Snowmaggedon Roman`s Basketball Shines

Spring 2014
The Cahillite
Page
THE CAHILLITE
Snowmaggedon
Written by Stephen Manna
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no
it’s snow, and lots of it.
2014 began with a wintery
start, with snow becoming
a common thing from early January to March. When
people think March, they
think of leprechauns and
clovers, not potential
snowstorms and icy roads.
This year, it is all we are
getting. The total snowfall
of this year is 56 inches,
which is one for the record
books. This winter is a terrible one, with no end in
sight. And with these record snowfalls, and what
most students care about,
are the days off.
Inside this Issue:
We have had a lot of
days off, more than the
free days we had to use.
We have used more days
than that, and now the
worry on everyone’s minds
is if we are going to lose a
lot of days off that we already had, such as holy
days. If Philadelphia says
that the public schools
don’t have to make up
their days, the Archdiocese
may follow. The year could
be longer because of these
snow days. For seniors,
this is no worry because of
our set graduation date,
but for the underclassmen,
it’s a possible reality.
Also, many people were
hurt on the slippery roads
and sidewalks, whether it
is from cars sliding
around, cars crashing,
bikes slipping, or by just
walking around, people
have gotten hurt. The
snow has caused many
problems in our area, and
it is really because of how
separated the storms are.
The storms did not happen back to back, they
were spaced out. This
caused snow to fall, then
melt slightly, then freeze
again. This caused problems with black ice and ice
in general. The conditions
of this winter were perfect
for these kinds of problems.
The latest storm passed
with no major problems,
and winter is out. However, with this weather, we
could have 20 inches by
next week. The outlook,
however, seems like sunny
skies are on their way, and
winter has come and gone.
The winter of 2014 will go
down in the record books
as one of the highest snow
falls in a while, the second
highest in history. And as
winter passes, we trade one
form of falling liquid for
another. Rain is coming.
Roman’s Basketball Shines
Written by Jonathan Lai
Roman News...
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Roman News...
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World News
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Roman in History
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Sports
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Sports
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Roman Review
8
The 2013-14 basketball
season has been a great
success for the Cahillites.
Coach McNesby brought
this program back from a
tough loss last year at the
Palestra to St. Joe's Prep to
capture the #1 seed in the
PCL. The seniors played
this year with a chip on
their shoulder, as Shep
Garner (Penn State commit) and Rashann London
(Drexel commit) led the
team throughout the season. It all started with a
successful trip to Hawaii,
where the team took on
some of the best basketball programs in the nation, finishing the tournament in the top 4.
The new faces of the
team played a key role in
the success of the Cahillites. Gemil Holbrook
'15 was a steady sharpshooter from deep all year
long, while Tony Carr '16
brought a maturity to the
point guard position that
allowed Garner and London to flourish on the
wing. This wing attack
could only be possible by
the respectful big men
down low. The team had
TreVaughn Wilkerson '15
and Manny Taylor '15
down low battling every
night and Wilkerson's
presence was truly missed
in the PCL final against rival Neumann Goretti.
After the tough five
point loss to Neumann,
the Cahillites bounced
back against Martin Luther
King, winning the District
12 championship for the
second straight season in a
very intense battle. The
Cahillites moved on to the
AAAA PIAA playoffs in
the month of March, and
were one of the favorites
to take the state title. Unfortunately, Roman did not
make it to the State Championship but played their
hearts out. A special
thanks and good luck to
the Roman Catholic basketball seniors as they finish their time at Catholic
High.
Page 2
The Cahillite
Spring 2014
WHAT’S NEW AT BROAD AND VINE
Hooray for Hollywood! Roman Hosts Annual Romauction
Written by Michael Schwoerer
On March 1st, Roman
Catholic High School held
its annual Romauction, an
essential fundraiser for the
Cahillites. Friends, faculty,
and family of Roman congregated in the gymnasium
in their perpetual support
of the school. Thanks to
the hard work and dedication of the Romauction
Committee, the entire
building was decorated in
accordance with a Hollywood theme, complete
with a red carpet on the
third floor, golden gossamers winding up the
staircases, and a massive
Hollywood sign spanning
the width of the gym.
