December 2010

Wadsworth High School
Newspaper II/III
december 2010
The
BRUIN
1870 - 2010
Wadsworth City Schools:
“Celebrating 140 years of
Excellence in Education”
625 Broad Street Wadsworth, Ohio 44281
Volume XXXV No. 3
Winter
Break
December 17January 2
$1.00
Holiday season spreads generosity to local charities
program helps to provide food for
Christmas dinner if it is needed.
The food is donated by the group
that adopts the family. Either a
gift card to a grocery store or a
gift basket of food is given.
The group that adopts the
family personally delivers all of
the gifts before Christmas.
Many groups that adopt a
family make it relate to school.
The teachers do an incredible job
of combining school with helping
the community.
The gifts for the nine individuals
BY ALEXA BAIER
AND MOLLY PRIEST
Most people look forward to
the holidays to receive gifts they
have been waiting for all year.
However, not everyone is that
fortunate, which is why so many
organizations work hard to make
the holidays merry.
There are several local
organizations and charities that
work through the schools to help
make the holidays special for
everyone.
One organization that the high
school helps is Adopt
“It is amazing how
a Family. It is a charity
much Wadsworth High
through the Salvation
Army Fish Program. It
School truly helps.”
helps families in need by
-Hillary Sloan-Brown
collecting and donating
gifts for Christmas.
that the high school adopts are
The high school does a donated by the administrative
magnificent job at helping those staff. These individuals are high
in need through Adopt a Family. school students, but are only
Cynthia Smith, along with the known to the staff that adopts
other coordinators for the program, them by numbers so their identity
continue to be impressed with the remains unknown.
generosity of the high school.
The staff only donates some
“We are truly in awe about of the gifts for the individual and
how much the high school helps Salvation Army provides the rest.
the Adopt a Family program,” The gifts are taken to Mr. Parsons’
said Smith, Adopt a Family co- office and then the Salvation
coordinator.
Army delivers the gifts.
Several groups in the high
Families and individuals can
school, such as the marketing either call the Salvation Army or
class, adopt a family. To keep the fill out a form in order to be a part
people in the program confidential, of the program. The Salvation
only the teacher in charge of Army does not complete a
collecting for that family knows background check on the families
the name. Although, if a student and takes their word for it.
were to find out the name of the
The families that are not assigned
family, the children in the families to one of the schools in the district
are under high school age.
can be adopted by churches and
There are typically two to three other organization or businesses
children in each family, and the in the community. Some churches
group that adopts the family collect miscellaneous items
provides all of the gifts.
that get separated and go to the
Also, the Adopt a Family appropriate families.
Inside
the
The Salvation Army is the
only agency in town that will
take families until Christmas
Eve. So far this holiday season,
there are nearly 100 families in
the program. This number will
continue to grow until the last
person calls on Christmas Eve.
Adopt a Family is just a small
part of what the Fish Program at
the Salvation Army does. It also
helps to pay rent, electric bills,
gasoline, and lodging if someone
is evicted from their home.
“The main focus of the Fish
Program is to keep families warm,
safe, and together,” said Smith.
Adopt a Family is a wonderful
program to help those in need in
the community. This is a fantastic
way for high school students to
get involved in helping members
of their own town.
Another notable organization
is Coats for Kids. This charity
collects new or gently used coats.
To stay warm in Ohio’s
cold weather a coat is needed.
Unfortunately, some people are
not able to afford a coat. Coats for
Kids is the organization that has
helped solve this problem since
1984.
The high school’s Interact Club
is in charge of decorating the boxes
in which the coats are placed. They
also do a great job of advertising to
collect as many coats as possible.
The program was created by
Howard Hannah and they collect
the coats that the students and
staff donate.
The Salvation Army receives the
coats and hands them out to local
kids who need them. The extra
coats go to the homeless shelter.
Wadsworth High School does a
tremendous job in helping collect
coats. Last year the high school
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEAGAN SONNTAG
The Interact Club decorates the boxes in which coats will be donated for the Coats for
Kids program through Howard Hannah.
PHOTO BY ALEXA BAIER
Students in the teacher training program take a quick picture before going shopping
for gifts for the Adopt A Family program which is through the Salvation Army.
donated the most coats within the
program. So far the high school
has also donated the most coats.
“It is amazing how much
Wadsworth High School truly
helps,” said Hillary Sloan-Brown,
the administrative assistant of
Howard Hannah.
This
year
a
gentleman
anonymously brought 30 brand
new coats into Howard Hannah.
He spent over 600 dollars on the
coats. This shows how thoughtful
Wadsworth citizens truly can be.
Coats for Kids helps many
children in the area to stay warm
during the harsh Ohio winters.
These generous local charities
work hard to make the holiday
season more joyous for everyone.
Nevertheless, all local charities are
continually encouraging families
and indivuals to help their worthy
cause by donating throughout the
year, not just during the holidays.
This is a year long project.
Bruin:
HOW TO LOSE A CREEPer
Learn how to lose a creeper in 10 minutes
on Facebook
athletes pursue COLLEGE sports
Athletes are featured for moving on to
college sports
– page 12
– page 4
top christmas gifts
The top 10 Christmas gifts to receive in
2010
– page 11
Holiday favorites
Students and teachers share their favorite
holiday movies and traditions
index Page
News.............................................................3
Opinion......................................................4,5
Ads .......................................................6,7,14
Entertainment............................................. 11
Picture Pages ............................................8, 9
Features .....................................................10
Of the Month...............................................15
Sports.....................................................12,13
Speakout.....................................................16
– page 16
Visit the Bruin Online at: http://ww2.wadsworth.k12.oh.us/whs/bruin/
2
December 2010
Clubs, organizations
deserve more support
Editorial
On Friday nights in the winter
and fall, one can find high school
students cheering on their peers
at sporting events.
It is great to see that students
are in full support of our
athletic programs.
However, we at The
Bruin
believe
that
clubs and organizations,
alongside sports, deserve
support as well.
This
season,
the
football and basketball
teams have experienced
heightened support, with
students of all grades
coming out to support their
peers.
Our devoted senior class has
created a fun, safe atmosphere
for athletic competition. My
question is, why not show the
same support for the band or
choir and drama productions?
Our band is a hard working
group of talented musicians.
Our drama department produces
some of the best performances
for all age groups second to
none.
We have all heard our
tremendous Choir department
perform at assemblies, yet few
go out to O.J. Work Auditorium
to watch their concerts.
At the high school, we are
privileged enough to have
language clubs, academic clubs
and numerous volunteer clubs
who give back to our community.
These students put in the same
amount of work as our athletes
but rarely earn the respect that
they deserve.
We should not forget the
athletes, but we just need to
remember those outside of the
arenas who also excel in what
they do.
Our multitude of clubs and
organizations need to know they
have our respect, so make plans
to attend an upcoming band
concert, drama production, or
the next choir show.
E ditorial
The Bruin
Brewin’ Debate
Is saying “Merry Christmas” politically incorrect?
YES
NO
By hayden kilbride
By brad virgin
In this new era of caring about others
feelings more than one’s own, it is certainly
politically incorrect to only say Merry
Christmas to someone. In this day of age it
would not be uncommon if the person that you
are saying Merry Christmas to does not even
celebrate Christmas. You have to consider
other people’s feelings first or else you will
be hit in the face with a lawsuit or someone
hating you for the rest of their lives. Also
you need to pay your respect to New Year’s
as a significant holiday this time of the year.
I am not saying that I think it is right to only
say “Happy Holidays” to someone or in school,
but I am definitely saying that society thinks
that it is not right to say Merry Christmas to
people who might be offended by it. So even
though there are still billions of people in the
world who celebrate Christmas every year,
we still need to be sensitive to the select few
that might be offended by the cheerful words.
“Merry Christmas” has been said for many
upon many years, so why change it now? There
is no reason to change something that has been
perfectly fine for so many years. Why should
saying “Merry Christmas” be politically
incorrect? As long as one person in the
intended audience is someone who celebrates
Christmas, then this should be allowed.
If someone was to say, “Happy Hanukkah”
to me I would just take it as a “Merry
Christmas.” The people who are just making
a big deal about this just need to translate it
to whatever holiday they celebrate. Just think
about all the free time these people would
have if they just translated it to what they
are going to celebrate instead of complaining
about it. Maybe they could teach a class on
translations for the saying “Merry Christmas.”
It would benefit more people if they did
that instead of just complaining about it.
Letters To the editor......
Dear Editor,
As you may or may not know
the legendary musician John
Lennon died thirty years ago as
of last Wednesday. Depending
how old you are you could know
everything he wrote or nothing
like my partner. Regardless, the
Beatles were one of the most
revolutionary music group to
have ever existed, and John
Lennon one of the best artists.
Even if you do not enjoy his
music; respect is due to such a
great artist, musician, and musical
revolutionary.
Jordan Bennett, 10
Dear Editor,
I would like to say that the
courtyard looks so nice this time
of year. All of the snow that
covers the benches and bushes
make it look like we have our
own winter wonderland. A lot
of people say that the courtyard
is pointless and makes the
school terrible, but I think that it
provides so many benefits to the
students here. People need to stop
insulting the great design of our
building and most importantly the
awesome courtyard.
