east lyme high school east lyme, ct

the vvikingiking ssagaaga september 22, 2008 volume 42 edition 2 From Vikings to Saints Five East Lyme student-athletes transfer an investigation, but all we found was to St. Bernard High school speculation and rumors,” said athletic by Ellie Kleinhans director Jim Moran. “You’d hate to punish a student for speculating. We’re not going Within weeks of summer beginning, to do that. But at the same time we have rumors started to spread about East Lyme rules to follow and want to make sure that High School losing some of their most they’re followed.” talented athletes. By the time school started According to the Connecticut back up, many of those rumors had been Interscholastic Athletic Conference confi rmed—fi ve ELHS student-athletes had (CIAC) Handbook, the “recruitment of transferred to St. Bernard High School. students, or attempted recruitment of Senior Jordan Rando, a starting running students, for athletic purposes, regardless back for ELHS football team; senior Lucas of their residence, is a gross violation of the Bowman, a state runner-up and former spirit and philosophy of the by-laws of the wrestling captain as well as a linebacker for [CIAC] and is expressly forbidden.” ELHS; senior Sean Kydd, a wide receiver It also states that a school is responsible for the ELHS football team; junior Dylan for any recruiting violation made by anyone Delacruz, a two-year starting shortstop associated with the school in any way— for the ELHS baseball team; and junior coaches, athletic directors, teachers, even Photos Submited Austin Gillespie, a starting left fi elder for students and parents. And the violations Five ELHS students transferred to St. Bernard the ELHS baseball team, all traded in their include direct or indirect contact with High School, four are shown here: clockwise from maroon for a different shade of red. a student suggesting that they transfer top left, Lucas Bowman, Jordan Rando, Dylan Due to these student-athletes transferring, schools for athletic purposes. Delacruz, and Sean Kydd. An investigation into ELHS looked into a possible recruitment Gillespie stated that he transferred solely possible recuritment violations is ongoing. violation. “Myself and Dr. Sullivan held (continued as St. B’s on page 9) New Roof, Same Old Story Leaks are still a problem at year when Mr. Hewitt fi rst East Lyme High School tiles around the school that arrived at ELHS, he has had by Ellie Kleinhans have water damage stains. In addition, cracks in the walls, to replace the ceiling tiles 7 Three years ago ceiling tiles specifi cally in the A Wing, leak to 9 occasions. This can get in the library and other various of water whenever there are costly. The administration is rooms were rotting due to water severe downpours, resulting in now looking into getting to the damage. The problem worsened large puddles in the hallway. core of the problem, instead of to the point where replacing the “When it doesn’t pour, I don’t fi xing only what can be seen on tiles would solve nothing for have a problem. When it pours, the outside. much longer than a day. So, I have a big problem,” said head “We are having a contractor the roof had been completely custodian Michael Hewitt. “It come down to work on this replaced the next summer. Now, doesn’t have anything to do with issue,” said Mr. Hewitt. The the water problem is back. the roof. It’s the roof top units— fi nal evaluation and cost should e.kleinhans/saga Although it is not quite as or the ventilation system.” be available by the end of the Custodians repare to replace just severe, there are many ceiling Since November of last month, if not sooner. some of the ruined ceiling tiles

Kydd Wedding Morning Show From Gymnastics Fall TV Preview 4 Throwdown7 to Diving 8 1100

inside 2 september 22, 2008 opinion Say What You They claim she has no experience, If Sarah Palin proves to have just as much but in fact she does. Two years as mayor experience as the Democratic presidential and two years as governor. Palin may candidate of 2008, participates in some be new to politics with only four of the same activities as a Democratic nominee of 2004 and knows how to care years of experience, but how is for her children and run a state at the same Democratic presidential nominee time, why do people dislike her so much? Barack Obama any different? If Her views could do it for the Democrats, anything, four years in the senate is less after all she is pro life, pro war, and is pro experience than Palin’s. He is just one of offshore oil drilling. As for the offshore many as a Senator, whereas Palin governs drilling, Palin is an avid supporter of drilling Alaska, the largest state in the country. in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge, And what makes Alaska special is the which is in Alaska, so that the United State different culture it has compared to that doesn’t remain dependent on the Middle of the east coast. One major aspect of that East. She knows a great deal about the oil culture is hunting—Palin hunts moose. problem through governing a state where it ellie kleinhans kleinhans ellie But John Kerry, Democratic presidential is their major resource. Lately, all the rage in American politics nominee of 2004, hunts deer. So what is But then why do most critics base their has been about Sarah Palin, John McCain’s the difference? hate on her experience and capabilities? vice presidential nominee. Many people in Then there is the concern that Palin will And while I am the only one of the Saga this school hate her, but I personally think not be able to do her job as Vice President, staff to say this, I strongly believe that she’s great. because after all she has 5 children and one Sarah Palin will do great things for this She is the Governor of Alaska, a mother grandkid on the way. If she has been able to country. Maybe those who oppose her are of a soldier, a wife of a union worker and juggle her family and a state and the Race just jealous that Obama couldn’t fi nd such most importantly an all-American woman. for the White House, don’t you think she a great running mate. So why is she constantly criticized? can handle being VP? Should the drinking age be lowered? As the summer wound down, talk about are leading this movement arguing that that a lower drinking age will do nothing lowering the drinking age from 21 to lowering the drinking age will decrease to stop binge drinking, just increase more 18 escalated. the number of deaths related to binge accidents on the roads. Presidents of over 100 colleges and drinking. The Mothers Against Drunk Here is what students have to say: universities all over the United States Driving (MADD) refute this belief saying

