THE MIEGIAN

Dan Fines p. 7

Apocalypse Guide p. 8 & 9

Postseason Football p. 12 Bishop Miege High School Volume 56 Issue 4 December 2012 Guest Speaker Motivates Students and knew his talk would be very ben- 2012 movement, the Ugandan civil of all the turmoil. By: SamJezak AP Art Stretches Their Talents eficial,” said Mrs. Gladbach. war and conflict with the Joseph Dr. Obol’s first hand accounts Made famous by the Kony Kony-led Lord’s Resistance Army of the conflict added rare depth to a Required projects include Editor in Chief By: LukeWheeler stretched from the mid 1980s to very complex issue. The proceeds 12 that have different subjects and the mid 2000s. Dr. Obol lived from The Life and Lessons in a War Zone staff writer techniques, known as “breadth,” On Nov. 13, Dr. Robert Obol and worked as a priest in the will go to rebuild a high school in and 12 “concentration,” projects spoke to a full auditorium of Miegians middle of the unrest and trauma. Uganda. Walking into the art room at Miege is over just one subject matter in dif- about his experiences in the Ugandan His presentation highlighted Senior Jordan Tucker said Dr. a nice change up from the hallways. Colorful ferent media. At the end of the se- civil war and his newly published different aspects of the conflict, Obol, “reinforced how privileged we projects line the walls and ceiling, ranging in mester, each student, with the ad- book, The Life and Lesson In a War Zone. ranging from the psychology of really are. It was a humbling experi- talent from the beginners in Art 1 all the way vice of Mr. Dennis Mueller, will pick Miege’s Invisible Children’s Club, led a child soldier to his personal ence no doubt. He really showed us to the top of the line AP Art students. The dif- out his or her five best pieces of art by Mrs. Joan Gladbach, organized and experiences. He spoke in depth that there are so many other impor- and submit them sponsored the event. “He first sent a about how he miraculously es- tant things to worry about about in by Powerpoint to note to Mrs. Wollenziehn, who knew I caped a rebel attack on his par- the world than the trivial matters we the College Board would be interested because of Invis- ish and his efforts to continue his consume ourselves with.” to gain AP credit ible Children’s Club. I then met him priestly duties while in the midst approval. Mr. Mueller says he hopes to grow AP art student Ryan Thomas co-exists and cooperates the AP art pro- with regular art students Mackenzie Anderson and gram in the future Bernie Fisher because several levels of art meet in the by cultivating tal- same hour. photo by Jamie Franklin ent in the lower art classes and will make the jump to AP based on Mr. Muel- identifying more AP caliber ler’s recommendation. “This year’s group is artists. Mueller has already very talented; we also have a lot of talent in Art identified a few prospects for 3 and 4,” Mueller said. next year, including Menji One of the most impressive things Kim, a standout artist who about the AP class is that each artist has pret- is currently taking Art 1, but ty much found a personal style. Some have a 24/7 CAMPUS LIFE. Senior Megan Youngworth works on a self-portrait during her knack for cre- 3rd hour AP art class. photo by Jamie Franklin AN EXCITING AND ACTIVE ating the sur- UMKC real, some are STUDENT LIFE HAPPENS ON ference in quality of work is fairly noticeable, proficient in but what most people do not realize is how creating real A CAMPUS ALIVE WITH NEW much time and effort each AP student puts in to life color to his or her masterpieces. Sitting in the back schemes, and IDEAS AND KANGAROO PRIDE. of 3rd hour art, seniors, Jamie Kryzyzanowski, a few have

N E W S Veronica Moreno, Kate Smeltzer, Ryan Thomas even started in graffiti style art. “AP art is student driven; Mr. Mueller I’m just here to guide is very proud of his top art- them.” ists, saying, “AP art is Mr. Dennis Mueller student driv- en; I’m just and Megan Youngworth work on AP art proj- here to guide ects. them.” Each of the five AP students must complete 24 works of art, incorporating differ- ent styles and encompassing a wide variety of subject matter. Each piece takes the students anywhere from 4 days up to 2 weeks depend- ing on the student and skill requirement. “It Like all five of the AP art students, senior Jamie Krzyzanowski must complete takes me about a week to complete a project 24 works using different techniques and media and then submit them to AP umkc.edu/choose usually,” said Jamie. judges as part of the requirements of the class. photo by Jamie Franklin

BRND 1208611 Interim Campaign Newspaper Ads.indd 13 10/9/2012 5:50:13 PM Page 2 www. bishopmiege.com December 7, 2012 December 7, 2012 www.bishopmiege.com Page 3 Three Students Make District Choir have a chance to do it again.” By: MattMcCombs The Bishop Miege Concert Chorale performs at the fall concert, including All- The only girl chosen to be in District Honorees Abby Parra (fourth row, far left), Michael Needham (fourth row, District Choir from Miege is so- Answering The Call staff writer prano Abby Parra. Going into center), and Dan Fines (soloist). photo by Natalie Gonzales the seminary after high school. graduate degree in divinity and theol- This year’s All-District Choir the audition, Abby was a little By: SamJezak Dean Wheeler acts as an altar server at At this time, Dean will be one ogy. Dean will have to complete eight includes three Bishop Miege students, apprehensive. “The Miege foot- All-school Mass. photo by Aubrey Rumore of only two new seminarians total years of seminary to be ordained seniors Dan Fines and Abby Parra, and ball game against Blue Valley Editor in Chief from the Archdiocese. a priest. junior Michael Needham. West was the night before the While most seniors were Unlike many others who en- The admission process for Every year KMEA (Kansas audition, and I was screaming stressing college decisions and scholar- ter the priesthood, Dean has seminary is very different from the av- Music Educators Association) selects through the whole thing. I was ship applications, senior Dean Wheeler no relatives who are priests or erage college process. First, a prospec- certain vocalists to participate in Dis- scared I wasn’t going to be able was writing essays of a different kind. sisters. Instead, the sacraments, tive seminarian contacts the vocations trict Choir after an audition that in- to hit the really high notes in Instead of applying to a traditional living a simple life, and above director of the diocese. Then he under- volves assessments of the student’s some of the songs.” four-year school like most of his class- all, helping people appealed to goes a series of screenings over person- knowledge of music and singing. Mrs. Robin Christie, Miege’s mates, Dean was busy applying to the him. He decided he could best al history, family background, and a There was a training day held at Wichi- choir director, could not be more seminary. help people by being a dioc- psychological evaluation that can take ta State a month before Nov. 2 the audi- proud of these three