Mercer Middle Senior Hoofbeats High School
Volume 53 Issue 1 Friday , October 7, 2016
Inside this issue: Homecoming 2016:
Meet the 2 Homecoming October 8 is an excit- half time. And as tradi- court are Isaiah Barto- Court ing and magical evening tion, the 2016 Home- lone, Jon-Carl Hostetler, for all students around. coming King will be Nathan Knopp, Matt Ma- Fall Sports 6 Although last year’s Hol- crowned at the Home- thias, Bill Priester, and Season lywood Homecoming set coming dance. Connor Richards. Heap of the 13 a high standard in The Homecoming Homecoming wasn’t Month themes, Homecoming: court ladies this year put together by itself; Under the Sea will not include seniors Rachel Mrs. Santom made this From the 10 disappoint. Horse’s Bish, Jaime Burdette, possible with the help of Mouth The 2016 Homecoming Haylie Glass, Kaylynn the sophomore class of- Queen will be crowned Foore, Megan Parker, ficers. New 5 at the Homecoming foot- and Morgan Winland. Homecoming is an Additions ball game against Reyn- The gentlemen who are event that you don’t want olds October 7 during 15 mins of 12 on the Homecoming to miss! Fame
Homecoming Court 2016
Special thanks to Mr. Michael Morneweck for the Homecoming photos. Volume 52 Issue 1 Page 2 Volume 52 Issue 1 Page 3 Page 4 Volume 52 Issue 1 Page 5
Changes to MHS By Hannah Ridgway Over the summer Mercer High School experienced a few changes. One of the biggest included the arrival of the new Assistant Principal Mr. Mausser (See article below). Mr. Mausser is taking the place of Mr. Acre, now the principal at the elementary school. A brand new sidewalk has also been added to MHS because the previous one had seen better days. This improvement was indeed needed, especially for the upcoming winter. The new pave- ment should not be the culprit for so many falls this snowy season. The Mustangs’ football field has undergone some improvements as well. The new and improved The new scoreboard shines score board was generously sponsored by Dallas Hartman. Although this change may have seemed abrupt, it is good for fans to be able to see an accurate score during the game. Along with the at the home game against score board update, the side bleachers were also improved. They were raised another 2 feet to Lakeview allow easier access and better view of the football field.
Come see these new improvements for yourself at the Homecoming game on Friday, October 7!
News on the MHS “Newbies” Mr. Mausser sporting his By Alayna Jacoway and Allie Bright new Mercer pride Mr. Mausser: Assistant Principal Mrs. Borkovich: Special Education Teacher What high school did you grad- How long have you been teaching for: 1 year at Maple- uate from: Sharon High School wood and 1 year at Meadville What sports did you play in What’s your favorite college team: University of Pitt high school: Football and Wres- Did you always want to be a teacher: Yes, from day one, tling I wanted to see kids become successful. What sports have you coached, What movie is your favorite: The Other Woman for how long, and where: Coached 11 years of wrestling at What do you enjoy about teaching: Seeing students all Franklin Regional High School and 2 years of coll day and giving them a chance to have fun while at school.
ege wrestling at Duquesne. Where did you attend college: Undergrad at Westmin- Have you ever taught an elementary school class: ster College and also graduated from SRU Yes, fifth grade If you could travel anywhere in the world then where: Favorite high school subjects: Math and science Africa to teach the kids in a third world country What college did you attend and for how long: If you could speak any foreign language what would Clarion University for 5 years and Duquesne for 2 years it be: Chinese High five or fist bump: Fist bump Did you play any sports in your high school and/or college ca- What time do you get up in the morning: 5:15am reer: I played softball (short stop, Favorite sandwich: Italian BMT pitcher) in the Little League World Series at 16, played volleyball at Family: Happily married with 2 daughters, and a Boston Westminster College. Terrier Fun Fact: She played libero and Fun Fact: He has coached 11 state champions and 2 holds a Westminster volleyball teams that won at states. record. Mrs. Borkovich smiles during her busy day Hoofbeats Page 6 Volume 52 Issue 1 Lady Ms Volleyball By Hannah Ridgway The Mustang volleyball Middlesex on October 4th. Senior recognition night is on th season is in full swing. The October 20 at 7:15 against Grove The team captains this