“I’m going to have to say no. If 18-year- “Yes, because kids would feel more olds were buying booze that would mean responsibility with the privilege and would that they would most likely be buying become safer and more responsible,” for even younger kids like 14-year-olds -junior Alec Christian or something,” -senior Connor Reagan

“I think that kids drink to rebel. If it wasn’t illegal to drink at the age of 18 and was more an act of normalcy, I don’t think kids would drink as much—meaning fewer accidents and what not,”

-senior Amanda Barbeau e. kleinhans/saga Photo Submitted e. kleinhans/saga the viking saga opinionseptember 22, 2008 3 Need to Say

to have one skill: communication. to try to “help” the problem. Instead of Communication is not that comlicated involving another party in a fi ght, it is of an issue. According to dictionary.com, better to just solve the problem between the it is simply “the exchange of thoughts, respective groups. messages, or information, as by speech, So the next time a problem exists between signals, writing, or behavior.” friends or anyone else, face the problem So then why does the simple matter head on. It takes less time to just solve the of communication cause so much drama? problem than to worry about it. The famous Because for some reason, when problems phrase by Shakespere, “Cowards die many exist, the logical solution of speaking with times before their death, the valiant never the respective person is used as a last resort. taste of death but once,” is true in this Instead, there is a messenger or a scapegoat situation as it is in any. If you just face the or a facebook page. But why? problem, you won’t have to worry about The answer is because people do not know it anymore. how to deal with confl ict. Whenever In high school it is important to remember a problem exists, it is important what you do here refl ects the real world. emily newton So solve confl ict. Solve problems. And it is Confl ict is all around us. No matter that everything gets resolved. Sit how we look at, we must admit that hoped that the world can follow this lead. down. Address the issue. Solve our society is full of confl ict and not Now that we’ve said what necessarily solution. the problem. And that is it. It’s High school is a microcosm of society. done. It makes everything so much worse we needed to say, tell us There is perceived inequality, there are when other parties relay the message. what you have to say! fi ghts, there is greed, there is jealously and so For example, in the 1960s, North and Email us: many other problems. But in order to solve South Vietnam were fi ghting a battle [email protected] the endless slew of problems, it is necessary themselves. And then America came in 2008-2009 horns up... Saga Staff The Pinwheels for Peace that the Diversity Club put out on the ELHS Ellie Kleinhans Andrea Chrunyk front lawn on September 22nd. and Entertainment Editor Emily Newton James Gordy, Autumn Revoir, Editors-in-Chief Matt Heath Abby VanLuvanee and Emily Walker Back Page Editor who attended the CIAC Sportsmanship Alex Addabbo Conference. Managing Editor Jeff Beale Advisor Ramona Ostrowski To the new mats and potential News Editor Catie Cameron paint in the North Gym. Illustrator Kit Brown Features Editor Charlotte Kenyon horns down... Featured Writer Brendan Welch The malfunctioning fi re alarm box by Sports Editor Room A116 that caused the fi re drill during lunch on September 11th.