students. Entering the priesthood has esan priest. up to six hours. tion where the participants learned and She says the students are special not always been Dean’s top priority. The Archdiocese sends In addition to the screenings, practiced the selected pieces all day. and have everything it takes to When his mom signed him up for a dis- seminarians to two area semi- the applicant must write essays like “The audition was nerve-racking and be in the All-District Choir. She cernment retreat over Christmas break naries, Conception Abbey in the average college applicant. Also like difficult,” said tenor Needham, “I’m said, “Those who are in District of his sophomore year, he wasn’t look- Maryville, MO and Cardinal other colleges, seminary requires let- grateful for the training day because it Choir aren’t just good musi- ing forward to it. But the retreat, led by Glennon College in St. Louis, ters of recommendation, two from a really helped me in the audition.” cians, they have a very unique vocation director Fr. Mitchell Zimmer- MO. Dean chose Cardinal priest and two from lay persons. This is not the first time senior set of skills that includes sight- man, far exceeded Dean’s expectations Glennon because of the size of The final test is two intensive Dan Fines has been through the Dis- year as well,” says Fines, “It has been high enough score last year and was reading, proper technique, and and opened a new door for him. “I the city and the opportunity to spiritual meetings with a diocesan trict Choir process. “I was selected to very similar to last year, so there are no selected for All-State Choir as a bass. of course a great voice.” thought it was going to be terrible, but take general classes at St. Louis priest. If the applicant has passed all be in the All-District Choir my junior surprises for me.” Dan also received a “It was a great honor, and hopefully I’ll it was actually very good,” said Dean. University. He will be study- these tests, the Archbishop assigns him Over the next year he gradually made ing for a bachelor’s degree in to a seminary, usually of the applicant’s the decision that he wanted to enter philosophy and ultimately a choice. What students say about College Now Driver Education Wizards In Case Of Snow... at Johnson County Community College Drive Safe, Drive Smart of Quiz •SchoolReach will notify households • Kansas Board of Education certi ed instructors By: AndrewCarlson providing comprehensive training •The Caller ID will display 913-262-2700 • 6 hours of driving staff writer • 6 hours of observation (The number for Bishop Miege) If you did not know what Quiz Bowl is, then this is the time to listen. • 30 hours of classroom instruction The group is growing more popular and stronger each day. One by one, stu- • Optional at-home pick-up/drop-off service dents are joining the team for fun and challenge. •Answer your phone normally and hold for driving portion of training Quiz Bowl is an academic competition in which a team competes in for the message to begin • Automobile eet includes a Toyota Prius hybrid a tournament of random questions on subjects such as science, math and his- car, which lessens the program's carbon footprint tory/geography. There are also miscellaneous questions thrown into the mix. while promoting sustainability Bishop Miege has varsity and junior varsity teams, and they have had a great •Make sure your machine answers after turnout for this year. four rings or you may miss the message “Great way to earn college credit in high school!” Course fee: $349. Register today for classes that This includes an especially strong JV team that has brought home begin in January and March! first place in three of their four competitions. They have four more competi- tions this season. The varsity team has had a little harder time finding their •Cancellations will go to cell and home “It is a wonderful, invaluable opportunity.” magic. It is made up of Helen Bontrager, Matt Caffey, Libby Gentry (team For class dates and times visit phones www.jccc.edu/driver-training or call 913-469-4446 captain), Jason Gregory, Nathalie Hauser, Xavier Hernandez, Bridget McSor- “Stay ahead and get a head start for college credits.” ley, Daniel Mitchell, and Matt Swem. The junior varsity is Mike Baska, Daniel Becker, Jacob Mitchell, Ame- Johnson County Community College College Now at Johnson County Community College is the only nationally accredited concurrent 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210 lia Romine, Janie Sparks, Elliot Vanderford and Katie Worth. The Quiz Bowl team will host a home tournament in January. program in Kansas. See your school counselor for details or visitwww.jccc.edu/collegenow

Page 4 www.bishopmiege.com December 7, 2012 December 7, 2012 www.bishopmiege.com Page 5 When I Was 17 - Mr. Andrew Groene Part One of ‘the Hobbit’ What year did you turn 17? Name any activities/ sports / clubs you Who was your role model? Coming To A Shire Near You • 2002 participated in. • My older brother By: CatherineStrayhall where the material for three films released in theatres in seven formats: Jackson doesn’t mind being • I played soccer that year, tennis, intra- will come: “We have got incredible HFR 3D, IMAX 3D, IMAX, standard the first person to take this risk in Where did you attend high school? mural basketball, Spirit Club, W-club; I also Did you have nickname? If so, what? Editor in Chief source material with the appendices. 3D, and 2D, accompanied by Dolby movie-making; in fact, he sees it • Winfield High School worked at a grocery store. • Groene The Hobbit is obviously the novel, but Atmos 64-channel audio or Standard as necessary for today’s digitized “From the smallest begin- we also have the rights to use this Dolby Surround. world: “ I think it’s critical that film- What was your favorite movie? What were you favorite clothes to wear? nings.. Come the greatest legends,” 125 pages of additional notes that An interview the site con- makers employ current technology to • Braveheart • I liked wearing shorts and a long sleeve declares a trailer for the upcoming Tolkien expanded the world of The ducted with Jackson delves into why increase the immersive, spectacular film, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Jour- Hobbit that’s published at the end of he decided to shoot these movies experience that cinema should pro- shirt ney.” Scheduled to be released on in High Frame Rate 3D vide. It’s an exciting time to be going If you had a car, what kind of car was it / Dec. 14, the film, based on the novel instead of in the standard to the movies.” what year? What was your favorite song? The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien, is the 24 frames per second, Martin Freeman stars as • 1998 Chevy S10 - I still drive it. • “Numb” by Lincoln Park first in a trilogy of films to debut. especially when many Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit of the title, The Hobbit is essentially movie theaters didn’t with Richard Armitage as dwarf What was your favorite subject in school? Do you have any specific memorable a prequel