The Bulldog Barker 200 Pine St. Sikeston, MO Volume 82 Issue 5 • November 16, 2018 What’s Inside: Pg. 2-3 Private Lives of Veteran’s Day Celebrities Pg. 4 Rivalries & Speeech and Debate Pg. 5 NHS & Model UN

Photo Courtesy of Google Image Search Thank you,veterans, for your services and sacrifices for this country! John T. Myers Pg. 6-7 Reporter Veteran’s Day is a day to remember and of veterans. After Carr spoke, the Missouri House Thanksgiving honor the men and women of our military, whether of Representatives rewarded him with a framed they are currently enlisted, former members, or Resolution copy signed by Speaker Paul Ryan for his people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the 38 years of exemplary service in the United States freedom of their fellow citizens. Air Force. The resolution was presented to Carr Veteran’s day originated as “Armistice Day” on behalf of representative Holly Rehder who was Pg. 8 on November 11, 1919, which is the first anniversary scheduled to attend the assembly, but could not due of the end of World War I. In 1938, it became to an unforeseen death in the family. Barker Bites recognized as a national holiday. This year marked Also in attendance were many veterans of the 99th anniversary of the end of World War I and multiple wars and branches of service, along with the 80th anniversary of Veteran’s Day becoming a their families. national holiday. The Sikeston Senior High band, orchestra, Pg. 9 Veteran’s Day is very important because and choir performed patriotic music at the assembly. in today’s society, many veterans are homeless, Songs such as Anchors Away were led by band Girls and Boys impoverished, and disrespected. Veteran’s Day gives instructors Darren Steelman and Kim Whitehead. them just one more reason to be proud of serving The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cotton Basketball their country. Carnival royalty Leilani Smith, Lakyn Kaminsky, Sikeston Senior High School hosted its own and Briana Gadberry. These three young women celebration of Veteran’s Day through the form of also prepared bags filled with various assortments an assembly. The assembly was hosted in the Field of treats for veterans residing in nursing homes in House and had an impressive turnout with over 1,000 surrounding areas. Pg. 10-11 spectators in attendance. On behalf of the Bulldog Barker staff I Football, Wrestling, Among those at the assembly was would like to thank all veterans and those currently Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Carr of the United States enlisted in the military for the brave sacrifices they and Air Force. Carr spoke to those in attendance about make to protect the constitutional rights of American the mindset of veterans and the thoughts of families Citizens. November 16, 2018 Editorial 2 The private lives of celebrities

Grace O. Blanton Reporter

The personal lives of celebrities used by stars, and the celebrities use are plastered all over the media. Often times social media cites to show express their without consent, information about their platforms. I think that it is a great idea for private life is leaked for everyone to see. celebrities to have social media accounts. However, should it be that way? However, I think that they should solely be When celebrities start the road to used to show updates on the public aspects stardom, the paparazzi and the exposing of their lives. I think that it is unfair if of their social life is what they sign up for. celebrities post personal information, and I realize that it would be annoying to have then they get mad when other cites use a snapshot of my every move, but being a their information. celebrity cannot always be fabulous with all In the article by Marie Claire, the glitz and the glam. Kim Kardashian expressed her take on the Celebrities are not the only ones invasion of privacy by media. affected by the leaking of stars’ private life. “There are pitfalls, lack of The invasion of paparazzi has privacy, loss of privacy, and that’s not become a huge problem in the lives of for everyone. For me, I can handle it.” Photo Courtesy of Google Image. celebrities’ kids. I think that the celebrities Kardashian said. sign up for their life being exposed to the Kim Kardashian really shows her Paparazzi overwhelm celebrities with overload of pics. public, but their children do not. Their private life off through social media. She children’s lives being plastered all over the posts quite often, and has no shame with Internet is wrong because they should be able the amount of personal information put to have the childhood that had. out there. In an article by Marie Claire, Halle I think that if a celebrity is okay Berry, an American actress, gave her opinion with the media gaining information on on protecting the privacy of children. their private lives, then it is okay for news “These are little innocent children to be leaked. If the celebrities agree to who didn’t ask to be celebrities. They didn’t information being shared, then, I think, the ask to be thrown into this game, and they do media should still conserve the amount of not have the wherewithal to process what’s stuff they put out there. happening. We don’t have a law in place to The private lives of celebrities protect them from this.” Berry said. being shared to is really what Laws are currently trying to be they sign up for when they enter the passed to protect the children of celebrities, world of stardom. However, if they do not want their information out there, then the and to try and give them as normal of a life Photo Courtesy of Google Image. that they deserve. media should respect that and move on to Instagram and are often someone who is okay with it. Magazines with personal information of celebrities. Editorial Board Reporters The Hayden S. Alcorn Bulldog Barker Gracie L. Barber Grace O. Blanton Editor Charles L. Cox Shelby F. Hodgkiss Advisory Board Kelli L. Dukes Isabelle R. McGill Jennifer Hodgkiss Student Life Editor John T. Myres Advisor Ethan P. Presley Steve Bays Jeffery W. Thornbrough Clark C. Steward Principal Sports Editor Grant L. Stoner