The event was staffed by
Broad and Vine’s Ambassadors, who worked the
doors, the registration tables, and the splendor in
the gym. The entire affair
was wondrous to behold!
food and drink. Throughout the night, the attendees cast bids on various items in a silent auction, which included in its
repertoire several pieces
of art crafted by Roman
students in Ms. Gallagher’s
art classes. Later in the
night, Mr. Conroy emceed
The benefactors began
the live auction, in which a
to pour through the main
doors at around 6:00, from wide array of items were
whence they were whisked auctioned off to those
present. Such highup to the Romauction;
once there, they were
fetching items included
treated to a veritable smor- golf outings, fishing trips,
gasbord of all varieties of
and the ever– contested
Mom Prom
Written by: Matthew Grueninger
Both mothers and students had a great time at
the Mothers’ Club annual
Mother Son dance or
“Mom Prom.” This dance
is one of the biggest
events of the year and is a
chance for sons to not only bond with their mothers, but also have a great
time socializing and dancing. It took place at
Drexelbrook, which is
known for its excellent
staff and catering and delicious food.
The night started off
with the sons and mothers
socializing and finding
their seats. Everybody was
served an elegantly packed
salad, with many other options offered on the side.
There was also a bar that
served many delicious
nonalcoholic drinks. Each
mother also received a gift
based on what class her
son was in.
front-row seats at this
year’s graduation. Once the
auction concluded, the Romauction guests continued
socializing, eating, and enjoying the night as they
had in years past, and will
in years to come.
Meet Mrs. Langsdorf
Written by: Christian Petrillo
The Cahillite would like
to cordially welcome Miss
After everyone was finLangsdorf to Broad and
ished eating, the DJ started
Vine! Miss Langsdorf bethe music, and upperclassgan here at Roman in early
men were the first to start
January and has been endancing. Sons that were in
joying her time since.
the same class sat together,
Though the past few
and each class was called
months have been so chaup over the course of the
otic in the event of countdance to come and dance
less snow storms, Miss
alone with their mother.
Langsdorf loves getting to
Towards the end of the
know the faculty and studance, the seniors were
dents. Particularly at our
called. After the seniors
school's pep rally, she felt
danced with their mothers,
the school unity and
they started a chant and
brotherhood that gives
went out into the lobby.
Roman Catholic such a
Overall, it was a great
wonderful reputation.
night and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Miss Langsdorf has an
immense experience in the
study of theology. She attended Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio
and worked within the
Catholic Church as a diocesan administrator and
within the school systems
for twelve years. Here at
Roman Catholic, she is
teaching both sophomore
and junior theology classes.
The sophomore course
is centered around the life
of Jesus, while the junior
course is a study of Christian morality. Juniors are
currently reading Mere
Christianity by C.S. Lewis,
a philosophical text on the
meaning of Christian morality, where it originates,
and why it is important.
Miss Langsdorf hopes
that her students will have
a deeper understanding of
Catholic faith and that
while here at Roman, each
and every student will appreciate the Catholic faith
and that God has a special
plan for each and every
single one of them.
Spring 2014
The Cahillite
Page 3
WHAT’S NEW AT BROAD AND VINE
Roman Celebrates Catholic School’s Week
Written by Philemon Tedros
Catholic School's Week
here at Roman Catholic
High School was a great
success! It was a week full
of faith and fun and here
at RCHS, and we couldn't
ask for more! From the
moment on Monday when
you first walked in until
Friday when you left, Roman Catholic was filled
with an air of enthusiasm
and joy.
year.
them and the rest of the
needed with all the hard
work everyone had been
faculty and something I
On Tuesday, we had our
putting in throughout the
know all the students apalumni come back to Royear. We also had a Dresspreciated, plus we saved
man to give out candy to
Down Day, where everythe students. As a student, $5! We also had the stuone came into school redent/teacher volleyball
I saw with my own eyes
laxing in their sweatpants
how much the students
game. The game had a
and showing off their
loved the free candy. It was huge turn out and there
newest Jordans. At the end
not only a nice gift from
was a huge support for
of the day, we had the talour alumni, but a little
both sides competing.
ent show, where we had
something to keep us stuBoth sides put up a great
brave Roman students
dents awake during Chemgame, but the Teachers
come out and showcase
istry. Only Two days had
took the win this year, and their talent, all of which
On Monday, we started passed and already Cathowere amazing. Catholic
off the week with a Mass lic School's week had gone next year will be the StuSchool's Week this year has
dents time to shine. On
at the Cathedral. There is
off without a hitch.
been a massive success and
Friday, to close Catholic
no better way to start off
On Thursday, Mr. O'
we hope for an even better
School's Week, we had a
the week than prayer and
Neill and Father Flanagan
one next year.