the viking saga 4 september 22, 2008 news ‘There are Mice in My Room!’ East Lyme High School’s mouse problem is so close to the outside doors. as a week after the traps were in place, is becoming widespread The issue is also particularly bad in the another mouse was found. by Emily Newton music wing because of the small crevices. “On September In the music wing, band teacher Susan 5th, I went into Not many people like mice. And the Johnston has noticed the mice often. They one of the teachers at East Lyme High School are have gone so far as eating her granola bar. cabinets to no exception. According to head custodian Michael “It all started on August 26th. I walked Hewitt, “The problem can be solved into my room, opened the kitchen drawers, by closing the doors in the drama and and found mouse droppings,” said culinary athletic wings.” With athletic practices teacher Patricia Newton. and drama and band rehersals, these doors get a strainer out to show the Silver Medal School ELHS has mice in a are often left propped open for hours at class. But instead of an empty strainer, I few different rooms. They are tiny enough a time. found a dead mouse. And I did what any to squeeze into the smallest of areas. That normal person would do—I screamed and means vents, cabinets and storage areas. “Instead of an empty ran away,” Ms. Newton explained. According to physical education teacher With mice continually being found in Kim Thompson, “The mice have been strainer, I found a dead different rooms, it is hoped that the mice our friends now for a couple of years. I infestation will end once and for all. saw one here [in the athletic mouse.” Terminex came in hopes of eradicating wing]. They - Culinary teacher Ms. Newton the problem on Tuesday, September 16th. like to hang They placed sticky traps in the cabinets and out in this Ms. Thompson offered another easy other mouse “hot spots.” Mr. Hewitt also answer. “It would help if people placed multiple mouse traps in the ceiling did not leave food in their lockers,” of the culinary room. she suggested. “I haven’t seen any more mice since The custodial staff tried another the second week of school,” Ms. Newton hallway.” The problem is solution—putting sticky traps in the said. Hopefully, Terminex worked and the considerably bad in the gym area because it culinary room. This had minimal effects, mouse problem will be no more. wore an embellished, light cream gown with New Kydd on the Block a sweetheart bodice and a multi-layered chiffon train. Mr. Kydd looked equally Two of East Lyme High School’s elegant in a chocolate brown tuxedo with a favorite staff members tie the knot matching cream shirt and tie. by Ramona Ostrowski Everything went smoothly, except for Walking down the A-wing English one unexpected twist: “We had a wedding hallway, you may notice a new sign hanging crasher at the church!” Mrs. outside a door. It reads, “Mrs. Kydd.” Mrs? Kydd laughed. “We called you might think. Is that a typo for Mr. Kydd? him ‘Random Backpack Or does his mother work here now? Guy.’ It looked like he No, Mr. Kydd still has his room in the had just come back from history wing and there is no new faculty hiking a mountain.” This member. Mrs. Kydd is, in fact, the English unexpected visitor did not teacher formerly known as Ms. Alexa pull a complete Wedding Mantoni, now happily married to history Crashers, though. He did teacher Mr. Henry Kydd. not attempt to join the Mr. and Mrs. Kydd got married this past reception party. summer on July 19th. The ceremony took The newlyweds place in St. Mary’s Star of the Sea church honeymooned in Anguilla, in New London, with a reception at the a Caribbean island, an Photo Submitted Crocker House immediately following. experience Mr. Kydd describes Mrs. Kydd described the day as “a very Photo Submitted as “awesome.” Now the only Mr. and Mrs. Kydd on their wedding day. hot Saturday,” and said that there were Random Backpack question is: when can approximately 230 guests attending. She Guy himself we expect a new Kydd? the viking saga news september 22, 2008 5 the Week Hurricane Horror IssueParking of Problem A Tulane University senior refl ects on evacuees slept on the gym fl oor and were commentary by Ramona Ostrowski Hurricanes Gustav and Katrina ultimately transferred to other colleges and The school year has begun, bringing by Charlotte Kenyon universities, not for four days, but an entire with it new problems. Some issues are semester while New Orleans recovered. new but others have been around since When Tulane University senior Caroline The students returned to their belongings the doors of East Lyme High School fi rst McAvoy was told to evacuate the school and a changed city in January of the opened. Namely the parking matter. because of Hurricane Gustav, she could following year. Everyone wants to drive to school. not help but think it was time for another “After Katrina I helped gut homes that It is worth shelling out four or more “hurrication,” or hurricane vacation. were unoccupied. It was really weird because dollars a gallon; no one wants to be “The school you could seen riding the bus. This makes the sent us all text tell people limited number of parking spots on messages and expected campus hot commodities. emails telling to come This year, the price of parking us to evacuate home. We stickers has been raised from $45 to and meet with found all of $50. But where does this money go? our Resident their things What does it pay for? It turns out Advisors,” ruined that it goes primarily toward paying a Caroline and had to nighttime security guard for the school. explained. throw all This, of course, brings up a whole slew From there, of it away.” of other questions… she piled all Caroline Seniors got the chance to buy stickers of her things said that in the fi rst week of school, and most into her car New people took advantage of this (except and drove to a Orleans Photo Submitted for people like me, of course, who have friend’s house has vastly neither a car nor a license…). Head of in Houston, Caroline (right) and her sister enjoy a concert in the improved Security Jim Barnes is expected to do recovering city of New Orleans. Texas. Her since this a lottery for juniors to buy stickers in hurrication point, however. mid-October. in Houston lasted from August 28th to “There is a ton of music and culture, along However, Mr. Barnes stressed that September 6th and recently she happily with the same problems that were here it is very important that people without reported, that “the damage is not that bad. before Katrina so I guess in a way it has not stickers do not park on campus. He There are a few fallen trees and only one really changed.” needs to get an accurate count of how building close to campus with broken “News of Gustav created a ton of fear many spaces are available before he windows.” Unfortunately, after Hurricane because people were afraid they would lose can do the lottery. So hang on a little Katrina, which occurred during her everything they had worked so hard to get bit longer, juniors – being impatient freshman year, the problems were not so back,” Caroline explained. With this fear, and parking now will only make easily repaired. many more precautions were taken. Tulane fewer spaces available for you in the On the fi rst day of school, most freshmen developed a new contact system so the long run. at East Lyme High School were concerned students would be notifi ed faster via text Speaking of driving, two seniors have with being on time and fi nding classes. message and email, resulting in faster, safer already been suspended from parking But Caroline’s fi rst day at Tulane was very and more effi cient evacuation. This was a on campus for driving recklessly on different. “I was given a fl yer telling me huge change for Tulane. campus, so if you are one of the lucky about Katrina and that I needed to go to this Heidi Engel, who went to Tulane from elite who does have your car here, do meeting and evacuate,” said Caroline. 1998-2002, recalled that when she attended, not abuse the privilege! So she and her classmates returned to students were just moved to top levels of their dorms and packed one bag that could dorm buildings and slept in the hallways Regional College Fair fi t on their laps with supplies for four days. until the storm passed. East Lyme High School “I brought a pillow, blanket and clothes, Cleanup from Gustav and Katrina is well everything else I left behind in my dorm on its way, and the city of New Orleans is Tuesday, October 7 closet,” she said. Caroline then went with full of life and culture again. “New Orleans 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. the school to Jackson State University is a cool city and really fun to go to college Over 130 colleges will be in Mississippi, where she and other in. I highly recommend it.” Caroline said, adding, “Well, besides the hurricanes.” represented! the viking saga 6 september 22, 2008 features Student Same places, new faces Spotlight Introducing some of the newest members of the East Lyme High School faculty INDIA IN A DAY by Alex Addabbo and Hannah Barner by Kit Brown Name: Mr. Matthew O’Grady Splitting her Subjects: Algebra I and II, Geometry time between Experience: First year teaching the city of High school mascot: Fitch Falcons Pune–her Dad’s High school activities: Football, lacrosse. birthplace– Worst job: Mopping fl oors in a pet store, but and the town it wasn’t that bad. of Miraj– Favorite part of teaching: Smiling children. her Mom’s Favorite part of ELHS: Everyone’s very nice hometown– and helpful. senior Priya If you could add one day to Spirit Week, Ranade spent what would it be? Kris Kross Day. They were k.brown/saga an life-changing my idols growing up… you probably don’t two weeks in India this past summer. know who they are. Besides the obvious experience of better One interesting fact about you: I’ve been acquainting herself with her mother and r. hutchins/saga skydiving. father’s culture, she also had an eye- opening cultural experience while visiting Name: Ms. Jackie Kapusta a school for underpriviledged kids. Subject: Social Studies sub for Ms. Jenkins Experience: Taught at NFA as a long term sub VS: What was your favorite memory and at Plainfi eld High as long term sub. from your trip? Worst job: Working at the dry cleaners. PR: I visited a school for underprivileged Favorite thing about teaching: The students, children. The school provides aid for because it’s fun. children whose parents work as maids and Favorite thing about ELHS: Everyone’s servants in other people’s homes. One of really friendly, no one’s mean. It’s great. the children was really cute and he asked One place you’d never visit again: St. me, ‘Have you ever had to study without Maarten… it’s in the Caribbean. electricity?’ Most of the kids there have High School Activities: Soccer, softball, to study in candlelight, because in India yearbook, and Teens Against Drunk Driving. they often turn out the electricity since One surprising thing about you: I was an the population is so large. All-American softball pitcher for Western New England College. h. barner/saga VS: What did you like so much about visiting the school? Name: Mr. Jeff Drew PR: It was so interesting meeting the Subject: Social Studies (alternative ed.) kids and just talking to them because Experience: First year teaching. they appreciate so many of the things High school mascot: Waterford Lancers we take for granted. They have so little Favorite thing about teaching: The students and they’re still so happy. It was such a and being able to develop relationships break to go to India–here, kids think if with them. they don’t get a car when they’re 16 their Favorite thing about ELHS: The staff and parents don’t love them or something!” the students, they’re all really friendly. Worst job: Working as an ice cream VS: What is Indian culture like? truck driver. PR: Well, food is a really important One place you’d never visit again: I can’t part of Indian culture. When you’re think of anywhere that I had a there you get to eat such great, authentic bad experience. food. When you go to someone’s house, One surprising thing about you: I’m a full it’s part of their hospitality to give you h. barner/saga time nanny in the summer.

