The Bison – April 3, 1987

Sex education. These two words have caused controversy between students, teachers, school board members, and parents of District 877.

On February 23, the School Board approved the preface statement and six learner outcomes presented by the Responsible Human Sexuality Task Force. The six learner outcomes the Task Force wishes to be implemented in the school system are:
1. Sexual abuse
2. Communication skills
3. Prenatal health
4. Understand contraception, conception, and pregnancy
5. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
6. Responsible Sexuality

The curriculum is going to be developed over the summer during a writing project. The writing team will consist of elementary and secondary teachers in health, social studies and science, a school psychologist, a school social worker, a school nurse, an elementary and a secondary principal. Parents at the February meeting wanted the opportunity to join the writing team. The school board passed a motion that would allow parents to do so.

However, at the March 16 school board meeting, teachers objected to parents' position on the writing team. Writing curriculum is a task for teachers was the argument delivered by the local teacher union's president Julie Rieken.

Based on Rieken's argument and some discussion, the school board reversed its decision and excluded lay people from the summer writing team by a 6 to 1 vote.

Sheryl Keller, task force member and BHS Lifestudies teacher, said, "Teachers are trained to write curriculum; lay people aren't trained. It is a professional task."

Superintendent Darrell Miller suggested the writing team focus on two areas: communication skills and sexually transmitted diseases.

Besides writing the curriculum, the writing team will be responsible for choosing films and resources to be used in the classroom. Decisions will also be made concerning what grade levels certain topics will be covered.

The group of parents who objected to some of the task force proposals did affect the curriculum. Abortion was eliminated from two learner outcomes but will still be included under the learner outcome dealing with understanding conception, contraception and pregnancy. Also deleted from the curriculum is the personal definition of sexuality as defined by the student.

After the curriculum is written, the task force will review and adjust it as they choose. The school board will then be presented with the curriculum. Community meetings will be set up to display the curriculum to the public.

A grant from the Minnesota State Department of Health and contributions from Wright County Human Services has made it possible for a new curriculum to be developed. Keller feels the underlying reason behind the grant was to reduce teenage pregnancy.

"It's ironic that we don't require a class on how to be a parent. It's the most important job you'll ever have," Keller added.

Although Keller feels the school needs to educate students on sexuality, "the primary responsibility still lies on the parents. School is the logical place to catch all the kids."

The project started in the 1985 school year and will not be completed until the 1988 school year. Two members of the task force are BHS students. Seniors Angie Beyer and Jonz Norine volunteered for the job after hearing about it in Student Council. Beyer said the purpose was to increase "general awareness and to be able to talk about sex and not treat it like a dirty word." She feels both Norine and herself represent the students' views and attitudes.

Keller felt that the school needs to correct misinformation which will help students make responsible decisions for themselves. The program will stress communication with their parents, partner, and any child students will eventually raise. It is the goal that students will become parents that will educate their children well.

Other BHS staff members on the task force include social worker Mona Popp and principal Nick Miller. The Buffalo Ministerial Association also have representatives to insure a religious alliance with the program. Parental involvement has been stressed.

"If we get this passed," said Beyer, "we will have a more mature attitude about sexuality."

--- "It's ironic that we don't require a class on how to be a parent. It's the most important job you'll ever have."

A bill has been introduced into the Minnesota State Legislature which would prohibit high school students from working late on school nights.

The bill which was introduced by Senator Bill Diessner from Afton is intended to improve the work habits of students in class by restricting their working hours on school nights. The bill would amend existing law by prohibiting "employment of a high school student under the age of 17 after 11:00 p.m. in the evening before a school day."

The bill is being supported by both teachers unions due to complaints of students nodding off in class. It is also feared that since the jobs are not luxuries to some families, an employer may abuse a student's working hours. Supporters of the bill claim it would improve these conditions.

Opponents of the bill state that there is no reliable evidence to support it. According to Senator Betty Adkins, there are no facts to support the theory that it's the working students causing the problem. Senator Adkins believes that just because students cannot work after 11:00 p.m., it does not necessarily follow that they will be home at 11:00. Senator Adkins also believes that this type of decision should be made at the family level.