The policy of the Sikeston Senior High Bulldog Barker, a school-sponsored publication, is to cover issues that concern its students and the world around them, and to promote a learning enviorment that encourages an exchange of ideas. In this way the Bulldog Barker strives to invlove Sikeston High School’s rich resources of students, faculty, and administrators. November 16, 2018 Student opinion 3 Should the private lives of celebrities be off limits?

“Yes because celebrities are “I think that celebrities people too, and it is unfair should be able to have the the way they are bombarded private lives they deserve. with paparazzi.” They always get caught up in drama.”

Jay Lape ‘22 Mackenzie Conway ‘22

“Yes because they are peo- “I think that the celebrities ple too. I have the right to should be able to decide privacy, and so should they.” themselves.”

Lilly Beth Sutton ‘21 Lawson Alcorn ‘21

“I believe the private lives “The information put out of of celebrities should be off social media should remain limits. It is strange to know their private life because personal information about we should respect that they someone that doesn’t know are people too. Execpt for y ou .” the cute ones, I want to be updated on them.”

Jonathan Crowe ‘20 Emma Drury ‘20

“I think that it depends on “Celebrities need an op- how much the celebrity puts portunity to be normal, so out themselves. It should their home life should be off ultimately be up to them to limits.” decide.”

Megan Porter ‘19 Nate Self ‘19 November 16, 2018 Student Life 4 The OGs. Oratorically Gifted.

Gracie L. Barber Editor

Some people are just a little bit “I always look forward to watching more talkative than others, or enjoy debating the students developing their skills and certain topics. Luckily, these students have building their confidence throughout the year. the perfect club where they get to argue and Nothing beats the feeling of watching students put forth their creativity in a way that most get excited about breaking to finals or placing students don’t think about. in the top 3 after they have put in so much Speech and Debate has many time and effort,” Mrs. Ramsey said. different events, which means there is A lot of preparation goes into these something for everyone. This year Sikeston events that most people do not realize. High School has students competing in Prose, Researching, practicing, and being confident Poetry, Humorous Interpretation, Dramatic in yourself is something that many people do Interpretation, Original Oratory, Radio, in order to get ready. Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Public Forum “Usually when prepping, my partner, Debate. Macy Robison, and I will spend the week Speech and Debate competes on before prepping with any and all information Thursday afternoons and evenings throughout that we can find in accordance with our topic. the year in order to prepare for the district No matter the amount of preparation, you competition that is held in March. always seem to be blind sided at the actual These competitions are held all debate so we decide to interpret the knowledge Photo Courtesy of Kris Plecker Noe over the district. On Thursday, February of our topic that we’ve archived within our Brylie Noe ‘18 poses with her multiple first places. 7, Sikeston will hold their first meet since minds to serve our purpose,” Alex Ellis ‘20 having Mrs. Ramsey as the coach. said. We are the Champions Kelli L. Dukes Student Life Editor

