DELIVER TO BOXHOLDER PRSRT. STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MONMOUTH, IL 61462 STORM PERMIT NO. 21

THE United TRACKER High School Newspaper Volume 1, Issue 2 IN THIS ISSUE: CONTRACT SETTLED Principal’s Message p. 2

Organizational Update p. 4 Teachers, board agree on 2-year pact By Tony Kozelichki to be tough to get any more years Prior to consolidation, Warren when you put two together. on a contract.” had worked under terms of a The first contract is always the Elementary menu p. 5 Members of the United CUSD #304 Board of Education and the UEA co-president Cheryl five-year agreement, while the hardest,” said Yung. Schulz said neither side was United Education Association Alexis district and its teachers Schulz said she was happy with School calendar p. 6 approved terms on a two-year comfortable with a longer were in the middle of a four-year the amount of time it took to contract, with school board contract. “With the economy contract. reach an agreement even though changing and problems with ratification coming October 14 For the most part, the new it might have been a little longer High School menu p. 6 insurance costs, there really is no following a teachers’ vote on contract comes as a result of than normal. “People had to be October 6. way to go longer. There are too merging language in the former familiar with the language and many variables, but no one Basketball Preview p. 7 Teachers had been working Alexis and Warren contracts. we had to spend a lot of time under terms of their previous wanted a one year contract and “While some things were easier, merging the two old contracts. have to go through the process Football & volleyball contract with the former Alexis the hardest part is the language Our preparation time was longer again in the spring.” capture LTC titles p. 8 and Warren school districts. and we had to take time to School board president Rick explain our viewpoints.” She Elliott, who was involved in his noted the last contract negotiated IMPORTANT first ever contract negotiation, with the Warren board did not finalize until November, and DATES TO called the process “very amicable” despite some problems only after two sessions with a REMEMBER... outside the control of either the mediator. board or the teachers. Elliott and Yung were joined From the P.T.O.: “Expenses continue to grow at on the district negotiating a rapid rate, and we didn’t get all team by board member Betsy The annual Pumpkin Patch of the (consolidation) incentive Edwards and superintendent Jeff carnival, sponsored by the money the state had promised,” Whitsitt. In addition to the union United PTO, will be held at the said Elliott. “Still, you have to co-presidents, teachers were United Field House on Friday, do the right thing and be fair to represented by negotiators Tim October 29, from 5-8 pm. A the teachers.” Engebretson, Carrie Kuberski, United CUSD #304 school United Education Assoc. haunted house will be on display. The new pact in year one has Ben McIntosh, Julie Olin, and co-pres. Cheryl Schulz Among the games will be ring a base salary rate of $26,605 for board pres. Rick Elliott Illinois Education Association toss and bingo, while a cakewalk an educator with a bachelor’s UNISERV director Jeff Conrad. and sucker tree will be available. degree and no prior teaching Study confirms what teachers say: how much A raffle will be held with winners experience. A teacher with 24 to be announced at 7:30. Meals years of experience holding including will be served from a master’s degree plus an you earn depends on how much you learn Q: How important is that high 5:00-6:30. The public is invited. additional 30 hours of graduate experiences attending school full wide range of areas. school diploma you’re trying to credit will earn $51,921. In the time. This is the reason many A book titled The College earn? The PTO will be sponsoring 2005-2006 school year the base experts suggest taking classes Majors Handbook: With Real skating parties the first Thursday rate will be $27,403, with a top part time while continuing to Career Paths and Payoffs shows A: More than a quarter-million of each month, beginning salary of $53,479. work. Another way to avoid your college major, rather than dollars! November 4, at the Rainbow “What we didn’t want to do high costs is to attend public the school you attend, may be the Roller Rink in Monmouth. The was go back on what the teachers rather than private schools, ticket into or out of a financially A survey published by salary. skate parties will be held 6:00- had earned previously. We want which can significantly lower sound and rewarding professional com shows the average annual 8:00 p.m. The cost to attend is to keep our good teachers, and one’s tuition. life. wage for a high school graduate $3.00 with a $1.00 skate rental. we wanted to offer them as much It is also important to keep in Researcher Paul Harrington, a to be $6000 more than someone Parents and teachers may skate as we could in order to keep mind the validity of your degree professor of economics, found, who didn’t finish high school. free. For each admission, the them,” said Elliott. and salary potential in the field. “The highest salary goes to the With Social Security retirement PTO will