Paying Attention? Student Council Conducts Distracted Driving Initiative

CENTRAL How are coaches compensated? Page 11

Feb. 6, 2015 Vol. 21, Issue 4 centralstampede.com @CentralStampede StampedePortage Central H.S. l 8135 S. Westnedge Ave. l Portage, MI 49002 Oct. 4, 2013 What’s Inside... Paying attention? Student Council conducts distracted driving initiative

BY MADISON JAQUA Editor-in-Chief Teachers begin According to the American Academy to enforce phone of Pediatrics, in 2013, 43 percent of teens admitted to having used their phones at policy least once while driving in the 30 days pri- or to the survey. Junior Nikki Mason said she often sees drivers on the road, parents included, using their phones. “It scares me when I’m riding with page my friends, and they look down to check a message on their phone,” Mason said. 2 “They sometimes swerve out of their lane and come really close to other cars.” This year, the idea of distracted driving has taken center stage, becoming a focal point for the administration and Student Council. Every year, administrators pursue one overarching campaign or program, such as the “Be the Change” initiative, a presentation by Jim Tuman called “People first, things second”, and a presentation about the use of social media. But this year, the main focus is distracted driving. “We just try to find something to focus Brian shares his on for the year that we feel our students could benefit from and is a teachable mo- new scholarship ment outside of the classroom,” Assistant Principal Kim Lummis said. The kickoff for the campaign was this idea Claire Abdo/STAMPEDE week, as students were asked to sign pledges and received bracelets to remind themselves to avoid distracted driving. Driving Safely: Freshman Hayden Bernardine mock-texts during a distracted driving simulation. Student Council kicked As well, Student Coucil has created Re- off its campaign to end distracted driving during both lunches on uesday.T page mind101 accounts for each class to re- 5 ceive weekly texts about staying off their S4SD grant requires that the campaign be conversation,” White said. “We just kind of phones while driving. This year, instead of student-run which is why Student Council started saying ‘Well, it would be better if What do students Movies that the Penny War, each class gets one point was brought into the planning and deci- we did this’ and ‘it would be better if they think? for every student that signs up for the ac- sion making. As well, Lummis received an did that,’ ‘we could do this’, and it just kind have been in a car with students need count. The class that gets the most kids to e-mail about a distracted driving program of turned into, ‘we think that we can do someone using their sign up, wins. that the administration would be able to this on our own.’” 98% phone while driving to see The U.S. government’s official website preview at a high school in Grand Rapids. Ehlert hopes that with this focus on for distracted driving defines it as any Senior Student Council member Rob- distracted driving, new drivers can be- admitted to using their activity that could divert a person’s atten- bie Overlander, Lummis, Activities Direc- come aware of the laws regarding phone phones while driving tion away from the primary task of driv- tor Kent White and Ehlert traveled to Jeni- use in the car. One law in particular that 50% ing. Although cell phone use is the main son High School to preview the program. she points out is Kelsey’s Law. Under this distraction, they also include eating, us- According to Overlander, once there, they state law, any teen driver with their Level believe it is easy to ing a GPS and having passengers in your watched a speaker present and then were 1 or Level 2 Graduated Driver License can- use their phone while 45% driving car. allowed to use the distracted driving not initiate or answer a phone call. Basi- --Survey of 80 students “That’s the number one teen killer,” simulators. Lummis said that although cally, if a driver with either of these two school liaison officer Andrea Ehlert said. the presentation was informational and licenses has the phone out in the car, they that this is a topic that affects everybody, “It’s distracted driving accidents.” helpful, the decision was made that the run the risk of receiving up to $295 in as just one driver on the road taking out The decision to pursue a distracted program wasn’t worth the money. And so fines. As well, there are laws against tex- their phone puts everyone at risk. driving campaign came out of a culmina- the group brainstormed ideas on the car ting and driving. “I’m excited that we’re doing a cam- tion of many things. First, Ehlert brought ride home and created their own form of “If you are caught texting and driving, paign for something that has such a page to the administration’s attention a grant campaign. even for adults, it’s a $100 fine,” Ehlert said. worthwhile message to send,” Lummis 9 called Strive for a Safer Drive (S4SD). The “[This campaign] really evolved out of White wants students to remember added. 2 news Feb. 6, 2015 Modified SAT to replace ACT Class of 2017 will be the first to take new standarized test in brief

BY SHAWNA HUANG style and format of tests and then teach students toward applying science knowledge to reading pas- “The Poems that Ate Staff Writer testing strategies that match the types of tests that sages rather than analyzing data. they’re going to face,” social studies teacher Tama “So much of what schools do has been geared Our Ears” contest In a surprise announcement last month, the state Salisbury said. “It’ll be interesting to see how they toward preparing kids to do well on the ACT,” Albur- The Friends of Poetry organization is giving of Michigan revealed that juniors throughout the change the SAT.” tus said. “The SAT is a very different assessment than students the opportunity to publish their poems. state will be taking the SAT rather than the ACT as the The College Board will provide students with free the ACT. On top of that, it’s going to be different next Students are to submit their poem to “The Poems state-administered college assessment exam. This test prep and online practice tests through a partner- year [due to the redesign]. We’re going to be prepar- that Ate Our Ears” contest. This contest is divided change will take effect beginning in spring 2016. ship with Khan Academy. It will also ing students for a test [when] we have no idea what into four different age groups. Group three hold The College Board, which runs the SAT, won the offer profes- the test is going to look like.” 7th-9th grade students and group four holds 10th- bid for the three-year contract for $17.1 million. “What we’re doing [to prep students] prob- 12th grade students. Those interested must mail According to Principal Eric Alburtus, the College ably won’t help on the SAT,” sci- their poem to Poems that Ate Our Ears, 2423 Russet Board’s proposal offers more to students than any SAT vs. ACT ence teacher Aja Kaylor added. “I drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Students are allowed to other vendor’s proposal and saves the state $15 don’t know what to do.” submit up to three poems of any style but must be million. However, ACT, Inc. has appealed the Col- Essay Section - 50 This switch also affects how no longer than 20 lines. On the back of each poem, lege Board’s win of the contract bid, which may minutes Essay Section - 30 min students will prepare for the test there must be the author’s name, grade, name of lead to legal conflict utes - and apply to college. While most school, home address, and home phone number. “I was shocked,” Alburtus said. “To have that Two sections: Evi major colleges, such as the Uni- Poems must be sent by April 1. The winning authors - big of a change happen that quickly without dence-based reading/ Four sections: English, versity of Michigan and Michigan will be invited to an award ceremony on June 6 at knowing much ahead of time…I think all [of us] writing, Math. Math, Reading, Science. State University, accept both the the Kalamazoo Public Library. are a little taken aback.” ACT and the SAT, some students The Class of 2017 will be the first class to 3 hours and 50 min perform better on one or the other take the SAT in school, and they will be taking utes - 3 hours and 25 minutes due to the differences between the Next week, parent a redesigned version of the test. The College two tests. Sophomore Lily Kitagawa Board has made several changes to the test Composite Score 400- says that the SAT is a test of endur- teacher conferences format. The test will be scored out of 1600 1600 Composite score 1-36 ance, whereas the ACT is more a test Parent-teacher conferences for the second se- rather than 2400, and there will no longer of skill. Students who still wish to take mester are scheduled for next week, on Wednesday be a quarter-point deduction for incorrect the ACT will now have to pay to take it and Thursday evenings. Teachers will host parents answers. It will now be divided into two outside of school. from 3:30 to 7:15 p.m. Later this month, mid-winter sections: evidence-based reading and writ- “I'm excited because I think [the break is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 27, and Monday, ing, which covers reading, writing, and lan- change] makes standardized testing March 2, giving students and staff a four-day week- guage and math. more like it should be,” Kitagawa said. end. Juniors will spend March 3 and 4 completing the The essay will now be an optional section taken at sion- “The SAT is a more accurate gauge of abil- ACT/MME, with more information to come. Listen to the end of the test. It will be 50 minutes in length and al development to help ity [than the ACT].” announcements. scored separately rather than as a part of the writing administrators and teachers understand the new Current juniors will still take the ACT score. Whereas the current essay requires students to SAT and analyze test results. on March 3 and the ACT WorkKeys job skills assess- take and support a position on an issue, the new es- The state of Michigan has been focused on the ment on March 4. Freshmen and sophomores were Homecoming and play say will ask students to explain how the author of a ACT since the early 1970s, according to Alburtus. originally scheduled to take the ACT Aspire test, a source material builds an argument. More recently, every Michigan student has been re- prepatory test for the ACT, in April. However, Alburtus premiere tonight According to Alburtus, the redesign of the SAT is quired to take the ACT, and ACT scores have been believes this switch to the SAT may alter the planned The upcoming play “West Side Story” will be an attempt by the College Board to make the test a the main factor in evaluating a school’s success. With testing schedule. performed throughout the weekends of Feb. 6th better reflection of the Common Core. The Common this change, however, teachers will have to adjust Alburtus said. “We’ll have to figure out what it and the 13th, and all shows start at 7p.m., with the Core is a shared comprehensive curriculum among how they prepare their students for the new exam. looks like, and we’ll have to figure out the best way exception of Sunday showings which perform at approximately 40 states covering all subject areas. For instance, with no science section on the SAT, sci- to prepare our students so they’re successful...we’ll 3p.m. The Homecoming Dance is going on tonight “What we have to do as teachers is learn the new ence teachers will now have to gear their preparation figure it out,” Alburtus said. at PCHS in the Welcome Center! A stronger enforcement on the cell phone policy