something to eat. STAY TUNED FOR MORE NEW TEACHER PROFILES IN OUR NEXT EDITION! the viking saga features september 22, 2008 7 Morning Show Faceoff Student by Ellie Kleinhans Spotlight In the early 1990s, Industrial Arts teacher Paul Hardy started the TO BEIJING & BACK Morning Show. In 2000, Video Productions teacher Grant Place took by Kit Brown over and brought the show to new heights—this year, the class even has Senior Carly a teleprompter. Many of this year’s students have been on the Morning Thibault’s Show before, initiating a friendly competition between the two classes. But father, which day will produce the best Morning Show? Well, that’s for the viewers Connecticut Sun head to decide... coach Mike Thibault, was dayONE dayTWO selected as one of the aka “The Wet Bandits” “Expect absolute greatness,” said senior U.S. Olympic Photo submitted Vinny Barone, Ryan Cave & Kevin Frank Ryan Baldassario. “How could Day One women’s Carly and her brother in Beijing top our show? We’ve got Sam Deabay, a assistant basketball coaches. She and “We’re looking to do big things,” said four-year vet; Dave Kennon, a three-year her family stayed in Beijing for 19 days senior Vinny Barone vet; Matt Pryke, a seasoned vet; Tommy and were lucky enough to see many of the “For example, we are going to expose the Adams, a two-year vet; and me... a four- highlights of the 2008 Olympic Games. corrupt parking sticker situation at ELHS,” year vet.” “We actually have two girls in VS: Was it a lot different in Beijing? the class, whereas the other class CT: It was a culture shock. I saw things has none. So that’s an extra spin that wouldn’t be legal here! Things you on things,” said Deabay. couldn’t even put in the Saga! “Day Two is all seniors except for one junior. We should bring VS: What was your favorite part? back the glory days on the show CT: I got to go to the Opening and be creative as the crews that Ceremonies which were amazing. started the show back in the 90s,” The number of people involved was said Baldassario. astounding–there was at least 5,000 “We are bringing back the athletes and another 9,000 spectators. Senior of the Week,” said senior Dave Kennon. VS: Who did you get to meet? a. chrunyk/saga “And we CT: I met a lot of people like LeBron The Wet Bandits pose for a photo op. will have lip James, Kobe Bryant, Jason Kydd and said senior Kevin Frank. synching, the entire women’s basketball team. “We are the ‘Wet Bandits,’ like Power I even got to meet Chris Tucker! I’ve in Home Alone where Harry and Ranger, been a fan of Jason Kydd’s for a long Marv go house to house, steal crazy mind time so I really enjoyed meeting him. Christmas gifts and fl ood the blowing houses. We really love that movie action,” said VS: What was the most incredible thing and wanted to name ourselves Baldassario. you saw? after it,” said senior Ryan Cave. “We’re CT: It was absolutely amazing to see “Through hardwork, perseverance going to our women’s basketball team win a gold and our teacher’s good looks blow your medal, and being able to hold it! k.. simmons/saga we will be better than Day Two mind away Ryan Baldassario shows his Day Two pride Morning Show,” said Frank. with the VS: You got a chance to hold the medal? “Yeah, Mr. Place dresses nicer on Day stuff that’s different this year,” CT: After we won the gold medal, the Ones,” said Cave. said Kennon. team got together for a post-game party. Katie Smith came over with her medal and gave it to me to hold! When I was Catch the morning show each holding it, it was just amazing to think that some people work their entire lives day before Blocks B&F at 9:01! to win one of these medals. the viking saga 8 september 22, 2008 sports WELCH’S (legal) JUICE From Beam to Board Girls’ diving team has roots as gymnasts by Emily Newton When watching the Beijing Olympics, really helps when you are diving,” says one may have been infuriated over the “16- freshman diver Jane Martinez. year-old” Chinese gymnasts. Sometimes With all the advantages gymnastics when watching, the lack of equality was so has on diving, it would seem as if those