Kevin Sklarek, 12
Dear Editor,
I wish that we could have more
snow days. Three days are not
enough! This is a very snowy part
of Ohio, and we should just keep
the five days. We might not use
all five of the days, so what’s the
harm of having them? I also wish
that we could also decorate the
school in Christmas decorations.
It would make the school look
happier, and merrier! It would be
a lot of fun!
Maggie Thelen, 11
Dear Editor,
I think that leniency on snow
days should be respected,
considering we do not get the
extra days of school off like usual.
For example, if the roads are bad
or the weather is bad or what not,
we should get that day-off.
Mariah Robinson, 10
Dear Editor,
There seems to be some
problems with the logic that
the video and the assembly
presented.
People who have
never experienced what it is like
to grow up in our day and age are
trying to give us guidelines on
an enemy they have never had to
face. The video expert says that
agreeing with a bully will take
“power” away from a bully. Can
anyone say that appeasing a bully
has ever solved the problem? It
seems like that is exactly what the
bully wants.
Marshall Gnap, 12
Dear Editor,
One of my complaints is how
the power goes off randomly
in the middle of the day. I also
think that they should make the
hallways warmer because the
rooms are warm, but the hallways
are terribly cold. I also think we
should have more snow days, we
never have a snow day where
everyone around us has one.
Kyle Long, 9
Bruin Staff
Editor-in-chief: Adam Woodard
Assistant Editor: Evan Dammarell, Mackenzie Blanton
Copy Editors: Samm Malkowski, Kayleigh Miller, Hayley Douglas
Marketing Manager: Tate Moore
Front Page: Page Editor: Molly Priest Reporter: Alexa Baier
Editorial: Page Editor: Adam Woodard Reporters: Hayden Kilbride, Brad Virgin
Entertainment: Page Editor: Jack Snowball Reporter: Nick Tavanello
Speakout: Page Editor: Natalie Davis Reporter: Callie Ray
Opinion 1: Page Editor: Kara Long Reporter: Kaitlin Sherrill
Opinion 2: Page Editor: Tate Moore Reporter: Luke Lyren
Features: Page Editor: Tom Calhoun Reporter: Hayley McQuate
News: Page Editor: Elaina Lanson Reporter: Mallory Gruich
Picture Pages: Editors: Samm Malkowski, Claire VanFleet
Sports 1: Page Editor: Josh Kipfer Reporter: Brett Amadon
Sports 2: Page Editor: Matt Doyle Reporter: Garrett Cutting
Of The Month: Page Editor: Hayley Douglas Reporter: Tiffany Weiss
Ads/Business Manager: Hayden Kilbride Assistant: Brad Virgin
Adviser: John Gramuglia
Dear Editor,
This school has many problems
to review. First, the heat doesn’t
even work in half of the rooms,
and water drips from the ceiling
on a regular basis. The parking
lot definitely needs to be salted,
so that parking spaces are actually
visible, and so that nobody has to
worry about not getting out of the
parking lot.
Justin Chaney, 11
Dear Editor,
We got a snow day already
in December, which was pretty
exciting. But it upset me how
the Wadsworth High School is
only limiting snow days to three
days of the WHOLE year. I
think it should be more than that.
Imagine this; the snow days are
out and we still need to go to
school with really bad weather
and someone got in a car wreck.
I heard rumors it will get worst
next year. I believe that the
school is not doing a good job to
protect the student this year.
Breanna Ryder, 10
Dear Editor,
We had our first snow day of
the year December 7, 2010. It
was fun waking up to the phone
ringing and I thought to myself
no school and then my friends
Melissa Cole and my mom
texted me saying no school. I
was excited but I did not sleep
in for long. My body told me to
get up, and I hated it. I cleaned
my room and moved something.
I went sled riding at my friend
Stevie’s house with my friend
Rachel and Stevie. It was fun
until my clothes got wet because
of the snow. Merry Christmas to
everyone and a Happy New Year.
Audrey Cole, 12
Dear Editor,
We believe that the school
should stop talking about
bullying. It’s at a point where
it’s over played. The students
get it.The school has done many
great things to enforce and
prevent it but we’re beating a
dead horse. Some of us feel it’s
almost become a joke. Enough is
enough.
Matthew Grey, 10
Editorial Policy
The Bruin is a monthly publication produced by the Newspaper II and Newspaper III
students at Wadsworth High School. The Newspaper I class produces the May issue. The
staff will do its best to inform the student body and the community of intra-school, community or national events that affect the student body.
This paper provides on-the-job training for the staff members. All decisions are made
by the staff members with the advice and suggestions of the adviser. The school administration works closely with the staff to ensure accuracy. We, as the students of journalism,
hold the same rights and the same responsibilities as professional journalists as we strive
for professional standards. These rights include the right to print any material that is not
libelous, obscene or excessively disruptive to the school process.
The Bruin will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of religion, color, creed or
sex. The staff members accept full responsibility for everything appearing in this publication. The staff strongly encourages students to express their opinions through the letters to
the editor column, which is printed every month. The staff also encourages the members of
the community to express their opinion as well. Space permitting, all letters will be printed.
Because the staff accepts the responsibility for the contents of the paper, we must reserve
the right to edit or omit any portion of any letter. All letters must be signed, but the name
will be withheld upon request.
N ews
Principal’s
Message
As
noted
in
previous
columns,
during
this
school year The Principal’s
Message will highlight the
“Six Pillars of Character Trustworthiness,
Respect,
Responsibility,
Fairness,
Caring, and Citizenship”. In
the November issue, I addressed
Trustworthiness. This month,
the first guest writer in this series
is Superintendent Fortner who
will offer comments regarding
Respect.
“The Boomerang Effect”
“Respect is like a boomerang.
You send it out and it comes
back. If you don’t send it out,
you receive nothing in return.
As you walk the halls of WHS,
think about whether or not
you are a boomerang thrower.
Respect is something you have
heard about for a long time from
many people. It is the basis for
the Grizzly Five you learned
several years ago. Now, as high
school students, I would like to
re-visit the topic.
More than a school belief,
Respect is a simple expectation
of our society. Yet, you don’t
have to be wealthy, skilled
athletically, or a top academician
to have it or give it. Respect is
certainly something that you
get back what you put into it. It
costs you nothing.
I ask you to remember
that Respect has significant
importance in everyday life.
Each day, Respect yourself,
Respect
others,
Respect
differences of opinion, different
cultures, people with different
ethnic backgrounds and different
religious beliefs. I am certain
you have witnessed situations
when Respect is absent.
I
implore you to hold in esteem
this fundamental rule of life, and
remind you not to underestimate
the value of self-respect, selfworth, and self-dignity.
But remember, Respect is
not an entitlement; it has to
be earned. People who utter,
“I want Respect,” are usually
people who have not earned that
Respect from others.
When it comes to Respect, be
a boomerang thrower. Each day
take others into consideration by
giving them worth and value.
Take it upon yourself to teach
Respect and show Respect. If
you do so, that boomerang will
come back.”
We greatly appreciate Mr.
Fortner offering words of advice
regarding the character trait of
Respect. In the January issue,
the next guest writer will address
Responsibility.
As I have written before,
character defines who you are,
so I continue to ask, “Who are
you?”
The Bruin
December 2010
3
North, South Korean conflict escalates
BY ELAINA LANSON
Communist
North
Korea
attacked
Democratic
South
Korea, escalading the tension
between the two countries on
November 23, 2010. These two
countries have been battling
for territory and fighting over
political views since the 1950’s.
This attack is causing concern
around the globe that it could
turn into a full scale war.
A war in this area could be
devastating: a large percentage
of the world’s population lives in
Asia, and it is a very important
worldwide economic region.
The artillery fire that killed
two South Korean marines, two
civilians, and wounded fifteen
others, is said to have happened
because the United States and
South Korea conducted joint
military exercises too close to
North Korean territories. South
Korea, who is backed by the
United States, has responded by
building up its military presence
in the area, and U.S. military ships
are on their way there as well.
North Korea, who is supported
by China, says it might launch
another attack. Other countries
around the world are hoping
North and South Korea settle this
most recent conflict peacefully
without another battle arising.
According to U.S.A. Today,
“South Korea is our ally. It
has been since the Korean
war, and we strongly affirm
our commitment to defend
South Korea as part of that
alliance,” said President Obama.
After the past days’ attacks The
President ordered the U.S. military
to work with the South Korean
military to “insure readiness.”
Kim Jong-il, the leader of
North Korea, has sent million plus
troops to be ready for combat.
They are not receiving help from
China because, like other nations,
they refuse to aid them. This is
because North Korea will not
give up their nuclear weapons
program. There is no doubt that
North Korea is possibly planning,
or at least preparing, for a war.
As for the South, they are
readying their military for an attack
from the North. They have been
suffering from terrorist attacks
from the North since the 1980’s.
On Sunday, November 28,
the United States began the
largest combined military build
up in years. They have brought
over a nuclear aircraft carrier
to patrol the east coast of South
Korea. Having threats thrown
at them by North Korea, neither
force is ready to back down.