With the basketball season starting just around the corner, local rivalries are a known threat to the team. Rivalries are a part of the tradition of the Sikeston Basketball, and are often similar to our team. These teams have always given the Bulldogs something the team looks forward to competing against. Senior, Owen Long, tells why certain schools in the area are Sikeston’s biggest rivalries. “When we play against Charleston, Photo by Grace Blanton Poplar Bluff, Cape, and Notre Dame, those Some of the new activites for the Makerspace students can use. are the teams we look forward the most to playing. Besides Sikeston, they are some of time energy between us. It’s hard to explain, Although Sikeston has always been the best schools in the area. The atmosphere but there’s always a spark of competitiveness a dedicated, strong, and youthful, team, there and chanting against students bodies always between both ourselves and Charleston. In are still competitors that the team needs to brings out the competitive side in everyone,” high school, my senior year (2011) was one keep an eye on at all times. Long said. of the classes to have never loss to Charleston. The Bulldogs strive to remain the Back in 2011, when Coach Will During my senior year, at Charleston we beat best but it will take a lot of time, patience, and Holifield was a senior, he played for the them by either 30 or 40 points,” Holifield said. determination to hold that title. Throughout Bulldogs. He talks about how he believes The dedication from the team, the years, traditional rival teams have Charleston has always been a huge rivalry to BUMS, Red Peppers, and everyone alike can remained and will continue to thrive. The the Bulldogs. always feel the emotions that are put on the Barker staff wishes the best of luck to the “Charleston has always had a long court during every game. basketball team this upcoming season. November 16, 2018 Student Life 5 National Honors Society Induction Shelby F. Hodgkiss Reporter

National Honors Society had their annual induction ceremony on Thursday, No- vember 8. Thirty-eight new members were inducted. It is an honor to become a member of NHS. “I was excited to become a part of such a great group of students and be recog- nized for all my hard work. I was also afraid I was going to catch my hair on fire.” Claire Boner, NHS President said. In order to be selected for NHS, you have to obtain good character, along with good grades and behavior. “The membership of the Sikeston Photo by Debbie Miller. High School National Honor Society has to The newest National Honors Society inductees get together for a photo. be earned by demonstrating the four qualities of Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and it into NHS. upcoming service projects this year and all of Service. For a student to become a member of “I was excited and proud to make the ways we will get involved in our commu- NHS, they must have all 4 of these. In order to such an exclusive club that only a small nity.” Boner ‘19 said. determine students who have good character, amount of people are let into,” Gilmer ‘21 The senior NHS officers are in we rely on the recommendation of teachers said charge of picking different service projects and administrators. Students of good charac- Service projects are another huge for the clunb to do. This year’s Officers are ter demonstrate such qualities as respect, re- part of what this club is all about. Each se- President, Claire Boner; Vice President, Me- sponsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, mester, a club member has to complete at least gan Porter; Secretary, Gracie Barber; and and citizenship.” Kim Thornbrough, NHS 2 service projects. Many of these are for or- Service Project Cordinator, Giselle Galang. sponsor said. ganizations near and dear to the community’s The next meeting will be held on December Tyler Gilmer, new NHS inductee, heart. 6 to discuss the newest service projects. New speaks on how he felt when learning he made “I’m most excited about all of the members are required to attend. Model United Nations Clark C. Steward Reporter

Many people may have heard about Model UN but may not know what it actually is. When asked about what Model UN actually is, sponsor Eric Balsman said, “It is a club where we look at world issues from many different perspectives. The club rep- resents the United Nations. Students from all over pick a country of their choosing and look at a specific issue from the perspective of citizens of their country. Depending on what country you represent, you will look at certain issues differently,” Balsman said. Photocourtesy of Rory Jaynes Students will represent countries as Sikeston High School’s Model UN Club poses for a group photo. large as the United States as well as coun- tries as small as Bulgaria. Many issues, such as human rights, are viewed very differently When asked if she enjoys Model UN, nois, and northern Arkansas. from one country to the next. In Model UN club member, Brynna Wiese ‘20 said, “I really Model UN is actually a worldwide students get to represent countries they know enjoy it. It’s sort of like Speech and Debate organization. There are some huge national nothing about, and by the end of it, they know Club but everybody there is working towards and international conferences that can take lots of new information. a common goal. Nobody is really on opposite up to two or three days. In these conferences Balsman really enjoys spornsoring sides, because everyone is trying to find the they will discuss many issues and develop Model UN. “I love how enthusiastic students solution that’s best for all the nations.” many solutions and put all of them together. are when they show up. Watching them get The Model UN conference was held Model UN is an organization that to know other cultures and areas of the world on Thursday November 8, and many stu- dents from Sikeston High School were lucky works worldwide to open people’s eyes to the is awesome. Most people in Sikeston don’t problems of not only their own countries, but know much about these countries, but now enough to get to attend the event. The confer- I have students who know a lot about some ence our students went to was composed of it shows students the needs of countries all very tiny countries,” Balsman said. kids from southern Missouri, southern Illi- over the world. November 16, 2018 Feature 7 Are Americans guilty of being unthankful on Thanksgiving?