http://cache.daylife.com outrageous that the channel was switched. gymnasts would have the upper hand in We all watched in either horror or glee And during that switch, something quite competitions. This is true, as many of on opening weekend as Tom Brady’s similar was seen: diving. the top divers in the country have roots as season ended with one swift blow. It was hard to differentiate between all the gymnasts, including 2000 Olympic gold At that moment it was easy for twists and turns done medalist Laura many football fans, myself included, to in the gymnastics Wilkinson. immediately write the Patriots off for competitions and Gymnasts not only that game, but also any kind of the fl ips and the often switch over Super Bowl run. spins done in the to diving after And then Matt Cassel, who had not diving meets. getting injured. “I played in a meaningful game since high Of the divers on fracted my back school, came out in place of Brady, and the East Lyme High freshman year , the team barely seemed to blink. School diving team, so I had to quit Although they were clearly not the all have participated being a gymnast,” unstoppable force of last season, the in some type of says senior Alyssa Patriots were good enough to pull off a gymnastics: whether Andres. “I joined win, even if it was against the Chiefs. that be competitive diving junior Readers, I’m a Chiefs fan. I was livid gymnastics or year because it’s that my team lost despite felling Mr. just the same type closely related, Brady. But now, after Cassel has defeated of stretching. and it would be Brett Favre and the Jets while making his “Gymnastics a way to keep fi rst start in years, I realize how foolish I really helps so that up gymnastics was to say the Pats were doomed. you have a strong without further Remember, NFL fans that this decade, core. It also helps injuring myself.” New England has built one of the most when you do twists Most commonly, impressive football machines in history. in the air,” said gymnasts switch And they did it by being unconventional sophomore Karen to diving after in their approach to the draft. Hays, a veteran diver injuries such as The Patriots scouting department of seven years. “All torn ACLs. Going looks beyond the measurables. They of the basic elements from landing feet understand that behind every ‘40 time are the same.” fi rst on a mat to