The battling countries are
not expected to resolve this
catastrophic issue overnight.
But, as tensions continue to rise,
they are not stepping down.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MTC AMPUS
The map shows the border where North
and South Korea are seperated by a
Ditcatorship and a Democratic People’s
Republic. This is a source of conflict.
News Briefs
New School In
Process
Unemployment
Benefits
Annual Career
Day
Nasa Facility
Lockdown
The annual Career Day will
be held December 17. It
will include students from
grades 10-12. Each student
has the opportunity to learn,
ask questions, and make
decisions on which careers
they want to pursue.
In Cleveland there was a
recent NASA research facility
lockdown because there was
word that a gunman was in
the building. That is now
said to be a false alarm, and
no one was harmed.
The new school is starting to
take shape. The first floor
of the academic wing and
the track is complete. The
geothermal contractor will
bedrilling wells this month.
LeBron’s Return
to Cleveland
National
Weather Service
Wiki Leaked
Government Files
nutritious lunches
The Miami Heat took home a
victory over The Cleveland
Cavaliers, as fans booed for
LeBron James’ return.
According to the National
Weather Service there has
been no measurable snow for
251 days straight. This is our
second stretch on record.
Wiki
leaked
secret
government documents onto
the internet.
Unotherized
informantion about future
plans for the nation were
released to the public.
This is a Bill to make school
lunches more nutritous
ready for President Obama
to sign. This is believed
to help the issue of child
obesity.
Whooping Cough
Grows
Hottest Year On
Record
Sales Are Up
From Last Year
United States
Congress
Whooping
cough
cases
have gone up 40% from
last year and recent years
before.
“2010 is one of the hottest
year on record, and this is
the warmest decade ever.”
says World Meteorologigical
Organization.
The State retails say sales are
up from last few years, while
housing market is seeing
fewer foreclosures.
The 112th United States
Congress will start their duties
January 3, and will include
Wadsworth’s own Jim Renacci.
By the end of April, 4,000
Medina County residents will
lose their unemployment
benefits because the federal
extensions
expired
on
Tuesday, November 30.
Obama
fights for
Power outage causes concern, confusion
BY MALLORY GRUICH
The high school experienced a
power outage in the early afternoon
last Wednesday, December 1,
Jerry Parsons, Principal, said that
a fuse was overheated and blown.
Sometime around the ground
breaking ceremony this summer,
the electric box was moved from
the east side of the building
to the west side, so that the
building of the new school didn’t
interfere with the wires. Once it
was set up on the west side, one
of the wires was compromised
in
some
manner,
which
caused the fuse to blow. Several halls were dimly lit
including the library and the
commons. The heat had shut
off leaving the two hundred
hall very cold, some rooms
as low as sixty degrees.
There are three main electrical
lines that run the school’s
electricity. Everything from
the computers to the heat runs
on these lines. When one was
blown it made it hard on the
other two lines to hold up all of
the electricity, causing the entire
schools electricity to flicker
on and off. Eventually, the
emergency generators started up.
Considering the school is rather
old, and after approximately
twelve additions, there are
many
different
mechanical
methods the workers have used
in engineering the building and
fixing common electrical issues.
Construction
workers,
Wadsworth
city
workers,
custodians, and Mr. Magnacca
worked together to create
a solution. Although it is
temporary, this solution will work
until something permanent can
worked out during winter break.
This could take anywhere from
several hours, to a couple days.
“At
no
time
was
anybody’s safety at risk,”
said Principal, Mr. Parsons.
Although being in school
that day may have been slightly
uncomfortable for students and
staff, everyone pushed through,
and a solution was found.
“We are . . . Wadsworth!”
Mr. Parsons
PHOTOS BY MALLORY GRUICH
The following photos show the commons area, the 400 hall, and the library, in their darkest hour due to the electrical malfunction that had taken place Wednesday, Dec. 1
morning.
4
Favorite
Tennis Shoe
Brands
Footwear fettishes flip genders
OPINION BY KARA
Nike
Adidas
O PINION
THE BRUIN
December 2010
Tennis shoes, boots, or sandals,
everyone loves a nice pair of
shoes. One can never have
too many pairs! A Wadsworth
student has taken this phrase
way too literally. Tyler Perry,
11, has over 30 pairs of shoes.
As his collection grows, Perry’s
passion for fashionable footwear
has turned into an obsession.
His love for shoes is well
known across the school.
“I try not to duplicate
pairs in the same week, that
is unheard of,” said Perry.
The wide variety of shoes that
he owns makes this task easy.
With colors ranging from royal
blue to neon yellow, each pair of
shoes are unique and eye popping.
“I would buy every single
shoe that Perry owns, they are
all cool,” said Connor Sherrill, 9.
Usually it is the girls that
have extreme shoe fettishes.
Reebok
Asics
Tyler surrounds himself with his favorite Nike shoes.
PHOTO BY KARA LONG
Females have more options like
heels, boots and mocassins, so
they normally beat out boys
in the shoe department. But
lately, more and more boys are
ranking shoes higher on their
list of importance following
sports, girls, and videogames.
“One day, I went to the mall
to buy a pair of shoes instead
of having a call of duty gaming
session with my boys. I would
rather get a new pair of shoes
than eat for a week. That’s how
much I love shoes,” said Perry.
Some girls seem to be enjoying
the new male transformation.
Now, instead of wearing the same
dirty tennis shoes they wear every
single day, some boys like Perry are
even matching shoes with outfits!
“I used to think Tyler was
just an unfashionable bum, but
then I saw his shoes. Now I
cannot keep my eyes off of him,”
said Emily Blankenship, 11.
The upcoming Christmas
holiday
gives
Perry
a
great
opportunity
to
make his collection grow.
“I’m asking for four pairs
of shoes for Christmas and
two for my birthday,” he said.
Tyler is not the only boy in
this school that is sporting some
fashionable footwear. Gunnar
Graham, 10, is looking to take
over Perry’s throne as shoe
king as soon as he graduates.
With over 20 pairs of just Nike
Brand shoes, Graham is poised
to be a fantastic replacement
for Tyler. His collection is
more than just shoes, though.
“Gunnar’s are better than
shoes, they’re more like artwork,”
said Alex Kuykendall, 10.
Although some boys think
this new male shoe obsession
is a bit feminine, it looks as if
the trend will not end any time
soon. 17 out of 20 boys said they
will be asking Santa for a new
pair of shoes this year. What
does this mean for the females?
“We need to step it up. Girls
are getting out shined by boys
when it comes to footwear
and it is unnacceptable,”
said Katie Magnacca, 11.
Right now Perry is the man
of the hour, but with Christmas
around the corner, could a new
king of shoes be crowned? Only
time will tell who will have the
most decorated feet at WHS.
How to lose a creep in ten minutes on Facebook
OPINION BY KAITLIN
“Who are you?” and “How
do I know you?” are questions
commonly asked by Facebook
users. Such questions are
posed when a stranger or an
unfamiliar classmate sends
them a message through the site.
Use these simple tips to avoid
awfully awkward encounters
with those known as creepers.
1. Identify the culprit.
According
to
dictionary.
com, a creep is defined as “a
boring, disturbingly eccentric,
painfully
introverted,
or
obnoxious person.” Chances
are if they seem unusually
mysterious or if you feel
awkward talking to them, they
are most likely creeping on
you. Depending on the severity
of the creep, they may start
with a poke, or a picture “like”
or comment. A more intense
creep will shoot straight for the
send button on a message or
chat. Extra Tip: most creepers
are boys, but there are a few
girls out there who creep too.
“I started to suspect that a
random boy was creeping me
when they started to like all
my statuses and pictures. Turns
out, he started messaging me
too,” said Allison Hagans, 9.
2. Check mutual friends.
If you and a creep share
less than twenty friends on
Facebook, it might not be a
good idea to get too involved
with them. You and your
friends probably do not know
them and they most likely
found you by creeping on
someone else’s profile. Scary!
3.
Delete
personal
information. Your profile
may be viewed constantly
by strange people. To avoid
being texted, called, or visited
at your door or workplace by
a creep, you should remove
all
personal
information
off of your page, especially
your phone number, address
and place of employment.
4.
Act
uninterested.
When and if you engage in
conversation with a creep,
keep it to a minimum. Other
wise, they will think you are
interested and want to continue
chatting. It will get boring and
dreadful for you if you talk to
them like they are actually your
friends. Do not waste your time
trying to be nice, especially
if the creep will not take a
hint. Rather than opening the
message, leave it alone or delete
it because the creeper who sent
it can see that it has been read.
“Some boy chatted me
once and I only gave him
one word answers but he just
would not give up. It was
terrible,” said Krista Frank, 12.
5. Limit your contact.
Creepers often like to get in
contact with you, whether it
be through a message or a
comment. It is best for you
not to respond every time
because they will think it is
okay and continue to do it.
6. Become unappealing.
Once you get a taste of what they
are like, act the opposite way.