Hayden S. Alcorn Reporter

The first Thanksgiving began their products to boost sales on Black talents they have, the NFL is only in 1621, at Plymouth Rock which is Friday and Cyber Monday which are after your viewership and have no near modern day Cape Cod. It was a two of the most shopped days of the interest in the actual meaning of the three day harvest festival celebrated year. Stores such as Macy’s, JC Penny, holiday. by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Target, and many other popular stores The Macy’s parade is another Indians to give thanks for a good have sales with items that range from example of how companies abuse the growing season. Thanksgiving has twenty to eighty percent off. Black holiday of giving thanks to market been celebrated on and off in the Friday sales in 2017 made companies their products for Christmas. The United States since 1789 when George $7.9 billion dollars which was an origination of the parade was for Washington declared November 26, eighteen percent increase from 2016 people to come out and get ready for the national day of thanks. Abraham and expect that number to rise again the “Christmas shopping season,” in Lincoln made Thanksgiving a this year. The top Cyber Monday order to promote their companies’ national holiday in 1863, on the last websites in 2017 were Amazon, Best products. The parade also takes place Thursday in November. Franklin Buy, and GAP. Cyber Monday made during many Thanksgiving church D. Roosevelt instituted the modern a record breaking $6.6 billion dollars services, encouraging people to skip tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving online making it the largest online church, so, they can judge the best Photo courtesy of Google images on the fourth Thursday in November. shopping day in US history. While float in the parade instead of focusing Santa showing up to a family Thanksgiving dinner Nowadays, many families this is good for the US economy, these on the true meaning of the holiday and friends gather on the fourth “marketing holidays” are taking away which is to give thanks for what we Thursday in November to celebrate from why we celebrate Thanksgiving already have. Thanksgiving. Though there are in the first place. Thanksgiving is supposed many Thanksgiving traditions that The National Football League to be a time with family and friends have stuck with the American holiday, (NFL) also takes advantage of this around the dinner table enjoying a many of the traditions have either been holiday hosting three football games big meal, discussing what they are lost, changed, or forgotten. Traditions on the Thursday of Thanksgiving thankful, and telling each other how such as breaking out the best china, rather than the usual one Thursday they appreciate one another other. sharing what you’re thankful for, and Night game. Although the NFL does Today’s culture of talking about the not even staying for dessert to go promote the Thanksgiving holiday latest new toy, newest clothing piece out and shop for Christmas. Today, by having the player of the night that is out, or the hottest vacuum people celebrate Thanksgiving with game eat a turkey leg, they are using on the market is starting to become paper plates and plastic forks and the holiday as a way to get more views, a common theme in the average spoons. People often instead of ultimately, allowing the NFL to make American household. This theme sharing what they are thankful for more money. The regular Thursday will likely continue due to great they are discussing what they want for night football games received an deals and the only entertainment on Christmas or are complaining about average of 10.94 million viewers, television during Thanksgiving. This they do not have or will not receive. while the Thanksgiving night game Thanksgiving when you sit down Photo courtesy of Google images Thanksgiving is slowly becoming received 26.3 million viewers which at the table to eat, take a second to Turkey fliiping out because of Black Friday an overlooked holiday because of is about a fifty eight percent increase remember how lucky you are to have today’s society using the holiday as a in viewership from regular Thursday what you have, and be thankful for way to promote the latest Christmas night games. Rather than promoting it. Have safe travels over the holiday sale. Many businesses are marketing the players being thankful for the and have a Happy Thanksgiving! November 16, 2018 Barker Bites 8 Counselor’s Corner I am Jason Rapert and I am the freshman counselor this year. This is my 13th year as a Sikeston Bulldog and my 12th here at the high school. I am originally from Jennings, Missouri which is in north St. Louis county. Although I am from the city, I do feel that I have acclimated well • November 17 to the smaller town feel of Sikeston and very much enjoy living here. I believe All-District Band coming from the city has given me a useful Clinic/Concert perspective in helping my students through the years. On many occasions I have had • November students ask me why I would want to live Jason Rapert here when I could have stayed in the city. Freshman Counselor 16-30 Girls While a complete answer to this question Basketball SEMO has many facets, the short answer is simply The answer is, start small. Exploration can that my heart belongs in a small town. I be as simple as taking a type of class you Conference have traveled and moved around enough never have before or joining a club that you Tournament that I finally managed to figure out where hadn’t considered before. An even better my heart wanted to be. Your heart may option is taking advantage of the college belong elsewhere. The important thing is tours that are offered to juniors and seniors. to get out and explore the world that exists Push the boundaries of what you know. If • November 30 outside of your comfort zone. This can be you stop and look for opportunities to learn Red Pepper as exciting as it is scary. It’s a matter of something new, you may be surprised by achieving the perspective necessary to make what you find. With a little effort, most Meeting - Wear an informed choice. Making a choice from students will find that they have time in their Uniforms! an incomplete list of options is problematic week for such exploration. at best so the more information you have I believe success and joy go hand the better. in hand. If you’ve found where you heart • December 1 I can hear you saying, “I can’t just should be and have identified those problems wander the world, I’m still in high school” or in the world you want to be solving, then State Cheer “how can I do that, I don’t even have a car?” you have a lot figured out. The rest is detail. Competition