receive 50 cents from Veteran school board member Going back to school in a field undergraduate who majored age at 65 and inching upward, the roller rink. Frank Yung concurred, saying, because it is high in demand or in chemical engineering and that translates into $276,000 over “You have to think what’s in the pays a high salary is risky as who can expectto earn $75,600 a person’s lifetime. PARENT/TEACHER best interest of the district, the it’s possible the job market will a year.” That figure is not the The numbers are even more teachers, and the students. You have changed once you graduate. starting point—it refers to the CONFERENCES impressive for those who seek an have to reach a consensus for Therefore, it is essential to average annual earnings. the taxpayers but be fair to the advanced education. choose a degree based on Parent/teacher conferences for As for the lowest, Harrington teachers.” Salary.com’s calculations for personal interests and skills and all District #304 students will be says those majoring in social Union co-president Tracey 2003 placed bachelor’s degree one that allows you to be flexible held Thursday, October 28, and work average only $37,800. Howard said the two sides holders at an average salary of in the marketplace and be able Friday, October 29. “They do God’s work,” he said. worked together well. “After the $43,000, and master’s degree to take on a variety of jobs in a School will be dismissed at first meeting, it was like having holders at $53,000. 2:05 on Thursday, October 28, conversations with people I’ve Nonetheless, many experts are with conferences to run from worked with for years. There cautioning individuals to think 4:00-8:00 that evening. was never a night when a cross long and hard before jumping There will be no school on word was said across the table. into the graduate school pool. Friday, October 29, and teachers We never left a session feeling According to U.S. News will be available for conferences disgusted. Not all boards and and World Report, average from 8:30-11:30 that morning. their teachers have that kind of graduate school and living To make an appointment at relationship.” costs are running upwards of the North Campus for students, Yung said the short-term $26,000 a year. Additionally, kindergarten through sixth pact was due, in large part, a federal government survey grades, call Mrs. Malcolm to the precarious situation all shows the average grad student at 482-3332. South Campus school districts in Illinois face. holds $23,700 in loans upon appointments can be made by “Until the state gets the school graduation, not to mention the calling Mrs. Robertson-Hart at (financial) issue settled, it’s going lost income and savings one 734-9411. STORM TRACKER UHS freshman head to M.C. A view from the bridge.... 1905 100th Street for teen leadership conference By Lance Thurman, Principal School. Additional students have Monmouth, IL 61462 also developed friendships over 309-734-9411 United High School By Laine Martz attended a number of workshops casual conversations during the The Storm Tracker is published On Tuesday, October 26, the of their choice. As I talk with other princi- new rotating lunch schedules. monthly by the journalism students of Tri-County Teen Leadership All in all, these relationships United High School, is printed through Among the 14 workshops pals around the state, they are the facilities of The Register-Mail, and Conference was held at available were “Clue & always interested in our school’s have been remarkably jovial and is distributed to residents of CUSD Monmouth College involving Clueless—The Drug Facts Game consolidation. Other folks are sincere. The students appear #304. The material published does not area freshmen. Show,” where students were excited to hear about the suc- to enjoy each other, and some necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the The Tri-County Youth unique, lasting friendships have administration of United School District involved in team challenges to cess and challenges presented #304, nor the policy of The Register- Coalition, a group comprised answer questions about drugs by striking out in a different begun to develop. The first class Mail. on two seniors from each high and their effects; “Fatal Vision direction. One of the opportuni- of United High School truly has school in Henderson, Mercer, Goggles,” where students wore ties that those at Bureau Valley been a model of unity for us all. While every attempt is made to and Warren counties, sponsored determine the validity of advertising vision impairing goggles to or West Prairie fondly relate to I am extremely pleased they contained herein, the advertising in the the event. learn the effects of drinking is the new relationships that are have set an appropriate standard Storm Tracker is not to be construed as The interactive, educational and driving; “Motivation & created with the change. of camaraderie and statesman- endorsement of a specific product or conference focused on a variety Attitude,” which focused on It has been enjoyable to watch ship for all of us to follow. service. The Storm Tracker assumes no of subjects ranging from sports responsibility of liability resulting from the role positive attitude in the students