For example, if they like sports,
say you hate them. Contrast
your opinions with their to get
them off of your back. You
could temporarily change your
information of you Facebook
page to make it different from
theirs. Do not be afraid to be
excessively opinionated but
avoid making the creeper angry,
for that may result in very bad
consequences. They could
possibly pose threats to you
that you certainly do not want.
7. Delete from your friends.
As a last resort, you could
remove the creeper as a friend.
This would ultimately solve
all problems you have had
with the creeper. However, if
your profile is not completely
private people are still able
to message you. Ensure
that this does not happen
by making that important
switch from public to private.
There are rare occasions when
you may receive unexpected
messages from strangers that
end up resulting in friendship,
instead of a run for your life.
“Someone
accidentally
added me while they were
looking for another person
and they messaged me asking
who I was. I was scared at first
but after the situation was
explained we kept chatting
and now we are good friends,”
said Alyssa Keiper, 11.
To all you “Facebookers”
out there feel free to use these
tips to keep the creepers off
your pages and out of your
lives. Be careful though, they
could be wanting to start a
genuine friendship. Good
luck, and happy Facebooking!
Most Common Times to be on
Facebook
6%
43%
31%
Before School
After School
Early Evening
Late Night
20%
SURVEY TAKEN FROM 100 STUDENTS
Creepers are most likely to be lurking at late night hours since more students are
on at that time. Take extra precautions during these hours!
PHOTO COURTESTY OF MCT CAMPUS
When you receive a notification like this you should probably ignore it. If it is the
first of it’s kind from a stranger it is okay to open it, but watch out another one
might be on the way.
6
December 2010
THE BRUIN
A DS
A DS
THE BRUIN
December 2010
7
8
December 2010
P ICTURE
THE BRUIN
Get To Know
One day I will...
Marry Taylor
Swift.
Finally be
adopted into the
Davis family.
I can’t live
without...
My editorial
staff.
Samm
I can’t live
without...
Tweeting all
day every day
with ndavis92
kingjique and
rohrdizz.
I’m inspired to...
I can’t live
without...
Edit every page
Tiffany and Claire
do.
My Jim’s, shout
out to all my dads!
:)
Pet peeve...
Pet Peeve...
When people use
the word “literally”
Evan
One day I will...
Work at Laser
Quest with Jon
Davis.
One day I will...
Marry Anderson
Varejao, Delonte
West or Mo
Williams.
Mackenzie
I’m inspired to...
Try and be as
great as Diabetic
God, Wilford
Brimley.
Nick name...
Samiisweets.
Pet peeve...
When people rub
me the wrong way.
Adam
One day I will...
Find a cure for
the Diabetes.
One day I will...
Kayleigh
When people
don’t kiss me to
say hello.
Pet Peeve...
Big chocolate
chips in mint
chocolate chip ice
cream.
Hayley
You’d know I
love Avatar: The
Last Airbender.
Date someone
with dual
citizenship.
Nickname...
If you really
knew me...
Pet Peeve...
Tatorade or
Bone Crusher.
You would know
I’m scared of fire.
Tate
One day I will...
Own a bakery
in North Carolina
with my B.F.F.
Samantha
Malkowski.
One day I will...
Take over RK
Beef Farms Inc.
I can’t live
without...
Pet Peeve...
When people
think I’m wrong
but I KNOW I’m
right.
Pet Peeve...
When people
don’t say thank
you.
I can’t live
without...
Twitter!
Pet Peeve...
G
One day I will...
Get a haircut.
When people
don’t say the score
before they serve
in tennis.
Hayden
If you really
knew me...
It would blow
your mind.
One day I will...
Be a doctor.
One day I will...
Meet Lil’ Wayne,
my gurl Nicki
Minaj and Wiz
Khalifa.
I can’t live
without...
When boys talk
to younger girls.
One day I will...
Figure out how
to stay up late!
Colorful socks.
I can’t live
without...
My iPod.
Lacrosse.
I’m inspired to..
Talk like
Cartman for an
entire day.
Pet peeve?
Underclassmen
cutting me off in
the halls.
Brett
If you really
knew me...
One day I will...
Get married and
have one more
ring than LeBron.
I’m inspired to...
Natalie
Kid CuDi,
Mackenzie Blanton
and the Bruin.
One day I will...
Be an extra in a
movie.
One day I will...
Have six
children.
Claire
I can’t live
without...
Tiffany
Nickname...
Ging.
Nickname...
Cal Ray Ray.
Callie
P AGE
THE BRUIN
Your
BRUIN
One day I will...
Win big off of
scratch off lottery
tickets.
Nick name...
The L-Train.
I can’t live
without...
RK Beef.
Mallory
Luke
One day I will...
Take my talents
to South Beach.
I can’t live
without...
Alex Bingham.
Matt
One day I will...
Be in the CIA or
FBI.
One day I will...
Pump my own
gas.
I can’t live
without...
Pet Peeve...
My sister
(Aumaine).
Walking on the
wrong side of the
mall.
If you really
knew me...
I can’t live
without...
You’d know that
I love to sing and
play the piano!
Swensons.
Elaina
One day I will...
Be living in New
York City, with my
best friend Alexa
Baier.
One day I will...
Have a normal
collarbone.
I can’t live
without...
A knee brace
and a shoulder
sling.
I can’t live
without...
My friends and
family!
If you really
knew me...
You wouldn’t be
reading this.
9
Staff
December 2010
Pet Peeve...
Pet peeve...
Molly
PDA in the
hallways, save it
for later please.
Jack
One day I will...
Find Black
Beard’s treasure.
One day I will...
Rock your socks
off :*
I’m inspired not
to be...
Nickname...
Chicken.
Injury prone like
Jack Snowball.
If you really
knew me...
I can’t live
without...
Nick
X-box 360 and
my TV.
Kaitlin
Tavanello
One day I will...
Sky dive!
Travel to all 50
states in my life.
One day I will...
Marry Ron
Weasley.
Pet Peeve...
I can’t live
without...
The way
freshman hold
their books.
Pet Peeve...
Shirt tags
hanging out!
One day I will...
Be living in New
York City with my
best friend, Molly
Priest.
Nickname...
ALB- my initials;
very simple.
I’m inspired to...
Travel around
the world.
My chief
Woodward.
If you really
knew me...
Brad
Hayley
Josh
You’d know I
have to match
everything,
especially to what
I’m wearing.
One day I will...
Date Ally
Malkowski.
I’m inspired to...
Alexa
When people
fake injuries.
You would know
I want auburn hair
like Pappas.
Pet Peeve...
Kara
When Jack
Snowball fakes
injuries.
One day I will...
Date Alex
Bingham.
One day I will...
Be taller than
Josh Kipfer.
I can’t live
without...
I’m inspired to...
Watching Tate
hit on freshman.
Go to college
and make a lot of
money.
I’m inspired to...
Pet peeve..
Watch Jack
Snowball play
again.
When people drive
under the speed
limit...Brad Virgin.
Tom
10
December 2010
THE BRUIN
‘Grizzlies Going Green’ comes alive
BY HAYLEY MCQUATE
designed several energy saving
measures such as using natural
light and optimizing green space.
We also have several recycling
programs within our schools and
we work hard at being efficient in
our daily operations, such as use
of electricity, fuel, other energy,
etc. to support “Grizzlies Going
Green.”
HM: How is this going to
help our schools in the future?
DF: All of our new buildings
will be much more energy
efficient than our current
ones and the high school will
resources and dollars are limited.
Our responsibility is to manage
what we have and conserve for
the future. I believe an effort like
“Grizzlies Going Green” is a step
in that direction and something
all of us can do to secure a better
future for everyone.
HM: What is the most
important factor to “Grizzlies
Going Green?”
DF: I would say the most
important factor is that ALL of
us embrace conservation and
practice it daily. If the 5,000
students and 550 employees in
this district can “Go Green” as
part of our daily life and for as
long as we live, the results will be
long lasting and substantial.
For instance, simple steps
in becoming more green would
be to reduce paper coming
home from school by students,
electronic work orders, electronic
newsletters,
electronic
pay
checks, student forums off the
internet and paperless Board of
Education meetings.
Also, the schools will be
a Leadership in Energy &
Environmental Design (LEED)
compliant.
LEED
is
a
building
certification system that designs a
building to be more “green”.
Students like Emily Sims, 10
and Brooke Sharpless, 10 think
this idea is awesome.
“As long as it saves money!”
exclaimed Dan Brazier, 9.
There has always been
a need to become more and
more conservative, this is only
baby steps to becoming a more
conservative school.
With a thumbs up, Nick
Marshall, 11 said, “Good for
them!”
Fortner
is
strongly
encouraging people to follow him
in the movement to “go green”.
It would be a huge
advancement for the school
systems and make the Earth a
better place to live.
The school’s colors might
be red and white, but it will “go
green” this year.
Utilizing paperless resources
such as the web page would help
the school system to become
more environmentally friendly.
I asked Mr. Dale Fortner a
few questions and he was eager to
respond.
Hayley McQuate: When did
the idea come to mind?
Mr. Dale Fortner: It came
to mind after we received
comments back from
“If the 5,000 students and
our
community
550 employees in this
survey this summer.
district can ‘Go Green’ as
The
community
responses indicated
apart of our daily life, the
that they would like
results will be long lasting
to see Wadsworth
and substantial.”