year City. Come cheer on our seniors Lady Ms kicked off the sea- consist of Bryanna Fedorchak, and show your support for the La- son with a win over Jame- Lindsay Nemeth, Morgan Ad- dy Ms Volleyball Team. stown (3-1) using their dicott, and Cassidy Pears. The strong hits and good serves. head coach is Dan Davis who Although they won their has been the coach at Mercer first game, the team cannot for several years. seem to keep a winning This year, we are saying farewell streak. to seniors Bryanna Fedorchak, Avery Hoover, Megan The girls have to play a Matscherz, Lindsay Nemeth, and number of tough schools Miranda Wimer. this year but continue to fight for their playoff spot in Seniors Matscherz, Nemeth, Fedorchak, Hoover, and Wimer pose together after a tough practice. 2016 Mercer Boys’ Soccer By Jackson Hazelet
The fierce Mercer Boys’ The team’s toughest op- With the new addition of Soccer Team started out the ponent was Ambridge, Coach Brownlee, the boys have season with four decisive losing a frustrating game endured two weeks of physical wins. The boys are 4-3 with 2-0. conditioning. losses to Ambridge, Hickory, They hope to not only Some activities included flip- and DuBois. win the remaining games, ping tires, carrying logs, and do- but also to not concede The two seniors on the ing squats with sand bags. With another goal all season. team are Dalton Goehring that being said, they also learned and Luke Hartwell. Their ulti- The team’s captains this to encourage one another and mate goal is to have a winning year are Brayden Ellis, work together. season and to earn a spot in Josh Wamboldt, and the playoffs. speaking captain, Spencer Senior night will be on Octo- th Ference. They’re leading ber 20 at 7:30; the boys en- the team into a winning courage all to come and wish season and hopefully a them well on their endeavors. playoff spot.
Hoofbeats Page 7 Volume 52 Issue 1
Mercer Girls’ Soccer 2016 By Haylie Glass
The Girls’ Soccer Team has a new head coach again this year. Ryan Hoffman stepped up to the plate with his assistant, former Mercer soccer player, Cassie Flannery. Hoffman previously coached the high school boys’ team at Slippery Rock University. He has high hopes for this year’s team and believes the girls can win the District 10 title. They have had a tough schedule so far, playing teams in higher regions such as Blackhawk and Hickory where they put up a good fight but lost. In region play, the Girls’ soccer team ready ladies are off to a great 2-0 start where they overpowered West Middlesex 13-1 to go white water rafting and beat Kennedy Catholic 7-0. They lost a key matchup against New Wilmington for team bonding 3-1 but hope to beat them at home. In a non-region game on September 24th the girls traveled to Seneca where they fell 1-0 but will most likely face them in the first round of playoffs. The team has a lot of speed this year and a very solid group of freshmen that can be put in the varsity game at any time and contribute. The girls’ program will be very strong over the next few years with this large group of talented young players. There is no shortage of leaders on the team, but this year’s captains are Kaitlin Berger, Alex Denny, Haylie Glass, and Bethany Juergens. One of the following four rotate as a co-captain each game: Iana Ellis, Caitlyn Mat- tocks, Maddie Rowe, and Hannah Schmid. The girls believe that they will go far this year and get the District 10 title that Coach Hoffman is striving for. The team is excited to see what this season has in store. Come join them on October 11th for Senior Night to send our seniors out with a bang.
Mercer Golf Every Monday the top 6 for Mercer’s top scorer well as improving their By Nate Hinkson golfers on the team compete at 85. Lakeview’s Mega own games. in Mega Matches, where Match saw the team Although there is not The Mighty Mercer Mus- they compete against other come in 3rd and Kohnen a traditional night for tang Golf Team has had a schools’ teams. as the MHS top scorer at Senior Recognition for good start to the season 83. Kohnen’s favorite This year the team has many this sport, the team will thus far. Coached by Rick memory of golf was golfers that have helped be sending off senior Adsit, the golf team began “Breaking my putter and bring back several victories Matt Mathias. The final their season early in the shooting an 85 at Jame- to MHS. Mercer’s team match for the team was summer at their home stown.” Kohnen also set came in 4th at the Jamestown October 3rd at the Tam course, Spring Valley. The his goal to “Compete to Mega Match with sopho- O’Shanter Invitational. team met every day to prac- go to districts.” The team mores Cameron Kohnen tice, playing 9 to 18 holes. has enjoyed the camara- and Daniel Scheidhauer tying derie during practice as