to Tolkien’s Lord of the or still don’t have the Thorin Oakenshield, and Sir Ian • Favorite subject was PE moments for you or that happened in the Rings trilogy, whose success in the capabilities to show the McKellan again bringing the wizard country or world? early 2000s under the direction of film as it was shot: “… Gandalf to life. Other returning cast How many siblings do you have? Names? • I was on a tennis team that went to De- Sir Peter Jackson made the idea of a Shooting at 48 fps gives members in the new trilogy include • One sister - Kimberly troit and won the National tournament in three-part Hobbit film possible. you much more of an Orlando Bloom as Legolas, “…Cate The well-established and illusion of real life. The Blanchett as Galadriel; Ian Holm as One brother - Steven our division. It was really sweet. fan-fueled site, TheOneRing.net, cov- reduced motion blur on the older Bilbo; Christopher Lee as ers anything and everything related Return of the King… Certainly there’s each frame increases sharpness and Saruman; Hugo Weaving as Elrond; to the Hobbit and the Lord of the other parts of the story that we’d like gives the movie the look of having Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Rings, from the actors, to the score, to to tell that we haven’t had a chance been shot in 65mm or IMAX. One of Serkis as Gollum,” as noted on the the latest news and announcements to tell yet.” the biggest advantages is the fact that movie website. about the imminent films. These epic fantasies, filmed your eye is seeing twice the number The second film, The Hobbit: In a lengthy and detailed in New Zealand just as their precur- of images each second, giving the The Desolation of Smaug, is due out 10 questions with Manion Kuhn article based on an interview at sors were, are also breaking ground movie a wonderful immersive qual- Dec. 13, 2013, and the third film, The By: LouieLaFeve around 45 people to attend. 7. Q: Do you plan to at- San Diego Comic-Con, senior staff in the format in which they’ve been ity. It makes the 3D experience much Hobbit: There and Back Again, is cur- tend college? member Larry D. Curtis provided filmed. According to TheOneRing. more gentle and hugely reduces rently set for release July 18, 2014. some explanation from Jackson about net, The Hobbit is the first film to be eyestrain.” staff writer 5. Q: Do you plan to continue your interests A: I would like to go in the future? to Europe for college, 1. Q: What are your interests? A: I’d like to work in the fashion industry. I preferably to St. An- Dan Fines: The Universal Man A: I’m interested in art, fashion, and Tum- enjoy the process of coming up with concepts drew’s University in blr. that can be incorporated into clothes, and one Scotland. By: MattStanley like to perform at his St. Patrick’s Day party. involvement in the fine arts through college. He of my goals is to become the creative director Thinking that it would be a regular old reunion, will attend UMKC with a dual major in vocal 2. Q: How do you explore your interests? for a company. I would like to be in fashion 8. Q: Do you like go- staff writer they agreed, and the band was resurrected from performance and computer engineering. A: I like to sew, and just to create stuff in because I love every aspect of the industry ing to Miege? its dormant state. After performing at the party, Adding onto the list of the Fines family was asked to play activities, Dan is also currently a senior A: general. I do a lot of art and occasionally take and I hope to be known for doing my own I love Miege. Strumming away at his ukulele, senior at multiple bars and events. It was judge in the Jackson County Youth Court photos, too. thing creatively and not fall in to what every- It has an outlet for Dan Fines sang and impressed the crowd as he now apparent that the band was at UMKC. Yes, Dan has participated in one else was designing. My favorite designer virtually all of your and his family performed at a friend’s St. Patrick’s here to stay. real court cases. He regularly judges small 3. Q: Is that mainly how you spend your of all time is Gianni Versace. interests. I came here Day party. Not long after their performance, the Currently the Fines cases involving 1st time juvenile offenders. time outside of school? because my parents Fines family began receiving numerous requests family band has annual gigs at the He started Youth Court about five years A: I work at the Nelson-Atkins art muse- 6. Q: Can you explain your thoughts on wanted me to, but from multiple establishments asking them to same St. Patrick’s Day party, four ago when his mother told him about it. um, on the teen advisory group, or TAG. fashion? there are definitely perform. This was the event that brought the shows a year at Coda Bar and Grill, In his spare time, he also enjoys A: I like to look at fashion as art, even resources to help me legendary Fines band back together. two shows a month at the Farmers playing video games on both the Xbox 4. Q: What do you do at TAG? though at the end of the day you’re selling a with my art. Dan Fines has always been a music Market, and a few extra shows over 360 and the PC. One game in particular A: We plan events at the Nelson for teen- product. The art I like to see in clothes that man. According to Dan, he’s been singing for the summer. being Minecraft, a realm where players as long as he’s been talking. It doesn’t matter if Although his band takes can create their own worlds. Dan says he Q: Are you involved in agers, like workshops and parties, the kind of I would want to buy is different than my 9. he’s in the fall musical or in a choir concert; Dan much of his time, Dan participates could be lost for hours playing Minecraft, stuff that relates to teens but relates back to personal style. Some people just throw on any extracurricular activi- always steals the show with his incredible vocals, in a number of different activities because the possibilities are endless. Other art. We’re trying to show that the Nelson is an whatever and walk out the door, and there’s ties here at Miege? giving the audience the chills. in and out of school. He has been hobbies include listening to and creating accessible place. We meet every other week, nothing wrong with that, but I envision my A: Just track and Facets. When he was younger, Dan and his singing in choir for all four years music, and watching YouTube videos. and plan roughly three large events a year. customer as knowing that dressing yourself family band regularly played at Mass. For reasons of his high school career, and has Whether he’s singing his heart Our next event is called Chill Out Before You can be a form of art, and you can convey 10. Q: Finally, who would that Dan doesn’t remember, they suddenly been an actor in several Miege out, or hearing a case in court, Dan Fines Freak Out. It’s all about teens coming to play ideas and express yourself through the way you say is your favorite stopped, and the band slowly began to disappear. theater productions. Because Senior Dan Fines shows the world that it’s good to put your