"Whenever there are problems, they go to the legislature and say 'pass a bill.'" Senator Adkins continues, "we're a very protective society. Every year there are more and more bills to protect not just you, but everybody, and I wonder too, when do we let people think for themselves."

Currently, the bill is dead in committee and has very little chance of passing into law this year. It is possible the bill could be brought back by one of the people who voted against it in committee, but this is unlikely. The majority of people tend to believe the author must find facts to support his actions before this bill will have a better chance of becoming law.

Economics and World Studies teacher Gerard Rohl was absent on jury duty from March 3 to March 25. He was foreman of the six member jury that found Ramsey County Judge Albero Miera guilty of battery against Court Reporter Neil Johnson. The jury awarded Johnson $75,000 for past and future stress caused when Miera allegedly kissed Johnson. The jury added $300,000 more in punitive damages. Judge John Weyrens will decide in the near future, whether Miera sexually assaulted Johnson and how much more to award him if he decides in Johnson's favor.

Rohl said, "You paye to listen as acd as you can. It's the most draining experience I've ever had." While the jury was in deliberation, Rohl said that "discussion centered on who you believed. The press was always present. They packed the courthouse on days when the major speakers were scheduled to testify."

Rohl said that he would "not enjoy serving jury duty immediately, but I would like to do it again a few year from now."

Sean Norton will be representing the Wright County branch of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) April 29 to May 3 in the New Orleans national competition. "I was expecting to do well, but making it to nationals just didn't seem a possibility, considering the competition," said Norton. Getting financial help is the obstacle he must overcome. He predicts that the transportation to and from New Orleans, registration fees, and hotel and food expenses will be in the $500 range. To obtain aid, he swam laps and received pledges for each lap completed, written letters of request to local organizations for their donations. Norton has already received $200 from his vocational DECA fund.

Preparation for the event consists of studying finance and credit documentation from books and journals, and reviewing role plays. Role plays make up a substantial part of the competition. In a typical role playing event, Norton might be asked to review credit applications and determine the applicant's acceptance or rejection. "I like the role plays because the judges are actual businesspeople and they have a good understanding of what actually goes on in everyday business. Role plays also give me the chance to experience real life business situations," said Norton.

Norton has had a strong interest in business since tenth grade and hopes to pursue a business-orientated career.

This summer three BHS students will have the unique opportunity to experience life in the Soviet Union. The students Nathan Blair, Jill Meister, and Sara Naaktgeboren were selected as three of 32 students who will represent Minnesota. They will be participating in the Initiative for Understanding program coordinated by the People for People Organization, chaired by President Reagan. The program, designed to initiate understanding between the United States and the Soviet Union, is being locally promoted by the non-profit Connect organization. Also participating is John Ause, BHS Social Studies teacher, who was selected as one of three leaders who will guide the tour.

The selection process included filling out a lengthy application, several essays, and a $300 refundable application fee. Of the 250 applicants reviewed, 65 were invited to an interview at the State Capitol, and 32 were chosen as finalists. BHS is honored to be one of only two high schools with more than one finalist. On finding out he had been selected, Junior Nathan Blair commented, "I felt the interview went well and that I had a good chance at being selected, but the suspense was really there."

The tour will be leaving on June 24 and return on July 17. During the three weeks the group will be in the Soviet Union, they will visit six Soviet cities, including Moscow, Leningrad and Minsk.

The combined cost of the trip will be approximately $8500, which needs to be raised by May 1. Each participant is expected to raise the necessary funds. The program directors strongly urge raising funds by involving the community so that students without financial resources are able to go. Several fundraising plans are in the works, including a dance, raffle, and a swim-a-thon. Students will also be able to sign a card that will be sent to a school in the Soviet Union for a $1 donation. To help defray the cost, the students are also booking slideshow presentations to be given on their return. Any contributions would be greatly appreciated in helping make the goal of $8500. All contributions are tax deductible if they are given to the District 877 Foundation.