BY DAYTON JUDAY “The punishment should be that the teacher takes your phone & for the hour and you get it back at the end of the hour,” junior Elijah Lentz said. GABE PEDRAZA With this new enforcement, there is no doubt that an increase Staff Writers in attendance will fill up the after school detention rooms. The ad- ministration has stated that they are prepared for such an increase. This semester, the cell phone policy is being fully enforced on the Some teachers have already enforced this phone policy such as use of cell phones in class. science teacher Cathy Laurencig. Laurencig has written up multiple The decision was made by the School Effectiveness Team (SET) 2:50 detentions as her solution to the phone epidemic, even before committee. This team consists of a group of teachers who evaluate the second semester enforcement of the policy. and make policies in the school referring to student activities and “I do agree they are a problem in the classroom, which is why at learning such as lunch, exams and especially cell phones. the beginning of the year I took this stance,” Laurencig said. “I do In the fall of 2014, the misuse and overuse of cell phones was find that these (2:50’s) have been effective, because the number of brought to the attention of the committee from a group of concerned write ups has declined significantly in my classroom.” teachers. In a survey sent to all teaching staff, 81 percent of teachers The student body just learning about the new swift enforcement that replied had answered that there was a significant problem with of cell phones has reacted with concern. Some anger has risen with cell phones during class. the decision of the punishment for use of personal electronic devices. The SET committee has left the discretion to individual teach- “I believe they can be used for educational purposes,” junior ers classroom policy. Teachers are being told to write a referral of Danny Knapick said. “The previous policy was fine.” a 2:50 detention immediately if a student doesn’t comply with the Teachers disagree with the students stating that cell phones are class cell phone rule. still a distraction in class. Around the school, teachers have been “The 2:50 punishment is effective because if you make it less changing their cell phone policy this semester due to the misuse of stringent, then it is not taken seriously,” SET committee member, them in previous years and the new enforcement of the policy. Caitlin Matthews/STAMPEDE Martha Keeler said. “Most of us just say ‘Put your phone away’ and that doesn’t Many students disagree with the teachers that 2:50’s are a rea- Busted: Andrew Backer and english teacher Theresa Mills display work,” Keeler said. “It works for a second and then the phone comes the consequences of using one’s phone in class. sonable punishment. right back out.” Feb. 6, 2015 news 3 Early/Middle College to debut in Portage New program allows students to earn college credit through 5 years of high school

BY LUCY FORSTER nity College (KVCC), and it is already underway in the the program, with Jim Tremblay. Gull Lake and Schoolcraft school districts. Murphy as the administra- “We have seen the News Editor Ultimately...students According to the Michigan Department of Educa- tor. number grow to 3 percent

tion, the program allows you to earn a high school di- According to Principal in the current sophomore Already implemented in two high schools in Ka- ploma and either an associate’s degree, the Michigan Eric Alburtus, the program are able to receive up to class and expect numbers lamazoo County, the Early/Middle College program Early/Middle College Association (MEMCA) technical is set to debut in Portage to continue to grow as we will soon be available to Portage students. certification or up to 60 transferable college credits in 2016, making this year’s an associate’s degree at expand the opportunities,” Set to start in Portage in the 2016-2017 school at the same time. freshmen the first eligible Tremblay said. “ “ year, the program is a way for high school students All of the college credits are paid for by the school class. However, the pro- no cost to them or their One conflict Portage to earn their high school diploma along with college district. gram preferably starts with has to iron out is the dif- credit. The program involves a fifth year of study that The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service students as sophomores. families. ferences between IB and will primarily take place at Kalamazoo Valley Commu- Agency (K/RESA) has been assigned to implement Eventually, the pro- Early/Middle College. Ac- gram will look slightly dif- cording to Alburtus, it is ferent for each of the nine Rusty Stitt not inconceivable to do school districts in Kalama- Schoolcraft both programs, but the zoo County. The decision Superintendent programs have different on how the curriculum will requirements. be implemented here is Central and Northern still being discussed. high schools will be work- “The classes can be taught by high school teach- ing on the program together, and issues about curric- ers, taught in the high school by KVCC instructors or ulum will be nearly the same, according to Alburtus. with dual enrollment,” Alburtus said. Along with new programs come new challenges. No matter which way the program is taught, a At Bangor, the administration has slowly implement- student’s 13th year is solely at KVCC. ed the program into their school. Gull Lake senior Abigail Gossett is taking classes “The greatest challenge has been the ability to in a dual enrollment program. She feels the program provide the flexibility in scheduling that is neces- is extremely beneficial, and she strongly advocates sary to attend both college and high school classes,” for it. Tremblay said. “Our students, teachers and parents “I decided to join the Early/Middle College pro- have been accommodating as we work through the gram so I could earn my associate’s degree,” Gossett changes.” said. “And my favorite part about the program is the According to Alburtus, Portage is still in the “baby freedom.” steps” of working out the details of the program. At Schoolcraft, classes are taught by KVCC in- There are numerous benefits to the Early/Middle structors at the high school, according to Alburtus. College program, according to Rusty Stitt, School- As the program is introduced into more schools craft superintendent. in Michigan, the number of students joining has in- “Ultimately, by participating, students are able to creased. receive up to an associate’s at no cost to them or their Currently, at Bangor High School, another school families,” Stitt said. “An additional benefit is that some Lucy Forster/STAMPEDE with the Early/Middle College program, only 1 per- students who will be participating in this program EdUexpo: Parents and students gathered at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center on Jan. 26 to learn cent of juniors have joined the program; however, the will receive the education and training that would al- more about Early/Middle College and Education for Employment and the Arts. The Early/Middle Col- number is slowly increasing in the younger grades, low them to get right into the workforce after their lege program is tentatively scheduled to be implemented into Portage for the 2016-2017 school year. according to Bangor High School principal Wendy 13th grade.” How social media affects college admissions