of the United school the content of paid advertisements. enhancement to a game show leadership can have; and “Young community build positive new about drugs and their effects. Athlete Sports Enhancement,” relationships with each other. The Storm Tracker does not knowingly Mrs. Kay Shaver, United High where participants learned about Some students have forged a accept advertisements that discriminate School counselor, said the main on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, flexibility and strength training bond that comes from pushing color, handicapped status, veteran or goals of the conference are to, for sports and other activities. themselves to the brink physi- sexual orientation, nor does it knowingly “provide high school aged youth The conference lasted all day cally. Others have enjoyed time print ads that violate any local, state, or with the motivation, skills, and there was no cost to the together preparing for the various federal laws. and resources to improve their students. Lunch was provided “new” activities, projects, or as- Parties interested in advertising in decision making skills and to at the Monmouth College dining signments that have taken place the Storm Tracker should contact Mr. encourage networking among hall. at United Junior/Senior High Kozelichki at the address and/or phone community agencies, other youth Youth Coalition representatives number listed above. organizations, and area schools.” from United High School who Letters to the editor must be mailed to The conference opened with were involved in the planning More Illinois college-bound the address above and cannot be more speaker Matt Lewis from and also participated in the event than 350 words. The author’s name Indianapolis, Indiana, who were seniors Laci McKelvie and seniors taking AP courses and phone number must be included for focused on “Reaching Your verification purposes. The Storm Tracker Zack Youngquist. A record number of Illinois orous and challenging material only edits letters in cases of timeliness Potential.” Each student then high school students took the needed to prepare students for and obscenity and does not guarantee 2004 Advanced Placement (AP) the college experience. publication of all letters. tests and the state saw marked At United High School, AP College reps to visit improvement in their scores. Ac- courses are currently offered in cording to a survey released by English and U.S. history with UHS in November the Illinois State Board of Educa- plans to offer either advanced College representatives scheduled to visit United High School in the tion, a record 73,150 AP tests placement in biology or chemisty coming weeks include: were taken by college-bound next year. seniors with almost two-thirds The state AP report was Eureka College November 1 1:30 pm of them scoring at the “3” to “5” released along with the annual levels to receive college credit. SAT results which once again increased statewide as Illinois Illinois Wesleyan University November 2 12:30 pm However, the survey also indicates at least 10 times the students outperformed their counterparts throughout the na- Southern Illinois-Edwardsville November 3 9:30 am number of students qualify to take the AP tests could be added tion. Math scores in Illinois were 77 Lincoln College November 4 9:00 am if provided guidance and access. According to the State Board, points higher than the national average, while verbal scores United States Navy November 10 2:00 pm AP courses are often viewed as part of gifted programs or for were 79 points higher. Math Students interested in meeting with representatives from any of these only gifted students, when, in scores in Illinois were two pints higher than a year ago, with ver- colleges need to see Mrs. Shaver in the guidance office to schedule an fact, they should be viewed as a appointment. program offering the ype of rig- bal scores inching up one point.. UHS welcomes grad, undergrad students as intern and class assistant By Curt Pratt By Kylie Logsdon Mrs. Jessie Kaskie is serving Part of the state requirments for as a counseling intern to Mrs. prospective teachers is to serve Kay Shaver until December. 100 hours of observation prior She interns on Tuesdays and to student teaching. To that end, Thursdays and works for the Monmouth College sophomore Peace Corps Fellowes program Kel Bond has been aiding in Mr. the rest of the week. She Joel Zink’s classroom for the currently lives in Macomb past month. and attends Western Illinois Bond assists Zink in his University, where she is working consumer economics, Computers to obtain her Master’s Degree in I, and Accounting II classes on student counseling. Tuesday and Thursday mornings. She grew up in Nebraska Papua New Guinea is accepted Bond is a graduate of Dixon and graduated from Hastings or can afford an education. High School and is studying Mr. Joel zink (right) and Monmouth College student Kel Bond College, a small liberal arts She had to find her own to be a math teacher, but is school. After college, she joined placement for her internship, undecided about which level of No surprise: tuition on the rise the Peace Corps and spent two saying, “I chose to come to instruction to pursue. $200 less than they did ain the years