sings during the fall board games, eat s’mores, and hang out with you dress. teacher? But during the hiatus, a family friend approached he thoroughly enjoys all of these talents out there. Dan and his father, asking them if they would activities, Dan plans to continue his musical. TAG people before finals stress. We expect A: Mrs. Munro! photo by Aubrey Rumore Page 6 www.bishopmiege.com December 7, 2012 December 7, 2012 www.bishopmiege.com Page 7 The Miegian’s Official Guide to Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse By: SamJezak possessions to fund the construction of a knows? Why else would our last final be on Dec. backyard bunker, know this: The overwhelming 20? The Russian government has officially denied Editor in Chief opinion among the scientific and archaeological the apocalpyse, while the Centers for Disease Prepare For the Apocalypse From communities is that the sun will come up on Dec. Control even released an ad campaign and This is it, Miegians. The time has come 22. In fact, leading Mayan scholars believe that the website specifically about the zombie apocalypse. to fortify your foxholes, embrace your inner end of the calendar marks the beginning of a new (Though they are more worried about hurricanes the Comfort of Your Living Room survivalist, and above all, stock up on Twinkies. era, not the end of the world. The Catholic Church than zombies.) What other proof does one need? By: JacksonGriffin - This According to many noted, and not so noted teaches that we “know neither the day nor the Here at The Miegian, we have decided to 3. Doomsday Preppers National Geographic Channel documentary experts, Dec. 21, 2012, will mark the end of the hour” of the Lord’s return, signaling the end of the take no chances and prepare for the worst. Below staff writer series interviews Americans all over the world, based on the end of the ancient Mayan world. is a collection of rules and guidelines designed to country preparing for the downfall of society calendar. Enough of the skeptics. The Mayan make the end of days slightly less frazzling and (though not necessarily because of zombies). The apocalypse is coming, and it Though there are many crazy ideas and Before you start selling all your doomsayers could very well be correct. Who hectic. Be sure to thank us later. If there is a later. will be in the form of zombies. Luckily, people, usually there is one quality prepper you still have two weeks to prepare. per episode. Watch on National Geographic Unlike school, preparing for the end of Channel Tuesdays at 8 p.m. 5 Easy Steps To A More Enjoyable Apocalyptic Experience humanity can be fun. There is a plethora to set up a viable post-apocalyptic of movies, TV shows, and books that you Rule #1-Leave the city - Bear Grylls is a life. Plus, escaping to an area with can access to educate yourself on how to 4. Man vs. Wild as soon as possible. As survive the zombie hordes. genius survivalist and outdoors expert. any casual watcher of The Walking just as many guns as people never When the zombie apocalypse happens, it Dead, or anyone with any amount hurts. will be hard to find shelter and food when of common sense could figure out, 1. The Walking Dead - The traveling. Luckily, Bear can teach you how to survive in any environment. The show was more people equals more zombies. Rule #2- Be prepared. undisputed number one zombie show on If you think Black Friday is a television, The Walking Dead is a realistic canceled earlier this year, but you can still Escaping to less threatening environs catch the reruns. Watch them on Discovery harrowing shopping experience, portrayal of a group trying to survive allows for a breather and the ability the zombie apocalypse. By learning from Channel. wait until you see Cabela’s Rule #4- Find a fortress. their mistakes and accomplishments, you after the zombies start to walk. should be able to survive at least a year. Preferably on top of a mountain 5. P90X - Chances are Having everything necessary to Watch on AMC Sundays at 8 p.m. surrounded by a moat and 10 you are one of the many survive a drawn out ordeal is key. stubborn people who refuse ft walls. Anything built to keep This includes food, weapons, and 2. The Zombie Survival to believe in the definite survival gear. Preparing now saves a humans out should do the trick for zombie apocalypse, and - lot of trouble and allows you a head their undead relatives. Guide and World War Z you haven’t been preparing These two books by Zombie expert Max physically. Killing zombies/ start on your less astute neighbors. Brooks tell you everything you need to As the running from them is hard Rule #5- Partner up. know about the forthcoming apocalypse, old adage goes, two heads are better work, and you will need to including what to do when you are bitten, increase both strength and than one. Finding a friend not only Rule #3- Know the how to fight the zombies, and what to endurance. Though there enemy. Most zombie experts wards off life-threatening boredom, stock up on. World War Z is a fictional are other ways to get into story about a zombie takeover that has agree that only direct brain injuries but can be a strategic advantage, shape, you can workout especially if they are a firm believer been converted into a major Hollywood with this in the safety of can defeat a zombie. Choose blockbuster starring Brad Pitt. Pick up the in their 2nd Amendment rights. your home/bunker. Buy your weapons, gear, and tactics books on Amazon.com for 8 bucks each and see Woody Harrelson’s character from P90X on Amazon.com for appropriately. the movie on June 21, 2013, if we’re still around. $140. Zombieland is an ideal partner. Staggering Thoughts; Zombie Edition: What is your plan for the zombie apocalypse? “Escape to the countryside on a “Move to my creepy “Get on a hot air balloon.” Becky Cazares, 12 “First. you need weapons. Don’t run, bike.” Mrs. Amy Lukert neighbor’s house. He “Try to never meet hide. Find a good hiding spot, and cov- has a lot of guns.” er yourself in mud so the zombies can’t a zombie, but if you Nolyn Rutheford, 12 “Get in a car and just smell you.” Kathia Tierney, 9 “Panic. Badly.” do, go underground.” go.” Robby Redmond, 9 Macie Heller, 11 Mckenzi Weber, 10 “Die.” Ryan Burns, 11 “Same thing I did for Y2K; sit on my couch “Go to Cabelas.” Eric Buckels, 10 and watch CNN.” Mr. Randy Salisbury Page 8 www.bishopmiege.com December 7, 2012 December 7, 2012 www.bishopmiege.com Page 9 Christmas Countdown Craze: THEMIEGIANSTAFF Editors-in-Chief - O P I N I O N Sam Jezak Holiday Festivity Comes too Catherine Strayhall