Bell 4, something we
asking God to bless our
gave out free pretzels for
school for the remainder
Student Appreciation day
of Catholic School's week
during the lunch periods. It
and for the rest of the
Written by Andrew Banecker
was a great treat from
Speak Up! Is an organiAnother important part
zation whose sole purpose of the night is the recipient
Written by Kevin Sheeron
is to bring about conversa- of the Jimmy Medal. This
award is given to someone
On February 26, 2014, Next, the medal recipients tions between students
and adults that would usu- who embodies a lifestyle
the top students at Roman were announced. These
student are at the very top ally be awkward. The main that is consisted of four
were recognized for their
topics for Speak Up! 2014 major points: Resiliency,
of their class, ranking at
academic achievement of
either first or second hon- number one: Senior Phillip are: stress, dating and inti- Loyalty, Empathy, and Humate relationships, depres- mility.This award is open
Forrence, Junior Michael
ors at the annual Honors
sion/suicide and drugs
to anyone, but only one
Convocation. This evening Schwoerer, Sophomore
and alcohol. These topics person who is most deVincent Capitolo, and
is the chance for the adare discussed in breakout
serving will receive it; an
Freshman Nicholas Bishministration, faculty, and
ordinary person that does
parents to show their pride op. Finally, to wrap every- sessions that consist of
both Roman and Hallahan extraordinary things. Fathing up, Senior Joseph
for the students.
ther Casey received this
Greeby led everyone in the students along with, for
Alumnus Mr. Kenneth
the most part, anonymous year’s Jimmy Medal.
singing of "The Purple
Hobbs gave a speech
parents.
and the Gold.”
Speak Up! has touched
about the success he has
Professionals are the
so many people in its existThanks to all of the
had as a college student,
leaders of these sessions.
ence. Its mission is to apand as a member of socie- students and those others
proach the issues of today
ty from the great founda- mentioned, the night was a Speak Up! is categorized
by the acronym L.e.a.r.n.
to help our youth navigate
tion he received from Ro- success and left students
which means: Listen with the journey of life as hapman. Then, students from with a deep sense of selflove, Explore our minds,
py and prepared people for
satisfaction, and an even
9th to 12th grade were
our world. It is something
stronger desire to continue Acknowledge with our
recognized for their first
hearts, Respond with rethat no student, or even
to achieve greatness.
and second honors.
spect, Now.
adult, should miss out on.
Speak Up! 2014
R.C.’s Honors Night
Page 4
The Cahillite
Spring 2014
WHAT’S NEW AROUND THE WORLD
What’s New in Philadelphia: USS Somerset
Written by David Rula
Anyone who was anywhere near Penn’s Landing
on March 1st likely witnessed quite the spectacle.
On this day, over 5,000
people gathered to view
the commissioning ceremony of the new USS
Somerset. After being
docked for over a week,
this U.S. Navy ship was finally in active service.
This was especially significant because the ship
was a tribute to honor the
passengers who died on
flight 93 during 9/11.
Among the crowd were a
few family members of the
victims of that tragic day.
The ship was named after
Somerset County, where
flight 93 went down. Steel
from a crane that was near
the crash site was even
used in the making of the
ship. The words “Let’s
Roll” were inscribed on the
side, as they were spoken
by the passengers who
tried to fight the terrorists
aboard the flight.
This is the third ship to
be made in honor of the
9/11 victims, following the
USS New York and the USS
Arlington. The commissioning took place here because Philadelphia was as
close to Somerset County
as they could get. Many
felt that it would only be
appropriate if this ceremony were to be in the same
state that the event occurred.
What’s New in the United States: Rachel Canning
Written by Richard Zhang
In Morristown, New
Jersey, a teen by the name
of Rachel Canning, is suing her parents for not
paying for her school tuition, supporting her financially, and for abandoning
her. She states that her parents forced her out of
their house once she
turned eighteen on November 18th. Rachel
claims that her parents
treated her poorly and conflict ensured. Conflict between the three came
stemmed anywhere
from her weight to the inadequacy of her new boyfriend.
Her parents, Elizabeth
and Sean Canning, claim
that their daughter was incapable of following their
house rules, staying out
late and drinking underage.