• December Digging Up Bones 3-7 Boys 5 Years Ago 10 Years Ago 20 Years Ago The St. Louis Twilight, based A new boys’ Basketball SEMO Cardinals faced the Red on Stephanie Meyer’s basketball head coach Sox in the 109th edition bestselling book, was was hired at Sikeston: Conference of the World Series. In released in theaters Gregg Holifield. Under Tournament games three and four, on November 21. The Holifield, the Bulldogs the games ended with movie, a pop culture secured their first state an obstruction call in phenomenon, made title in 2011, and had favor of St. Louis and high school students the first undefeated • December 8 a pickoff by the Red everywhere excited to season in school history ACT Test Sox respectively. After see the story on screen. as well. His career has a six game series, the The release of Twilight earned him a spot in Isabelle R. McGill Cardinals were only able began the wave of the Missouri Basketball Reporter to win two of the games. young adult popularity Coaches Association Boston won their eighth in theaters. The movie Hall of Fame and made World Series with David made over $390,000,000 him the all-time leader in Ortiz as MVP. at the box office. wins at Sikeston High. November 16, 2018 Sports 9 Baskets Full of Fun Grant L. Stoner Reporter

The Girls Basketball Team is confident in their abilities this year. The girls have a clean slate as they work their way into their first game. This team will be quicker than before and there will be more players available to go into the game. Last season they did not have a very deep bench. There are currently 15 girls that will have Varsity playing time. The girls basketball team is anticipating being able to run a lot of teams and use their speed and depth against the opponent. This group has been very positive and energized thus far in the preseason. Photo Courtesy of Daniel Byrd Alisha Wills, head coach for the Sydney Stark ‘19 attempts to keep the ball from Charleston. basketball team, gives her insight into the season. confidence. they will throw at us. I am confident that they “Some of the girls basketball Since Saxony was one of the SHS will be ready to play when their first game team’s best opponents saw a lot of their girls basketball team’s opponents, who lost rolls around.” Coach Wills said. upperclassmen graduate last year, so some several players, they are not really sure what The Lady Bulldogs look to have a of the teams will be young. Our district is by they will bring back, or who they will play. successful season this year. Their first game far one of the toughest class 4 districts in the However, with most private schools, they can is during the SEMO Conference tournament, state, which means the team must work hard “recruit” kids to their schools. If they are an where they will face their opponent, Saxony every day.” Wills said. athlete, then that is a bonus. Lutheran. Their opponents have lost some “The team is watching previous Semo Conference will start senior players, giving the bulldogs some season game film to try and anticipate what November 26, and will end November 30. A special season Jeffery W. Thornbrough Reporter Every Sikeston fan’s favorite time of the year is right around the corner: Sikeston Bulldog basketball. Head Coach Gregg Holi- field and his team head into this coming sea- son on a mission after falling short last year, placing 4th in the state tournament. There were many questions to ask abou the season such as: Why is this year go- ing to be such a special season? What should you be looking forward to this season? What is going to be different from this year, com- pared to the past seasons? Who will be the teams biggest competition? The team this year will be some of the hardest workers, they are full of seniors with that “want” to win a conference, district, and state title. Photo Courtesy of Semoball “Even though we lost several seniors Payton Howard, number 3, dribbles by Carnahan defender during a game last year. last year, we still have plenty of great basket- Having such a close district championship a huge game against Class 3 reigning champs ball players on this team and tons of leader- game against Cape Central last year, Central Whitfield. Trey Jenkins and Owen long, and ship.” Head Coach Greg Holifield said. will be the toughest game because of their even role players such as Clark Steward and The schedule this year is a little dif- skill set. Payton Howard will have a big impact on this ferent from last year. We have lost some good “This year, we really know what it season. teams but, have also managed to picked up takes to win and I’m confident we can trans- While the goal this season is to be some good ones. late over into our games this year.” Holifield the best team on the court, it is also to win a “We have a very tough conference said. state title. and district which has a very tough Cape Cen- Many players stepped up when need- The Sikeston Bulldogs started their tral team.” Holifield said. ed last year, such as Kevin Jones a, senior who season off with a Jamboree at Webster Groves This year, the team has the talent and lead the team in scoring in the quarterfinal High School on November 15. This was the hard-work to beat any team on the schedule. game against St. Marys. Parker Long also had first glimpse into their season. November 16, 2018 Sports 10 Football season wrap-up Grant L. Stoner Reporter