On Saturday May 2, from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, the 4th Annual Conference on Human Survival will be held at the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul. The conference, sponsored by Ground Zero Buffalo, will primarily focus on major peace and security issues. Featured speakers include ex-arms control negotiator Adam Yarmolinsky, British expert on war and soldiering Gwynne Dyer, and lead singer of SHANGOYA Peter Nelson. There is no admission fee and anyone interested in making the world a healthier and more peaceful place to live is invited to participate.

January 26 was not just the beginning of a new quarter but the beginning of a new teaching assignment. Former homebound teacher Mary Kath is the replacement for Social Studies teacher Jim Cavalier. Native to South Dakota, Kath was born and raised in Brookings. While in Brookings, she attended Flandrew High School. Kath achieved her high school diploma in 1968. After twelve years in grade school, Kath sought higher education at General Beadle College. In 1972, Kath graduated from college with a Bachelors Degree. Since her graduation, General Beadle College has been renamed Dakota State College.

Each day Kath teaches American Experience and Modern Problems at BHS. Her day is unusual compared to most. The last hour of each day, Kath treks across Highway 55 to the Junior High School to teach 7th grade Law, Justice, and You. Kath isn't a newcomer to the District 877. "I was the homebound instructor," said Kath, "for six years." The homebound program is for those students that cannot attend school, due to medical reasons, for an extended length of time.

"I enjoy the Buffalo High School students," Kath said. "They are very cooperative and anxious to learn." Kath also stated that "Buffalo has an excellent staff to work with. They are a very helpful and cooperative staff. They are very anxious to see students learn, and that is a pride of mine."

"This is not a unnecessary course," stated school board member David Murdock.

At the school board meeting Feb. 23, hundreds of concerned parents packed into the junior high library to educate themselves on the new sex education program proposed by the Responsible Human Sexuality Task Force. Opposition was heard, fears were allayed, and citizens left either strongly for or against the program.

Since the meeting, the Wright County Journal Press has received letters to the editor from both sides of the issue. Some do not want sex education taught in school. Others want parental values implemented in the program. Those that support the program feel that students need a better education concerning their sexuality than the one currently being taught.

Although sexuality is a very personal issue, students need information to make responsible decisions. Some parents educate their children about sexuality. Most do not.

The Bison praises District 877 for updating their sex education curriculum. We also appreciate the district's confidence in student participation shown by the appointment of seniors Jon Norine and Angie Beyer to the Task Force. Students should be aware of and willing to give input to the program which the Task Force is developing.

Adolescents have been educated by the media. Rock music often refers to sex. Television programs and movies often contain sexual innuendos and sexual acts. The media teaches lessons about sexuality, but often not correct ones.

Adolescence, on the average, starts earlier than it did a few years ago. The early start is partly due to the media, partly due to society itself. Parents dress little boys in bow ties and suit jackets, just like dad. Little girls wear pierced earrings, high heels and makeup before they enter junior high school. Society dictates when and how to grow up.

Adolescence is a confusing period in one's life. Changes in both physical and mental maturity occur rapidly. Parents should be sensitive at this time, ready to answer questions their children may ask. District 877 is providing necessary and important answers for the children whose parents are either too busy, embarrassed, or scared to listen to the questions.

For those that think ignorance is bliss, would you like to be wandering in a jungle without a compass? District 877 is equipping the student with a compass that will act as a guide throughout adolescence and into adulthood. The parents walking beside the child will help them use this compass and share their insight on how to reach adulthood successfully.

It was a Sunday in December when TV evangelist Oral Roberts, head of his own multi-million dollar university in Tulsa, Oklahoma appeared on his TV program and said that unless Oral Roberts University collected $8 million in donations, Oral would be "called home" by March 31 of 1987.

I say that by this proclamation Oral Roberts initiated a form of theological terrorism that rational people of any religion would find unacceptable. Has Roberts come a long way since the 1950s when he was a television faith healer, or not?