On February 22nd, Rachel
filed a lawsuit against her
parents for “nonemancipation” and
“constructive abandonment.” This case is very
unique because this is a
first for the New Jersey
court of this sort. Usually,
these cases occur when it
involves parents who are
divorced, but her parents
are not. Currently, Rachel
is residing at a fellow classmates house and is funded
by her classmate's father,
who also happens to be
her lawyer. Some say he is
behind what is going on.
So far, both sides have argued but no progress is
being made. After countless hours of acrimonious
disparagement, the judge
had to reschedule the case
for March 22nd, due to no
progress.
Recently, Elizabeth Canning called her daughter
and Rachel finally returned
home. She has since decided to dismiss her complaint. The family has decided to work on improving their relationship.
What’s New in the World: Ukrainian Invasion
Written by Kenny Zhuo
Besides the Winter
Olympics, another Russian
related international incident happened, and still
continues. Ukraine has
been in a state of protests
since last November, when
their president voted
against joining the European union and instead
sided with Russia. While
we in the states have been
blasted with snow, political
buildings and squares in
have been blasted with
bombs, guns, and fire. The
worst happened on February 20th, when almost one
hundred people died in a
two day time frame. Several images online show the
difference in that time,
from a bright clean Independence Square to black
scorched ground littered
with shrapnel.
The government and protestors have been going
back and forth between
diplomatic discussion and
violent protest.
On February 27th, Russian troops seized control
of Crimean, a peninsula in
the Ukraine. The Russian
government claims that
they seized Crimean to
support Russians living in
The peninsula from the
Ukrainian authorities. Several countries, including
the United States, have
condemned the action,
saying it violates international law.
Spring 2014
The Cahillite
Page 5
ROMAN IN HISTORY
Mr. Edward Keenan— The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Written by Andrew Banecker
accustomed to call Rowith these people who are
man. Why come back
being treated for their awhere? Because he owed ten
ful disabilities; Mr. Keenan
dollars, of course.
describes it as “a punch in
The A.S.I.S.T. program, the nose.”
established in the fall 2000,
A rewarding punch in the
is a service club that is limnose at that.
ited to students in their
senior year. It essentially
pairs up Roman students
There is nothing but
(and future Roman alumni)
good coming from this
with current Roman alumprogram. There is an endni. Though there is a significant gap in age, the ex- less amount of appreciation when one of the senperiences are very much
ior citizens is graced with
the same. It gives the student and the alum the op- the presence of a student
portunity to share stories, from Roman, who is thornot just about their lives in oughly interested in the
A social worker by
general, but about their
wisdom that he possesses.
trade, Mr. Keenan had
previously worked at Tem- time at Roman Catholic.
What makes this program
Though times have
ple University for five
special is that it tries to taryears before settling back changed, there are many
get alumni that happen to
things
that
are
very
much
at Roman. He is also on
be at the Inglis House.
the board for our celebra- the same. Most importanttions of our 125th anniver- ly, it is an opportunity for
the current young men of
I would like to share an
sary; one can’t help but
Roman Catholic to learn
wait to see the kinds of
interesting and moving
festivities we have coming from the men who’s foot- story from the A.S.I.S.T.
steps they have followed. It
up next year.
program. Joe Gumpper is a
also gives the alums an opAt his graduation cere- portunity for some compa- graduate of Roman Catholic of the 1955 class. He
mony, Mr. Keenan was the ny and a chance to share
recipient of the prestigtheir knowledge on Roman did this without ever stepious Representative of
and on life. Mr. Keenan is ping into the school buildTraditions of Roman
ing. Not once. Gumpper,
fully committed to this
Catholic High School
who graduated one year
program, and it isn’t hard
Award. Also, Roman gave to see why not.
after Mr. Keenan, was dihim a ten dollar scholarStudents in this program agnosed with cerebral palsy
ship along with the award
as a young child.
(A large grant at the time, travel to the Inglis House
in Wynnefield. It is here
I’m sure.) It was enough
where some of the needithough, as Mr. Keenan
est of senior citizens in
will tell you, it isn’t about
the money. It was just the our area are being taken
care of. It is hard to put inbeginning of a love for
both service and “Catholic to words how moving the
experience is to be there
High,” which he is
In your travels at Roman Catholic High
School, you may come
across the friendly face of
Mr. Edward Keenan; but
you may not know it. For
those who do not know
him, Mr. Keenan is an
alumnus of this school
and graduated a mere sixty
years ago. He then went
on to graduate from the
University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social
Work and is currently the
school’s moderator for the
outstanding A.S.I.S.T. program here at Roman.