City Schools (WCS)
-Mr. Dale Fortner
be more “green”
in our operations.
While we already had several use sustainable energy, like
initiatives underway, we needed geothermal energy. Our natural
to do a better job of sharing with
the public what we do from a
conservation standpoint.
HM: Who came up with the
idea?
DF: I did. I was thinking about
some type of phrase rather than
“Conserve” and came up with
“Grizzlies Going Green.” I have
asked our building administrators
to add their initiatives to the list
because I am certain we are doing
more than what is currently listed.
HM: What are the some other
ideas, other than the website,
about going green?
DF: The entire construction
project has a strong element of
recycling and reusing materials.
PHOTO BY BRUIN STAFF
In addition, the architects have Technology helps Mrs. Swanson’s seventh period class become more “Green” in their everyday projects.
F EATURES
Christmas
ways
to go
green
1. Recycle used
gift wrap.
2. Reuse gift bags
for other holidays
or next time.
3. Turn on your
Christmas lights
only when
necessary.
4. Buy a fake tree
instead of a real
one to increase the
oxygen levels.
5. Try not to use
plastic wear for
your meals.
Danger in school parking lot
OPINION BY TOM CALHOUN
What is the world coming
to, with sophomores driving to
school? Underclassmen deserve to
do their time and wait to drive to
school. Every upperclassmen has
waited and some are still waiting.
“I am outraged at the fact
that traffic will be worse and the
parking lots more congested. Just
what we need as winter comes,
more cars and less parking spaces,”
said Anthony Papas, 11.
Sophomores should not be
allowed to drive to school. I
understand there is extra parking
available but there are still juniors
and a few seniors that do not have
their license yet. Eventually, once
they get their license, they will want
to drive to school but there will be
less parking spaces because of the
sophomores. The administration
also needs to take into account
the experience of drivers. Most
sophomores just got their license
or will be getting them soon. How
will they fair this winter driving to
and from school in a huge snow?
Another popular reason that
is stirring up the upperclassmen
is the fact that we all had to wait
our turn to drive to school. Some
TC: How do you think you
will be able to handle driving in the
snow?
HH: I am not even going to try
to drive to school.
TC: How do you feel about
sophomores being able to drive to
school?
HH: I do not think it is a big
deal, especially since
“It makes me worried we it is a possibility that
are bad enough drivers only seniors and a few
will be able to
being upper class men and juniors
drive to school next
then adding sphomores year.
I then went and
into the equation is a bad
spoke with Mr. Parsons
idea.”
to hear his side of the
-Mike Pavlak, 11
story
TC: Why did you
decide to allow sophomores to
bad idea,” said Mike Pavlak,11.
drive to school?
Mr. Jerry Parsons: I spoke
I sat down and interviewed
sophomore Haley Hassinger on her with Mr. Fortner on the situation
because in the past sophomores
driving experience.
Tom Calhoun: Would you have never been allowed to drive
to school. We both agreed there
consider yourself a good driver?
Haley Hassinger: No, I am was a surplus of spots left over. So
very bad. I failed my drivers test we decided to allow sophomores
to drive and there are still plenty of
twice.
TC: When did you get your parking passes left for those juniors
and seniors that do not have their
license?
HH: I got my license in license yet.
TC: What will happen to the
October.
of us had our license when we
were sophomores, but we were not
allowed to drive to school. It is also
a privilege and a perk that comes
along with being older.
“It makes me worried, we
are bad enough drivers being
upper class men and then adding
sophomores into the equation is a
PHOTO BY TOM CALHOUN
Anthony,11 lashes out on Alex,10 for blocking him in.
parking lots next year?
JP: We may lose the Steiners
parking lot next year due to the
city building a retention basin as
part of the construction for the new
building. The parking lot where the
band practiced will still be their
practice field next year. However,
there is hope that we will be able
to keep Steiners throughout most
of the year, but this can change
at anytime. So there is a slight
chance that we will have to limit
the amount of student drivers next
year. It would be all seniors and
then a lottery for remaining passes
for juniors. But nothing is for sure,
because again, this can change at
anytime.
Mr. Parsons had good
reasoning to allow sophomores to
drive. However, there should still
be some kind of system of seniority
set up. For example seniors park in
the first 2-3 rows and juniors fill the
rest. Then sophomores fill in the
Steiners parking lot. This system
would satisfy the upper class men.
E NTERTAINMENT
THE BRUIN
December 2010
11
‘All I want for Christmas is...’
BY JACK SNOWBALL
Black Friday has come and
gone, but Christmas shopping
is still up in the air for many
shoppers. Even though this may
be the most stressful time of the
year, here are the top 10 gifts of
2010:
10. UO DJ MIXER
With the UO DJ Mixer you and
your friends can now listen to two
ipods at once without changing
ipods in and out. This new stereo
player comes with a microphone
and the iPod will charge while in
the stereo. So now you and your
friends can jam out to all different
kinds of music with the new and
improved UO DJ Mixer.
9. THE NOOK
Traveling alone with nothing to
do? The new Nook has improved
how you read books on the
go. With over 200 books in its
memory initially you can pick
whichever genre is on your mind.
The screen has no glare and also
has a backlight so you can read in
the silence and darkness of your
room.
8. FOURTH GENERATION
iPOD TOUCH
Apple has come out with the
fourth generation iPod touch. This
new generation is thinner, faster,
and has a digital camera built in.
“The new iPod touch has
so many features! I learn new
things about it everyday. I would
recommend it to anyone who
loves the previous generations,”
said Nick Seme,10.
7.CANON SURESHOT
Memories can be made at any
point in your life, but with the new
Canon Sureshot 12.1 MP camera
you can save those memories.
With this new camera, you have
the option of 25 shooting modes,
with nine special scene modes.
6. Skull Candy Head
phones
The newest release of the Candy
Headphones has arrived, and it is
here to stay. These headphones
come in a variety of different
designs. The feature that is most
appealing is that it cancels out
the noise in your surrounding
environment.
With
these
headphones you can enjoy your
music with no interruptions.
5. Pandora Jewelry
Need a gift for your mom, wife,
or girlfriend? Then do not hesitate
to buy Pandora Jewelry this
holiday season. Pandora Jewelry
does not have to be too expensive.
You could buy your loved one the
bracelet along with beads to dress
it up. Buying the Pandora bracelet
can guarantee you many more gift
ideas until her bracelet fills up
with beads.
4. IPHONE 4
Is your AT&T phone ready for
a new upgrade? This season keep
your eyes peeled for the new
iPhone 4. This phone features
engineered glass, a retina display,
a stainless steel band, and a camera
+ LED. The phone is thinner, has
a better battery life, and HD video
capability. The AT&T iPhone
4 should definitely be on your
Christmas list this holiday season.
3. KINECT XBOX 360
Xbox fans this year have one
thing on their list: The Kinect Xbox
360. This hot item is basically a
new and improved Wii. This new
gaming system gives you ability
to move around and changes the
entire gaming experience. Kinect
seems to be the closest gaming
has gotten to actually bringing
the gamer into the game. The
Kinect is a cooperative, communal
experience that involves everyone
in getting up off the couch and
spending quality time with their
families.
2. MACBOOK AIR
Promoted as the ‘World’s
Thinnest Notebook,’ the MacBook
Air is in high demand this year.
This is a great idea for teens going
to college.
“I want a MacBook Air so bad,”
said Spencer Meyers, 12.
The MacBook Air has more
battery life and can stay in sleep
mode for up to 30 days. It is
Apple’s smallest and thinnest
laptop, and the closest thing
Apple has to a true ultra portable
notebook. This can be a beneficial
gift this year to all.
1. iPAD
The number one gift this year
is the iPad. The iPad is a tablet
computer designed and developed
by Apple. You can carry this
light (about 1.5 pounds) and
compact mini-computer with you
anywhere. The iPad is a gift that
can be given to mom, dad, brother,
sister, or friend.
So for all of you shoppers
who missed the deals on these
wonderful gifts on Black Friday,
time is running out!
The
Christmas
rush
is
approaching quickly, and you
do not want to be left out in the
cold without these chart-topping
presents. We hope this list helps
you find the perfect holiday gifts
for 2010.
TOP TEN SONGS OF 2010!
#4
#5
#1 #2 #3
#8
#9 #10
#6 #7
Rude Boy
Take It Off
Dynamite
Mine
Say Ahh
Rihanna
Ke$ha
Taio Cruz
Taylor Swift
Trey Songz
OMG
Airplanes
No Love
California Gurls
Riding Solo
Usher
B.O.B.
Eminem
Katy Perry
Jason DeRulo
First person shooter games take over 2010
BY NICK TAVANELLO
This year the gaming world has
shifted from animated cartoons,
such as Mario and Donkey Kong,
into the gaming world of war and
destruction.
With new first person shooter
war games coming to the market,
the gaming world has shifted from
the traditional old fashion games
into a new decade of gaming.
Ranging from the Halo series
to the newly released Call of
Duty, war games and first person
shooter games have rampaged
the country. These games have
changed the way people have
been playing games over many
years.