It was mid-March and Oral Roberts still needed $1.5 million to reach the goal he said God gave him. So my question was, "When is God going to call Roberts home?"

I would not have been at all surprised, if at the end of the month, Roberts said that even if he did not reach his goal God (whether that be the real God, that most of us worship, or the God that is nothing but a figment of Oral Roberts imagination) had decided to spare him anyhow so Roberts could use the money he stole from all the dupes who contributed to him for whatever purposes he decided to use it.

Shortly before his deadline Roberts was "saved" by a $1.3 million donation from a Florida dog track owner.

In this issue I'm announcing that if BHS students and faculty send me $1,000 (American Express, don't be called home without it, or cash preferred): before next Friday, I will donate to Roberts when God tells me to.

The greatest service Roberts could do God would be to end this nonsense before it goes any farther.

Oral Roberts says he did what he did because God told him to, I will donate to Roberts when God tells me to.

To the editors:

A hot issue in the halls of many Minnesota high schools has left its mark on BHS students as of late. Last month's issue of The Bison finally dealt with Governor Rudy Perpich's Access to Excellence program. However, I believe it was unfair in its dealings. The Bison gave a one-sided view of the situation, concentrating on one negative aspect and failing to show its advantages.

By providing tuition-free college for high school seniors, this program offers a wonderful opportunity to those who want and are ready to take advantage of it.

The program gives students unable to afford college a chance to experience it free and decide whether to borrow money to continue. It gives students with above high school capabilities an opportunity to challenge themselves. It gives students the opportunity to explore fields in which they wish to base their futures on, but are not covered in their high school. In their senior year, many students are ready for education beyond the often limiting high school curriculum. For them, twelfth grade becomes a year of waiting. Often they take the easiest classes to get the highest grade, and to boost that preeminent "grade point average." This results in a wasted year, and often, loss of ability as seniors lose study habits and motivation. These students would profit far more by taking advantage of Perpich's program than they would by "staying out" their senior year.

The Bison attacks this program with only one line of defense and a very poor one. According to The Bison, participating in the Access to Excellence program is wrong because it deprives you of that glorious "senior year" which is, according to the editorial description, an endless round of parties, traditions, and frivolities. Be willing to throw away thousands of dollars in aid for the opportunity to catch the spirit stick.

Perpich's program is not for everyone, of course. Many students are not emotionally or academically mature enough for college at this point. Many are struggling to make career choices before moving on to college. However, those who do not choose to forsake this opportunity should have better reasons then the desire to "to be a senior."

I disagree and agree with Sean LaBat on his article "Scandal accusation unfair to Reagan." It's true Reagan shouldn't be impeached for his mistake, but Sean is trying to tell us it was okay. Of course, Reagan did it with good intentions, but it still wasn't right. Reagan should have told Congress what he was doing. If there wasn't anything wrong with what he did, why was he hiding it. Sean's article may have had some good points but he won't be able to talk me into thinking that it (the Iranian Arms Scandal) was okay and we should forget all about it.

In reply to your last editorial, I agree with you. President Reagan has done a lot for our country and he messes up once and they're trying to give him the death penalty. President Reagan has done a lot as far as the economy and for America's defense. When President Reagan made the Iran arms for hostages deal, I feel he was trying to help us and in his eyes, did what was right. America voted him into office so we should trust his judgement.

Napalm. Booby-traps. Leeches. Patrols. Swamps. Monsoon season. Body bags. Vietnam is back. Written and directed by Oliver Stone the Academy Award nominee for best picture of the year, PLATOON (R) has brought Vietnam back to national attention. In the movie PLATOON, Vietnam is seen through the eyes of Chris Taylor (portrayed by actor Charlie Sheen), an infantry soldier. The realistic portrayal of Vietnam in the movie has rekindled many memories, especially in those who came back alive. Several teachers and parents in our district are Vietnam veterans and have horror stories everyone should hear.