The Sikeston Bulldogs Football team is disappointed to call their season fin- ished but look forward to next year The Bulldogs finished the season with a 5-6 record and finished the regular season with a 4-5 record. They won their first District play- off game since 2016 after a 32-30 shootout against North County. In the second round of the playoffs Photo Courtesy of semoball Bulldogs celebrate however they lost 43-0 against a talented west Plains team who was undefeated at the time. ories.’ Rowland 19 will be the most questionable personnel wise. Despite the season not ending the Rowland is just one of the 12 seniors There will only be one returning starter on way some had hoped senior lineman, David who are sad to call the season over. both offense and defensive side of the line. Rowland still had plenty of fun. The coaches will have some spots The Bulldogs look to rebuild next “My favorite memory of this year to fill as most of the seniors graduating were year and look to better their football team. was the pick six in week one. Now that I’m starters. There will only be 4 returning starters The rest of the offseason the coaches will host done being a * football player having com- next year leaving the underclassmen with op- workouts for winter and non winter athletes. pleted four years of playing I feel very ac- portunity to play varsity. As well as after school workouts during the complished, but also very sad because I am The offensive and defensive line spring. going to miss the team and all the great mem-

PreaseasonEthan P. Presley progress Reporter

The preseason of any sport is a time for great improvement. It’s a time for turning the weaknesses of the past into the strengths of the present. Like anything in life, the only way to achieve the goals that are set is through hard work and determination. Wrestling is a prime example of the struggle towards self- betterment. Wrestling is a sport that requires from its participants an immense dedication to their craft. Countless hours put into practice and numerous meals skipped to make weight are just a few of the sacrifices wrestlers must Photo Courtesy of Chris Pobst Coach Blake Angle spars with wrestler make in order to reach their peak. “My least favorite part of wrestling “The sacrifices I make motivate me Gridiron” event which is a wrestling meet would have to be having to wake up at 6 a.m. because I want them to be worth it in the that takes place on the football field to show every Saturday and spending my whole day at end so I work even harder to be successful,” the team’s improvement. a wrestling tournament,” David Rowland ‘19 Tyreke Jamison ‘19 said. Wrestling preseason is a time said. The dedication shown by each of constant work and sacrifices for those The sacrifices required by wrestlers and every wrestler affects every individual involved. Each wrestler, motivated by the appear insane to the average person. However, involved in the wrestling program. The desire for success, strives to reach their peak. the sacrifices are viewed by wrestlers as wrestling coaches have even worked to In the end, that’s all any person can hope to motivation for their strive for success. organize the first ever “Grapple on the do. November 16, 2018 Sports 11 eSports athletes