BY CAITLIN MATTHEWS look for is a huge discrepancy between how the stu- the materials and documents sent by the applicant dent reports they are, and how they actually are.” News Editor are reviewed. Who Doesn’t: In almost every meeting with the senior class, Kel- “We are making an admissions decision on how ly and her fellow counselors warn students about the likely it would be for that student to be successful Over the summer, senior Rachel Rozek stood in dangers of social media. A single expletive probably here at Michigan State,” Cook said. “The best way to -MSU awe only feet away from one of her favorite musi- wouldn’t damage a student’s application, but con- do that is by looking at their academic profile, or how -Grand Valley cians, Frankie Ballard. To capture the amazing mo- stant insults to other students or to employers could well they did in high school, and their test scores. ment, Rozek took a picture with her father and affect their chances of admission. Colleges want to Those are the strongest indicators on whether or not -U of M posted it on Facebook. In her father’s hand was an make sure their incoming students are morally fit and a student is going to be successful.” -Michigan Tech alcoholic beverage. mature, and checking their social media sites, accord- With many colleges actively checking their appli- ing to Kelly, could show them a more personal view -Kalamazoo College cants’ social media sites, Rozek wondered if pictures of their applicant. Who Checks: Source: Michigan colleges like the one she took at the concert would be looked Senior Meeghan Hoose avoids posting anything at. emotional or personal since it can lead to problems -Hope College “Will that reflect on me?” Rozek said. “Why should with other people. She understands why colleges I be the one to suffer if I am not doing anything?” check their applicants’ social media pages. -Concordia University, Ann In a telephone poll conducted by The New York “I think that’s the responsible thing to do,” Hoose Arbor Times, 35 percent of undergraduate admissions offi- said. “This can reflect on their work ethic or if they’re Source: Michigan colleges cers had visited an applicant’s social media page in going to succeed at the college.” 2014. If the colleges see something that could tarnish After calling multiple colleges in Michigan, only the university’s reputation or standards, it can affect Hope College and Concordia University appear to the applicant’s chance of being accepted. check their applicants social media pages. This is due “For the most part, they have numbers from the to the colleges standards and the amount of applica- test scores and information kids fill out on applica- tions they receive. According to Mike Cook, the senior tions,” Counselor Carla Kelly said. “And what they will associate director at Michigan State University, only 4 view Feb. 6, 2015 Michigan’s switch to the SAT is a sudden and unwise decision Public school teachers and ad- This shift We forces a shift in the instruction. ministrators were taken by sur- introduces staff editorial believe it This transition is also poorly prise last month with the state of predica- would have timed. The SAT is in the process Michigan’s Department of Educa- ments for this year’s sopho- been a wiser decision to use a of redesigning the test, prevent- tion announcing a switch from mores, who have been prepar- “grandfather clause” in order to ing students from beginning the ACT to the SAT. ing for the ACT for a number of phase in the SAT. This prevents preparation until the College As a staff, we do not believe years. Without a doubt, results the current sophomores from Board officially announces the that the adjustment from the of the testing will affect schools’ scoring low due to inadequate new SAT components. ACT to the SAT was the most rankings and assessments of preparation and assists the up- For the vast number of draw- responsible decision the state of teacher effectiveness. Addition- coming test-takers in performing backs that outweigh the few ad- Michigan could have made. The ally, it will take years to build a highly. Curriculum geared to- vantages, we do not believe this switch has not been adequately reliable set of data for judging wards the ACT has been utilized switch was a wise decision by the justified by the decision-makers. student learning. by teachers, and the adjustment state government of Michigan. StampedeCENTRAL five on five Scott Solomon Madison Jaqua Editors-in-Chief Caitlin Matthews, Lucy Forster...... News Editors Brian Taggett...... View Editor Nico Schuen...... Focus Editor Devon Wilson...... Vibe Editor Jared Lutz...... Sports Editor Alex Block...... Website Manager Emmersen Douglas, 9th Max Mones, 10th Audrey Orwin, 11th Sam Vermeulen, 12th Mrs. Bourbeau Claire Abdo...... Photo Editor Staff Writers: Jori Gelbaugh, Malak Ghazal, 1. What are your thoughts on the enforcement of the cell phone policy? (p. 2) Shawna Huang, Dayton Juday, Dakotah Lilly, Nolan Caranci, Zach Franks, Kelsee Ha, Brianna I think it’s stupid because I agree with it...I think It seems a little too strict. It’s a bunch of Hate it. Creates too Martinez, Olivia Oles, Bella Pedraza, Sharwari if you really need it in it’s good that you can’t “fahooey”. many detentions. Salvi, Kate Spears seminar...for homework use [your phone] during Business Manager: Ethan Dunlop [you] can’t [use it]. class time. Adviser: Cheryl Braford

The Central Stampede publishes approximately one publication a month, primarily by the Journalism 2. What activity do you wish could get you an athletic scholarship? (p. 5) II class at Portage Central High School, 8135 S. Westnedge, Portage, MI 49002. It also uses work Probably jewelry or Being a manager. Shopping. Would that While I might be receiv- Being a team manager. from Journalism I students. sculpting. sound dumb? ing a scholly for football, I would be far more The Central Stampede is a member of the Michigan interested in looking into Interscholastic Press Association (MIPA). The land swimming. purpose of the Central Stampede is to act as an open forum for students of Portage Central. The staff will achieve a balance between informing and 3. What’s your favorite thing to do in Kalamazoo? (p. 7) entertaining our readers. Going downtown or Play hockey, I guess. Probably go to the Relive my childhood as a Shop. Editorials going to Celery Flats or movies. World War I ace pilot at Staff editorials are unsigned and represent consen- ice skating. the Air Zoo. sus of the staff. The opinion of the staff is repre- sented in the “Our View” column. The opinions of the editors, staff writers and guest writers will have bylines and will carry their own views. 4. What movie do you think every high school student should see? (p. 9)

Letters “Mean Girls”. “The Blind Side”. “The Parent Trap”. “Hot Rod” because I’m 2 “It’s a Wonderful Life”. As an open forum, the Stampede welcomes all legit 2 quit. members of the Portage community. However, the staff reserves the right to edit letters based on length and content.

Phone: (269) 323-5218 Fax: (269) 323-5290 5. If you could coach any sport, what would it be? (p. 11) Room: 2116 The Central Stampede Swimming. Hockey. Soccer. Middle school Cross country, but I basketball like my hero wouldn’t want to Portage Central High School Brian Taggett. compete with Mr. Wytko. 8135 South Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49002 Feb. 6, 2015 view 5 Is Michigan’s winter enjoyable? The weather brings pretty scenery and snow days

mas for three months. It crunches under dream of doing. normally a treat during the summer, can your feet and lands in your hair. It sparkles The beauty of living in the west side now be a daily necessity. We need to have BY BRIAN TAGGETT on the way into school and covers the na- of Michigan is that we have this marvel- these “white girl” drinks to maintain our View Editor ked trees on the paths of Al Sabo. ous thing called “lake effect snow.” Bless body heat. And no one can say anything, This glittering powerdry magic brings inclement weather. because it’s chilly. BY MALAK GHAZAL us even more fabulous benefits, like pre- The days when I’ve woken up to find Due to the cold, we wear pants all the tending to be Canadians with three snow out the school is closed have been the time. And for girls, if we’re wearing pants Scholarship for Staff Writer days in a row...imagine that. The snow biggest lifesavers. Who doesn’t love a all the time, that means that if we forget Too many people are unappreciative brings us opportunities to sled, ski, snow- snow day? Even our teachers throw ice to shave one day, it’s no big deal. No one’s super-fanning? board and ice skate. cubes in their toilets, a common super- going to see it. The shaving requirements of the greatness of Michigan’s winter. We Senior Hunter Simino will have the We can build snow forts and reenact stitious practice to bring a snowday, in for girls are at an all time low during win- are lucky to say we live in a state with four opportunity to play football at the col- “Frozen,” (do you want to build a snow- hopes that they won’t have to make les- ter, which saves me a lot of time and a lot seasons. Even though it gets a little frosty, legiate level. Valparaiso University, the Air man?) We can hike through the forest as son plans for the next day. of razors. winter is something that is far beyond Force Academy and Yale University have if it’s the Skyrim landscape and drift down Another bonus is that during winter I don’t understand what people are compare. all demonstrated extensive interest. His the road like it is a Fast & Furious movie. we have an excuse to drink hot choco- complaining about. Snow makes everything look so much speciality is snapping the ball between These are things Floridians can only late and tea all the time. A latte, which is The cold never bothered me, anyway. more magical. It’s like an extended Christ- his legs a distance between seven and 15