"I think former President Lyndon Johnson and every congressman who decided to send us over there, as well as today's congressmen, should be forced to see the movie PLATOON before they send people to Nicaragua or Grenada," said Jr. High Industrial Arts teacher and former Army Sergeant Curt Lund.

"I was in the first combat unit to go into Vietnam. We went in WWII style and with no idea how to fight a guerilla war. As far as we were concerned, we expected to step off the plane and get shot at," recalls Sophomore Tracey Uecker's father, George Uecker, a former Lance Corporal (E3) in the Marines.

"I remember getting off the plane at 5 a.m. and having the man yell at us to get going so we would beat the heat. At 5 a.m. it was already 105 degrees," said Jr. High Industrial Arts teacher Joe Hedley.

"We had to take salt tablets for the heat so we would be able to sweat. But the worst thing was the leeches," said Uecker. "You had to use insect repellant or light a cigarette right under the leeches to remove them. You just didn't pull them off like in the movie," commented Lund.

All three men found the movie realistic. "I thought it was quite accurate as far as it went. You would have had to make a four to five hour movie to include everything," said Hedley. Lund recalls the part he found most realistic, "They showed a closeup of a Seiko watch fogged up after the battle." Vietnam was a different kind of war. "We tried to impose our morals on a society whose only concern was where their next meal was coming from," said Uecker. Vietnam was also a very unpopular war. "I didn't expect a hero's welcome home but I also didn't expect to be called a baby-killer," added Uecker, Hedley, and Lund all feel PLATOON has definite benefits. "I think it's meaningful to the veterans. It may help them gain their perspective back," said Hedley. "None of us were perfect. There were wrongs done on both sides. Right now the civilians here can't fathom those injustices happening," said Uecker. "I think it wouldn't hurt the people of my generation to see this movie. It would help the veterans and show the rest the other half," added Lund.

Lund recommends the book Five Years to Freedom by Major James Rowe to all veterans. It is a story about a man who is captured shortly after arriving in Vietnam and survives. It realistically shows the inhumanities of the war, and may help some people deal with their feelings. Junior Rich Kiputh, an usher at the UA Theater in Brookdale Square has seen the movie three times himself, and has also seen many other people's reactions. "Some women come out and just stood by the wall. Many of the veterans said they couldn't take it and some people even threw up," said Kiputh. "I wasn't moved as much as I thought I would be, but I was able to fit my family into the movie since both my dad and my uncle are Vietnam veterans," he added.

Students at BHS will have an opportunity to learn more about Vietnam on Thursday evening, May 14, when the World Studies Odyssey class has scheduled a public symposium panel, consisting of at least one veteran, to talk about Vietnam. In PLATOON, one chapter of the war ends. In the viewing of PLATOON, another starts.

---
Wearing her father's jacket, senior Sarah Hinz reflects Americans' willingness to accept what happened in Vietnam.

Studio Art is a class where active, creative minds of 15 BHS students make wonderful works of art from their imaginations. This class is open for high level senior art students.

"Just being there gives them recognition," said Clairesse Post, studio art teacher at BHS. The students are on their own to create whatever their hearts desire with a slight, sometimes unnoticed hint from Post. "They're a great bunch to work with," said Post. "It's nice that the kids are able to create their own ideas and go in different directions."

"I find that studio art is a class where I can work at my own pace," said Denise Barthel, a two year studio art student, "and at the same time expand on my own ideas." The students feel that this class is an educational experience that is going to help them in their future. The ideas come from their heads. The students may be at work or out having fun when an idea will come to them - natural instinct.

The class was harder than what Tricia Roetzler expected, a first year participant, but as the year has developed "there's not enough time, near the end of the hour I finally get started and then the bell rings. A two hour block would be better," she stated. Roetzler's feelings formulate most of her ideas, but Sherri Jensen, a second semester student, gets her ideas from shopping, posters, colorbooks, and clothes. "It was hard coming in halfway through the year because I felt like I didn't belong," Jensen said, "but now it's fun and relaxing."