in Papua New Guinea with United and work with Mrs. “It doesn’t really matter to me This might be the type of story previous decade. her husband, where they helped Shaver because she was if I teach at a high school or a you can clip, post on your refrig- The College Board reports build elementary schools in six recommended for the quality college,” said Bond. “A college erator, and look at a year from grants and tax credits often take villages as well as train teachers program she runs. Mrs. means more money, but at a now and say, “Things haven’t care of the typical student’s tu- and school board members. She Shaver also graduated from high school, there is always the changed much, have they?.” ition at community colleges. also helped bring water to the the counseling program at advantage of getting to know the Tuition at the nation’s public Another dark aspect of the six villages and two women’s Western, so she knows all the students more and you get to see universities is up another 10.5% report in the increased reliance literacy classes. Her group also expectations. them all day. I would also like to this year, the second largest on student loans to cover normal tracked community development “I like it here. I’ve learned coach cross country.” increase in a decade. college costs. and assisted in HIV/AIDS a lot from Mrs. Shaver and When asked why he wanted The good news, however, is About a decade ago, there was education. I feel very welcome by the to be a teacher, Bond replied, that the increase is less than last almost as much grant money “It was a great experience administration, teachers, staff “I had bad teachers when I was year, according to an annual sur- available to students as there and a great way to learn about and students. I like being around growing up and I always wanted vey of 2,700 schools by the Col- were loans. By this past year, another culture,” Kaskie said. “It the energy of the students and to change the classes. Teachers lege Board, which noted a 13% loans had become a much bigger made me appreciate everything I being able to apply what I’ve always assigned things at a hike in college costs in 2003. piece of the financial aid puzzle, have in life, and recognize what’s learned in my classes to the real different rate and I always was Private universities saw their making up almost 50% more of important. world.” wanting to change that.” tuition increase by an average of the total aid pool than grants, “There’s a lot of difference She hopes to complete a He likes United, saying the 6%, while communities colleges which do not have to be repaid. between here and there. Students full semester in Marinette, small setting makes it easier to increased tuition by 9% this year. Moreover, the growing are very privileged in the U.S. Wisconsin, where her husband know the students. For the first time ever, the prominence of merit-based aid, They have desks, buildings currently resides as an extension “It was a neat experience to average tuition at this nation’s coupled with broader definitions without holes, indoor plumbing, educator for the University of help someone in his teacher colleges and universities sur- of who qualifies for financial bus systems, trained teachers, Wisconsin. “I look forward training. Kel is a focused young passed the $20,000 mark for assistance, has meant middle- and food provided for lunch. to moving there at the end of man and will make a good a private school, $5,000 for a income and wealthy studnets It’s almost the exact opposite in December and start my other teacher,” said Zink of his aide. public university, and $2,000 for typically received larger grants Papua New Guinea where the internship in January.” “The students seemed to really a community college. from their colleges than did their teachers are volunteers, there’s She and her husband enjoy like him and they were very Despite the nearly 25% in- low-income counterparts. no bus system, all of the students traveling. On their trip home cooperative. The students really crease in the past two years, the In recent years, the issue of walk to school, and some even from Papua New Guinea, they like it when he did the Internet survey found studnets are not postsecondary affordability has live at the school.” received an around-the-world scavenger hunt. I look forward necessarily paying all the extra increasingly become a politi- Additionally, she says only ticket to Fiji, Australia, Thailand, to having another aide sometime costs. Financial aid has been on cal one. But what colleges say a limited number of students in Singapore, and London. soon.” the rise as well, and though it has not always kept pace with rising fears them the most is that some tuition, it has curbed the blow, to prospective students, especially an extent. those unsure of whether they For example, through grants want to attend, will choose not to and financial aid, students at go simply because of the cost. private colleges student actually The College Board survey paid an average of $9,600 in included data showing graduates tuition and fees last year, about a with a Bachelor’s Degree could thousand dollars more than they expect to earn 73% more than did a decade ago. a high school graduate . Those At public institutions, students with professional degrees can ended up paying about $1,300 expect three and a half times as a year in tuition, which is about much in lifetime income.