Hoofbeats Volume 52 Issue 1 Page 8
Mercer Varsity Cheer By Carlene Murray
The Mercer Varsity Cheer- for Friday night games. The The 2016-17 Mercer leaders have been working hard competitive team has spent Varsity Cheer Squad and practicing as the 2016-17 time practicing since June to football and competitive cheer prepare and perfect their rou- season arrives. After losing a tine for competitions. Their large amount of seniors, the first competition took place at squad has welcomed four new PNC in Pittsburgh on Septem- cheerleaders. These girls include ber 24th where the girls re- freshmen Sofia Dorfi and Kier- ceived 1st place. sten Young, sophomore Casey The upcoming Rally in the Covert, and senior Lexi Ayers. Valley competition will be on Junior Anna Brunson says, “I’m October 30th at Westminster excited to see what can be ac- College followed by many oth- complished this season with this er competitions this year. Friday night lights and are year’s new cheer squad.” thrilled to see what the squad The Varsity Cheerleaders The football squad has been can achieve this school year. are looking forward to anoth- determined to learn all the side- er great season filled with lots line cheers, dances, and stunts of competing and cheering at
Varsity Football By Cameron Zuschlag
The Mercer Mustangs are back at it again! The first game of the year was a match up against Lakeview. It was 18-0 at the end of the half and our guys brought it back to a close 22-24 with the win going to the Sailors. The next 3 games against Hickory, Sharpsville and Slippery Rock saw a shutout for our Mercer Mustangs with scores of 70-0, 33-0, and 35-0, respectively. Against the Wilmington Greyhounds, the team rallied in the 4th quarter but were unable to make a comeback leaving the score at 56-13. The next home game is Homecoming, a special night for current and former Mercer students. The Reynolds Raiders will be the competition for the guys and the 2016 Home- coming Queen will be crowned at halftime. This year’s Senior Recognition is on October 14th against Eisenhower. Under the direction of Coach McClearn, the underclassmen will bid farewell Senior Robertson to Isaiah Bartolone, Cody Forrester, Eric Gawne, Hunter Kaster, Nathan takes down a Sailor Knopp, Cody Koser, William Priester, Josh Robertson, and Chris Thompson. Come cheer on the team at these special nights!
Hoofbeats Volume 52 Issue 1 Page 99 Mercer Cross Country 2016 By Kristin Perrine
The cross country team started practic- aspires to make states this year. For a run- ing in early June on every Monday and ner to make states he or she must finish top Thursday at 9am for summer training prac- 15 at the District 10 Cross Country Meet at tice. On August 15 the official season be- Buhl Park. gan where practices were every day for The first dual meet was on September 6 the duration of the fall. against Greenville where the Mustangs fell The Boys’ Cross Country Team roster to the Trojans. Justin Reno finished third includes junior Justin Reno, Marcus Ryder, place for the boys’ team. Jaime Burdette fin- James Ohler, and freshman Lucas Erwin. In ished second place for the girls’ team. the 2015 Cross Country season, Justin Re- The first home dual meet took place on no qualified for the state meet in Hershey, September 13 against Sharon. Jaime re- PA. Justin said “I’m looking forward to the ceived first place for the girls’ team and season; we have a lot of good runners and overall for the girls’! Justin placed first for I’m the best.” the boys’ team and third for boys’ overall. The Girls’ Cross Country team includes Tom Meling is the head coach for the Cross seniors Jaime Burdette and Kristin Perrine, Country team; he is assisted by Robin and juniors Kate Shaffer and Ashley Shoe- Springirth. maker. Jaime Burdette and Kristin Perrine Aside from dual meets, the Cross Coun- have been on the Girls’ Cross Country try team participates in invitationals. The team since seventh grade. Jaime Burdette first invitational took place in Commodore is the top finisher for the girls’ team; she Perry on Saturday, September 17th. Justin Reno finished 18th overall and received a medal; Jaime Burdette finished 28th and also received a medal. As Jaime Burdette and Kristin Perrine en- ter their final season of Cross Country at