This feat would have been
impossible without the
help of his devoted mother. Mary would go to Roman and collect Joe’s assignments for the week.
Joe would then complete them and Mary
would return them to Roman. This went on for
four years, until he ultimately received his diploma. Many years later, Joe
had no choice but to enter
the Inglis House, for he
didn’t have anyone to take
care of him after the passing of his mother.
For nine years until his
death, he was visited by
various Roman seniors.
Roman was a large part of
his life. So large that one
of his final wishes was to
have Roman students as
his pallbearers at his funeral. Although a somber
time, at his grave Mr. Keenan proposed the idea to
sing our alma mater,
“Purple and Gold.” Mr.
Keenan puts it as, “The
man who had no one and
nothing, was given a legacy.
A Roman legacy.”
Page 6
The Cahillite
Spring 2014
Roman in History
Story of a Vocation
Written by Jake DeVos
It was a rainy October
day when 3 classmates and
I embarked on our first
ASIST trip with Mr. Ed
Keenan ’54. ASIST is the
Alumni-Student Intergenerational Service Team.
It enables caring students
from Roman to become
new sources of social contact and friends to alumni
of the school. We set out
to the old St. Vincent’s
Seminary and Miraculous
Medal Shrine, which are
located in the East Germantown section of Philadelphia. We were heading
to meet Father John Cusack, a Vincentian priest. I
thought this visit would be
a simple one; however it
turned into a profound experience.
snack room where we were
kindly ordered to have at
least 2 bowls of ice cream.
Father talked some more
as we scooped ice cream
into our bowls, and flipped
through the pages of his
old yearbooks.
When everyone finished
his ice cream, I asked Father a question. Unbeknownst to me, Father
would take the rest of our
visit to answer the question and the visit had become more than ever expected. I simply asked,
“Father, what made you
become a priest?” At first
he seemed a bit shocked
that a young man like me
would actually be interested in hearing his vocation
When we arrived the six
story. Other than when he
of us sat down, and Father
first entered the seminary,
Cusack began to reminisce
about his youth, especially he probably didn’t hear
his time at Catholic High. that question before. Nevertheless, he went on to
Father went on to tell us
how he wasn’t supposed to tell us.
attend Roman. His family
Father John said that
moved to Immaculate
when he was in the fourth
Conception parish, which
grade he was interested in
was a feeder school to
becoming an altar server.
North Catholic High
However, only certain kids
School. Still, Father
were chosen. On the day
showed up at Broad and
Vine because that’s where that his parish priest chose
his friends were. With the the new servers, Father
help of Father Heir, the
John, to his dismay, went
Vice Rector of Roman
home without a cassock
Catholic at that time, Faand surplice. When Father
ther Cusack was able to
John got home he did
stay at Broad & Vine. Afwhat any normal kid does;
ter Father discussed his
he played on the street
youth with us, we moved
with his friends. Before
from the parlor into the
going in for supper, one
of John’s friends wanted
to talk to him. John’s
friend, a newly selected altar server, told him that he
“wasn’t all that interested
in serving.” He asked John
if he wanted his cassock
and surplice. Without hesitation John accepted.
Panama, Fr. John was given the not-so-easy task of
establishing a boy’s high
school. It was only intimidating because Father wasn’t given any resources to
build the school. However,
with the help of many
generous donors, Father
was able to open “Colegio
San Vincente” within a
year. The school still
Father Cusack told us a thrives today.
Before departing from
bit about the priests at Immaculate Conception too. our meeting, Fr. Cusack
gave each of us a small
He said that they would be
manila envelope. This enon the front steps of the
velope included a blessed
church reading newspaMiraculous Medal, Holy
pers and smoking cigars.
Rosary, and pamphlets that
explained the miraculous
“They were normal peomedal, “how to pray the
ple,” said Father Cusack
rosary,” and Vincentian
about the priests he grew
ministries.
up with. Father really valFr. John is an extremely
ued the humanness of the holy man, and is still so
priests he was involved
fervent about his faith and
with. When Father John
living out his vocation. Fawas a high school student,
ther Cusack is a prime exthe Vice Rector of Roman ample of “an ordinary
at that time, Father Heir,
man, called to do extraorsaid that the Vincentians
dinary things.” He will be
“we’re a happy group.”