UHS organizations update Art Club raises funds, welcomes Spanish Club strong By Samantha Gipson The Art Club is selling black and red “United Red Storm” with new members lanyards. Cost is $3 each, and By Curt Pratt “We’ve gone to the they will only be available The Spanish Club has Concordia Language Villages in for another week. Beginning announced its officers for the Bemidji, Minnesota. We used to today, Home Interior candles 2004-2005 school year. Serving have a bike ride from Cameron are available from any Art Club as president in Eric Hanson to Galesburg and then have a member. with Amanda Chavero as vice- picnic and football game when Money earned from these president. Laura Cruce is the we got there. We also used to fundraisers will help pay for a secretary and Priyanka Patel is have a softball game every year pizza party at Christmas and a treasurer. against FFA,” said the veteran trip later in the year. To be an officer, you must be teacher. Members of the United High School Spanish Members of the Art Club “It’s exciting to have in Spanish IV. To be a member, Club spent part of the summer of 2004 on a are Michael Bickerton, Becky you have to be currently enrolled a lot of Alexis kids in Spanish Bridges, Neileigh Brown, Megan or have taken a Spanish class. I and I look forward to having tour of Mexico with advisor Rick Johnson Carlson, Aaron Carr, Abby Currently, there are 57 members them in II, III, and IV.” Conard, Levi Cox, Tyson Cox, in Spanish I, 18 in Spanish II, 13 Katrina Daniel, Ross Dickson, Yearbook’s “Impressions” will leave a lasting mark in Spanish III, and 15 in Spanish By Curt Pratt They have already made sev- choices were “Impressions,” Barbra Dunbar, Beth Eyler, IV. Mr. Rick Johnson serves as The yearbook has begun its eral key decisions this year. The “Ripples,” and “The Storm Fore- Jeanine Fox, Samantha Gipson, Spanish Club advisor. planning process under the direc- theme for this year’s yearbook cast,” with “Impressions” the C.J. Hall, Felicia Hasting, Nate The club makes a trip to tion of Mr. Joel Zink. will be “Combining,” which is a winner by a large margin. Hennenfent, Sarah Holman, Mexico every other year, The editors (pictured below) farm theme. Brandon Knapp, Nate Payne, including this past summer. FCA plans bonfire Ashley Sherfey, Nick Stacker, are seniors Anna Damos and The group chose three names They plan to go again in 2006. By Curt Pratt Kate Elliot. Curt Pratt serves as for the yearbook and held a Jared VanFleet, Sarah Wildbahn, “We’ve never gone to Spain, and Lucas Wood. the photography editor. school-wide vote. The three The Fellowship of Christian but Miss Bodenhammer keeps Athletes will be holding a cook- trying to get us to go. It’s more out and hayrack ride the evening UHS Student Council expensive. It’s about $1500 to of Friday, November 5. honors fallen student go to Mexico and $2000 to go to The event will be held at the Spain,” explained Johnson. “I’d home of senior Daniella Connell from Annawan like to go to Spain, but I know By Tyler Nelson and will begin at 6:00 p.m. my way around Mexico better.” For more information, contact Following an extremely The group used to have more successful first Homecoming, FCA sponsor Mr. Rick Johnson. activities than they do currently, The FCA is the largest inter- the United Student Council is but Mr. Johnson finds himself planning for further first semester denominational, school based, busier now that he is coaching Christian organization in the activities. three sports. A football playoff T-shirt was United States. sold last week in preparation for Saturday’s game and a splash party was held in Rock Island on October 21 that involved dozens of student council members from area schools. Additionally, the Student Council sent a floral arrangement to the family of Haley Church, an Annawan High School freshman who was killed in an auto accident earlier this month. The Student Council is currently making plans for December which will likely include a charitable cause.such as a food drive or adopt a family. November Elementary Lunch Menu Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 3 4 5 Chicken & Noodles Cheeseburger Corn Dog Chili Bar-B-Q Rib Sandwich Buttermilk Biscuit Sweet Potatoes Tator Tots Veggies & Dip French Fries Peas Green Beans Mixed Vegetables Pear Half Apricots Pineapple Applesauce Peach Crisp Cheese Sticks Cookie 8 9 10 11 12 Cavatini Tenderloin Chicken Strips NO SCHOOL Sausage Pizza Lettuce Salad Chips & Salsa Baked Beans Veteran’s Day Green Beans Mixed Vegetables Corn Banana Bop Fruit Mix Garlic Sticks Mandarin Oranges Pudding Cups Cookie 15 16 17 18 19 French Toast Stix Italian Chicken Sandwich Hot Dog Turkey Gravy Hamburger Sausage Links Nachos & Cheese Tator Tots Stuffing French Fries Fruit Cocktail Mixed Vegetables Peaches Mashed Potatoes Carrots Orange Juice Applesauce Cookie Pumpkin Cookie Rice Krispie Bar Cranberry Sauce 22 23 24 25 26 Grilled Cheese Tacos Breaded Chicken Sandwich HAPPY NO SCHOOL Goldfish Soup Lettuce & Tomato Chips & Salsa THANKSGIVING! Mixed Fruit Refried Beans Corn Cookie Peaches Pudding 29 30 Dec 1 Dec 2 Dec 