The radio remains turned on during work which is very relaxing for some students and for others, it gives them inspiration. "The kind of music you listen to may also effect what you create subconsciously," said Todd Deutsch, who also joined the class with Jensen. Many works of art that the students create are displayed in the showcase outside of the Studio Art room, located on the north side of the school by the senior lockers.

Saturday mornings tune in to Ann Peterson reporting to work at KRWC studios in rural Buffalo. Peterson arrives at the station around 11:30 in the morning, at which time she receives instructions for the six hours she will spend broadcasting.

This is Peterson's second year broadcasting over the radio. She started out by doing the Bison Report last year, and this year received an offer from KRWC to do a six hour segment on Saturday afternoons from noon to six p.m.

After Peterson receives some of the material she is to present, such as the news, she reads through the material to find names or words that may be hard to pronounce. It's her responsibility to look up words and determine the correct pronunciation of names and places. Peterson's next priority is to organize and prepare "carts," or pre-recorded commercials. The commercials are used throughout the afternoon.

It may seem like a simple matter to play music for the better part of six hours, but programming needs to be tailored to the audience. As a result, Peterson varies the selections during each half hour. Peterson plays country instrumentals, country vocals, and slower music. You won't hear many ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, or Van Halen tunes on her show.

Career plans have undergone a metamorphosis for Peterson in the past few years. Peterson's initial plans were to go into psychiatry or nursing. Now she's entertaining the thought of becoming an on the spot reporter for a national news network. Peterson receives a great deal of satisfaction from her extraordinary job. It's also created a feeling of pride in her accomplishments for her family.

"We are very proud of Ann and her accomplishment of becoming a d.j. on KRWC," stated Mary Ann Peterson, Ann's mother. "She has achieved this by her own dedication and hard work. As a student Ann is having a wonderful opportunity to be able to try out the vocation she hopes to become a professional in. We are all big fans."

This position is a beneficial one for Peterson, because she experiences the good and not so good aspects of a potential career in radio broadcasting.

Just about everything that can be written, has been written about the notorious "prom night." As an unbeliever, it's my turn to offer some insight.

I've never been to prom. As I've heard, it's a strictly "couples" situation, and as prevalent high school male attitudes dictate, I'm a strictly "singles" situation. Therefore, I'm not likely to experience prom in person.

I do have the advantage of the bystander, however; I see it clearly, as it is, not veiled by the thrill of being a part of it. And, seeing it so clearly, I'm extremely jealous.

I shall never have the opportunity to spend as I've heard the average to be $500 on a dress I'll wear one time, a dance that is for the most part like any other really exciting high school dance, and a post-dance dinner in some swanky restaurant that charges $5 for the before-meal "complimentary" glass of water.

I shall never have the joy of finding a partner. I'll never experience being turned down three times for the most important social event of my life. I know my life will be incomplete without the chance to humiliate a prom hopeful. Never crush someone else by turning them down for the most important social event of their life.

Woe, I'll never experience the delayed after effects of prom night. No hang-over for me. No blistered feet from too-tight dance shoes. No food poisoning from the late-night high-class restaurant fare. Rats, I won't get pregnant either. These will be my deepest regrets that red-letter May night.

I'll never get to end a prom night as some do. They won't scrape my corsage off the highway after I am killed in a car accident by a drunken date. Or by someone else's drunken date, out to party away the greatest night of their young life.

I'll be home on that long awaited hot May night. I'll save my money, my dignity, my health. My life. I'll miss out on that sacred experience, that teen-age ritual. I may regret it for a minute. But I doubt it.

The Buffalo eating disorders support group has been canceled due to a lack of participation. Donna Hulett, the group's leader, was disappointed that only two people showed up at most of the meetings. Hulett felt that the people who really needed the program weren't ready to admit their problems. The two former members were already attending other support groups. One other eating disorders support group meets in Monticello on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. for those who need additional help.

The Varsity team will have tough competition this year, not only with opponents but also with each other.