yards and then returning to the sideline until the next 4th down. Simino will receive a discount on his tuition. A former Portage Central student is currently bowling at Vanderbilt Univer- sity on a scholarship. The University of Oregon football team even pays tuition for its ball boy. College is expensive, and if one can receive money for snapping a ball be- tween their legs, I am filled with envy. With my college experience less than a year away, I need any penny I can receive VS. in order to avoid post-graduation debt. So to any college that may be reading this: can I be put on an athletic scholar- ship for being a fan? I have extensive experience of super- fanning from my time here at Portage Central. I’ve been named Fox 17’s Fan of BY BRIAN TAGGETT the Week and have been elected most Chaos and inactivity dominate the winter months school spirit by my fellow seniors. I wore View Editor nent of winter is the beginning of every Once I survive the walk from the park- Outdoor activities are limited to skiing my lucky retro Mustangs track jersey at Look outside the windows on the single day. ing lot into the school by dodging drivers and snowboarding, which come with a the football state semifinal game in 2013 North side of the parking lot. Observe In the morning, I have to adjust my who disobey basic traffic laws, I ice skate price tag attached. Besides that, athletes despite the below freezing temperatures. the parking lot. Cars are parked in every morning routine to begin ten minutes my way into a school that is oftentimes won’t have much luck trying play base- Clearly, dedication will not be an issue direction and ignore any lines that may earlier to account for any lost time on the colder than the outdoors. ball or soccer with a foot of snow on the if I am awarded a scholarship. indicate a parking space. way to school. I brave the Arctic-like en- I am fairly certain that this morning ground. For 50 percent off my tuition, I will The lines have faced the same direc- vironment each morning to start my car struggle is commonplace for many other Seeing the sun once every two weeks gladly attend all collegiate football and tion since the parking lot was developed and waste gas in idle solely to warm it. students. takes a toll on the mood of those who basketball games. If room and board is af few years ago and have not changed While I hope my car doesn’t break I do not enjoy winter; it marks a pe- suffer from Michigan winter. And while a covered, you can expect me to be cov- since, but somehow, student-drivers still down simultaneously with the rest of me, riod of time of hibernation. However, our snow day may offer the occasional disrup- ered in body paint regardless of the do not have this down. This chaos cap- the trek to school mimics the “Polar Ex- hibernation is not some cozy cave with tion from the tedious winter routine, the weather. Seventy-five percent off the tures the misery of a Michigan winter. press” minus the train and any presence fuzzy bears, it is a prevention of being cold weather still inflicts chaos and inac- tuition, and I will attend every men’s Perhaps the most dragging compo- of joy whatsoever. fully active. tivity for months. and women’s sport while fashioning the mascot’s headpiece. For an offer of full tu- ition plus room and board, you can even count on me to be the hype man for com- mencement and graduation speeches. In fact, I would be willing to super- Praise is well-deserved for ‘Charlie Hebdo’ fan at anything upon request if tuition Last month, grief struck the world dom, many of which have been laid out If publications ceded to the desires of would be covered. Move-in day? I will as news came out about the attacks on by the United States Supreme Court for terrorists aiming to limit expression, the gladly motivate those families carrying “Charlie Hebdo”. This terrible event caused Americans. However, aside from these world’s freedom would then backtrack boxes into dorms. Library crammed with many people, including ourselves, to dis- restrictions, the freedom of expression is and ultimately facilitate a terrorist victory. students preparing for finals? Expect me cuss what the freedom of expression truly endless. Fortunately, this was not the case for the painted up cheering on students. The means. As student journalists, or rather, We are not arguing that defacing a resilient “Charlie Hebdo”. dean’s son is celebrating his bar mitzvah? members of a free society, we use our religion or religious figure is ethically cor- One of the largest reasons that the I will be in attendance, as long as I can still freedom of expression on a daily basis. rect, but under the freedom of expression, freedom of expression is so important is wear a yarmulke. BY SCOTT We believe that the freedom of ex- citizens in society have this right. The act how it sparks positive change in society. If Hunter Simino can receive money pression is a principle of democracy, of speaking out about the content of a Every great revolution, whether political for playing only on one of four downs SOLOMON & which both free countries like the United satirical publication like “Charlie Hebdo” is or social, started with an idea, and that in football, I should receive at least four States and France operate under. protected by the freedom of expression. idea was expressed in some way. times more scholarship money for having BRIAN TAGGETT It is a right that can only be infringed The response from the rest of the staff So while we look at the aftermath of an integral role as a superfan, pumping upon when it is flagrantly abused to harm at “Charlie Hebdo” has been tremendous. the “Charlie Hebdo,” it is important to nev- up the team on all four downs. Besides, Editor-in-Chief & View others, which “Charlie Hebdo” did not do. They are not backing down to the ter- er take for granted our right to express everyone knows Simino could never be a Editor There are a few restrictions to this free- rorists, nor succuming to their wishes. ourselves freely. hype man at a graduation. 6 focus Feb. 6, 2015 Brothers advance to next level of soccer BY SCOTT SOLOMON They grew up playing soccer, amongst other Editor-in-Chief sports, for their dad who is a volunteer as a coach for the Portage Soccer Club. Senior Lewis Kordupel has Many great athletes have walked the hallways at been a teammate and friend of the Le brothers for 10 Portage Central over the years, but few have stories years, playing on their club team and during the high like Binh and An Le. school season. Children of Vietnamese immigrants, both will be Kordupel compared growing up with the Le playing NCAA collegiate soccer next year. Binh Le will brothers to having two brothers that demanded the play at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, while best out of each other. An Le will play at Yale University. “We always pushed each other to make each Being identical twins, they can remember spend- other better and always found a way to have a blast,” ing a lot of their Kordupel said. lives together. Both The broth- brothers agree that ers have been growing up togeth- playing under er meant they were head coach Tim always very com- Halloran for four petitive and people years as they always compared played four years them, but this only on varsity. Hal- pushed them to loran said it has work harder at ev- been a pleasure erything they did. coaching the Le “I know that brothers over the An's pushed me in past four years. ways no one else “The same could because of dedication they Cutting It Up: Binh Le dodges an opponent during a game against Rockford, creating a the constant com- put into their parisons and com- schooling, they scoring opportunity. Binh will continue his career at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. petition between put into their us,” Binh Le said. soccer play,” Hal- All-State First Team honors, 2014 Kalamazoo Gazette Area Math and Science Center Computer Science While both loran said. boys soccer Player of the Year and was voted 2014 Team. Binh Le hopes to pursue a major related to brothers said that Goaaal: An Le celebrates with his two older brothers, Halloran said team MVP by his teammates. computer science or engineering in college. there is great com- Viet and Nam, after scoring against Portage Northern. that no matter “Being named First Team All-State was very re- “The programming competitions are something I petition between what the broth- warding,” An Le said. “It felt great to be recognized for enjoy,” Binh Le said, “in addition to the computer sci- each other, they ers do when they my efforts especially this year being my last season of ence classes I've taken every year.” both knew they always had each other’s support. grow up, they will be successful human beings. high school soccer.” Both brothers said that their time at PC and KA- “At the end of the day,” An Le said, “I always knew Both Le brothers were named All-District and All- As well as playing soccer, Binh Le participates in MSC has prepared them for college, and they look I had someone supportive next to me.” Conference, and An Le received All-Region honors, computer science competitions for the Kalamazoo forward to making the transition. Students’ works of art brighten up the school Since this building opened we had all of the pictures and in the fall of 2011, an unspo- have them printed the way we ken policy has been that walls, wanted. We also had to put lockers and windows should the roster under it. It [Mustang remain relatively clear of clut- Way] was always important for ter. us and [previous athletic direc- As a result, some students tor] Mr. Murray.” contended that the building According to Wallace, it lacked character or a unique will be a neat experience when culture, but that opinion may kids walk down Mustang Way be changing as students be- to see their pictures up and gin to see their peers’ artwork see their achievements as a in the library, in hallways and