The Bison Stampede – April 17, 1997

The brand-new Performing Arts Center will host singing gamblers, dancing Salvation Army members and hot box dancers as they take the stage on April 24-27 for the spring musical Guys and Dolls.

After years of shuffling back and forth between the high school and junior high, the theatre arts department is putting on their first performance in the new, state-of-the-art facility that includes high acoustic quality and an expandable stage.

"It's sort of exciting that we get to do the first big theatrical entertainment on the new stage," said sophomore Lyda Joy Graybill. "I think and hope lots of people will come to the play."

Guys and Dolls is a love story about two very different groups of people: Salvation Army mission workers and the gambling crowd. The musical expresses the love and conflict of two different couples in a comical way.

The production also includes a new choreographer, Brian Zimmer. Zimmer, a former student of director Tracy Hagstrom-Dahl, has acted professionally in the Twin Cities and does "tons" of choreography for metropolitan schools, according to Hagstrom-Dahl.

"Guys and Dolls is a really heavy dance show, and I knew it needed something special in the line of dance," said Hagstrom-Dahl. "I knew he had what it took to do that."

"The dancing part is the best, but it can be challenging," said junior Beth Quady. "Brian really knows what he's doing, and all of us have a lot of fun with it."

"The dancing makes the play move, and puts more contrast into the scenes," said sophomore Casey Triplett.

Besides the cast, directors and choreographer, the musical demands a set crew and pit orchestra. The sets include a fly system and exciting special effects, and the pit orchestra is a small group of musicians. Around 100 people total are involved in the making of Guys and Dolls.

Forty-one cast members need to combine acting, singing and dancing into one smooth performance.

However, working with a wide range of personalities and abilities doesn't prevent the cast from having a good time.

"I've been in other plays, but this is my first dancing performance," said Graybill. "So far, this has been a very exciting experience."

Tickets prices are $2 for students and $3 for senior citizens and adults.

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1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, of 8... One can see the hot box dancers counting the movements for the dance in their heads. They are part of BHS' musical Guys and Dolls.

photo by Leanne Turnquist

For a passionate prom couple, reclined seats and steamy windows provide the atmosphere for "finishing touches" that didn't involve applying lipstick or straightening a tie.

Even though this scene is the common nightmare for parents, it won't be the case for the majority of BHS juniors and seniors who will be attending Prom.

Sixty-seven percent of students polled said that they did not plan on having sex after Prom.

With dozens of people attending post-Prom parties featuring limos, hot tubs, girls in sexy dresses, hotels and no parents, how could this statistic be true?

"After the dance I will be going to post-prom parties and I imagine that I will stay at a hotel or a friend's house," said junior Abby Nelson.

Following the traditional post-Prom plans, 44 percent of prom-goers said they expected that other couples would be giving in to the temptation of sex -- even if they weren't themselves.

"I think that sex is expected to some extent," said senior Matt Olson.

"I don't think that it is expected," said junior Kristen McCarty. "Prom is just a time for friends to get together in a really cool setting."

Those who believed that sex would be a part of some couples' evening plans cited common reasons ranging from "acting grown-up" to the popular line that "everybody's doing it."

"I think students have sex on Prom night because they think that it is the grown-up thing to do. They've been acting grown-up all night -- dressing up, formal dinner and dancing. Then they think sex is just a way to finish the night off," said junior Matt Dehmer.

"Society tells them it's the normal thing to do and the voice of other couples would be playing in the temptation of sex -- even if they weren't themselves," said another student.

Others, however, said that sex after Prom didn't think that it is expected and many felt it was a personal choice.

Features
Towing fiasco
Volunteers highlighted
Spring sports
raises varied
for National Volunteer
highlighted early
Month.
in the season.
page 2
pages 4-5
pages 6-7

As visitors enter BHS they are greeted by asign that reads, <Welcome visitors. We are here to help.= However, when <we= is seen as an empty chair and a nicely lettered sign, how friendly -- and how secure -- is the building?

Praise
is
in
order
for
the
administrators who are making this school a secure one. Most students feel that they are not in danger at anytime. However 20 percent of students polled said they donot always feel safe at BHS. In order to have the best possible learning environment, students need to feel that they are ina secure place at all times.

Last year, as a response to assaults in other area high schools and growing public concern about safety in schools, administrators implemented the student greeter system. All but the front doors were locked, in order to keep out people who shouldn9t be in our school. A student greeter was placed at the front door to make sure that everyone coming into the building had a valid reason for being there and could be directed to where they needed to go. With the addition of security cameras, a similar system was adopted in the new building.

However, how effective is the student greeter system? Many students find the system to be a hassle. When students arrive late to school, they simply wait outside until another student lets them in. If a student can get in while all doors are locked, anyone can gain admittance to the building in a similar way. Stationing greeters at each end of the school could help avoid this dilemma.

The security crackdown was sparked by an incident that occurred in St. Francis, early last year. Someone had entered the school, undetected, and assaulted a student.

Although BHS has yet to experience an incident like this, students feel that there need to be efforts made to prevent such an event from occurring. Security precautions such as hired security personnel in school and in the parking lot were popular amongst students. Fifty-six percent of students who think the system needs to change, felt that a guard is necessary tokeep BHS secure.