With the graphics of games
looking more realistic, these war
games make the player feel like
they are actually in the game.
Here are a couple of the top war
and first person shooter games
from 2010:
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Battlefield: Bad Company 2
was one of the first war games to
come out this year. It came out
in March and helped to set the
standard for first person shooter
and war games.
This game’s online experience
allows the person to not only feel
like they are in a war, but allows
them to take control of different
weapons such as tanks and
helicopters. The graphics of this
game are decent, but not to the
standards of other games.
The campaign for this game
is well put together. With its
futuristic take on warfare, it
allows the player to experience all
different aspects of warfare. The
campaign also goes all over the
world. From snowy mountains to
the desert, players go all over the
place in this game.
All around game rating: B+.
Halo: Reach
With the Halo games seeming
like they were over after Halo 3:
ODST, Bungie came out with this
new and improved Halo game.
This game goes way into the
future of first person shooter and
warfare.
Halo: Reach has a campaign
that is harder then the previous
Halo games. It consists of even
more enemies and takes even
more skill to kill them. The
campaign is made to allow up to
four people to play on each level.
The graphics of this game are
better than previous games. This
game really takes the players into
the future and allows them to
experience what future warfare
will be like. Gamers really enjoy
this futuristic feel.
Online game play is the same
as it was in Halo 3, but it brings
new maps and some new game
play along with it. Fire fight is
one of the new game modes that
can be played online along with
the other game modes.
All around game rating: A.
Medal of Honor
EA’s new war game looks to
put them back on the war gaming
market. Medal of Honor’s story
line takes place in Afghanistan
and portrays the war on terrorism.
The first person shooter in this
game is of U.S. military personnel
that are fighting in the war on
terror.
This game has brought up
some controversy in the multi
player mode where players can
be Taliban terrorists and kill U.S.
soldiers.
Although the game allows
players to be terrorists, its online
maps take place in a setting
of battle rather than in a town
environment.
All around game rating: B.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
One of the most highly
anticipated games of the year,
Call of Duty: Black Ops is one
of the best first person shooter
games on the market.
This has a campaign about
a special operator named Alex
Mason that takes on many
different missions for him to try
and get his memory back. These
missions take place over many
different maps.
The online multi player has
been upgraded from the last
one. Players can now have two
players on the same Xbox 360
and still play online. Gamers
must now buy weapons and other
accessories with money that is
earned after winning matches
online. New maps and accessories
make online play better than
before.
All around game rating: A.
There are other games that
have helped change the gaming
world in 2010. None of them
impacted the gaming world like
first person shooter games.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS
First person shooter games have been all the hype on the market for 2010 and have made a major impact on the gaming
world.
12
December 2010
Sports
Briefs
Boys
Basketball
1-0
Their first victory is
over Cuyahoga Falls 6739 with three dunks by
Prescott Williams
Girls
Basketball
Athletes ready for next level
BY JOSH KIPFER
As this year continues some
of the top athletes in our school
have to make the big decision of
going on to play their sport at the
college level.
For some the big decision is
just if they want to commit to
the hard work and time a college
sport demands. Between class
and practice your free time is
very limited, but when you talk to
anyone who has played a college
sport they always say it is worth
it.
“The benefits outweigh the
time commitment, such as
discipline, lifelong skills, lifelong
friendships and it provides
opportunities to enhance the
college experience,” said teacher
Mr. Lance Currens.
The high school has a lot of
2-2
Their first two wins
over Strongville, and
Tallmadge. Their two
losses came to Hudson
and Twinsburg
Wrestling
The team went to
the Moeller duals on
Dec. 4 and beat St.
Xavier, Springboro,
Mason, and Moeller
Swimming
Both girls and boys
swimming teams
beat Barberton and
Tallmadge and Elaina
Lanson curently hold
six records
S PORTS 1
THE BRUIN
Photo courtesy of Mr. Teringo
While his mom and dad look on, Clay, 12, signs to Kent State University to wrestle
for the Flashes next year. He was one of many WHS athletes to sign early.
athletes that will be playing at
college in many different sports.
When asked what the major
factor was in her decision to go
swim at Georgia Southern, Elaina
Lanson, 12, said, “ The weather,
the girls and I really liked the
coach. It also has the program
I wanted to go into which is
Broadcast Journalism, and I can
perform well in the conference
my freshman year.”
Clay Wenger, 12, signed at
Kent State for wrestling on Dec.
1. He won the Suburban League
and the sectional tournaments in
his weight class of 152. He also
went on to states to help the team
win the overall Division one State
title.
Sheldon Brandenburg, 12, will
be signing at Cleveland State
for wrestling. He took first place
at the suburban and sectionals
meets, second place at the district
meet, and a fifth place at the state
tournament to help the team win
it all over all.
Taylor Woods, 12, signed at
Ashland for basketball this year.
She will be a three year letter
winner for the girls team, and has
been a part of a Suburban League
Title team.
Robyn Rotterschmidt, 12, also
signed at Ashland for basketball.
She is a big part of the team this
BCS degrading to college football
SPORTS OPINION BY
BRETT AMADON
As the college football season
winds down, and the bowl games
approach, once again, the BCS is
filled with controversy.
With three teams remaining
undefeated, and only two able to
play for the national championsip,
it prompts the popular question,
will the BCS ever adopt a playoff
system?
The BCS is comprised of three
polls: USA Today Coaches’ Poll,
Harris Poll, and an average of
three computer rankings. These
polls consider factors such as
record and strength of schedule to
ensure that #1 and #2 plays each
other in the title game.
Still, the simple fact is the
BCS fails year in and year out to
provide a fair way of determining
a national champion.
In college basketball, upsets are
a comon theme, yet with the BCS,
that factor is virtually eliminated.
If college basketball had the BCS,
Butler would have never made
their magical run to the final game
last season.
Another problem with the BCS
system is it is more directed to the
schools who want money, rather
than the players who put in all the
sweat and effort every week.
Greed plays an intrical part in
the BCS, and personally, I believe
this is the sole reason as to why
there is not a playoff system. If
there were to be a playoff, schools
would lose millions of dollars they
would have received from the
bowl games. (Remember schools
want money, the team and players
are merely an afterthought).
Boise State, who is considered a
non-automatic qualifying school,
was ranked as high as number
three in the BCS rankings this
season before falling to Nevada.
That loss eliminated them from
a BCS bowl game and cost the
school and the WAC conference
13.5 million dollars, including
Nevada!
Unlike Division I, Division II
and III have had a playoff system
now for a while. This year, the
playoff field has been expanded
to 20 teams, comprising of
conference champions, who get
an automatic bid, and wildcard
teams who get selected by a
committee. If this system were
in place, Boise State would
almost be assured of a spot in the
playoffs.
“I would like a playoff system
because it gives 1-loss teams a
chance for the title,” said Bilal
Hoblos, 11.
20 teams, win or go home. That
simple format is the structure that
ultimately leads to a national
champion. Higher-seeded teams
get home field advantage until
the championship game which is
played at a neutral site.
The BCS pits the top two teams
against each other every year. Yet
in a playoff system, the top two
teams do not always play each
other. Why? It is called upsets,
and those are something that the
ridiculous computer system has
never heard of.
Also, closed-minded executives
fail to remember the recent past.
In 2004, LSU and USC split
a national championship. This
absolutely would never happen in
a simple playoff format.
Another reoccuring theme
with the BCS is that teams from
PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS
Tyrod Taylor and Virginia Tech were left for dead after losses to Boise State and
James Madison; however, after 11 straight victories, the Hokies are for real.
automatic-qualifying conferences
are making it to the big games
with a pitiful record.
According to the BCS, its goal
is match-up the best of the best.
However, when teams with three
and four losses continuously win
the conference and advance to
the BCS, it raises the question,
why do the conferences continue
to receive automatic bids despite
their unworthy record?
“Teams with a barely .500
record don’t deserve a BCS bid,”
said Angus Hartman, 12.
The Big East is a prime
example of this. Connecticut,
who finished the year 8-4, won the
Big East despite not even being
ranked in the top 25. Clearly,
Connecticut deserves to go to a
bowl game more their style, say
the Meineke Car Care Bowl, not
the Fiesta Bowl. The Big East
has proven over the years they
are not a powerhouse conference
and should be stripped of their
automatic qualifier.
“I feel that the Big East’s BCS
bid should be taken from them
and given to a non AQ team,”
said Zach Richards, 12.
Finally, strength of schedule
clearly does not matter. Michigan
State (11-1), played two ranked
teams all year, one of which,
Iowa, blew them out. Yet, because
of their record, they vaulted up
to #8 in the standings and were
strongly considered for a BCS
bowl, which is ridiculous!
All in all, the BCS is clueless
in all facets of the game.
Faulty rankings and seemingly
meaningless stats proves why
playoffs are needed, and quick!
year being one of the few six foot
centers in the league
Alli Beery, 12, signed at the
University of Toledo for softball
on a full scholarship. She is a
three year starting pitcher and
first base for the Lady Grizzlies
and helped them to a 16-11
record last year.