and every statistic is a football player. To “I quit gymnastics a. chrunyk/saga head fi rst into a make it with the Patriots you must not two years ago but Senior Alyssa Andres shows off her game face for her pool may be a only be talented, you must be intelligent. missed doing the new vault runway: the diving board. hard transition, And often, the players with nothing but fl ips and stuff,” says but there is a lot less big numbers go in the fi rst round of the sophomore Katie Chrunyk. “So I decided impact in the water. draft. By trading away their fi rst round to switch to diving because you can do the Although there are many technical picks, as the Pats are known to do, they fl ips without all of the other events.” differences, there are just as many pick up more of those smart, passionate The skills learned in gymnastics help similarities. Many divers look up to guys that end up becoming stars with divers to have better body awareness, gymnasts as role models. the team. Guys like Tom Brady, and increased fl exibility and control. This “Basically Shawn Johnson is my hero. I now Matt Cassel. helps divers feel more secure in the air. In wish I were like her, but instead going into That explains why the Pats’ former addition, gymnastics helps with strength the pool,” said Whewell. director of college scouting was hired as and quickness. Adds sophomore Julia Counter, “The Atlanta’s GM after just one interview. “You have to have very good fl exibility, Olympics were kind of inspiring.” I could be wrong, but hey. which we work on every day,” said With all the advantages of gymnastics on That’s the juice. sophomore Kristen Whewell, a diver of diving, it is sure that the ELHS diving team This is the opinion of Brendan Welch three years. (or maybe even gymnastics team) will end the viking saga “It’s a lot of the same motions… gymnastics with a great season. sports september 22, 2008 9 Across the Cross Country World BOYS: by Hannah Barner GIRLS: Craig Van Alsten leads boys as a junior A good outlook for the season

It is hard to take on the responsibilities of leadership while Cries of ‘I AM A B-A-N-A-N-A, YES I AM!’ can be heard being a student, and around school grounds as the girls’ cross country team practices to do so as a junior every day. is a rare occurrence. Though the origin But Craig Van Alsten of this unique team makes this task seem cheer is unknown totally and completely to most, one thing natural. everyone should Seniors are always know is that girls’ expected to step up XC is going to bring and lead, but there is a fi ercer competition only one senior out of h. barner/saga this year than in h. barner/saga Size doesn’t matter: The boys’ team is small and the entire boys’ cross those past. The XC girls kick off a season of dominance has lots of potential. (some members not shown) country team has only “I don’t think one. This could present any group of athletes with a multitude of anybody is out-working us. We’re out practicing when everyone challenges, but new coach Sam Harfenist embraces the diffi culties else in the state canceled practice,” explains team coach that come along with the runners’ youth. David Sdao, “No one is looking to back down, and I think that “It’s easier to build a team this way,” says Harfenist, “to build a is great.” new identity instead of a continuation of what it [the team] was.” With a new training regimen that combines tactics similar to After losing almost their entire varsity seven runners, team those used in track with trail running and distance, the team is goals have shifted to placing in the top fi ve in the ECC in addition building their strength with each stride. to being competitive in both the class meet and ECCs. “They [ELHS cross country runners] know what it’s like to “We have talent, but it needs to be developed,” says Van Alsten challenge themselves,” states Sdao, “to do anything less would “We’re small but we’re strong.” be demeaning.” (St. B’s continued from front page) remain anonymous in this article. athletic director, principal and coaches of for academic purposes, the other students When asked about the amount of the sports that they participated in. This failed to reply. contact St. Bernard has had with the student- must be signed in order for the athlete to If a recruiting violation is found, “there athletes from ELHS, St. Bernard varsity participate in any CIAC competitions. “We are different levels of punishment. Athletes baseball coach and athletic director William have only received four waivers,” said Mr. could be ineligible for a season or a year. Buscetto said, “We have no comment at Moran. The school could be forced to forfeit Dr. Sullivan explained that these waivers games. The team could have to pay a fi ne. were for two boys and two girls. “One may Their team could be made ineligible to play be claiming a change of address,” said Dr. for the season, which is not a good thing,” Sullivan, which would thus make waivers according to Mr. Moran. and the 30 day waiting period irrelevant. Some ELHS athletes say they have been “We’ve wrapped the investigation contacted by members of the St. Bernard’s up...But we wrote a letter to the principal coaching staff. “The head coach of the at St. Bernard and the CIAC. We want to wrestling team at St. B’s called a week make them aware of the possibility [that before school started. He said that Lucas recruiting is going on] and the CIAC could Bowman is there now and was wondering possibly do their own investigation,” said if I would be interested in coming,” said Mr. Moran. senior Ryan Clarke, who is a state champion this time. All I know is that there have been “I did sign waivers for four students. wrestler. “He told me to call him back, but some East Lyme High School students that However one waiver I appended. I wrote a I never did. I wasn’t interested in leaving. have transferred here.” letter saying that I attest to the fact that this I didn’t see a point in leaving somewhere “It’s very hard to prove,” said Mr. Moran. student did not transfer for athletic reasons, where I’ve gone to school for three years “All we can really go by is what paperwork to the best of my knowledge…But given already.” has been fi led. But we haven’t found any the fact that this person had outstanding Also, a coach from St. Bernard contacted hard evidence yet.” academic standings…there is no reason a member of the ELHS baseball team about In order to transfer schools and for this student to transfer unless pressured transferring schools. However, the student- participate in athletics there, a student to do so by an adult in his life,” said Dr. athlete declined the offer and wishes to must have a waiver signed by their former Sullivan. the viking saga 10 september 22, 2008 entertainment Returning TV shows are either And We’re Back! a hit or a miss this fall season Back to Prison So Last Season 90210 Unzipped by Emily Newton by Ramona Ostrowski by Andrea Chrunyk As soon as the clock hit 8 p.m. on I had the weirdest sense of déjà vu on The 90s were a magical era, fi lled with September 1st, my phone was turned off Wednesday, September 3rd when watching high-waisted jeans and sideburns that went for the fi rst time of the entire summer. It the premiere of Cycle 11 of America’s to the fl oor. And the show that captured all was Prison Break time. Next Top Model. I felt like I had seen it of this was Beverly Hills, 90210. After a long hiatus, Prison Break fi nally all before…and then I realized, of course! I When I heard that the most famous zip started off its fourth season, and if previous had seen it all before. I watch every cycle, code in America was back, I immediately seasons are any inclination of what is to so I had, in fact, seen it 10 times before. had mixed feelings. Could anyone recreate come, this season is sure to be anything but Cycle 11 kicked off the same way that something so quintessentially 90s? ordinary. Cycles One through Ten have started. I got my answer when I saw the character Brothers Lincoln Burrows Thirty-three tall, thin, catty girls Hannah Zuckerman-Vasquez on (Dominic Purcell) and Michael convened at the “Top Model West Beverly’s Morning Show. Scofi eld (Wentworth Miller) are Institute of Technology (TMIT),” Her presumed mother, Andrea again out on the loose looking which is effectively a hotel with Zuckerman, was an original to bring down the mysterious model mentors Mr. and Ms. Jay cast mate on t h e organization known as “The in silver unisuits. Though there show, and Company.” Scofi eld and the were some new activities such as a having escapees are looking to steal a body scanner which analyzed each Hannah show up $50 million data card containing girl’s build, the TMIT was really no http://www.imdb.com information on the corruption of different than last season’s premiere was an New kids on the block inside the United States government while location, “Top Model Prep” or Annie and Dixon Wilson “The Company” is trying to keep Cycle 9’s cruise ship. joke to everything out of the public’s eyes. As each contestant was fans of the original show. “The Company” surely is interviewed by the judges, the However, I quickly got past my not playing any games, as one audience learned that they were sentimentality toward the good old