99 years old in August.
Although he felt a
The ASIST program is
strong connection with
more than just an extracurGod, Father Cusack didn’t
ricular activity that one
enter the Vincentian order participates in to fulfill his
until 3 years after high
community service reschool. After years of ser- quirements. ASIST is the
vice, devotion, discernbridge between two differment, and schooling John ent generations. It helps to
was ordained as Reverend
blend the student body
John Cusack, C.M. on May with alumni of years past,
26, 1945.
and it truly touches the
heart of both student and
Father taught at Saint
alumni. As we draw near
John’s Prep in New York
City. He was later assigned to Catholic High’s 125th
to be a foreign missionary anniversary, we should
continue to learn from the
in Panama, and out of
complete obedience to his people that Roman has
produced over the years.
superior he accepted. In
Spring 2014
The Cahillite
Page 7
SPORTS
Superbowl XLVIII Disappoints
Written by Christian Spoerl
So just about everyone
has seen or heard about
what happened on that
fateful night of February
2nd, also known as the Superbowl. And as you probably know, the Seattle Sea
Hawks won the game 43 8. Many people believed
that the Broncos would
easily claim the title. Clearly, that did not
happen. Right off the bat,
the Broncos gave up a
safety two seconds into the
game, after which everything went down hill for
the Broncos.
Later in the quarter, the
Sea Hawks scored a 31 and
33 yard field goal.
In the second quarter,
Marshawn Lynch scored a
touchdown, bringing the
score to 15-0. To end the
half, Malcolm Smith ran a
69 yard interception return
into the end-zone. Many
Denver fans believed that
the Broncos would pull
through in the second half,
but before they knew it,
Percy Harvin ran an 87
yard kick off return.
U.S.A. Men’s Hockey
Written by Brian Cunningham
Later in the quarter, the
Sea Hawks scored another
touchdown and the Broncos made somewhat of a
come back - a touchdown
and a rare two point conversion.
the third quarter. I was still
glad to see the Sea Hawks
win and I am sure that Seattle was too, but it would
have been a more exciting
game if the Broncos put
up a slightly better fight to
make the most anticipated
In the fourth quarter,
game of the year, a little
the Sea Hawks scored yet more interesting for their
another touchdown to end fans.
the game. Personally, I did
root for the Sea Hawks
and hoped they would
win, but not like this. Honestly, the game became
somewhat boring towards
U.S.A. Snowboarding
Written by Patrick Cavalieri
Snowboarding is a popBrown, David Backes,
Zach Parise, and Phil Kes- ular winter sport that was
sel.
developed in the United
States in the 1960s and beUSA, looking to adcame a Winter Olympic
vance to the Gold Medal
sport in 1998. At this
game, took on Canada in
year’s Winter Olympics in
the Semifinal game. UnSochi, many exciting snowfortunately, USA fell to
boarding events took place
Canada and took a 1-0
for men and women, inloss. Canada's only goal
was scored by Jamie Benn. cluding slopestyle, halfpipe, and snowboard cross.
Canada would ultimately
All of the events are brogo on to win the gold
ken up into the qualificamedal game against SweIn the third game, USA
den 3-0. USA collapsed in tions, the semifinals, and
took on Slovenia, winning
the finals.
the bronze medal game,
the match up 5-1 and maklosing to Finland 5-0. One
At this year’s Winter
ing their record 3-0. Goals
of USA's top players, Pat- Olympics, the slopestyle
were scored by Ryan
rick Kane, remained quiet events, which are when the
McDonagh, David Backes
during the games as he
boarders have to perform
and Phil Kessel, who had
had no goals. The next
a line of tricks using obstathree. Going into the
Olympics will be held in
cles while on a rough terQuarter Final game 3-0,
2018 in Korea.
rain, were the first to take
USA added another win,
improving to 4-0 with their
Hopefully, USA will take place. The USA took
home the gold medal for
match up against Czech
home the gold as they
the men’s and women’s
Republic. They won 5-2
look for redemption four
slopestyle finals.
with goals by the Philadel- years from now in the
phia Flyers's own James
2018 Winter Olympics.
Van Riemsdyk, Dustin
The 2014 Olympic
Games looked to be promising for USA's men’s
hockey team. Team USA
started off strong with a
win against Slovakia, taking the game 7-1. Team
USA also won the next
game, as they took on Russia. USA won 3-2 with
goals by David Backes,
Cam Fowler, and Joe
Pavelski.