Ian Johnson, 12, is looking to
sign at Mt. Vernon for soccer. He
had a very good year this year
with many awards at the end
including first team all league,
first team all county, first team all
district and second team all state.
Julie Bassett, 12, is a
prospective signer at Mt. Vernon
College for volleyball. She lead
the valleyball team this year to a
Suburban League Title.
Prescott Williams, 12, is also a
prospective signer for basketball,
but is not sure where he wants to
play yet. He was a leading scorer
on the team last year and helped
them out to the best record, 13-8,
since 2004.
Nate Heideman, 12, is another
prospective signer for football.
The school that has interested
him the most is Baldwin Wallace.
He was the quarterback this year
for the football team.
These athletes have worked
relentlessly thus far, and truly
deserve to play at the next level.
BCS
Predictions
BCS National Championship
Oregon over Auburn
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma over Connecticut
FedEx Orange Bowl
Virginia Tech over Stanford
Allstate Sugar Bowl
Arkansas over Ohio State
The Rose Bowl
TCU over Wisconsin
THE BRUIN
December 2010 13
S ports 2
Justice League splits up; intramural championship up for grabs
BY MATTHEW DOYLE
Last year, the Lumberjacks won
the sophomore-freshman division in
intramural basketball and were hoping
to take their intramural talents to the
next level. However, there was one
team that was standing in their way.
That team, The Justice League, was
the top returning team in the seniorjunior division, but unfortunately, the
team broke up which has led to a wide
open championship race.
The Justice League were onetime champions of their sophomorefreshman division, but came up
short of the championship last year
in the senior-junior division with a
dominant starting line-up of seniors
Nick Messam, Kevin Sklarek, Garrett
Cutting, Adam Woodard, and Ryan
Bonzo. Unfortunately, two starters
were dropped from the team.
Cutting and Woodard have formed
a new team, which will consist of
Hayden Kilbride, 12, Matt Woods,
12, and former high school basketball
player, Sam Goddard, 12. This squad
hopes to bring justice back to the
intramurals and prove to the world that
they are not a team to mess with.
“We understand that they are angry,
but we know that we can win without
those guys. They were the ones that
needed us,” said Nick Messam, 12.
The senior teams were not the only
teams to be filled with controversy in
the off-season. Last year, the rivalry
of the Lumberjacks and Primates was
ignited, but this year the teams have
been shaken up. The Lumberjacks,
who are now going by the name
B.S.T.B., won the championship last
year and have a one win advantage
over their rivals. The Primates have
changed their name to the Dirty
Wizards and are hoping to have star
player, Ryan Wise, 11, back in time for
the playoffs.
To go along with the free agent
movements of Cutting and Woodard,
there was a trade between the rivals,
B.S.T.B. and Dirty Wizards, that will
have an impact on the two teams. Mitch
Gordon, 11, was a star player on the
Primates last year, but a disappointing
ending to the season led Gordon to
PHOTO courtesy of Yearbook
The Lumberjacks, or B.S.T.B., took home the sophomore-freshman championship last year for intramurals and hope to
continue that success into the senior-junior league.
3
By
The
Numbers
request a trade. As a result, the Dirty
Wizards sent Gordon to B.S.T.B. for
shooting guard, Jake Kettenbauer, 11.
Unfortunately, Gordon hurt his knee
during the football season and is not
expected to play this year, but has not
ruled out the possibility of returning.
“I was disappointed with the way
the season ended last year, but I am
occurred on other teams, but nobody
can look at the Ballaholics resume
and not declare them contenders for
the championship. In recent rankings,
the Ballaholics are ranked fifth in the
league, but they are not disappointed.
The team is using these low rankings
as motivation.
The acquisitions that have occurred
in the offseason have
“We can win without those reminded some of the
guys. They were the ones movement of LeBron
James during the
that needed us.”
summer, but there is a
-Nick Messam, 12
difference.
The movement of
hoping to return for the championship James only made one team better,
game this year and show the Dirty while all of the teams have become
Wizards what they are missing,” said better in the intramural league making
Gordon.
for an exciting season. Also, Cutting
Another team that could be and Woodard did not have an hour
contenders is the Ballaholics. The long television show to announce their
Ballaholics, who came in second decision to make a new team, and the
place this year in the three on three Dirty Wizards and B.S.T.B. did not
tournament, look towards their announce their trade to the world. They
star players, Brad Virgin, 11, and did their movements with class, unlike
Nick Marshall, 11, to lead them to a James.
championship. The team is looking for
Fans have marked their calendars
Drew Starr, also known as the “Mixed for when Cutting and Woodard will
Mamba,” to dominate the boards and play their former team and when the
play the way he did in the tournament. Dirty Wizards play B.S.T.B. as they
“I was impressed with the way the could possibly determine who plays
Ballaholics played against us during in the championship. This is the most
the summer, but unfortunately, nobody competitive the intramural season has
ever remembers who came in second,” been in the past ten years and teams are
said Gunnar Graham, 10.
so evenly matched that there is no clear
The Ballaholics and other teams are cut number one team. The teams are
not being noticed throughout the league ready. The coaches are ready. The fans
because of the controversy that has are ready. Let the controversy begin.
20,562
Number of surgeries Jack
Snowball, 11, had to have
in the 2010-2011 football
season.
Number of people that
booed LeBron James at
Quicken Loans Arena on
December 2, 2010.
89-9
Nick Tavanello’s, 11,
record against high school
wrestling opponents.
He also has 1 state
championship.
True Grizzly fan offers wish list to Santa
SPORTS OPINION
BY GARRETT CUTTING
Dear Santa,
I, along with all the other sports
fans here at Wadsworth, would
like to share some holiday wishes
with you, Kris. I dearly hope we
are on a first name basis.
I have focused this year on
being a good kid. I will be honest;
that is not very hard when I go to
bed at 8:30 p.m., but please give
me some props. I better be on
your “Nice” list because if I am
not, I am going to have to have a
talk with Bernard, your head elf,
because that is just outrageous.
It has taken me some time
to conjure up this list of events
I would like to come true that
not only reflect my ideas, but I
think all the other sports fans at
Wadsworth would appreciate this
too.
1. Wrestling team repeatI know it was only last year
that our wrestling team won state.
It would be great to see them
make it back to the Schottenstein
Center and see all the hard work
pay off again. With 8 returning
members from last year’s
lineup, the squad remains a top
contender for the title. They are
very hard working, and they are
also extremely deserving of their
accomplishments.
2. Winter sports teams win
Suburban League Title- Both of
the Grizzly basketball teams have
difficult schedules to say the least,
but that should not stop their hopes
of getting the prestigious title of
Suburban League Champions.
The swimming teams have solid
lineups, so they have a good shot
at becoming the League Champs.
The gymnastics team had a bit
of a rough year last year, so they
have some ground to make up
this year. I hope they can get it
done and bring another banner
to WHS. The last winter team is
the wrestling team. I am not very
concerned about them. If they
do not win the Suburban League
Title, I will be flabbergasted.
3. Browns keep Peyton HillisPeyton Hillis is a man. He is the
heart and soul of the Browns
offense.
“His arms are as big as Tre
Palecek,” said Adam Weese, 12.
The Browns need to keep him.
He runs over people, hurdles
them, and then has one of the
sweetest celebrations after he
scores a touchdown where he just
flexes. He brings excitement to
Cleveland, and that is exactly what
the city needs after you-knowwho left. He has one year left on
his rookie contract. He is not even
making over a million dollars a
year, so I hope the Browns give
him an extension sooner rather
than later. Hillis, who was called
“America’s running back” by
Trey Wingo from ESPN, is one
of the toughest running backs in
the NFL, and it is a privilege for
the Browns to have him on their
team. On the other hand, I would
like to see the Browns get rid of
Jake Delhomme. Colt McCoy
is our future quarterback, so he
should get more playing time.
4. Miami Heat to not do wellAlright, so the return of LeBum
did not go so well for the Cavs,
but that does not mean smooth
sailing for the team down in
South Beach for the rest of the
year. I would not mind to see
them lose 45 to 50 straight games.
That would make every person
happy except for Posh, who looks
like a Velociraptor, D. Fade, and
Queen James, who should just
marry his girlfriend so he can get
his first ring.
“I hope the Cavs can make the
playoffs this year and knock the
Heat out,” said Jordan Woods, 10.
Santa, if you can make all these
wishes come true, I will sing loud
for all to hear. I think that is by far
the best way to spread Christmas
cheer. Some of these wishes are
not far from coming true, so I
hope they do; I have no doubts.
Love,
Garrett
PHOTO COURTESTY OF BOB TAYLOR
Rachel, 10, goes in for a layup against Tallmadge. The Lady Grizzlies won that game in deciding fashion behind a stellar student
section. All the winter sports teams hope to capture the Suburban League Title this year.