Soon, Borders On Insanity Staff Members - Shopping Really Grinds My Gears Andrew Carlsen By: LukeWheeler too early this year, bumping their holiday revenue. Jackson Griffin By: MattStanley system? Why can’t it just give me what I asked for wasted just driving there. What’s worse is that Christmas jams as early as Nov. 1. Estimates made by an Inter- Ben Hire specifically? there are never parking spaces close to the stores staff writer Customers of the 1,100 stores in the national Business Times publication staff writer Well, apparently online stores have “ad- where we would like to shop, so we are forced to Shoppers Drug Mart chain filed so have indicated that on Black Friday Louis LaFeve dressed this problem” by setting up filters near park in a different parking lot, and walk for a long Christmas is easily my favor- many complaints and showed such 2012 alone, retail sales reached $11.2 Jennie Littleton You know what really grinds my gears? the top corner of the page. This would be nice, if time. Inside the store things aren’t any different. ite time of the year for many reasons. outrage that the store reconsidered billion and Cyber Monday provided Matthew McCombs Shopping. Shopping is one of the most burdensome they worked. Most of the time the filters take out a It’s extremely crowded, and almost everything of and time stealing tasks known to man. We shop for few unrelated items, and then decide that it would importance is out of stock. I love not having school, sleeping in their Christmas overload, ridiculous sales for 130 million Ameri- Jake Smithmier holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, parties, and al- be fun to keep the rest in to make my shopping After about an hour of searching, it be- for a few weeks, spending time with and put cans this year. Matthew Stanley most everything, so there is literally no escape from experience that much more difficult. After search- comes apparent that the store has been squeezed my family, and especially getting up Despite the benefit to the Dylan Weir having to search and purchase an item. ing through armies of unneeded products, I finally dry. When this happens, we continue our search in on Christmas morning to tear into economy, every year it seems that Luke Wheeler Although it may be more convenient than find the item I’m looking for. After clicking on said a different store, looking for the same product, and some elegantly wrapped and posi- there are a few deaths on Black Friday going out searching for products, shopping on item, it turns out that it’s either being sold from an not having any luck. Great, another 4 hours wasted tioned boxes in search of my pres- due to stampeding hordes of Christ- Photographers - the internet has never gone well for me. For some different retailer for $900.00 or it’s out of stock. on shopping. Maybe in the future, shopping will be ents. The holiday is a magical mas shoppers rioting through shop- Natalie Gonzales strange reason, the internet thinks it knows what The only thing that’s worse than shop- much less of a hassle, and online stores will change time of the year, that is for sure, ping malls in the wee hours of the I want more than I do. So whenever I type in a ping online is actually shopping at the mall. First the way they present products. But until then, it Aubrey Rumore but at some point, it is too morning, creating horror stories Jordan Tucker certain item of interest, it decides to give me pretty off, why is every single shopping cluster located looks as if shopping will continue to grind my early for Christmas... My during times that should be everything related to the item. Who designed this 30 minutes from civilization? The day is almost gears. apologies to the diehard filled with joy for families. Adviser - Mrs. Phyllis Hartwig Christmas enthusiasts; Women and men alike be- you may want to put come way too hyped up for this article down and holiday deals. The Miegian is published monthly walk away. As a guy who has by the newspaper staff of Bishop Miege Staggering Thoughts High School. It is a student-produced “Paris — the city of lights.” Red and green a somewhat objective If you could celebrate Christmas anywhere, where would you? newspaper. The editorial board decides the -Mrs. Freeland holiday decorations, fake opinion, I would rather content of each issue. Opinions expressed Christmas trees, and over have my parents and are the views of the writer and are signed. “At the mall with Santa.”- the top Santa impostors siblings settle on a nice The Miegian welcomes material “Florida because it’ll be Campbell Richmond (12) have been creeping ever pair of argyle socks and (letters, guest columns, feedback) from nice and sunny.” closer to the Halloween some tacky sweaters faculty, administrators, students, parents -Michaela Baldeh (10) season, and it’s time to put than risk their health and community members. This material a stop to it. Thanksgiving trying to snatch me the will be reviewed by the editorial board and “Rio de Janeiro”-M’kayla Hall (11) has been entirely overshad- latest Call of Duty for published based on the publication’s letters owed in shopping malls by the like 15% off. policy criteria. “With Washington’s army at Trenton.”-Mr. Jeff Benes red and green machine that is Holiday spirit is a Material can be dropped off in Christmas paraphernalia sales. powerful thing, don’t get the journalism room (144), or mailed to the opinions editor care of Bishop Miege Society is so wrapped me wrong, but at some point High School. All letters and columns must up in Christmas excitement (yes, there is a line between ap- be signed. The staff reserves the right to “Colorado.”-Jessica Staley (9) there is a pun there), that we have their generic pop tunes back on the propriate festivity and pre-mature edit letters for length, language or potential forgotten about Thanksgiving, one of air to wait until a more fitting time to Christmas craziness. I enjoy a hearty libel, and to refuse any articles or advertis- our most important holidays. Major start the Christmas craze. chestnut roasting on an open fire, ing submitted. retail stores and pharmacy chains Money is an important thing and trying to trap Santa Claus in the All opinion pieces submitted have suffered backlash for playing to keep in mind when researching chimney just as much as the next guy, should contain an address and a phone Christmas tunes far before the appro- the effects of an earlier Christmas but not early in November. Every- number where the writer can be contacted, priate time of year. Even the Canadi- season. Christmas shopping helped body knows that Santa is still working because the staff will confirm all letters. “Italy because I want to be an ans are upset with their retail chains, bring about the end of the Great diligently in the shop until December; opera singer when I grow up, and let me tell you, it takes a lot to Depression, that is how much money he’s not coming to town just to see and it would be beautiful.” Bishop Miege High School “New York, so I can see the big tree at Rock- -Laura Keens (9) make a Canadian upset. is riding on every Christmas sea- what’s up with the trick-or-treaters, 5041 Reinhardt Drive efeller Center.”-Annie Fuquay (12) The Canadian pharmacy son. President Franklin D. Roosevelt so I urge major retail stores to go keep Shawnee Mission, KS chain Shoppers Drug Mart decided moved Thanksgiving up a week from that in mind next holiday season. “At the North Pole, with Santa”-Robert Evans (11) 66205-1599 to start their Christmas season a little Nov. 30 to Nov. 23 in 1939 to beef up Compiled by Jennie Littleton.