The next event was the
halfpipe, which is when
boarders start individually
and form the top of a halfpipe and try to impress the
judges with a series of
tricks. Switzerland won the
gold medal for the men's
finals with USA’s Shaun
White trailing behind at
fourth place. However,
USA’s Kaitlyn Farrington
won the gold for the women's halfpipe.
Snowboard cross was
the next in line, which is
when either four or six
boarders race through
winding turns to reach the
finish line. France won the
gold for the men's finals
and the Czech Republic
for the women's.
Page 8
The Cahillite
Spring 2014
SPORTS
Roman Welcomes New Spring Sport: Volleyball
Written by Thomas Beck
For the first time in its
existence, Roman Catholic
High School is offering
volleyball through the athletic department. Mr.
McCloskey and his son,
Patrick McCloskey were an
integral part of bringing
volleyball to Roman. Patrick received a Division I
scholarship for Volleyball,
so his experience will surely help Roman. Roman,
with their help, began the
process of implementing
the new sport two years
ago and it is finally coming
to fruition.
Spring Sports
Written by Kevin Kohlepp
Spring sports on the
Roman Catholic Roster include outdoor track, crew,
rugby, baseball, tennis, lacrosse, and the newest addition, volleyball. From
baseball, the Roman team
had a hugely successful
season, making it all the
way to the championship.
Track started off strong
and has two Cahillites quialify for states. Rugby and
Lacrosse, two of our
strongest teams, unfortunately did not make the
playoffs. We all know how
proactive the tennis team
was this year and were able
to advance to the semis in
the playoffs. Lastly, Roman
Crew had a great and successful season, finishes
third in the PCL Championship and a few boats
won the city championships and will advance to
nationals. We congratulate
all teams that made these
season’s possible.
The new system was installed in the gym this past
summer and that was a
major part of the planning
process. With equipment
now in place, Roman hired
its only woman head
coach, Ping Ho Lee. Volleyball- along with baseball, crew, tennis, lacrosse,
rugby, and outdoor trackis a spring sport. Tryouts
were held in early March
and so the season began.
“It’s a nice addition to
out extra curricular activities,” junior and fellow Cahillite contributor Kevin
Sheeron says. “It just helps
more to emphasize the
kind of diversity that
makes our school So
unique.” Volleyball, often
concealed by the shadow
of bigger and more majestic sports such as basketball and football, is quickly
becoming a very popular
sport not only in the city,
but across the entire country as well.
For the Catholic League,
as well as every school involved, this is an inaugural
year for Volleyball, meaning it is the first season for
the Catholic League and
every team. There are
eight official teams for this,
its first, season; Archbishop Wood, Archbishop
Ryan, St. Joe’s Prep,
LaSalle, Monsignor Bonner, Lansdale Catholic,
Cardinal O’Hara and Roman.
For their first season,
Roman volleyball had an
incredibly successful season. The made it the
playoffs and beat Lansdale
to advance to the semifinals. They unfortunately
lost to Wood but the future looks bright for Roman Catholic Volleyball.
Movie Review: Superheroes
Written by Christian Spoerl
Captain America: The
Winter Soldier
The first to come to the
big screen is Captain
America: The Winter Soldier coming to theaters
April 4th. This film will
follow the continued story
of Captain America struggling to fit into the modern world and facing an
shadowy enemy known as
Captain America will also
team up with Natasha Romanoff & Sam Wilson. I
thought Chris Evans did
an excellent job in Captain
America: The 1st Avenger
and The Avengers.
Amazing Spiderman 2
The Amazing Spiderman 2 will continue Peter
Parkers journey through
his life as Spiderman tryingto keep the promise he
gave to Gwen Stacey's father to keep her out of
danger. Although this is
unconfirmed, it is believed
that the Sinister Six will
face off against the wall
crawler as it is confirmed
that The Rhino and Electro will be in the film. Also, in the trailer Doctor
Octopus's tentacles and
The Vulture's wing pack
are shown and Green
Goblin is present in the
New Years Trailer. Spidey's
sequel swings in to theaters May 2nd.
