton said. defend something
He still plans to continue that means much
fighting during his possible ca- more than his physi-
reer. “They have MMA teams cal well-being.
in the service so I will try and “As I look at the
get on one,” Benton said. “But guy in the other cor-
I’ll definitely continue fight- ner, I think, ‘This is
ing. I love it.” my moment. They’re
Before fights, Benton walks not taking this away
into the gym as “Walk,” by from me,’” Benton
the rock band Pantera, blares said. “This is what
through the speakers. It’s his I do. This is who I
signature entrance music. am.” photo courtesy of nick BENTON
15 November 24, 2009 sports

MSU coach’s KNOW YOUR ATHLETES

daughter
by jerry EASTWOOD

We asked coaches and teammates about certain students

stays down on their team to see how well they know their athletes.
to earth 1. What is David’s pregame meal?
Oliver: Spaghetti
CORRECT!
Narduzzi makes smooth 2. How long has he been part of the swim
transition from Cincinnati team?
Oliver: Four years
to life as a Viking CORRECT!
by chris LOUNSBERY
3. What is David’s best event?
Oliver: 200 IM
Since moving to Haslett Public Schools, junior Arianna Nar-
duzzi has almost mastered the difficult process of transferring. CORRECT!
Narduzzi moved to Haslett two years ago from Cincinnati,
Ohio, where her father, Pat, was the linebackers coach at the 4. What college does David plan on attending?
University of Cincinnati. Now Narduzzi’s father is the defensive
coordinator for the Michigan State Spartans.
Oliver: Michigan
Although her father is in a relatively high position in the com- CORRECT!
munity, Narduzzi explains that she is not treated differently than Men’s swim coach Bob Oliver and senior swimmer David Laczynski
the rest of the kids.
“The principals (Bart Wegenke and Darin Ferguson) always 1. Who is Billy’s favorite musical artist?
talk to me about what happened in the game, but other than Byrnes: Underoath
that, not really,” Narduzzi said, “Like, I don’t get any special
treatment from them or my other teachers.” INCORRECT: Breaking Benjamin
For the most part, Narduzzi is a regular girl and that’s how she
wants it to be. She’s glad that people don’t usually bother her all 2. What is Billy’s favorite drink?
that much about her father.
“It just gets old sometimes when people are always coming Byrnes: Root Beer
up to me and wanting to talk about the game and the players.” INCORRECT: Mountain Dew Voltage
Narduzzi said.
Other than the occasional annoying conversation, being the
defensive coordinator’s daughter does have its upsides. Nar-
3. What does Billy want to do as a profession?
duzzi has an intense passion for the sport of football, shown by Byrnes: Police officer

“
CORRECT!

I’ve met all of them, at 4. What is Billy’s greatest fear?

Byrnes: Spiders
one time or another and INCORRECT: Snakes
they know me and my
sister. They call us the Senior wrestlers Anthony Byrnes and Billy Belanger

”
`Little Duzzis`. 1. What is Quinn’s favorite food?
Solomon: Panda Express
CORRECT!
- Junior Arianna Narduzzi
2. What is Quinn’s favorite class this year?
Solomon: Art
her dedicated following of the sport. CORRECT!
“It’s fun going to the games. I’ve been going basically since I
was born,” Narduzzi said. “I usually always know what’s going
on with both the offense and the defense. I also usually know 3. Does Quinn like competitive or seasonal
when we mess up.” cheer better?
Narduzzi has also particularly enjoyed meeting the team, and Solomon: Competitive
seeing what they like off the field.
“I’ve met all of them, at one time or another and they know CORRECT!
me and my sister. They call us the “Little Duzzis” Narduzzi said
with a smile. 4. What are Quinn’s favorite colors?
Narduzzi has a very enjoyable time at Michigan State football
games. Once in a while there is an annoying fan of her father’s, Solomon: Burgundy and yellow
but usually Narduzzi’s life is not overly affected by her father’s CORRECT!
career. photos by taylor PARKER
Junior cheerleader Quinn Wilson and senior cheerleader Sam Solomon
 2
16 November 24, 2009 back of the boat

yrotS yrevE ot sediS Sides to Every Story

by hannah NOWICKI

What part did you play in the musical? What part did you play in the musical?
“I was a chorus member.” “I had a featured role. The names stayed the same so my character’s
name was Suzie. I was a figment of the main character, Tom’s,
How did you feel right before the first imagination.”
performance?
“I was definitely anxious and How did you feel right before
excited to see how people the first performance?
would react. I was also really “I was really excited and a
happy and hyper.” little nervous. But the ner-
vousness didn’t last long, so
Is this your first musical? I guess it was more excite-
“No.” ment than nerves.”

What else have you been Is this your first musical?

in?
“In 7th grade I was in one
called “You Ain’t Noth-
ing But a Werewolf” and I
played a girl named Irene.
And in 8th grade I was
in ‘Snow White and the
Seven Dwarves’ and I
played Snow White.”
What were you thinking as
you walked on stage for the
first time?
“’Try not to fall.’ I just remember
smiling and being happy about
being out there.”
What do you like best about the musical
experience?
“I really liked how everyone was so welcom-
ing. I made a lot of new friends and it’s
nice that they share the same interests
as me. The sets were really cool and they
were way more fun than the middle
school musicals.”
Out of all of the musicals you have
been in what has been you favorite
role to play and why?
“Probably “Snow White” just because I was the lead and it was fun being
the lead. I got to be the person on stage
singing the most and that was nice.
But this one was fun because everyone is so energetic about it.”
Jenna O’Berski, freshman Suzie Schmelter, senior
photos by taylor PARKER
photo illustration by andrew BEAUMAN
“No.”
What else have you
been in?
“I was in ‘Oklahoma’, ‘Guys
and Dolls’ and ‘The
Sound of Music’, which
was at my old school.”
What were you think-
ing as you walked on stage
for the first time?
“’Don’t mess up, remember
everything!’ It was almost like
second nature though so I
knew I just had to get out there
and do it.”
What do you like best about the musical
experience?
“I love after working for so long on it and finally
show week comes. Plus, the whole cast gets so
close and we all really get along together. It is fun
to go out to dinner before and after the perfor-
mances too. The musical is a really busy and
hectic time but it is really fun.”
Out of all of the musicals you have been
in what has been you favorite role to play and why?
“I think it would have to be ‘Guys and Dolls.’ I really liked the show and
it was really fun. I knew a lot of the people in the cast. The music was
great and I was able to get close with the cast.”

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