team, on behalf of their school. along Mustang Way. Junior Amanda Boelman Around The School: Above and below, art- The last time Mustang Way experiences a similar feeling work lines the walls of Portage Central. was updated was prior to the when she sees her artwork in To the right, Mustang Way has been updated official grand opening of the the media center. There have with the latest accomplishments. building. Athletic Director Joe been multiple other pieces of Claire Abdo/STAMPEDE Wallace, who is in his first year art shown in the library. Also, at Portage Central, said he en- right next to the art room is a joyed putting up new pictures case that shows students’ art- of the past sport teams win- work. ning conference champion- “Having my artwork up ships. Now that the hallway is in the school makes me feel updated, he said the athletic good about the work I’ve done department will try to update in the class,” Boelman said. “It it once a year. is nice being rewarded after “It was always something spending a lot of time work- important to get done,” Wal- ing on it.” lace said. “It took so long be- -Austin Wolf cause we had to make sure Feb. 6, 2015 focus 7 Central Rubiks Cubers BY JORI GELBAUGH the Cube using only their feet. What to do in Kalamazoo Staff Writer There are several types of cubes as well, the biggest being the 17x17x17 Very few people have mastered the cube, otherwise known as “Over The Top” Rubiks Cube, but one could find sev- and cost more than 1,000 dollars. eral experts or “Cubers” here. Junior Till Other variations include the Magic Longjohn and senior Shike Huang, bet- Cube and the 360 Cube. ter known as Owen, have both mastered When asked about his favorite Cube, the Cube, solving it at times of 24 seconds Longjohn chuckled and said, “Fast ones.” and under. The current world record for a 3x3 “My dad used to do them [Rubiks cube, an astounding 5.55 seconds, was Cubes] and he doesn’t do it anymore, but set by Mat Walk in March 2013. The fast- he had one and I got curious and decided est foot solving was 25.14 seconds, with to solve it,” said Longjohn, who plans on the fastest one hand solving time of 8.75 competing once he seconds. cuts his time down. Longjohn’s current Longjohn has been 3x3 record is 24.3 sec- solving Cubes for onds, which he hopes several years, but his he will be able to cut practicing has been down and win. “on and off”. Junior Nikki Ma- Huang, on the oth- son said, “I watched Till er hand, does not plan solving a Rubiks Cube to compete because in class and so I went he says he’s “not good out and bought one Malak Ghazal/STAMPEDE enough”, despite his because I thought it record time of 20 was cool, but it’s really seconds. He’s been hard.” practicing for the past Claire Abdo/STAMPEDE The Official Rubiks three months after Solving the Puzzle: Till Longjohn Cube Site states that his mom bought him practices solving the Rubik’s Cube. there are 43 quintil- a Rubiks Cube and he lion possible ways to decided to look up mix up a Rubiks Cube how to solve it. Since then, he’s practiced and the lowest possible number of moves every day to perfect his solving skills. is 20. BY MALAK GHAZAL According to Wikipedia, official com- Since its creation and popularity, Cu- Staff Writer petitions involve various events in ad- bers have come up with different theories Taken from the Town: Top, Shops and Boutiques on the Kalamazoo Mall. It’s come to my attention that the dition to the typical 3x3 competition, and methods of how to solve the Rubik’s Upper right, hiking path from KL Nature Preserve. Middle left, the haunted people of Portage Central High School in which candidates solve the cube five Cube, some of which are more compli- Henderson Castle. Bottom left, Asylum Lake preserve times and the average time of three at- cated but can achieve faster results once find the city of Kalamazoo to be bor- tempts determines the winner. practiced. ing. “Kalamazoo is so lame. There’s since. Ivy now grows over the build- However, other events include blind- “Just learn the basics first, and then nothing to do here. I can’t wait until Dessert Binge. Dessert is one of the finer things in life, ing. It’s beautiful, but still very eerie. folded solving, team solving, underwater start on harder levels,” Huang said to stu- I can leave.” It is disappointing, hon- and Kalamazoo is home to Sweetwaters, Asylum Lake preserve is located solving, solving use one hand and “foot dents who are interested in solving the estly. Water Street, Chocolatea, Confections on Oakland Drive and down the solving”, in which a contestant deciphers Cube. Kalamazoo may be one of my fa- vorite places on Earth, and all it takes with Convictions and Kalamazoo Kettle- street from the Kalamazoo Psychiatric is a little exploration to enjoy yourself corn. Eating at any of those places brings Hospital. It’s said that patients who in this town. There is so much to do me so much joy. escaped from the Hospital ran to Asy- Montage returns this spring here in this wonderful city and you But if you want to go overboard, there lum Lake and lived there. The screams won’t have to pay 15 dollars to get is parlor on West Main called D’nicio’s. It’s from the hospital still can be heard on BY NICO SCHUEN Baas and a few other teachers, get togeth- into Skyzone to do it either. a 50s themed diner, with amazing burg- the lake, and at night, there’s a little Focus Editor er every Wednesday afternoon to work on ers, malts and shakes. There’s this thing light from one of the old cabins that the publication. the patients lived in. Go Downtown. they have called the Ice Cream Challenge. Montage, the school’s creative writ- While Stroh technically leads the If the stories are true, then would The streets are littered with cafes If you eat a scoop of all 54 of their ice ing and visual arts publication, has come group, they often hold open discussions, a walk around midnight do any harm? and boutiques, there’s murals hidden cream flavors, you get it for free. There’s back after a seven year vacancy. Students allowing the staff to hear everyone’s ideas. Maybe you’ll spot the ghosts yourself. on walls of the south side and there’s a list of names on the wall of everyone submit their own works to the staff who Several staff members and students always a little exploring that can be who’s completed the challenge. reviews each entry. have been pushing for the return of Mon- done in the city. Some of my favorite Get Outside. After reviewing all submissions, the tage. One such student, and Montage places to go are Water Street Coffee Go Ghostbusting. Kalamazoo is known for having an Montage staff then formats each entry member, is senior Emily Fulling while Joint, which is right on the railroad Considering this town has been extensive amount of outdoor parks, into a literary publication which will be Principal Eric Alburtus has been advocat- tracks and Bronson Park. But don’t be around for almost 200 years, there’s a fair nature preserves and bike trails. Snow purchasable for students, staff and the ing for the return ever since it’s departure. afraid to travel off the beaten path, share of ghost stories in Kzoo. Those who or sunshine, the parks have trails to general public. “What I particularly liked about Mon- there’s plenty of hidden gems you’ll work at the Civic can amount to Thelma, wander through and they’re beauti- Due to its absence since 2009, many tage was that it gave people a road to discover. a ghost who haunts the theatre. But if ful all seasons of the year. Some of my students may not know or even have getting their voices out there,” Alburtus Downtown also is known for hold- you’re feeling adventurous and want to favorites are KL Ave., Asylum Lake and heard of the publication. said. “Montage is poetry, it’s art, it’s short ing a lot of festivals such as the Gilm- pee your pants, here’s some places to visit Al Sabo. One of the seniors on the staff, along stories. Anything that can go on to a page, ore Keyboard Festival, Greekfest, Is- around the city. Plus Kalamazoo is the start of the with being the head of submissions and it can go into Montage.” land Fest and even music festivals. The The Henderson Castle was built back Kal Haven Trail, a bike path that goes screen entries, Emily Stroh had not known The submission deadline for written Entertainment District loves to bring in 1895 on West Main Street, and the from Kzoo to South Haven. Take the about Montage until this year. entries has already passed, but Montage in local and upcoming musicians to ghosts of Frank and Mary Henderson hike during the 33.5 mile hike during “I hadn’t heard of Montage until this has received over 50 entires and critiques play at their venues. are said to be seen roaming around the the summer, but it even has a snow- year when Mr. Baas announced it to my have begun. But I’m only scratching the sur- house. Not to mention, there’s a huge mobile path for the winter. fourth hour class, Creative Writing,” Stroh The visual arts submission has not yet face. There’s the civic theatre, the KIA, graveyard across the street. said. “I thought it was a great idea and was ended though, allowing more students to Art Hops on the first friday of every Western Michigan University’s Vander- Despite what most say, Kalama- excited to get involved.” enter their own works in the publication. month and Climb Kalamazoo, an in- cook Hall was closed after three girls com- zoo is amazing, and I’m so proud to Stroh is one of the 10 students who The staff is planning to have Montage door climbing park. Plus you might mitted suicide in the first floor bathroom say I come from such a fun, weird and make up the Montage staff. These stu- available for purchase by the end of Feb- see the Banana Car drive by. and the building has been abandoned beautiful little city. dents, along with English teacher, Tyler ruary or the beginning of March. 8 vibe Feb. 6, 2015 from Reviews the Stampede Game scores set the scene