14
December 2010
THE BRUIN
A DS
Patrons 2010-2011
Al and Amy Mavity
Allison Parsons
Amy Alic
Amy LaMonica
Anne Mellinger
Barb McConnell
Becky Dills
Beth Lance
Bill and Deanna Lyren
Bill and Sharon Powell
Bob and Kathy Calhoun
Brian and Paula Sherrill
Carol Simmons
Chris and Leslie King
Craig King
Dale and Debbie Fortner
Dave and Laura Bennett
David & Karen Cutting
Deb Tavanello
Debbie and Gary Lake
Dee Bennett
Delbert & Sandy Killough
Diana Maddox
Don and Carol Grey
Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Manning
Dwain Kibler
Elizabeth Khoury
Jeff and Kathie Priest
Jeff Teringo
Jessica Henry
Jill Krug
Jim and Shelly Davis
Joe & Kellie Baughman
John and Chris Perebzak
Jon Kipfer
Jordan Cutting
Judy Lepley
Kristin Contini
Kirt and Leanne Virgin
and Family
The Bertuzzi Family
Larry Kaufman Family
The Capron Family
Lauren Woodard
The Csaky Family
Leslie Georgiadis
The Dammarell Family
Linda Kramer
The Douglas Family
Lisa and Ken Owens
The Fusco Family
Lisa Feltes
The Gahan Family
Lisa Jones
The Hamilton Family
Mark and Cheryl Gilbert
The Lanson Family
Mark Postak
The McQuate Family
Mark Schoonover
Matt, Kristin, and Jude Cole The Ray Family
The Sidol Family
Max and Diane Miller
The Van Dyke Family
Melissa Eaton
The Vanfleet Family
Michael Pellish
The Williams Family
Mike Schmeltzer Sr.
The Wise Family
Mr. Parsons
Thomas Tavanello
Mr. Shepherd
Tim and Judi McNutt
Mr. Sladky
Todd and Kelley Dorland
Mr. Steve Moore
Tom and Mary Ann Postak
Mrs. Barb Klaus
Tom and Tracy Penrose
Nancy King
Pappas Construction Co, Inc. Trish and Dave Swanson
Paul and Roberta Woodard Walt and Betty Gairing
Phil and Leighanne Baier
Rachael and Ed Hantzsche
Rich and Cheri Long
Rich and Cynthia Doyle
Rich Berlin
Rita Couch
Robinson Water Systems Inc.
Rocky and Lori Robinson
Roscoe and Raetta Gasser
Sarah & Judge McIlvaine
Spencer Schleigh
Sra. Mateos
Steve & Karen Blankenship
Sue Fisher
Tamara Amadon
Tavanello’s Pizza
The Berg Family
The Bruin
thanks
you
for your
continued
support!
Kitchens, Baths, Offices, Libraries, Entertainment Centers,
Bars, Residential & Commercial - Quality Cutsom-Made
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[email protected]
BY HAYLEY DOUGLAS
When
approaching Anna
Anderson with the esteemed
award, “Junk of the Month,” she
squealed with excitement because
of the love she feels for her 1990
Oldsmobile Sierra Cutlass.
During the winter months
one often uses windshield
wiper fluid to help quickly melt
some of the ice away, but for
Anderson this is a laughable idea.
Prescott Williams, 12, said, “The
windshield wiper button sticks
for at least 20 minutes, so I like to
hold it down, and it never stops!”
The rustic red look occurred
from the wear and tear of the
previous owners, Anderson’s
great-grandmother and both of
her older sisters.
Anna, 11, poses with her antique car named, “Old Red.”
PHOTO BY TOM CALHOUN
In the snow, the driver’s side
door leaks not only water but
arctic air as well. Along with the
problems of the driver’s door, the
passenger’s door does not always
open on command.
The all red interior and the red
exterior made Anderson’s friends
nickname the car, “Old Red.”
One can tell the years have worn
the Sierra Cutlass down because
Anderson’s speedometer does not
gage her speed, and the gas gage
is never accurate, making it hard
for her to determine when the car
needs fuel to move another inch.
In all, Anderson’s 1990 ride
is at the breaking point. With a
“million miles” recorded, “Old
Red” might actually be a diamond
in the rough - proved tried and
true through all of the years.
On behalf of The Bruin,
Congratulations Anna Anderson.
15
s t u d e n t s
o f
t h e
m o n t h
What is your favorite
class?
-Spanish III junior year with Señor Lee 5th period!
Plans for college?
-Study math education!
Quote you live by?
”If you can’t say
anything nice, don’t say it
at all.”
What is your favorite
class?
-Mr. Callaghan’s 7th
period Senior Composition!
Plans for college?
-Attend Ashland
University in the Fall.
Quote you live by?
“Be the change you wish
to see in the world.”
Elliot
Anna
December 2010
A.J.
THE BRUIN
O F THE MONTH
JUNK OF THE MONTH
TEACHER FEATURE
Mr. Tudor
Career Tech.
Students of
The Month
BY TIFFANY WEISS
What is your favorite memory
from your career at WHS?
Being awesome...
Why did you want to become a
teacher?
I wanted to work with kids,
coach, be able to talk about
government/economics and be
paid for it!
PHOTO BY HAYLEY DOUGLAS
What is your favorite food?
I love to chow down on
buffalo wings.
What is your favorite car?
The brand new Honda
Odyssey- what a mini-van!
What do you want to achieve?
I want more than anything,
an undefeated freshmen boys
basketball season. Games are at
Tudor works diligently to ensure his class receives the best learning experience.
4:00 in the East Gym. See you
there.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is the Colts
not making it into the playoffs.
Your ultimate pet peeve?
I dislike it when students
complain or make excuses.
What person from history
would you enjoy to be like?
I would love to be like
the famous first President of
the United States, George
Washington.
What is your greatest
accomplishment?
Convincing my wife to marry
me.
Clay
Senior
Senior
Teacher
Training
Teacher
Training
Tip
Quote
Song
Movie
One of the
best ways
to stay
warm is to
wear a hat;
most body
heat is lost
through
the top of
the head.
“The
future
depends
on what
we do
in the
present.”
“Monster”
The
Tourist
Kanye West
Featuring:
Nicki Minaj
Lily
Featuring:
Fine Arts Students
Of The Month
Senior
Hannah
(Band, Drama)
Johnny
Depp
&
Angelina
Jolie
-Mahatma
Gandhi
PHOTO COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS
Senior
Haley
(Art, Choir, Drama)
16
December 2010
S PEAKOUT
THE BRUIN
STUDENTS
What is your favorite holiday movie?
“The old Rudolph
movie with the island
of the lost toys!”
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas
because Jim Carey is a hunk...even
in green!”
-Mitch Oehlenschlager, 12
“Elf
because
maple
syrup with noodles is
the bomb diggidy!”
-Ryan Bonzo, 12
“My favorite holiday movie is
Elf because it is a funny movie
to watch with my friends.”
-Emily Zeitz, 9
-Jackie Petrak, 11
Mitch
PHOTO BY CALLIE RAY
“Elf; ‘He’s an angry elf!’”
-Erik Peltz, 10
“Christmas Vacation is my favorite
holiday movie because it is a funny
and entertaining movie.”
Connor VanFleet, 10
“How the Grinch Stole
Christmas
because
the
Grinch’s heart grows three
times its normal size. It also
shows the true meaning of
Christmas and how it is not
just about presents.”
-Brenna House, 9
Erik
PHOTO BY NATALIE DAVIS
“Christmas Vacation! My family
watches it every Christmas Eve!”
-Krista Frank, 12
Alyssa
PHOTO BY NATALIE DAVIS
“My favorite holiday movie is
A Christmas Story because it
is the best, classic, Christmas
movie. I watch it every Christmas
while opening presents. It is
funny every time I watch it. I
will always love this movie!”
-Alyssa Horton, 11
“Every Christmas Eve my whole
family gets together and watches A
Christmas Story. It is the best one
out there!”
-Dustin Likens, 12
TEACHERS
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
“Watching White Christmas while
decorating the Christmas tree!”
-Mrs. Pamela Csaky
“Going out as a family and cutting
down a Christmas tree and the
Christmas Eve Church Service.”
-Mr. Larry Kaufman
“I love making cookies with my kids.
They enjoy helping add the ingredients,
cut out the shapes, and they like to
make a huge mess with the sprinkles.”
-Ms. Kristin Contini
“Festivus is my favorite holiday. My
favorite tradition is the ‘airing of the
grievances’ and ‘feats of strength.’”
-Mr. Dwain Kibler
“Opening up presents on a snowy
Christmas morning with my husband
and beautiful baby boy. Throw in a
roaring fire and a good cup of coffee,
and my Christmas is complete!”
-Mrs. Michelle Rohrer
“Tackling my old man in the snow and
then giving him a good old fashion
white wash or packing a snowball
upside his head! Classic!”
-Mr. Bobby Jones
“My favorite traditions are
making Christmas cookies and
decorating the tree. I especially
love hanging up my favorite
ornament that Mrs. Mellinger
gave us!”
-Mrs. Abby Elliott
Mrs. Sandra Nedoh
PHOTO BY CALLIE RAY
“To sit around the fireplace
after dinner and listen to the
older members of the family as
they exchange stories from their
childhood memories.”
-Mrs. Sandra Nedoh
“WRESTLING PRACTICE!”
-Mr. Kip Shipley