of Scofi eld’s main allies is The Bad pretty much the same as those from days and looked at the show for

assassinated in broad daylight. all of the past seasons. Even the Ugly The what it was—another show about The Good The And only minutes later, another “unique” girls–the lesbian, the Ivy high school students who have too one of Scofi eld’s allies experiences League-er, the foreigner–have been much money for their own good. a terrible tragedy: “The Company” seen before. And the kids were not even murders Mahone’s son. That being said, there was one shock. the worst part. Parents Harry and Debbie With the recent tragedy, it is all business Isis, a confi dent, beautiful 22-year-old, are a far cry from the original wholesome for the group of convicts. The gang fi nally revealed that she was transgender, Midwestern parents Cindy and Jim Walsh. snatches the data card but it seems too meaning she was born with a male And while Brandon and Brenda Walsh easy. Sure enough, the convicts body. She made it to the fi nal 14 from the original show had a major culture come to fi gure out that the data models who got to move into shock upon entering the glamorous lifestyle card is broken up into seven the Top Model house even that is Beverly Hills, Annie and Dixon different pieces, with a though some girls had a Wilson seem to blend in seamlessly different member of problem with her. If she with the superfi ciality. So without “The Company” makes it a few weeks, I am the original premise of a fi sh out of each having a willing to bet ANTM host water story, is it fair to call this a piece of the card. Tyra Banks will pay for her continuation by just bringing As the show came fi nal surgery the way she paid back old characters in their old to a close, I was sad to see to get Danielle’s teeth fi xed in setting? it end. As 10 p.m. reared Cycle 6. The original Beverly Hills its ugly head, my phone All in all, it looks to be 90210, believe it or not, centered was turned back on, just an interesting season, but no around issues such as teen suicide,

in time receive 10 text more or less interesting than http://images.zap2it.com/ which was complemented by the messages about the fi rst all the past ones. Personally, Original back stabbing and boyfriend midwestern day of school. http://images-cdn01. I would watch this show if stealing. The new version Life was so much easier associatedcontent.com/ there were 73 cycles, but if siblings does away with any chance of when it was just Prison Could you were not a fan of any Brenda and substance and repeats anything Isis be the fi rst Brandon http://picnic.ciao.com Break time. that might you might catch on transgender of the previous ones, don’t Walsh Top Model? bother checking this one out. Gossip Girl. the viking saga entertainment september 22, 2008 11 AVADA KEDAVRA! A Taste to the Harry Potter Release The answer behind the Harry Potter Extravaganza http://www.imdb.com release change A Taste of Mystic satisfi es customers by Hannah Barner by Andrea Chrunyk Cries of teenage angst could be heard around the country coinciding