‘Unity’ doesn’t live up to predecessors’ legacy Ubisoft loves to toy with their customers. Every May, they release a fancy trailer where everything looks great and grand, raising hopes that maybe, just maybe, this “Assassin’s Creed” BY DEVON WILSON & DAKOTAH LILLY game will be of the caliber of the original “Assassin’s Creed.” And every year, Ubisoft lets me down. Especially with the release of Vibe Editor & Staff Writer “Assassin’s Creed: Unity.” Creating a distinct tone or feeling through Driving a sword through the skull of a 20 Played through the eyes of Arno, the Assassin, the game is music is a large aspect of what makes music such an story creature is much more satisfying when the beautiful. Take a walk through revolutionary France and find interesting form of art. In the realm of video games, atmosphere of the game builds up the moment, detailed renditions of Notre Dame and Versailles. The streets will soundtracks need to create a very specific atmo- and while the gameplay mechanics tend to take be littered with newspapers, radicalists protests and guillotines. sphere while remaining in the background of the dominance in this regard, there’s no doubting the Producers incorporated a much broader and innovative form of given world. soundtrack of games as well. A bad soundtrack can multiplayer: connect online and play an interactive mission in While traditional songs have an average length be replaced with the player’s own preferred music, France. of three to four minutes, tracks from video games but the games that truly stand the test of time have However, “Unity” is like a castle built on pillars of sand. Touch frequently fall under the two minute mark. In order scores that will be remembered far down the road. and it will come tumbling down. Gameplay is extremely choppy. to make up for the shortness the songs often loop Great examples of these soundtracks are games Battle scenes are awkward. Sometimes Arno would stand on a indefinitely while players go about playing the loved by many throughout the gaming community, wall, sometimes he’d get stuck in a hay basket. But the wicked game. Although the idea of creating a short loop whether it be something like “Dark Souls” which wind which sent the castle tumbling down was the storyline. seems simpler in theory than a traditional song, it features almost no music in-game outside of the Typically, these games are known for taking historical events is more challenging in practice. Creating a catchy boss fights, or the older “Metroid Prime” series which and twisting the tale by incorporating the Assassins vs. the melody and a specific ambience without growing used odd noises and subtleties to set the tone of the Templars rivalry. They chose the perfect setting: 1789, The French monotonous requires precise skill. game, similar to “Silent Hill.” Revolution. However, almost none of the historical events of this Image via Ubisoft A great example of music slightly changing the “Metroid Prime” stands as one of the stronger amazing time period are explored. It is never clear if the Assassin’s are with tone of a game is the “Animal Crossing” series. The examples of using music to set the tone. The game the radicalists or the royalists. game revolves around life in a small town with zero is built around the feeling of wonder as you explore Instead, writers chose to focus the story of “Unity” on the love story of Arno, and Elise, a templar. To sum objectives aside from doing whatever it is you feel new and alien planets, fighting space pirates along up this little exploration, it was cliche and boring in all aspects. Both Arno and Elise had little personality, so it like doing at any given moment. The town follows the way, and building the world around you with was hard to connect or care about the characters. The end of their Romeo and Juliet tale was very emotion- a real world clock, so stores open and close and lore hidden within the game. The music was used less. They might as well have named the game “Assassin’s Creed: Elise.” the sun rises and sets at the same times it would in to great effect to make the places you explore feel The castle they built for “Unity” might be as grandeur as the Palace of Versailles, but such majesty sup- the real world. The soundtrack follows an unusual truly alien and unknown, using noises and rhythm ported by frail infrastructure crumbles down to mere dirt. pattern, changing songs every hour. The slight varia- that feel unnatural. Everyone has heard a trumpet tions in style hour by hour give every part of the day and an electric guitar, but hearing a track that seems -REVIEWED BY MALAK GHAZAL its own feeling. Night time is slow moving with more to be composed of a combination of static noise, minimalistic approaches to music than the upbeat alien clicking, electronic beeps, and a heavily altered midday songs. The transitions from hour to hour version of the main theme is a whole new kind of ‘Lords of the Fallen’ tumbles short of expectations however are what truly set the music behind “Animal experience. Crossing” apart from other soundtracks. The mood A more recent example is the indie hit “Hotline: “Lords of the Fallen” is a game made and marketed to be a “Souls Killer,” meant to try to surpass the 2011 shifts in subtle ways that some full length albums Miami,” a game that revels in the 80s atmosphere of hit “Dark Souls.” The Souls series prides itself on difficulty, with collecting souls and integrating death into the struggle to accomplish smoothly. neon and the best drum and synth noises out there. gameplay as central mechanics, which separates it from other third-person fighting or brawler style titles. A more memorable song comes from the “Leg- It combines this with a trippy vibe via the constant “Lords of the Fallen” very blatantly copies several aspects of the series, but due to the fantastic gameplay of end of Zelda Ocarina of Time.” The game’s opening use of rapidly changing colors and pixelated art the souls games, this is a benefit, as solid controls and game design come along with it. The biggest draw by title music is simply referred to as “Title Theme” yet style to bring a drug trip feeling to what is an older far whether intentional or not, is the jaw-dropping graphical fidelity. The game has an unparallelled amount it remains one of the most stunning songs, even arcade game, with the vast majority of missions of detail put into both the world, as well as in the actual textures and effects going on in the game. Like other without hearing it in the setting it was created for. being simply “kill everything.” The game’s music big titles from recent memory including “Crysis 3” and “Battlefield 4,” this game stands head and shoulders The piano and ocarina arrangement complement backs this up with a digital soundtrack and changes above the competition when it comes to graphics. Unfortunately, despite having solid mechanics, good each other perfectly and create an instant hint of in tone from one moment of the game to another. A gameplay, and amazing graphics, the game runs into some technical issues, crashes are somewhat common, nostalgia for the many who played through “Ocarina great example of this is the title screen music being the game isn’t alt-tab friendly, and the game can even fail to recognize when a controller is being used, which of Time.” Songs like this manage to withstand the very relaxing, then starting a mission and hearing is important for a game like this. A good game held back by technical limitations, but fans of the Souls series years even outside of Hyrule. the electronica kick in with synth and drums to should give this game a try as soon as they can, everyone else, go ahead and wait for a price drop or a chance Although video game soundtracks are often punctuate the beat. This is less a case of having the to try it yourself. discounted as music to listen to outside of their re- soundtrack matching the game world itself like in spective games, certain songs stand extremely well “Metroid Prime”, and much closer to actually match- -REVIEWED BY DAKOTAH LILLY on their own. Placed in the context of a game, the ing the tone of the gameplay: frantic and exciting. songs serve as another layer of environment for the Music is a massive part of the game experience, Ratings Key average game but when isolated the compositions become and seeing so many developers treat this aspect of easy to appreciate as full songs. gaming with respect is something that will hopefully terrible very good A painfully overlooked type of music, video continue into the future. The best composers in the game scores have made some of the most influential industry nail the atmosphere they were going for very bad incredible and iconic songs of the last several decades and without requiring any help from the graphics or deserve recognition. mechanics that come from the game itself. Mustang Meal Deal! $5.00 8-inch sub, chips and fountain drink! 7886 $1 Oakland Drive We cater (Corner of open medium Oakland and Centre. Next to houses! Full City Cafe!) beverage 11 a.m.-4 p.m. ... School days only! with this coupon (Must show valid student ID) Expires 3-6-2015 Feb. 6, 2015 vibe 9 Controversy hurts e-sports’ reputation BY DAKOTAH LILLY ments. These players aren’t professionals who have Staff Writer been in the business for years and years, and don’t understand the full ramifications of their actions, or simply don’t care as they know the reputation of The banning of multiple players from the e-sports is already something that they shouldn’t be “Counter Strike: Global Offensive” community made worried about. massive waves in the e-sports community. CS:GO is The hardest part of all this is swallowing the a popular competitive first-person shooter balanced fact that there really isn’t a good way to put a stop around 5-on-5 play and has been influential in shap- to this. A hack could be as simple as plugging in a ing e-sports along with “Defense of the Ancients” USB key, something that really wouldn’t be seen as and “League of Legends,” which coincidentally also suspicious on its own. One of the hacks players were use 5-on-5 game modes primarily. The most recent banned for earlier this year was found as a part of a shock to the system has been when multiple, high- mod database that would download itself when- profile CS:GO competitors were banned from the ever the user would sign in to their account to play game for allegedly using hacks that allowed them CS:GO, and even players from Fnatic, namely Flusha, to make shots and get kills that they likely wouldn’t have been accused of hacks with all sorts of theories have gotten otherwise. These players include KQLY including mouse firmware and even inside contacts of former LDLC team fame, a massively popular within the tournaments themselves. French team which is widely considered to be one of This is troublesome, as without a way to stop the best, as well as Epsilon from a different team. these cheaters and exploiters, it will be nearly This has been a major issue for e-sports, more impossible for e-sports to be considered reputable, now than ever before, as e-sports has always tended via geekcore.dk as every good player out there will have the ever to be seen in a more negative, or less respectable looming threat of witch-hunts and false accusations, light than traditional sports like basketball or foot- Electronic Audience: A massive audience gathers to watch the largest CS:GO tournament out there. pushing away potentially skilled players. Also, the ball. Some argue that the lack of physical exertion viewers who make these tournaments a reality will invalidates it as a sport, while others say that it’s no jump ship as they see more reasons not to trust the less a sporting event than chess is. To put it simply, world. They’ve come under fire for the Dreamhack The banning from the hacks as well as the exploit players competing. As someone who has always had e-sports has never had the best of reputations even tournament as a result of an exploit they used in a used, and the witch hunt for any more competitive an interest in the competitive scene, it’s a shame to within the gaming community, and the idea seems map called “Overpass,” which allowed them to boost hackers has left a black mark in the face of e-sports, see these things come to light, as gaming is a very to be polarizing. Already off to a rough start, it was one teammate in the air, by standing on the other, and unfortunately it seems to be a problem with the accessible hobby with a wide range of genres and dealt two major blows this year, the first being the and allowing one team member with a sniper to see environment and the surroundings of the player. opportunities for interesting play to come out of previously mentioned banning, and the other being almost the entire map and kill the enemy team with While they are entirely at fault for their own actions, it. Knowing that every insane headshot could be a the use of an exploit by team Fnatic against LDLC. ease. The issue with this is a term called “Pixelwalk- it can definitely be seen why these kinds of acts are cheat, or that a team could pull some magic glitch Dreamhack 2014 is a tournament that took place ing,” which is using invisible pixels left over from performed. Some of the people involved in competi- out to destroy the competition, which may not be last year featuring some of the best CS:GO teams in when the map was being made as a place to stand tive e-sports are teenagers or barely that, and they’re against the rules depending on the exploit, it’s dif- the world including LDLC, Hellraisers, Virtus.pro, and on in-game, and was used in this boost. Fnatic used playing in an environment that is toxic, as well as ficult to really get into the competitive scene both the star of the show, Fnatic. Commentator Duncan this exploit to come back from 3-12 against LDLC, tempted by the massive cash prizes these tourna- as a viewer and a competitor. This can only hurt an Shields, or Thorin, said earlier this year in a series of and eventually win the match 16-13, after having ments give out. Combine that with the already already damaged area of gaming, something that videos he created that “we are entering an era of allegedly kept the exploit a secret for three months, polarized atmosphere between how legitimate took a long time to grow already, and without doubt Fnatic,” and that they are likely the best team in the even going so far as to have a Youtube video taken e-sports really is, and it’s easy to see why some have down showcasing the exploit. turned to using illegal hacks or exploits in tourna- will take a while to heal. The five essential movies every high schooler should watch