READY! SET! SPORTS! Jeffery W. Thornbrough Sports Editor College basketball season has begun Photo courtesy of HLTV.org and I can’t be more excited. It is definitley Celebrate winning the ELEAGUE Boston major: 2018 one of my favorite seasons. I have plenty of opions about what this season has to come. Charlie L. Cox So the big question that has a very obvious Reporter answer, is what team is the favorite to win the NCAA tournament this year? Any sports More and more each day it seems The days of eSports athletes start just analyst would say the Duke Blue Devils. that technology is taking over our lives. like anyone else. They are provided breakfast With Zion, RJ Barret, and Jones, these three This is also the case with competitive then they go straight to the gym. eSports freshman have everyone in the league very sports. Competitive gaming just became a organizations make sure that they keep their excited to watch. Duke was able to recruit billion dollar industry. Competitive gaming players fit and healthy. To stay on the team, 4 of the top 5 freshman in the entire 2018 is also referred to as eSports. Professional players are prompted to work out regularly high class. which seems kind of weird, dont eSports athletes compete in video game and eat the healthy meals that are provided by you think so? Well, I am a Duke hater, so of competitions for millions of dollars. Video the house chefs. course I think so. Even though they destroyed game competitions are also viewed more After breakfast, video game athletes Kentucky and are supposedly “unstoppable” than Netflix and NBA regular season in to practicing. Most eSports team there is only one team that can beat Duke. games. These statistics show that eSports is practices are around six hours. During these My favorite team is the North Caro- something worth getting familiar with. hours players scrimmage against other pro lina Tar Heels and they have been my favorite So what are eSports? eSports are teams and hone in on their skills. Teams are team ever since 2006 when Poplar Bluff competitive video games that are played able to find their strengths and improve on native Tyler hansbrough went to play college by professional gamers or eSports athletes. their weaknesses. basketball at UNC, so I am not the biggest fan There are multiple organizations that have After practice, the eSports athletes of Duke, and probably never will be. Unless I teams throughout multiple video games. watch film on other teams. This helps them go to play basketball there, which will never For example, a popular eSports team called prepare for large tournaments. Tournaments happen because I’m not very talented, at Cloud9 has teams in Fortnite, League of are very important because they have very basketball and Duke was my only offer, I still Legends, and . These video large prize pools. Professional gamers work would not go there. games are team games that are seen as very hard in order to have their best chance at UNC is of course going to beat Duke spectator eSports. winning tournaments with their teams. when the game is played at UNC but not at It seems as if eSports athletes may Professional gaming tournaments Duke because the enviorment is just too tough have easy lives. They make six figures a year have massive prize pools. For instance, the in for an away opponent. But with Nassir Lit- to play virtual sports. Although it seems like ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018 tournament tle (UNC freshman) who has played against the life to have, it is much more serious than had a prize pool of one million dollars. This Zion in high school and had a dominating expected. tournament was for the video game Counter performance agaisnt Zion. I am feeling pretty Athletes that compete in eSports Strike: Global Offensive. The ELEAGUE confident that this year’s Tar Heels are very have very busy schedules. Most eSports Major tournament sold out the Agganis Arena capable of beating the “unstoppable’ Blue teams live in large houses with each other. in Boston and millions of people watched Devils. I believe Duke has all the pressure on These houses are equipped with kitchen online. them right now, becuase if they do not win an staff, gyms, personal trainers, and pools. Professional gamers work hard NCAA title this year or an ACC tournament Professional gamers that live in these houses day in and out in order to be the victors of title then the fans will feel let down. are given a weekly schedule that consists of tournaments and bring home huge prize I know it’s early in the season and all time for practicing, time for watching film, pools. Although eSports athletes only play I have talked about UNC and Duke. But these and time for working out. video games, their jobs are not that easy. two teams are the teams to watch this year. November 16, 2018 Tail End 12 The Roarin’ Twenties

Photo courtesy of Valerie Crow Upperclassmen come together for a picture.

Photo courtesy of Daisy Galang Red Pepper Officers attempt to take a “candid” photo.

Photo courtesy of Amy Blanton Both Sikeston and Dexter students gather for a picture at the Blantons.

Photo courtesy of Lora Fodge Sophomore cheerleaders gather for a picture.

Photo courtesy of Allyson Krebs Freshmen meet at the Country Club for a picture.