3 Tuna Casserole Hot Dog Ham & Cheese Sandwich Chicken Nuggets Stormburger Peas Coney Sauce Baked Beans Augratin Potatoes Tator Tots Applesauce French Fries Glazed Fruit Mixed Vegetables Peaches Cherry Freeze Carrots Cookie Mandarin Oranges Marble Square Cookie Busy month for United FFA culminates in Louisville By Tony Hill Local FFA members performed The United High School well in a pair of recent FFA held its annual Greenhand competitions. Supper for first year and The United FFA took first inexperienced members. New place in the Land Use Contest on members this year include Josh September 30 at Aledo. Eleven Atwell, Abby conard, Adam teams competed with UHS Condreay, Aaron Corbin, Jacob garnering1224 points to best Darling, Colt Foster, Justin Fox, host Aledo’s 1176. Knoxville Dawn Hughes, Nathan Johnson, placed third. Travis Schulte of Bryan Lincoln, Josh Mettler, Sherrard placed first in individual Matthew Olin, Josh Smith, Colby competition with 430 points, Taber, Bri Trembly, Michael while United’s Emily Elliott Wheeler, Courtney Young, and and William McCrery finished Nicole Yung. second and third with 422 and The National FFA Convention 410 points, respectively. was held this past week in Another contest held earlier Louisville, Kentucky. The six in the year saw United finish delegates from United High 11th out of 69 teams in horse School were Nick Atwell, judging. United’s Rachel Olson th Brandon Bruns, Emily Elliott, finished 12 overall out of 263 Members of Mr. Cirks’ ALPD class work with Mrs. Jenks’ second grade Gabe Golden, Jason Lair, and indiviudals with 363 points. Logan Tucker. class to carve pumpkins for Halloween. November Jr/Sr Lunch Menu Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 1 2 3 4 5 Crispito Cheeseburger on Bun Beef Stew Macaroni & Cheese Pizza Corn Chips/Nacho Cheese French Fries Hot Rolls Little Smokies Tostido Chips/Cheese Corn Pears Baked Beans Layered Salad Green Beans Mixed Vegetables Spanish Rice Mixed Fruit Peaches Pink Applesauce Pineapple Rice Krispie Treat Milk Brownie Milk Milk Bread & Butter Milk Spirit Cake (yellow) Mill 8 LUNCH MONEY DUE 9 10 11 12 Taco-in-a-Bag Chili Dog on Bun Chicken Nuggets NO Ravioli (onion-kraut-relish-chili) Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Garlic Bread French Fries Lima Beans SCHOOL Corn Baked Beans Fruit Crisp Ice Cream Cup Peaches Mandarin Oranges Milk Bread & Butter Milk Veteran’s Day Spirit Cake (chocolate) Milk 15 16 17 18 19 Super Nachos Chef-Rite on Bun Chili or Chicken Noodle Soup Spaghetti & Meat Sauce Beef & Noodles (meat-cheese-tomato-salsa- French Fries Crackers Cheese Bread Sticks Mashed Potatoes/Gravy sour cream) Corn Fruit Snacks Layered Salad Green Beans Mixed Vegetables Mixed Fruit Cookie Peaches Pears Spanish Rice Peanut Butter Cup Peanut Butter Sandwich Milk Bread & Butter Mandarin Oranges Milk Milk Milk Spirit Cake(Jell-O) Milk 22 23 LUNCH MONEY DUE 24 25 26 Burrito Chicken Patty on Bun Goulash NO THANKSGIVING Corn Chips/Nacho Cheese Potato Chips Garlic Bread Layered Salad Peas Green Beans SCHOOL BREAK Spanish Rice Mandarin Oranges Pears Peaches Milk Pudding-in-a-Cloud Milk Spirit Cake(White) Milk Happy Thanksgiving 29 30 Haystacks Tomato or Vegetable Soup Corn Grilled Cheese Sandwich Pears Hi-C Fruit Snacks Spanish Rice Crackers Cookie Brownie Milk Milk

November 2004 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 Girls Basketball Practice Vision Screening Vision Screening Begins 7:30 PM: VB Sectional 7 PM: VB Sectional @ @ Farmington Farmington

7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Boys Basketball Practice Veteran’s Day – NO Begins SCHOOL

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Girls Basketball Girls Basketball Girls Basketball Girls Basketball Girls Basketball IMEA – District – Cambridge Tourney – Cambridge Tourney – Cambridge Tourney – Cambridge Tourney – Cambridge Tourney Girls Basketball 5:30 PM - JH Boys 5:30 PM – JH Boys – Cambridge Tourney Basketball vs. Union Basketball vs. Roseville

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 6 PM- Girls Basketball Boys Basketball - B-PC Boys Basketball – B-PC Boys Basketball – B-PC Boys Basketball – B-PC Boys Basketball – B-PC vs Union Tip-Off Tourney Tip-Off Tourney Tip-Off Tourney Tip-Off Tourney Tip-Off Tourney 5:30 PM – JH Boys Basketball @ Yorkwoood 6 PM – Girls Basketball @ Elmwood 28 29 30 Boys Basketball – B-PC Boys Basketball – B-PC Boys Basketball – B-PC Tip-Off Tourney Tip-Off Tourney Tip-Off Tourney 5:30 PM – JH Boys Basketball @ Costa Veteran hoops coaches join staff Boys Basketball Long time area coach joins Nov 23-Dec 4 - @ B-PC Tip-Off Consolidation brings about Dec 7 - @ Williamsfield Dec 10 - @ Monmouth experienced girls team Red Storm boys staff The United girls open their By Tyler Nelson Dec 11-18 - @ Galva F/S Tourn. By Tyler Nelson season November 15 at the Dean Betts, former head coach Dec 13-17 - @ Roseville Touney “This is a whole new season, Cambridge Tournament and their at Knoxville, is optimistic about Dec 21 - vs Roseville/Yorkwood we’re not going to look back at first home game is November 22 the upcoming 2004-2005 United Jan 7 - @ Princeville last year,” says Ron Koch, the against Union. varsity boys’ basketball season. Jan 11 - vs Aledo varsity girls’ basketball coach. Betts comes to United after Jan 14 - @ Wethersfield Koch has high hopes for the being let go from the Knoxville Jan 15 - @ Avon upcoming season. “We proved staff following the 2003-2004 Jan 18 - vs Galva this summer that we were a season, and after debating Jan 21 - vs Stark County talented team that can and will whether he wanted to continue Jan 22 - @ Southern run with the other teams in the coaching or sit back and just Jan 25 - @ Annawan conference.” enjoy the game for awhile. Jan 28 - vs Westmer “This is probably the tall- “I’m really excited and am Dean Betts Jan 29-Feb 5 - @ LTC Tourney est group of girls that I have Feb 8 - vs Alwood looking forward to starting the Past Coaching: coached, and they are also fast season. I have had too much Feb 11 - @ Cambridge and very intense,” says Koch time off this summer,” says Galesburg and Feb 15 - vs ROWVA based on what he saw develop Coach Betts. Knoxville Feb 18 - vs Union over the summer. When asked about his outlook Feb 21 - @ Regionals Returning players from the on the season, Betts replied, “I Years Coaching: Feb 26-Mar 3 @ Y-wood FS Alexis team are guards Marci believe we will have a rough be- 18 Tourn Patterson and Tara VanFleet, Ron Koch ginning because I was hired late Hobbies: forwards Laci McKelvie and and we didn’t get in much time Girls Basketball Ashley Richardson, and center Past Coaching: in the gym in the summer. We Golfing & Boating Nov 15-20 - @ Cambridge Anna Damos. will definitely be a better team Tourn. Returning from Warren are Abingdon and come the end of the season.” Scorer’s error costs Nov 22 - vs Union guards Allison Lam and Neileigh Roseville Nov 23 - @ Elmwood “I was happy with the time we United golfer Gavin Brown, forward Kate Elliott, and Years Coaching: did get in the gym because the Dec 1 - vs Wethersfield center Laura Cruce. boys came in with a great men- shot at state final Dec 2 - vs Southern With the speed and intensity 10 tality, wanted to get something United golfer Patrick Gavin’s Dec 6 - vs Abingdon the girls bring into the season, Hobbies: done, and, at the same time, chance at competing at the state Dec 8 - vs Princeville Koch plans to press a lot on de- were having fun. I believe this finals came to an abrupt end at Dec 15-18 @ Knoxville Tourney fense and plans to do a lot of fast Farming attitude carries over from their the sectional tourney when an Dec 20 - @ Galva breaks on offense. He feels these football season.” error by the scorer led to a dis- Jan 5 - @ Stark County girls play well as a team, and this Baseball field work “We are going to push the ball qualification. Jan 6 - @ Brimfield playing style will suit them best, continues at Alexis as much as possible and try to The scoring error was not Jan 10 - vs Annawan because it takes a team effort to get easy points off fast breaks, discovered until after Gavin had Jan 12 - @ Westmer execute this style. but if we don’t, we will have a signed his scorer’s card affirming Jan 15-22 - @ LTC Tourney “I think this season will be a Work continues on convert- basic and a secondary offense to his 18 hole total. Jan 24 - @ Alwood very good and productive one ing the baseball diamond on the North Campus to conform to come back to. For defense, we According to IHSA rules, Jan 26 - vs Cambridge because this is a good group of IHSA standards. are going to mostly man to man by confirming the errant score Jan 29 - vs Roseville/Yorkwood girls who never quit and hate to Drainage tile is now in place, with a full court press,” said the Gavin was found at fault, and Jan 31 - @ ROWVA lose. Having that attitude will and the dugouts are nearly com- long time veteran. was automatically disqualified Feb 2 - @ Union help in coaching these girls and despite having shot a low enough plete. United will be returning sev- Feb 7 - @ Regionals carry them a long way,” says eral starters from both the former score to qualify for the finals. Koch. Work will get underway soon Alexis and Warren squads, which should give the team a lot of ex- perience and build to a success- ful season. From Alexis, returning players include Brian and Sean Bertle- son, Alex Corben, Alex Fox, Tyler Nelson, Jared VanFleet, and Andy Yung. Former Warren Warriors expected to return include Ryan Armstrong, Aaron Gavin, Eric Hanson, Justin McGuire, Zack Youngquist The Red Storm open their sea- son at the Bushnell-Prairie City Tip-Off Tourney on November 23. In season of firsts, United claims a pair Red Storm football team rebounds to capture Lincoln Trail Conference crown By Terry Miller (a team they beat on homecom- exciting than the current quad- Two weeks into the season and ing) for the conference champi- rant system.” two losses by a total of 12 points onship. Despite an a ground attack that led many to wonder whether “I thought if we could be averaged more than 300 yards combining two teams into one Princeville, we’d have a shot at it per game, offensive coordinator was a good idea after all. Well, (the conference title),” said long- Ben McIntosh says much needs at the end of nine weeks, no time Warren coach Tim Enge- to be done before the first round one’s wondering anymore. bretson now at the United helm. playoff game. “We started off Last Friday night, despite an “After Stark County, I