Page 10 www. bishopmiege.com December 7, 2012 December 7, 2012 www.bishopmiege.com Page 11 Girls’ Basketball looking toward a promising season By: JennieLittleton of the two Both at Miege for all four years, alongside seniors who girls Sydney, will be carrying on her natu- staff writer have played want to ral leadership this year. She was fea- IEGE SPORTS basketball at work on tured in the KC Star Friday, Nov. 30, The Nov. 20 winter sports ex- Miege for all “being for being one of five players in Kansas travaganza game featured all 17 of the four years, se- “to watch this season,” due to hav- Stags’ Strong Postseason Ends at State JV/varsity players. Like last year, JV nior Sydney ing, “averaged 11 points as a junior en and varsity will be sharing players as Vaughn said route to All-State, honorable-mention and the Stags would not be denied. they meant business. to battle in a season where things just By: JakeSmithmier they move up or down a team, accord- she’s most ex- honors.” Just before this season start- However sloppy and unorganized They took it to the Stags with were not going their way. When fans ing to what team the coaches decide to cited about ed, she signed with Missouri State. that game may have been, Miege out a touchdown on the first possession counted them out, they found a way to staff writer put them on that game. The freshman this year be- Both Sydney and Lexie have shone Aquinas with a 9-7 win and an which set the tone for the rest of the win late in the season, which is what team has 16 players, headed by the ing her “senior their own rituals before a game. Lexie game. Miege fought and fought but matters. new head coach, Kelly Scott. year” and the said, “right before we take the court, Miege football had already just could not break through on either “We proved a lot of people Head coach Terry English, as- team she is with because “I I always have to roll my shorts one surpassed all postseason expectations side of the ball. Miege would string wrong,” said team manager Joey sisted by Jeff English, Kevin Mulvany, think we have potential to time.” Sydney has a “few rituals...I heading into the Nov. 24 game at a nice drive together and just erase it Fama. “No one thought we would and Chris Thayer, will again be coach- be a really good team.” Her have to play the same song in the car Emporia where a stronger Bishop with a turnover. even make it to State. We didn’t win, ing JV/varsity this year, for the 37th teammates have many “dif- on my way out to the game and then Carroll squad put an end to the Stags’ “We fought hard, but we just but these past four years have been the year. ferent personalities, and Then junior Sydney in the locker room, while the music is illustrious playoff run. got overpowered. Win or lose we are best of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it The 2012-2013 season be- nobody has a problem be- Top: Alexis Hughes Vaughn goes up for a free playing, I have a few dance moves I After an unsuccessful regular still a team and we had a great season,” anything I love my football family.” gan with the first game on Dec. 3 ing themselves around each waits for the free throw throw. pull out just to get everyone excited season from the Stags, where they said senior Jack Leslie. It’s not how you start it’s how against BVNW at BVNW resulting in a other.” shot. Photo by Jordan Tucker and laughing.” finished with a losing record of 4-5, Miege’s football team next you finish. The Stags are a living model 78-36 win. JV did not fare as well, loss- The lone junior on Photo by Jordan Tucker Upcoming games include they managed to turn the ship around. year will not include the likes of of that adage and took everyone by ing 45-42 after being in the lead most the team, Lexie Villegas, a better leader,” a posi- an away game at Gardner on Dec. 7, Making the transition from 4A to 5A seniors such as Montell Cozart, Greg surprise. of the game. agrees. “I think we have a Bottom: Hughes drib- tion in which either one home against Olathe East Dec. 11, and definitely brought stiffer competition, Orrick and Ryan Sinkler, but the junior First year coach, John Holmes Everyone in the girls’ basket- great group of girls and we bles past BVNW in the could excel. an away game just before break. and Miege handled the step up in class has plenty of proven football stated, “We started out great, then hit a ball program seems to be excited as are building a good chemis- first game of the season. Alexis Hughes, who difficulty well. talents including McKinley Johnson losing streak. Our guys knew our goal, ever to be starting the season. One try.” Photo by Natalie Gonzales has played basketball Miege went on a three-game and Bradley Ivey. a State title, we may not have won but postseason win streak which included This season was nothing short we did a great job getting there. We a double overtime win over Blue of success, no matter the outcome of had to beat good teams and we gave it Valley West and a last minute nail-biter the championship. Miege found a way our all.” A New Season, A New Coach, victory over rival St. Thomas Aquinas. It was a streak that captivated students and spectators alike. Miege took a big step and And Some New Challenges transfer over to basketball, but all bets missing some uniforms from last year. but turned everything around for an began to finish out games as they were By: AndrewCarlson capable of doing. And in a battle with After a long season of ups are off this season. Turner said, amazing season, and he feels the bas- Blue Valley West, Miege showed how and downs, a solemn Ryan Coach Turner says, “I am happy ketball boys are going to be the same staff writer their late game ability had progressed. Sinkler takes time to reflect. “I do not want the football for the excel- this year. “We will get better as the The game resulted in a double Ryan played a vital role in boys to get discouraged, lent seasons year goes on, but there are new expec- overtime grind that lasted three hours the Stags’ successful playoff Fred Turner is entering in I know it takes a while to by the foot- tations and a new system this year, so and ended on a goal line stand that run. Photo by Natalie Gonzales his 44th year of coaching. He has 38 get back into basketball