The team, having 2-4 athletes vying for each position, will have to work hard in practice to insure a spot on the roster.

"We really don't have a lot of people that are sitting around," stated Head Coach C. LeRoy Erickson. "If they're going to sit around in practice then maybe they'll have to sit on the bench too. It's been a real healthy competition."

Lack of experience could hurt the team this year. The Bison will have only four returning starters this year including: Pitcher, Vance Grover; Shortstop, Troy Florist; lead off hitter and a base stealing threat, Vance Zell; Third Baseman, Jeff Haugen; and Receiver, Darin Hahn.

Though the team did lose John Lingen and Todd Lind, the two top pitchers of last year, both having ERAs (Earned Run Average) under 3.00, they will have Joel Hahn, Troy Mahoney, and Troy Demarais coming up from B-squad and Seniors Lonnie Lemke, Ron Weinand, and Grover returning. Weinand thought their pitching would be "tough" this year and that the team would be "at the top of the conference."

Hahn was the team's leading hitter with a .357 batting average.

Track season is here and with a new weight coach/trainer. Tim Whitesell, the new trainer, is helping the team members start programs for lifting and a new way to lift.

"The new mandatory lifting will increase strength, endurance, and prevent injuries," said Junior Jodi Benning.

Senior Co-Captain Tom Stricklin said, "I feel we have a stronger team this year" because of everyone lifting on their own in the off-season.

Head Coach Boyd Emmel has high hopes to have more togetherness, teamwork, and a more unified team to support one another. He feels the weight program as a whole can contribute to this because everyone practices their own individual events alone, but the weights will bring the team together and allow them to work as a whole unit.

But, most of all, he would like the track team to have fun. This year, the boys team is lacking in the high and triple jump because of the low numbers of participants. On the other hand, the girls sprint team has a high number of athletes out but "a lower than average number of long distance runners," said Junior Sherie Ruter.

Senior Tony Eastman feels that Tim Whitesell will have a positive effect on the team. "He is a welcome edition. I'm glad he's there to help. This way, we will have less injuries and stronger runners."

Coach Lehn also agrees that Whitesell will be a great help. "I can work more on technique in field events."

Glencoe is rated first in class A, and first on the Bison schedule for Varsity Softball.

The Varsity Softball team has been practicing vigorously for a month for their first game Wednesday April 8 against Glencoe at Glencoe.

Looking forward to a prosperous season, Head Coach Julie Andrejewski is expecting a second or third finish in the conference. "Our pitching is our strength," said Coach Andrejewski. "Cari LaPlant and Carrie Wahlberg who shared the starting position last year, and Janis Jondahl who never lost a game on B-Squad last year, and Lori Lemke are all great pitchers." Andrejewski also said, "Glencoe will definitely be the team to beat."

To prepare for their first game, the team is concentrating on their hitting. They're also working to strengthen the infield. Referring to last year, Senior Right Fielder Michele Rief said, "When we went on the field and really concentrated on the game, we didn't seem to do as well as if we'd go out to have a good time." Rief also remarked "This year really looks good with the talent we have."

According to Senior Pitcher Cari LaPlant, The Bison use only the fast pitch, which is much harder then the slow pitch because you have to wind up and throw it underhand; fast, and accurate. She said during each practice she pitches approximately 150 times.

"We're going to do much better this year" LaPlant stated, "because we have a lot of experience and the sophomores from last year with a record of 13-1 are now juniors and possibly starters on the Varsity team."

The dreaded list is out. Some athletes cower in fear of their lives. Coaches become infuriated at certain athletes. These athletes are ineligible because of two Fs on their report cards.

They whine and cry to the coach with no avail.

"You're just lucky this isn't college, you'd be out of here a long time ago kid," the coach lectures. After five minutes of pondering this statement, the kid leaves confused.