knew we pretty slow, but have started to hour long delay and a driving could win our last seven games. come around now. We can still rainstorm throughout, the United We got better and better every improve a lot. We are still not Red Storm football captured the week.” confident on our assignments and Lincoln Trail Conference cham- Senior co-captain Billy John- we don’t sustain our blocks like pionship with a dominating 26-0 son said, “It’s a great feeling be- we are capable.” shutout of the Annawan Braves. ing conference champs. It would Defensive coordinator Job Despite the playing conditions, have been better if we could have Linboom, the former Alexis the Storm rolled up 414 yards gone undefeated in the confer- head coach, said, “We played ence, but I think the loss (to quite well defensively, but I rushing and held Annawan to a Halfback Tyler Nelson looks for running room total of 143 yards, 55 of which Stark County) made us a stronger expected us to. Our strength is team overall.” run defense and our defensive came on the last drive of the second seeded Princeville. The team gets its chance to line is the reason for our success. Johnson his favorite receiver game. Greg McGraw accounted For the season, McGraw led with eight catches and a 16 yards for 157 yards rushing and one avenge their week two loss The line makes the linebacker’s when they host Stark County job much easier. Our defense is all rushers with 835 yards on just per catch average. touchdown. Sophomore Corey 93 carries, while also leading the McGraw, who started the sea- Rundle scored a pair of TD’s and on Saturday in round one of the playing its best right now.” IHSA playoffs. United is seeded The Red Storm hopes for five team in scoring. Tyler Nelson son at linebacker but spent more Tyler Nelson picking up one on a gained 550 yards on the ground, time on the line, led the defense 47 yard burst. third in its quadrant behind Deer more games, culminating with a Creek-Mackinaw and Princeville. state championship on Thanks- with Rundle, Jared VanFleet, and in tackles, followed by backers With the win, the Red Storm Aaron Gavin all contributing Alex Corben, Eric Hanson, and finished 7-2 overall and 6-1 in When asked about the quadrant giving weekend. A round one system, Engebretson pulled no win could lead to a rematch with more than five yards per carry Drew Johnson. As a testament to the LTC, while ranking seventh when they took the ball. punches. “I despite it. It’s like a Princeville, whom they beat the strength of the United front, in the Associated Press poll. Be- Quarterback Zack Youngquist’s defensive backs Stephen Eyler cause of a scheduling quirk that conference tournament because 12-6 in week six, or possibly a we have to play teams from showdown with local rival Ros- passing numbers show only and Aaron Gavin ranked seventh forced United to play 3A Orion about a 40% completion rate, but and eighth, respectively, in total in their opening game, the Storm our conference a lot. The 1-32 eville-Yorkwood if the Bearcats, ranking system was much more a number seven seed, can upset he did account for six touch- tackles. tied with the Princeville Princes downs through the air, with Drew Volleyball team captures regular season title, upset in tough conference tourney By Terry Miller wins were a great accomplish- their only conference tournament win in game two. The final game A pair of tournament losses ment for us this year.” preliminary. The Storm then was a nail biter throughout as the shouldn’t put a damper on the “I wasn’t sure how good we lost two very tough and close Storm took an early lead but the great season experienced by were going to be until after the matches in Saturday’s tourney Vikings rallied to tie the game at members of the Red Storm first week of practice. The girls finale. 20. It was back and forth from volleyball team, who won the were very dedicated this summer The first game of the day was there before Cambridge claimed Lincoln Trail Conference regular and wanted to win very badly. against Princeville, where they a 26-24 win, leaving the Storm season title, going 10-0 in con- After the Princeville win, I knew dropped a 27-25 match before with a fourth place finish in the ference play. it would be a good year. The bouncing back to claim game tourney. In addition to their conference Princeville games were a grudge two, 25-17. In the third game, The Storm is seeded first in its title, the Storm also won the Carl match, and we wanted to win the Storm fell behind as much as regional, second in the sectional. Sandburg tourney and placed that one badly.” six before rallying to get as close third at Abingdon. The Storm closed out its regu- as 23-21 before falling 25-21. Donn Damos’ squad found it- lar season on Monday, October In the third place match-up, self at the mercy of the schedule 18, with a pair of easy wins over the Storm dominated game one makers throughout the season, Union to capture the LTC crown, over Cambridge 25-13, but the with all of their toughest regular then rolled over Galva at home in Vikings roared back to a 25-9 season games on the road. “All of our big games were away at Princeville, Wethersfield, An- nawan, and Cambridge. The girls seemed to turn this chal- lenge into motivation. These