Hugh Jackman will once
again reprise his role as
Wolverine and this film
looks like it will be one of
the best of the X-Men series . This new installment
of the X-Men series hits
theaters May 23rd
Guardians of the Galaxy
Many people may not
be familiar with the team
who are accentually a
group of misfit aliens such
as Drax the Destroyer,
Gamora, Rocket Raccoon,
X-Men: Days of
Groot, and Star Lord.
Future Past
These 5 members will be
The next movie on this the Guardians who will be
list is the highly anticipated in the film. This movie will
X-Men: Days of Future
star a new group of MarPast where Professor X
vel actors such as Chris
and members of The XPratt, Bradly Cooper, and
Men such as Ice Man,
Vin Diesel. Lee Pace will
Beast, Havoc, Storm, Cyplay Ronan the Accuser
clops, and Colossus send
the main villain of the film
Logan (Wolverine) back in and by the look of the
time to prevent the end of trailer, it is sure to be an
human and mutant kind.
incredible experience.
Spring 2014
The Cahillite
Page 9
ROMAN REVIEW
Movie Review: Godzilla
Written by Matt Anticoli
Throughout its 28-year
run, the Godzilla franchise
has explored many different tones and genres. One
of the most entertaining
films in the series, and my
personal favorite, is 1991’s
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah. The third film in
the second run of the
Godzilla series, Godzilla
vs. King Ghidorah contains a fantastic array of
many classic science fiction concepts.
The film opens with a
mysterious ship landing in
Tokyo, the inhabitants of
which are revealed to be
travelers from the future.
These visitors, named Futurians, warn that Godzilla
will destroy Tokyo and
promise to help thwart
him. They travel back in
time to 1944 – when
Godzilla was created – and
sent the dinosaur that became Godzilla into the future, preventing the beast’s
creation. Unbeknown to
the present-day Japanese,
the Futurians created a
monster of their own in
place of Godzilla, the
three-headed, golden dragon King Ghidorah. King
Ghidorah, under the Futurian’s control, attacks
Japan, leaving massive destruction in its wake. Now
Japan’s only hope is to create Godzilla – a task accomplished by ramming a
nuclear sub into the dinosaur from 1944. Godzilla
is created, fights and defeats King Ghidorah, and
then proceeds to destroy
the city. The Japanese
mechanize the fallen King
Ghidorah. Godzilla and
Mecha-King Ghidorah are
plummeted into the sea,
where it is revealed that
Godzilla survived and
Mecha-King Ghidorah
failed.
Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah’s plot is delightfully
eccentric. The time travel
element has the story always doubling back on itself. Though this scattered
plot could be seen as a
detriment, it simply adds
to the campy and lighthearted nature of the film.
It certainly harkens back to
Godzilla’s light-hearted
stomps through the 1960s.
This comical air combined
with 1980s style sci-fi
makes Godzilla vs. King
Ghidorah a good film if
you’re looking for a few
chuckles and some good
ol’ suit-mation eye candy.
Book Review:
That was Then, This is Now
Written by Vince Capitolo
S.E. Hinton wrote That
was Then, This is Now, a
story of both remarkable
growth and tragic decay in
relationships. Hinton published her most famous
work, The Outsiders, at
the age of 18.
The novel is set in the
psychedelic age of the
1960's on the drug-infested
streets in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Mark is the adopted brother of Bryon Douglas, and
both have been best
friends since birth. However, there is one major difference between the two
boys. While Mark lives for
the thrill of the moment,
Byron aspires to be someone of importance in his
life. Both could still be
friends though, right?
But people grow apart.
Bryon tries to become an
adult. He has to balance
between taking care of his
ill mother and his insightful
girlfriend, Cathy. He always
feels a sense of commitment to Mark for some
reason he cannot understand. Mark starts withdrawing from society, and
Bryon cannot comprehend
how Mark is able to bring
home tons of cash. Will
Bryon and Mark's relationship reach a happy medium or end completely?
Throughout this story, you
will read about two very
different lifestyles. You will
meet characters involved in
street gangs and drug addictions. Don't miss out on
S.E. Hinton's true masterpiece, That was Then, This
is Now.
Cryptogram
Written by Michael Schwoerer
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INKB NV RGB OBNOUB CUU RGB RJKB, MWR QNW ZCSSNR
VNNU CUU RGB OBNOUB CUU RGB RJKB.” - CMFCGCK
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