The coach wasn't lying. As of August 1986 the NCAA has established new academic rules for Division I athletics. In order for college freshmen to compete and practice their first-year they must meet the following requirements during high school. One, maintaining courses: three years of English; two years math; two years social studies; and two years of optional courses, in the four previously mentioned areas and/or computer science, foreign language, and speech. Secondly, they must score at least 700 on the SAT or earn a minimum composite score of 15 on the ACT. That's not all While attending college, athletes must continue this level of academics.

However, Division I athletics are not for everyone. It takes outstanding athletic ability to compete at that level. Most athletes from Buffalo choose to attend Division II or Division III colleges. Currently most of these colleges have no set eligibility rules, only rules for admission, which vary, from open enrollment to highly selective enrollment.

The reason BHS hasn't adapted an eligibility rule similar to the Division I rule is simple. "Our athletic program doesn't emphasize college preparation," explained activities director Nancy Bergert.

Though our program doesn't emphasize college prep, I still don't understand why the eligibility standards aren't raised. In BHS the curriculum is set up so students can pass. For someone to fail a class, something must be wrong; either they never show up for class, or never put forth any effort. For someone to fail two classes, they've really got problems.

I think a reasonable eligibility policy would include maintaining a C or a C- average. This would force athletes to be students first and athletes second. That's what coaches tell us at the beginning of each season anyway, along with getting those fees paid, which is another story. Also, more students would make the All-Scholastic Team. The students on this team earn an A or B average and participate in some school activity. The school views these people as "ideal students." With more students on the "team," the school's image would improve in the eyes of the administration and the rest of the world. If this is so then why hasn't the administration done anything about it? They're always eager to improve the school's image.

I guess that's the difference between college and high school. You get what you pay for.

Five boys were lobbing balls on the tennis courts in March. Tennis racquets have been restrung and lessons have produced improvement. Clearly, dedication and determination are members of the 1987 Boys Tennis team.

#1 Singles Player Freshman Adam Cohen enjoys tennis because "it's the sport you can play forever." Head Coach Gerry Bakke added, "It is a fun sport." Some players spend 12 hours weekly on the game. In practice, all aspects of tennis are worked on. Bakke expressed a concern that the serving was weak and needed to improve. Volleys, overhands, forehands, and backhands are all part of practice. Optimism is at the heart of this tennis team.

"Most of the nucleus is returning on varsity," said Bakke. A positive attitude is stressed and as Cohen said, "If you think you can beat them, you can." Bakke added, "In tennis, there are hundreds of shots. You're going to make mistakes. It's important not to get down on yourself."

Both Cohen and Bakke have set goals for the 1987 season. "I'd like to go to Regions, and then possibly go on to State. I'd like to be in the top 25 finishers at State," stated Cohen. Bakke said, "In conference play, we have never beat Mound or Hutchinson. I'd like to defeat them once. I'd also like to get someone in the State This is our fourth year. In our second year our record was 8-8. I'd like to be better than 8-8 this year."

Some key members of the team, other than Cohen, are Singles Players: Senior Josh Cohen, Juniors Mark Radzwell and Dave Gervasio and Doubles Players: Junior Trént Weber, Senior Sean Doug Inick, Sophomore Jeff Wagner.

The tennis team will hit the court April 7 against Orono. Both Bakke and Assistant Coach Charley Keifenheim emphasize that being positive has more benefits. Bakke concluded, "We try to emphasize that the effort is as important as winning."

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Returning a backhand ground stroke, Senior Josh Cohen practices for the home meet April 6 against St. Cloud Cathedral.

With experience behind them, and no seniors lost to graduation, Boys Golf is teeing up for a first place finish in the conference.

Senior Russ Jundt, Juniors Steve Bengtson, Brad Lucas, Todd Klein, Mike Watne and Seth Zimmerman will make up this year's six starters.

"With an All Conference effort last year by Bengtson and the experience of Jundt, we can't go wrong," said Lucas. The Bison will be gearing up for the Mound Mohawks and Hutchinson Tigers, who will be their toughest competitors this year according to Zimmerman. Weather plays an important role in golf. But Zimmerman said, "We dont let it bother us because we can all do well no matter what the weather."