af- ball, soccer, things will be different.” rocked the crowd. This gave the Miege years of head coaching and 14 years ter football, and I just want and volleyball While the 20 fresh- side momentum heading into one of opportunity to gloat in the of college coaching. In his first year at them to be one-hundred teams, and I men had already been chosen for their the biggest rivalry games in Miege’s face of their rivals. Miege, one thing that he has not yet percent.” just want to team, there were still cuts to be made history. The State game faced is what he has to overcome to The only problem continue that for junior varsity and varsity, and they Earlier in the season Miege approached with much talk begin this season. with that is that their first success.” He were to be done by the end of last had tasted bitter defeat on their home of the opposition’s strength. The Miege football team made game was Tuesday, Dec. 4. spoke of how week, Nov. 30. “We want to look at field against Aquinas. That taste Bishop Carroll had not lost a the State championship this year, Coach says he had 30 play- the football the big picture and have a great sea- lasted until fate played a part and the game in 13 tries and had won which extended the season into bas- ers trying out for the 24-26 team was off son; it is not just about the beginning two teams met again at Aquinas for a all games by an average of ketball tryouts and practice for boys positions on junior var- to a slow start of the season, but the end that really spot in the State title game. The whole 40 points. The Golden Eagles who play both sports. In past years, sity and varsity. The team McKinley Johnson shoots matters,” said Coach season led up to that game. It was for processed into the stadium the football team would finish right is going on a new offense a 3 against Aquinas last Turner. bragging rights, redemption, history, to the sound of war drums; after tryouts or at the same time so the and defense this year and Junior McKinley Johnson races towards an intimidating Bishop Carroll defensive line in season. Photo by Jordan Tucker. the Nov. 24 State game. Photo by Natalie Gonzales football players would have time to on top of all this, they are Page 12 www. bishopmiege.com December 7, 2012 December 7, 2012 www.bishopmiege.com Page 13 Wrestlers Will Take The World of Sports To Home Mats Tomorrow Wrestlers Cut weight responsibly By: DylanWeir By: JacksonGriffin respiratory function, and better sleep. throughout the season,” said Coach Eller. Wrestlers “It’s worth it if you can do better at the are required to weigh in the morning before every staff writer staff writer lower weight,” says senior Harrison Tournquist, “It tournament. is hard and not very fun, however.” Even though it Most wrestlers lose weight because they Every evening for the past few weeks the It’s 6 a.m. and senior wrestlers Harry was tough, they have been successful. Skaggs lost are at the low end of their current weight class. wrestling team has been working at North Campus. Tournquist and Ben Skaggs are hard at work. The more than 30 pounds so he could drop down to the For example, it would be beneficial to a 250 pound The team of 7 new and 20 returning wrestlers has wrestling season is in full swing and constant 220 weight class. wrestler to lose weight and go down to the 220 been lifting weights and has been having open mats workouts are required for the wrestlers to stay fit. According to Coach Dave Eller, weight weight class, instead of wrestling in the 285 pound for people of the same weight class for the better Senior Anthony Kotzias (right) attempts to Because wrestling is governed by a strict weight loss can be a black eye on the sport of wrestling. weight class with people 35 pounds heavier than he

part of the off season. take down his opponent right from the begin- class system, both Ben and Harry had to lose Three collegiate wrestlers died in the 1990s due to is. “A lot of people think that wrestling is an ning match in this photo from last season. weight this year in order to compete at the highest dehydration caused by trying to make weight. The The secret method behind a wrestler’s easy sport,” says junior Stuart Ennis “with wrestling Photo by Larissa Lamas level. NCAA responded quickly and changed many rules weight loss isn’t special foods or a secret technique, coming back around, I know I will be in the best Even with the pressure to “cut” weight, that had put pressure on the wrestlers before. It is it’s discipline. Wrestlers at Miege exemplify the Last season Jacob Belfield and his opponent were season if it keeps going as well as it is,” said Coach shape of my life.” these Miege wrestlers are losing their extra weight possible for a wrestler to lose too much weight or qualities of work ethic, mental toughness, and locked tight near the end of this match at Bishop Dave Eller. On Friday, Nov. 16 all 40 wrestlers weighed responsibly. “I reduced how much I ate, changed lose weight in a dangerous manner. However, the dedication to prepare. Cutting weight is only one Miege. Photo by Leah Kouri Later that day the freshman and sophomore in and then continued to lift weights. They now what I ate, ran everyday, lifted twice a week and Miege wrestling team emphasizes safe methods. way they show it. Memorization of wrestling teams were at the Saint Thomas Aquinas know who wrestles in each weight class. did an intense cardio workout twice a week,” said “They (the coaches) encouraged my weight loss technique and commitment to increasing strength Tournament. Both teams had a good start beating A week later, on Nov. 28 the varsity was Nov. 30 the varsity had a heartbreaking meet at the Skaggs. and made sure I was doing it properly,” said and speed are also areas that wrestlers devote several other teams. starting off slow when they had their first meet at Spring Hill Duals, but again they couldn’t fill their “It was awful, being a big guy, I love to eat. Skaggs. themselves to religiously. With this mindset, the Coach Eller said, “The freshmen really Olathe East, losing most matches due to the half whole team and lost all of the duals. It was definitely worth it. I’ll have a better season, Tournquist says, “The coaches were team grows stronger and closer. “The team will