Verbatim March 2011 Brownell-Talbot Vol. IV, Issue 2 Seussical is off to a running start By Linda Liu Have you ever wandered upon a talking speck yelling for help but realized that nobody else could hear any of the voices coming from it? Yeah, me neither… but one courageous, loyal elephant decided to pro- tect said speck from a world of dangers on a clover in Dr. Seuss’ magical world. This year’s musical, Seussical, features many of the world’s most- loved doctor’s stories intertwined in the story of Horton the elephant, Jojo the imaginative Who, the Cat in the Hat and other famous characters as they interact to help (or to hinder) his efforts to protect a tiny planet. Brownell-Talbot’s involvement in Dr. Seuss’ world all started the week we returned from winter break with auditions. This year’s musical requires a large cast, so it is a combined Upper School and Middle School production. So many nervous voices belted out to their favorite songs to earn a spot in the musical in front of several judges including Mrs. Amy Becker, the director, and Mr. J. R. Gould, the music director. Then came the waiting. And waiting. And more waiting as the judges deliberated to find the best combination for the cast. Callbacks were during 6A and after school and still the judges deliberated. News spread that the cast list would be posted on Becker’s website. Anxious singers refreshed the page every second hoping, nay, praying that the list would be posted, and they would get a spot they so wanted. Would I get the part I wanted? Would my friends be performing with me? Of course, I was not one of those people… okay, maybe I was. Three weeks before Seussical opens, the set comes together. Members of the theater Well finally, at 4:45 on Thursday, Jan. 14, the cast list was posted and the class, under the guidance of director Mrs. Amy Becker, work during class time and play will be staged in the BT theater on March 31 and April 1 at 7 p.m. after school to ready things for the musical. photo by Marjorie Waterman and April 2 at 1:30. Yakkin’Raiders start the year right By Tory Wilson Jerry Seinfeld put public speaking in a nutshell: “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” To many, speaking publically is an intangible, lurking idea that inspires fear, cold sweat, and incomprehensibility. Others, many at B-T included, thrive on the competition, challenge and potential to be heard. Of late, Yakking Raiders have been the forensic juggernaut of the district. This season – with a largely green team no less – remains far from disappointing. The Raiders have managed to defend an array of their tour- nament titles. Fremont High School’s ‘Tiger Tourney’ on Jan. 21saw the Raiders winning second in sweeps, for the second year in a row, a big win considering there were 40 schools attending, and many with large, Class-A teams. In fact, the Yakking Raiders lost only to Millard North, who eked out first place by 30 points. The Raiders beat both Lincoln Southeast and Raymond Central. The team departed from Fremont roaring, “RAIDERS, RAIDERS, RAIDERS!” for their success. On that note, the forensics squad continued to garner wins the fol- Chris Ames, junior, and Katie Gurtis, senior, practice their OID before competing at a dual meet. Also in the OID were senior Tory Wilson, standing in the background with lowing week at brand spankin’ new Elkhorn South’s first ever tournament, her back turned, and Geoff Kuhn, junior, not pictured here. photo courtesy of Tory ‘The Babbler Battle.’ The Raiders snagged first in sweeps, a big win over Wilson Marian High School. Hopefully, this streak will hold over the next few come.” weeks as the Yakking Raiders defend their championship titles at David The Yakking Raiders have accomplished much in the 2010-2011 City, Conference and the District tournaments. season, yet there remain gauntlets to overcome on the path to success. Senior extemper Katie Gurtis said, “The team is excited to de- Seinfeld may have been correct in his summation on the fear of public fend our titles and maybe gain some more individual wins in the weeks to speaking. If so, rest assured the Yakking Raiders remain undaunted. 2 Swim Team Boys’ Basketball By Alison Brockman You’ll find us sulking into school at 5:45 By Austin Taylor a.m. three times a week, fretting about our times The 2010-2011 boys basketball team is off down to the last millisecond and continually to a strong start this season. Many solid wins smelling of chlorine (our preferred fragrance). Yep- you guessed it- we’re the swimmers! have allowed the team to be cautiously optimistic And it is these ridiculously early mornings and in- about making their way to District Finals on Feb. tense daily afternoon workouts combined with the 28th. “It has been a long time since our school rather obvious discomfort to the rare student or has had a basketball team make it to State,” said parent attending a swim meet which has caused Varsity player Jonny Trinh, a junior. swimming to coin the nickname, among us, as the Whether or not the team makes it to State “best kept secret of high school sports.” should not be a reflection on how hard this team Despite its tendency to be quite under-the- radar, this year’s team was off to a racing start has been working. As with all B-T students, they Junior Zach Ehresman, a member of the Basketball are keeping up with their grades and numerous team, brings the ball up court during a home game. with many state qualifying times already in the photo by Molly Helm bag and hopefully many more, especially for the other extra-curricular activities while still practic- girls’ and boys’ relay teams. ing every day after school. In fact, the students The team is comprised of athletes from have to keep academics and sports in balance: a four different schools: Concordia, Mercy, Ron- student with any grade below passing will not be calli, and Brownell… but make no mistake, we’re allowed to play at all in any basketball games. likely one of the most cohesive groups of any ex- And students are constantly battling between bas- tracurricular activity (being nearly naked sans all ketball and other sports—especially speech: the makeup/hair accessories with the same group of weekend meets come into conflict with the con- people for four months tends to do that to you). ference and district tournaments. And for those of you who dismiss this clandestine sport as a simple afternoon pasttime, Even though the Raiders suffered a loss to put it in perspective, in a regular two-hour prac- (48-43) to Weeping Water on Jan. 20, Weeping tice, we swim anywhere from two to three miles (a Water head coach, Jeff Kezeor had this to say mile is about 72 laps of the pool). about the Brownell-Talbot team: “They have Practices are held both before and after great shooters and do a nice job of getting them school during any given week, and we also attend open for quality shots.” various swim meets and competitions where each “So far the team has been really healthy individual swimmer can compete in individual events and as a team for different relays. with no major injuries,” said JV player Tripp Brownell-Roncalli Swim team: Emily Bergquist, Skutt, freshman. Hard work, dedication and stay- Michaela Higgins, Alex Totusek, Blakely Heckman, So take the time to bear the intense heat Alison Brockman, Dane Surbeck and Alex Plam- and soaked pants of a swim meet and you may ing strong seem to be the right formula for success beck.photo by Julie Lasto discover why senior team member Blakely Heck- for the Brownell-Talbot boys’ basketball team. man advises, “Swimming is like a huge party, except you have to hold your breath the whole Girls’ Basketball time.” By Sadie Kent Robotics The girls’ basketball team has had an im- pressive season. Their record at press time is 11- By Ally Washka 3. As a first-year freshman at B-T, I didn’t know what clubs to join, and I was really at a loss. The team celebrated senior night after a However, after talking to Mrs. Carrie Rise at orien- win against Cedar Bluffs on Jan. 15. The two se- tation, I knew what I wanted to try: Robotics! niors Megan and Rachel Fowler were honored for I really had no idea about anything to do their contribution to the school’s athletics. Rachel with Vex Robotics, and I didn’t know what I was Fowler broke the school’s free throw record by getting myself into. After attending the first meet- making all of her eight free throws at the Weeping ing during a lunch hour, I was excited to understand Water game. how to build a robot. The Raiders have let every team know that At the first meeting after school, we broke Members of the Robotics team work on climbing the up into our teams: Freshmen, Sophomore/Junior they are a high scoring team. Throughout the sea- photo courtesy of ladder, part of the competition.