A. Chrunyk/Saga with the announcement that Harry Potter would not be saving the wizarding world There is no doubt about the fact that, as but tickets were required in order to this November. humans, we need food to survive. So why purchase food or drinks. Each ticket was Warner Brothers Entertainment not celebrate the wonderful creations of $1, and the price of each dish was about recently decided to push back Harry local restaurants? That is what organizers fi ve tickets, a bargain in any situation. Potter and the Half Blood Prince’s release of A Taste of Mystic thought. So from Competitors from across the country date from November 2008 to July 2009. September 5th to 7th, 30 establishments in also fl ocked to the Oyster Open held at A Taking its place is the fi rst installment the Mystic area gathered to show off their Taste of Mystic. The Oyster Open is a test of the anticipated Twilight series, which best dishes. of skill, forcing those entered in the contest introduced the world to a teenage romance The types of food ranged from Japanese to shuck 18 oysters in three minutes. No between a vampire, Edward Cullen, and a food to Mystic Pizza, with the most popular small feat, the Oyster Open entertained all mortal, Bella Swan. of stops being Thai Jasmine serving those who watched the painful expressions Speculation about the shift in dates chicken skewers and fried rice. With the come across the faces of the competitors. has been circulating gossip rags and blogs wide selection of delicacies, everyone was So while it may be too late now to join in alike as fans franticly search for reasons able to stop and enjoy their favorite meal the food frenzy, there is always next year, why they must wait an additional eight by the river. which is sure to be even better than those months for their wizarding friends. The The festival itself offered free admission, in years past. studio claims that because of the writers’ strike in the winter of 2007 to 2008, a gs large gap was left in the summer movie y F in schedule. This gap would allow the studio M h the item of the to pull in more revenue from this mega a re is w ia von Tra T . He e ar p s e blockbuster because of premiering in the M p, v e ing k o orit th : e r ik by Andrea Chrunyk O ite summer and lack of competition. L p vor rah, I have fa Perhaps the studio had other intentions Have you ever wondered how see your favorite songs in a new light. And though. Rumors are spreading that the song “Crazy in Love” would Gloria Gaynor has nothing o n the change was made because of the

sound if Beyoncé were around in their cleverly harmonic version coinciding debut of Equus this fall on the 1940s? Probably not, unless of “I Will Survive.” Broadway. Equus is a play which has you happen to have come across Even if jazz isn’t your stirred controversy since it fi rst premiered the Puppini Sisters version of thing, the upbeat swingy in London in February 2007. The the song. interpretations of all- Forming the group time favorite songs, controversy stems from the 10 minute called “The Puppini especially “Walk nude scene that Daniel Radcliffe, the star Sisters” after meeting Like an Egyptian,” of the Harry Potter Films, participates in. in college, Marcella are an interesting With all the conspiracy Puppini, Stephanie contrast to the around the change of O’Brien, and Kate music of today. dates, no complaints can Mullins (who aren’t While this British be heard from Summit actually sisters) group is more Entertainment as their set out to tap into popular across the movie, the thriller an area of music pond, they have romantic series untouched since the potential to be Twilight, Harry Truman was popular in America as is gaining in offi ce. well. So pick up their publicity Whether covering old CDs, Betcha Bottom Dollar because it has songs, new songs, or even or The Rise and Fall of been bumped http://i232.photobucket.com/ singing their own compositions, Ruby Woo, and you can be up in order to Edward and Bella are happy to fi ll the void that Harry The Puppini Sisters’ retro ahead of the curve when The fi ll the slot left by style, reminiscent of that of The Puppini Sisters hit American Potter leaves Harry Potter on November 21st. Andrews Sisters, will make you airwaves. http://www.malefi rst.co.uk/ the viking saga 12 september 22, 2008 back page What is the worst thing you could say to a certain teacher ?

“‘My printer’s broken, I “Tell Mr. King he “Call Ms. Asciolla looks like Bill Nye,” lost my planner and the store only sells retractable Mrs. AS-chiolla,” sophomore Amy freshman Michael Li Sullivan pens’ to Mrs. Downing,” freshman Sarah Frick

“‘Nirvana is the “Get some hair worst band ever’ to plugs Laconti,” Mr. Templeton,” junior Shannen Math teacher Mr. Barnard Templeton

m. heath/saga

m. heath/saga

“‘Why can’t you “‘The gel isn’t just say that in working’ to Mr. English’ to Ms. Warykas,” Pray,” senior Rachel Lyon Spanish teacher Ms. Pray m. heath/saga m. heath/saga Words of Wisdom with Matt Heath Senioritis, it seems harmless but it a Play Station on Divorce Court. but just remember the over-the- could morph into Out of fear of this happening I counter culture we teenagers live something much have created three easy steps to in is ugly. In the words of Randall worse. You could keep senioritis away from you. Graves of Clerks: “If I had to deal end up marrying First of all stay caffeinated with the mouth-breathers non-stop young to a through out the school day. I’d stick my head in the deep fryer.” morbidly Coffee, soda, energy drinks - it The third step is the easiest miserable doesn’t matter and the occasional one of all and all you have to do spouse twitching will eventually wear off. is keep your eye on the big picture and argue The second step is if you have and know what you’re after. over who a job, do not put it ahead of With that in mind you can’t fail. gets custody of schoolwork. It can be hard at times the viking saga