impressed me with doing very well for the strength team. JV wrestled on Dec 1. at the Blue Valley and I feel a lot healthier.” Benefits of weight loss supportive.” No one is encouraged to drop too have a solid core group of guys willing to give it freshman’s first meet. The sophomores did well for Junior varsity also wrestled at Olathe East. North Mustang Invitational and started at eight in include increased energy level, lower cholesterol much weight. “The coaches try to help by having their all and never give up,” says Skaggs. the new year.” They started of the year very well placing 5th with the morning. The team beat 4 other schools. levels, reduced aches and pains, improved the wrestlers choose a weight they can maintain 85 points overall. They beat Aquinas, Olathe South “The team did very well for the second The next meet will be the Miege Invitational and Olathe East. match, and I think we will have a good rest of the tomorrow. BCS Puts An End To Controversy...Finally By: AndrewCarlsen criticism for not being accurate enough. Often there has finally decided to change its ways and go to a Stag Swimmers Are Already are teams with the same record, but somehow one new system. The change is scheduled for the 2014- staff writer team is chosen over the other. 2015 season, and what will happen is there will This year for example. Right now Notre be a four-team seeded playoff. That way if all four Qualifying Men For State If you have paid attention to ESPN or any Dame is the only undefeated team, with teams have one loss, then college football media in the past few years, there is Florida, Alabama, Oregon, and Kansas it is a playoff (any tie in By: BenHire because although there are no cuts in was selected to the All- State Swim no doubt you have heard of the BCS controversy. State right behind them. Let’s just say top records would count) swim team, several people quit, al- Team last year, along with Jack Wirtz. The way that the Bowl Championship Se- that Notre Dame would have lost before and not just two teams are staff writer ready possibly due to the highly rig- Coach Mueller believes that both ries works today is that the top two teams at the the end of the season. That would mean picked by the old BCS sys- orous practices, according to Coach of these swimmers have the poten- end of the season, according to the BCS rankings, the top five teams in the country would tem. This way every team After qualifying seven swim- Mueller. An average practice involves tial and work ethic to be selected to play for the national championship. According all be fighting for the championship can fight for its right to play mers for State last year, the Miege swimming approximately three miles. the All- State team again, and possi- to Bleacherreport.com, the BCS game and all of them in the championship. boys’ swim team and head coach Senior bly even the All- American team, to rankings are comprised of the only having one loss. The seeding will be done Dennis Mueller are hoping that even Ben Rucker said, add to the six All-Americans that he USA Today Coaches Poll and What do you do then? by a selection committee, more are able to qualify this season. “Practices can be has previously coached from Miege. the Harris Interactive College Well that’s which seems the most ac- Those seven swimmers were very intense. At The Stags first meet of Football Poll, which is made up when the experts have curate. The playoff system Nathaniel Brandl, Mackey Merrill, times they seem the season was against Blue Val- of 115 panelists and includes turned to the BCS works for the NBA, MLB, John Pawlewicz, Ben Rucker, Mark overly demand- ley North and Blue Valley West on former coaches, players, admin- rankings, and those have deter- and even the NFL, which makes this seem like a Shamet, Thomas Shamet, and Jack ing, but in the end Last season sophomore Matthew Nov. 29. According to Mr. Mueller, istrators and current and former mined who should stay and who smart move. This deal was just approved at the be- Wirtz. With Thomas Shamet being the the hard work al- Wiese (above) was off to a great “We had our best start in 17 years.” media. The last part is made up should go. Two teams would ginning of November, so there will be more details only one who graduated, there is a good ways pays off.” start for this race with a textbook Three relay teams had State of six computers tabulating and be chosen while the other four on the new system of the championship series later, deal of experience on this year’s team. Ben knows dive. Photo by Abby Markus qualifying times. To add to this, John calculating the results of the col- teams play for stellar but not but for now we will have to suffer a couple more To add to this, there were plenty about Coach Dennis Mueller motivates Pawlewicz, Ben Rucker, and Jack lege football games. All of these championship bowl games. years of the tabulating and calculating until the also 22 new swimmers. Not all of what hard work the team during a heated race last Wirtz each earned individual State combined form the BCS rankings The other four teams be- playoffs of college football start. these swimmers are still on the team, can do, as he winter. Photo by Abby Markus qualifying times in that first meet. which come out weekly. This system has drawn ing left out of the picture is exactly why the BCS

Page 14 www.bishopmiege.com December 7, 2012 December 7, 2012 www.bishopmiege.com Page 15 Merry Christmas from the Miegian!

Page Pirates member Alex Perez reads to a young boy at the Barnes and Noble Book Fair, where choir, robotics, and the art depart ment were also represented. - photo by Judi Wollenziehn

NHS officer Stephanie Navarro handed out yellow roses to the new junior and senior members of the National Honor Society. Seniors boys follow the ball during the STUCO photo by Aubrey Rumore volleyball tournament, eventually winning the right to play (and defeat) the faculty’sphoto by Aubreyteam. Rumore

(Left) Laura DeDecker and Jackson Griffin, senior de- baters, help run the annual Miege tournament. photo by Aubrey Rumore

(Right, from left to right) Surrounded by family and supporters, seniors Becky Cazares, Alexis Hughes, and Jordan Tucker sign with their prospective colleges. photo by Natalie Gonzales