Mercer, students and teachers are encour- aged to check out the meets Tuesdays after school. “I’m so proud of the team and all we’ve accomplished so far. I’m excited to see what else we can do this season,” said Jaime. Senior night is on Tuesday, October 18 for Jaime and Kristin, the girls hope for Mercer’s support. Justin Reno finishes a dual meet on the Mercer track Hoofbeats Page 10 Volume 52 Issue 1 Straight from the Horse’s Mouth: 2016 has been the year of celebrity deaths. If you could bring back anyone, who would it be? Middle School Freshmen Sophomores Dominick Pugh: Paul Walker Michaela Adams: George Sydney Drake: Michael Jackson Washington Ethan Koser: Harambe Carsen Burkhart: Gordie C.J. Crawford: Michael Jack- Howe Derek Geer: Paul Walker son Cassidy Murray: Harambe Allie Laughlin: Robin Williams Jenna Blaus: Frank Sinatra Sierra Atkinson: Elvis Presley Zach Moore: Harambe Alyssa Marano: Robin Wil- Casey Covert: Michael Jackson Albert Klink: Paul Walker liams Kaylie Cogswell: Paul Walker Conner Ealy: Robin Williams Tony McCrea: Harambe Justin Rose: Prince Jaidan Harker: Paul Walker Jordan Link: Michael Jackson Marcus Ryan: Michael Jackson Jayme Heffern: Robin Williams Austin Vernille: Robin Wil- Zack Stanton: Christopher Mason Hesselgesser: Harambe liams Columbus Makenzie Marsteller: Paul Dylan Mattocks: B.B. King Nikayla Jacoway: Michael Jack- Walker Laken Bartholomew: Jesus son Colette Brown: Robin Williams Katie Kirila: Johnny Cash Jesse Lantz: Gene Wilder Landon Vestorsky: Paul Walker Jenna Vincent: Michael Jack- Virginia Reagle: Marilyn Mon- son Annalyse Hoover: Robin Wil- roe liams Logan Conner: Paul Walker Kaily Priester: Robin William Lucas Taylor: Prince Ian Taylor: Robin Williams Cameron Harker: Nicole Anthony Dorfi: Paul Walker Ryan Moore: Jesus Christ Simpson Conner Ealy: Robin Williams Sydney Drake: Michael Jack- Asher Myers: Andy Kauffman son Brianna Parker: Paul Walker Alec Gault: Chris Farley Aubrey Simcik: Elvis Presley Sam Sterrett: David Bowie Cara Zomperelli: Marilyn Bailey Grossman: Robin Wil- Rachel Snow: Elvis Presley Monroe liams Isaiah Phillips: Jesus Cameron Kohnen: Babe Ruth Grant Haggard: Harambe Garrison Lutch: Rosa Parks Danny Foore: Tupac Tyler Smith: Michael Jackson Megan Hogan: Mozart Dove Reeher: Gene Wilder Page 11 Volume 53 Issue 1 Straight from the Horse’s Mouth: 2016 has been the year of celebrity deaths. If you could bring back anyone, who would it be? Juniors Seniors Seniors Hannah Schmid: Harambe Megan Parker: Whitney Houston Leah Fuge: Whitney Houston Cassidy Pears: JFK Alyssa Vasil: Whitney Houston Marah Buchanan: James Dean Carlene Murray: Frank Sinatra Kyra Wright: Shane Gandee Kate Timashenka: Selena Rose Gigliotti: Marilyn Monroe Eddie Roman: Michael Jackson Kylee Bagnall: David Bowie Mary Hogue: Mrs. Ringer Rachel Evans: Don Knotts Shawna Link: Paul Walker Anna Robertson: Robin Williams Kyle Baker: Prince Kristin Perrine: Christina Grimme Victoria Adams: Michael Jackson Kaylynn Foore: Heath Ledger Bryanna Fedorchak: Paul Brianna Jarrett: Prince Kyra Wright: Shane Gandee Walker Will Chess: Jenny (from Forrest Gump) Jordan Boitnott: Tupac Erica Peters: Michael Jackson Gray Covert: Rasputin Zac King: Jimmy Hendrix
Demi Skoofalos: Robin Williams Morgan Winland: Tupac
Josh Wamboldt: John Denver Kaitlyn Billingsley: Ghandi Michael Morneweck: Leonard Nimoy Grace Ruhlman: Audrey Hepburn Anna Brunson: Billy Mays Jaydn Moon: Marilyn Monroe Maddie Rowe: Mrs. Ringer Eddie Roman: Michael Jackson Jessica Cameron: Steve Irwin Rachel Evans: Don Knotts Jasmin Shipton: Robin Williams Kyle Baker: Prince Jackson Hazelet: Michael Jackson Zac Speer: Kurt Cobain Annie Miller: Patrick Swayze Mackenzie Templeton: Whitney Houston Emily Bright: Elvis (Mrs. Murray’s guinea pig) Abby Grabigel: Robin Williams R.J. Carson: Kimbo Slice Billie Pryborowski: Brittany Murphy Andrew Boggs: Macho Man Randy Alivia Young: Michael Jackson Savage Luke Hartwell: Kurt Cobain Grant Erwin: Robin Williams Brittany Watson: Robin Williams Sierra Daufen: Paul Walker
Jordan Baker: Tupac
Grace Haggard: The Beatles’ song- writer
Hoofbeats Volume 53 Issue 1 Page 12