BY MALAK GHAZAL Forrest Gump. in high school, from what we eat for lunch to our “Toy Story.” It’s not only a story of friendship and Staff Writer Forrest Gump, although a simpleton, lands him- virginity and to our family problems. But what “The wild imagination, but of how precious and innocent self in some of the most historical events of the 20th Breakfast Club” really brings to the table is that as childhood can be. century. He is truly the all-American man, as he’s met teenagers, like Andrew Clark said, “We’re all pretty It was also a movie that changed Hollywood The entertainment industry is a huge part of Elvis, fought in Vietnam, met three of the presidents bizarre. Some are just better at hiding it.” It unites forever. “Toy Story” was the first full-length computer our culture today. But when America’s youth fails to of the United States, called the hotel security during teenagers as a population. With all of the angst the animated feature film, bringing Pixar’s name to watch some of the most groundbreaking movies of the Watergate scandal, invested in Apple computers, characters have for their parents, school and life in fame and changing the world of animation forever. all time, it makes me quite concerned. So next time ran across America three times and played ping- general, it shows us that the jocks, the nerds, the Although in today’s world of advanced computer you are huddling under your blankets, hiding from pong in China . His low IQ can bring viewers from potheads, the weirdos and the popular kids all have animation the graphics seem rudimentary at best, society while eating a whole bag of Doritos and laughs to tears in a matter of minutes. the same problems. they sure looked phenomenal to us on our VCRs. watching Netflix, make sure to add these five titles Try to watch “Forrest Gump” without crying. If Not to mention “Toy Story” had not one, but two to your movie binge. These movies are quoted and ‘The Wizard of Oz’ you can, give yourself a pat on the back, because successful sequels, and they’re planning on releasing referenced so often, it’s almost essential to watch One of the most iconic movies of all time, “Jenny, is he smart?” plays our heartstrings. another in 2017. them. So, without further adieu, here are five movies “The Wizard of Oz” has sparked the imagination of every high schooler should see. ‘The Breakfast Club’ thousands. Not only did it use amazing technicolor ‘The Lion King’ ‘Forrest Gump’ There isn’t a movie that can accurately describe technology, it had many special effects like the “The Lion King” may as well be Disney Anima- social cliques in high school like “The Breakfast Club.” realistic tornado, and the flying Wicked Witch of the tion Studio’s greatest triumph of all time. From its If America was a person, that person would be This movie points out things we laugh about West that further advanced Hollywood’s industry. stunning visual effects, to one of the most original It’s a story of courage and friendship, as Dorothy soundtracks ever, “The Lion King” has even turned steps into Oz and into the danger of the Wicked into an extremely successful broadway musical, Kalamazoo Stripping Witch. Without the help of her the Cowardly Lion, traveling all over the world and reaching the hearts the not-so-scary Scarecrow, and the heartless Tin of millions. Man, she wouldn’t have made it back to Kansas. Scenes like the circle of life are so iconic, I re- and Derusting Perhaps what connects to us as teens most is the enact them with my cats. 3921 East Centre fact that although Dorothy is unhappy with her life Although this may be a kid’s movie, it definitely Portage, MI 49002 in Kansas and she tries to run away with Toto, “there’s has very adult themes throughout the film. This no place like home,” and she regrets leaving in the movie deals with parental loss, jealousy and revenge 323-1340 first place. as Scar takes over Pride Rock. ‘Toy Story’ Another reason to love this movie is the fact that Our generation was brought up on this movie. James Earl Jones, a.k.a. Darth Vader, voices Mufasa, Almost everyone has a toy they secretly care for and Matthew Broderick from “Ferris Bueller’s Day I my stripper! just in case they happen to be alive like they are in Off” voices Simba as an angsty teenage l-ion. 10 sports Feb. 6, 2015 Men’s soccer coach Spring sports get slow start switches to the girls team due to snow covered fields the snow-covered fields. Tryouts for lacrosse were been said that the new coach will make the girls held at Year Round Golf due to the lack of available BY NOLAN CARANCI & ZACH FRANKS Athletes face a work harder and be a more solid team overall. facilities. Staff Writers "I'm really excited," Wright said. "We needed a disadvantage to “Not being able to practice outside has always new change of pace for the program." proven to be a big problem,” senior Michael Kuchen- Senior and varsity captain Sam Esposito says she buch said. “We can’t practice some of the skills that One of Portage Central’s most successful school is excited to have Halloran as the new coach and athletes who can play are essential to being successful on the lacrosse sports, women’s soccer, is welcoming their new will expect him to push them hard and make them field.” varsity coach, Tim Halloran, a better team. Since year-round Despite the slow start to spring athletics, Portage for the 2015 season. Hal- this is the first time Hal- Central’s level of play in athletics has yet to be defied loran was the former men’s loran has ever coached BY JARED LUTZ by the weather, he said. coach and has had a great women’s soccer at “Level of play is determined by the chemistry of reputation of success. He Portage Central, things Sports Editor the team and how hard they’re willing to work to plans on doing the same might be a little differ- reach their common goal,” Kuchenbuch said. “At PC, with the women’s team ent for the team. According to athetes across the Midwest, the goal is always to dominate.” this season. “I think it’ll just be particularly in Michigan, spring athletes are at a Sophomore Jack Shore agrees. Halloran said he different having a new disadvantage due to inclement weather that falls “We are the stronger breed,” Shore said. “We will decided to step down from coach,” Esposito said. at the beginning of the spring season. This impacts make it work, and do it well.” the boys coaching position “He is running condi- game play at the beginning of the season, but more Last year the lacrosse team did prove to domi- because his son is a high tioning for us until the importantly, it impacts the pre-season training for nate, finishing with a conference championship. school soccer player at season starts so we are spring athletes. Portage Central also claimed four more conference Kalamazoo Central and all getting used to how “We have a huge disadvantage in Michigan,” championships in other respective spring sports, he didn't get to see him he does things now.” senior Austin Wills said. “We can't play year-round and the softball team made it to the state champi- play enough. Also, coach The girls soccer like other places.” onship and dropped a 4-2 heartbreaker to Bay City Pat Norman announced program has a great Athletes that have the advantage of playing Western in the final game. his retirement this sum- reputation of doing year-round have proven to be more prone to college mer, leaving the spot well and Halloran plans recruitment. According to Vanderbilt’s baseball for the women’s coach to keep that reputation recruiting in the past decade, 83 percent of baseball open. and have a winning recruits came from the South, whereas only 8 per- Luckily for Halloran, season. As for his ap- cent came from the Midwest. Claire Abdo/STAMPEDE he was able to take this proach to doing this, he With two indoor facilities at Portage Central for coaching position and still New Coach In Town: New women’s soccer coach plans on coaching the athletes and nine varsity-level programs, there is not be able to watch his son Tim Halloran instructs senior Bihn Le during a way he always has. nearly enough space for all spring athletes to train. play. practice with the men’s team this fall. "I'm going to coach Even for those programs that do reserve a spot in an This isn't Halloran’s first the way I've always indoor facility, the training is not sufficient enough time coaching girls soccer. coached,” Halloran said. for outdoor play, especially for baseball players. He has 17 years of prior experience, 14 of those years “I've done it long enough that I know how I would “You can't get the full effect from the indoors. were at Hackett and three years were at Otsego. like to see things done." Halloran expects the best The whole environment changes when you play and Halloran says he is getting excited for the upcom- out of his players and will try his hardest to make practice inside,” Wills said. “When you take ground ing season and has been getting to know the girls them the best soccer players they can be. balls indoors, it isn't the same as outside because the Claire Abdo/STAMPEDE through off-season conditioning. The men’s soccer coach position that Halloran gym floors are flat.” Snowed In: Senior Alex McIntyre pitches off an The players feedback to this change has been left will be filled by assistant women’s soccer coach Similarly, the lacrosse team last year didn’t artificial mound during a winter workout in the positive. According to senior Lauren Wright, it has Andrew Rice. practice outdoors until after its first game due to stable on Jan. 20. Feb. 6, 2015 sports 11