Carleigh Milcic Nate Hinkson What did you do over Favorite thing to watch the summer: Went to on Netflix: Blue Mountain Cedar Point with my State friends Favorite place to get If you could be Poké- coffee: McCafe mon, which one would Favorite Class: Journal- you be: Pikachu ism P.J. Boggs If you could be any Erin Martin Least favorite class: Al- celebrity, who would How many siblings do If you could take any gebra 2 you have: One brother, it be: Selena Gomez teacher to homecom- Vans or converse: Vans Andrew What is your favorite ing who would it be: Mr. Morris Are you the oldest or T.V. show: The Walking Favorite Sport: Modern youngest: The best Dead Favorite fast food Pentathlon place: Taco Bell What is your number What do you want to What would you do with $1 million: Buy a one goal in life: To be a do: Skydive Favorite emoji: complete stud pony Bacon or Sausage: Would you rather eat If you could be any Bacon 4 spiders or sit in a Favorite Actor: Quentin Tarantino teacher in the school, What is your Star- pool of snakes for 1 who would you be: bucks drink: Caramel minute: Eat 4 spiders Best TV show: The Office Mrs. Vanderveen Frappuccino If you could meet any- Favorite classic movie: Coke or Pepsi: Coke What do you think of one who would it be?: Pulp Fiction LeBron James Do you play Pokémon the app Dubsmash: Best President: George Go: Yes, Team Yellow The app Musically is bet- If you could go to any W. Bush and Level 12 ter. country where would Favorite ice cream fla- it be?: Venice, Italy Apple cider or Pump- Would you travel to vor: Cookies and cream kin Spice: Apple Cider the past or the future: Longest snapchat
Past streak: 140 days with Favorite recent mov- Jacob Schmid ie: The Purge Favorite ice cream Favorite childhood TV flavor: Black raspberry show: Dora Dream Car: Mercedes Longest snap-streak: Benz 102 Favorite show on Net- flix: Grey’s Anatomy Page 13 By Jackson costumed Pikachu and Char- Mercer senior Kyle Ricketts Hazelet mander greeting visitors. loved to play Pokémon Go at its onset. He walked around Mer- With the increase in pedes- Since its release in July, Pokémon trian traffic due to the nature cer daily with his friends to Go has seen over 75 million down- of the game, there were bound “Catch ‘em All.” Kyle felt obli- loads and an outstanding amount to be some accidents. One gated to play the mobile game of press. This mobile game has teen in Pittsburgh walked onto since he played Pokémon: the influenced pop culture and excited a busy highway to catch a crea- Card Game when he was new and longtime fans alike. Poké- ture, getting hit by an oncom- younger. Kyle has recently mon Go has its players running ing vehicle. She was left with stopped playing because his wild throughout town and country moderate injuries and encour- account was logged out and he searching for these “pocket mon- ages players to be aware of was reset to level one. sters.” Further features and levels traffic. Mr. Walter, Mercer High allow the user to “battle” his char- Another incident occurred English teacher, is also a fan of acter and become “gym leader.” when two men hunting for the the Pokémon franchise. Alas, he This game is the definition of a creatures stumbled off a cliff, has not joined the “PoGO” pop culture phenomenon. falling 90 feet and experiencing craze because his phone does With its almost instant populari- major injuries. Players should not support the software. ty, thousands of Pokémon themed be careful to observe their sur- There is hope for a resur- items and events were every- roundings and obey the area’s gence in popularity as the where. Even our own Coolspring rules. “next generation” is due to be Corn Maze this season is featuring released in an update around Just like every fad or craze, Pokémon Go as its theme and has the hype dies down eventually. the holidays.
Heap of the Month By Haylie Glass
Kelsey Swartz whips around in her 1998 Volkswagen Jetta with pride. She bought it for $600 off of Zack Kroll two years ago. “The Jetta” has been through 150,000 miles of torture. It has been wrecked and beat up from previous seemingly inexperienced drivers, so Kelsey had a lot of work to do. She put four brand new tires on it, but “The Jetta” still has many flaws. The bumper was ripped off, so of course, the logical way to fix it was zip tie it to the car. The wipers only work on the highest speed, the check engine and brake lights are always on, and it has no air conditioning. Despite all of the flaws, “The Jetta” has a lot of char- Kelsey looking fierce on “The Jetta” acter and it gets Kelsey from point A to point B.
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Hoofbeats Staff
Senior Editor Feature Staff Feature Staff Homecoming Layout Allie Bright Shawna Link Rachel Bish Haylie Glass Kristin Perrine Jackson Hazelet Connor Richards Junior Editor Nate Hinkson Hannah Ridgway Carlene Murray Alayna Jacoway Cameron Zuschlag
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