Claire Abdo/STAMPEDE

Game Ready: Varsity basketball coach Darryl Blasingame fist-bumps junior Drew Kristin dur- ing the Niles game on Jan. 20. Coaches aim for

Scott Solomon/STAMPEDE wins, not cash BY JARED LUTZ Victory Smiles: After the 5-4 over-time win against Mona Shores, the hockey team poses with the championship trophy Sports Editor of the Stan Konrad tournament on Jan. 11 in Muskegon. This is the first time that Portage Central has ever won the Stan Konrad tournament. The team beat Grand Haven 7-3 the day before to move on to the championship game. Teachers are highly recommended to coach or participate in extracurricular activities, although there is little incentive for them to do so. Coaches at the high school level do not coach for the money, Overview of varsity winter sports they say they coach for the love of the game. For varsity level head coaches, there are six dif- ferent salaries, which are based on the sport. Similar to teacher’s contracts, coaches are on a step-pay Hockey Men’s Bowling Men’s Swimming contract. This contract has 15 steps, or 15 years. The highest paid coach in Portage Public Schools after 15 The hockey team has a current record of 11-6-1 The men’s bowling team continues moving The men’s swimming and diving team has years will receive $8,460 and the lowest paid coach and moving on undefeated (8-0) in conference play. forward through the season nearly undefeated, win- started off with a strong, undefeated conference after one year will receive $3,438. The Mustangs have claimed both the Portage Canoe ning 11 out of the 12 matches that it has competed record of 6-0. Their overall record is 8-1. The teams Men’s and women’s basketball, football and in the Portage Classic against Portage Northern, in. The team lost against Mattawan at Rainbow Lanes record is based on dual meets. The team does not volleyball are the sports on the highest pay grade. and the Renbarger jug in the Renbarger Cup against on Jan. 3. According to co-captain Don Knowles, label captains, but is led by upperclassmen. The big- Volleyball was not initially on the highest pay grade, Mattawan. The team is lead by captains Jared Lutz, the team was winning against Mattawan’s team. gest conference competition for the Mustangs this but to provide equality in coaches salaries due to Cam Phelps, Zach Kinney and Davin Renda. Kinney, Although, when a Mattawan bowler broke the ball year is Battle Creek Lakeview, who they matched up Title IX, volleyball moved up the pay grade. the teams leader in points with 31, is currently out machine, they were forced to switch lanes and move with yesterday, Feb. 5. Currently, there are no injuries Although, based on the previous experience of a of commision due to a separated shoulder. Earlier to a new lane that was oiled differently. Mattawan on the team. The state tournament for men’s swim- coach, the school can request to start the coach on a this season, members of the hockey team traveled to pulled ahead of the Mustang’s bowling team, put- ming and diving team will be held on Mar. 13 and 14 higher step for their first year. Muskegon to partake in the Stan Konrad tourna- ting an end to their undefeated season. The team at Holland Aquatic Center. The only incentive provided to teachers for a ment. The team won the Stan Konrad for the first will be bowling at Royal Scot bowling alley for the successful season is an extra $100 for every game time in Portage Central history, beating Mona Shores 2015 regional competition on Feb. 27. won in the post-season. There is no other incentive 5-4 in overtime in the championship game. While Wrestling awarded to coaches based on the success of their there, the team participated in the ‘Polar Plunge’, team. an event in which individuals jump into a freezing Men’s Basketball The Portage Central wrestling team is coached Senior Hunter Simino believes there should be lake in the dead of winter. The hockey team will by Ken Haughn and James Carrow. It is a fairly new more incentives for high school coaches. participate in the Chelsea Showcase today, Feb. 6 After starting the season 1-6, the men’s basket- team that consists of one senior, two juniors, three “A coach should have incentives built in for win- and tomorrow, Feb. 7 for the first time. ball team has won three of their last four games. ning conferences and states and other champion- They are currently 2-3 in the conference with wins sophomores and 15 freshmen. They are currently 4-7 in the Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference. The ships,” Simino said. against St. Joe and Niles. Lakeshore is currently It is up to the district to determine how many dominating the lead with a conference record of 5-0. teams only injued player, Collin Fuller, is currently not competing due to a concussion. Sophomore coaches there will be allotted for in the salary Women’s Basketball There are currently no injuries on the varsity team. contract. Some programs are allotted up to three as- Leading scorer sophomore Austin McCullough has Dante Latora is leading the team with a record of The women’s basketball team has started their sistant coaches, and some programs have the money put up 57 points in his last three games including 33-5 and a state ranking. The next meet is this Satur- season with a 0-12 record. This year the team is led for one. There are many programs where the head 31 points against Gull Lake on Jan. 27. For the mus- day Feb. 7 at Portage Northern. by seniors Lexi Hite and Andrea Nord. There have coach will decide to either split up assistant coach tang’s homecoming game, they will face off against been no injuries on the women’s basketball team contracts or have booster clubs help pay for assistant Benton Harbor tonight at 7 p.m. Benton Harbor is this year. The team will tip off against Kalamazoo Loy coaches. currently 11-3. Norrix at 7:15 p.m. on Feb. 10. This will be a league Competitive Cheer Under Governor Snyder’s budget cuts to educa- game for the Mustangs. The competitive cheer team has had an invigo- tion, there is little room for high school athletic rating season so far with multiple tournament wins. money. Teachers and other staff members directly Alpine Skiing The teams greatest victory was at the Mustang Invite related to the education of students take priority in on Dec. 20. The team competed in a round three the available money in the school district. Women’s Bowling The Portage Alpine Ski Team is a combined team event in front of their home crowd where every To help fund athletic programs, booster clubs of Portage Central and Portage Northern, coached stunt group hit their stunts. The team’s freshman have also provided extra incentives to high school The women’s bowling team begins to close their by Brett Dodds and Linda Kozacki. Currently Portage Karsyn Valk is now out for the season due to a foot coaches of their respective sport. This is additional season with a conference record of 0-1 and a current boys are seeded first out of the South West Michigan injury. The team will compete in the Caledonia Invite money for athletic programs outside of the pay to record of 1-1. The team ends their season with the High School Ski League and girls are seeded third. on Feb. 7 and the Vicksburg Invite on Feb. 18. participate, which was established in the 2012-2013 2015 Region 2 tournament on Feb. 28 and 29 at At a previous race on Jan. 21 freshman Sam Schef- season. Royal Scot Golf and Bowl in Lansing. Michelle Kings- fel placed first in boys slalom and senior Michael COMPILED BY JARED LUTZ, BELLA Alburtus specifically likes to build relationships ley recovers from a shoulder injury that occurred last Kuchenbuch placed first in boys giant slalom. The between colleges and students. Athletics is an easy PEDRAZA, SHARWARI SALVI, OLIVIA season while Darcy Bucknell was awarded Athlete of next race is this year’s Regional Championship held outlet to do so. the Week by Kalamazoo Gazette for the week of Dec. at Crystal Mountain on Feb. 11. The top six boy and OLES, KELSEE HA, KATE SPEARS & “We work hard to find teacher coaches,” Principal 9th. Bucknell contributed to the team’s win over Loy girl ski racers from the team will compete. There are BRIANNA MARTINEZ Eric Alburtus said. “We encourage staff members to Norrix with her 343 series roll. currently no injuries on the team. Sports Editor & Staff Writers get involved with students outside the classroom.” 12 stampede Feb. 6, 2015

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