A guard on staff would prevent people from coming in and deal with problems inside the school as well. Security personnel would not only be trained in dealing with outsiders, but also with students who cause problems within the school.

We should not wait for acriminal to enter our building to make changes in security.

If someone enter the school, they would meet little opposition. Often we take security as no big deal. It would not take much to make this school a safer place. Drastic measures such as metal detectors are not anywhere near necessary. Simply fine-tuning the existing security system would make students feel more comfortable. However, these changes need to be made before a regrettable incident takes place.

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The Buffalo High School Newspaper
International Quill and Scroll
MHSPA Runner Up 1989
NSPA Ist class 1990
NSPA Ist class 1992
Quill and Scroll 1st place 1992
NSPA 4-Star All-American
MHSPA Honorable Mention
MHSPA All-State Gold 1994
MHSPA All-State Silver 1995
MHSPA All-State Silver 1996
CSPA Gold 1996
Editors-in-Chief:
Theresa Button
Darcy Fischer
News Editor:
Brian Triplett
Features Editor:
Kathy Jones
Editorials Editor:
Anna Harvala
Sports Editors:
Ryan McCallum
Entertainment Editor:
Brian Malerich
Copy Editor:
Beth Pratt
Photography Editor:
Staci Meehl
Sara Tabor
Advertising Editor:
Clint Graunke
Staff:*
Christina Bergin
Amber Bussmann
Davette Cooper
Beth Endres
Emily Ervasti
Karlee Felger
Amy Hietanen
Jamie Jensen
Crystal Marketon
Larry Marquette
Rob Niemela
-Melissa Pallansch
Bob Schlick
Colleen Schmidt
Christina Torgerson
Andy Uttke
Mark Velich
April Weivoda
John Wetter
Mark Willette
Adviser:
Leanne Turnquist
* Selected stories have been chosen from the Journalism II class.
The Bison Stampede isprinted = . by the Wright County, : Journal Press 4

The symptoms begin in the fall. In the winter, it becomes a virus. By spring, the virus has become contagious, and you realize you have caught it -- senioritis.

.

The word senioritis has become s the same with seniors everywhere, passed on through the generations of students who are about to become adults in the eyes of those in the <real world.=

Symptoms of senioritis, which vary with each student, can 8include, but are not limited to: headaches, brought upon by lack of sleep ; watery eyes, which result from being bored to tears in various classes; a bump on the forehead from where your head hits your desk when you fall asleep; and deafness,from ignoring your parents frequent requests to take out the garbage or do the dishes.

Along with the same old routine comes the added stress of visiting colleges,filling out scholarship information, deciding on a college, making sure all the requirements are taken care of and preparing to say good-bye to the friends you have made in 13 years of school.

Seniors are caught in a mixture of feelings between not caring and caring too much. Things that at one time seemed so important now seem trivial in comparison.

Getting ready for college is exciting while at the same \time frightening. It9s fun to think of the possibilities the future holds, but difficult saying good-bye to the life you9
ve known for 18 years.

Senioritis is something that affects most people by the end of their senior year. While it can be a pain, many people have spent their entire high school careers looking 8forward to becoming a senior. Try to make the most of it and enjoy what is left of your years at BHS.

Do You Have An Opinion?

Who do you think about these issues? Let us know by writing a letter to the editor and placing it in the folders outside room A-102.

1) What do you think about the Heavens Gate mass suicide?

2) How do you feel about the towing?

3) How do you feel about the law involving having to wait six months after getting your permit to take the drivers test?

April 17, 1997
By John Wetter
Columnist
On March 24, 27 cars were towed from the student lot! Many parents and students were outraged that the school towed that many cars with what they claimed to be no notice given to the students. Even though the student handbook, announcements on the daily bulletins and PA announcements were given, there still wasn9t enough notice. How can this be?
The student handbook has a section just on parking. It gives the guidelines for parking at school. The student lot is available for student parking and requires a student parking permit. This permit is free and available in the office and must be displayed in the rear driver9s side window of the vehicle. There will be no exceptions without administrative approval. The students are reminded not to use the visitor or the faculty lot. Unauthorized cars will be towed at the owner9s expense. What more needs to be said? It is quite clear where to park your car and that a sticker needs to be in the back window. These are not hard directions to follow. We were also told this the first day we moved to the new school. The program given out on the first day had a map saying where to park. It was made quite clear where you could and couldn9t park.
The week before these cars were towed, there was an announcement in the daily bulletins that reminded people to display parking stickers. They said that they were available in the office and that everyone must have them. Allowances are made if you drive a car just for one day. Then you should get a temporary pass from the office. It9s just a piece of paper that you have to fill out and put in your window.
If you were towed because you didn9t have a sticker, tough. The rules are quite clearly stated and not hard to follow. Plenty of notice was given and everyone had plenty of time to follow directions. There is no excuse if you had your car towed, and, hopefully, now you will have a sticker and not need to worry about it.

By Rob Niemela
Columnist
The automobile could be considered an American icon. More than anything else, it symbolizes our freedom to go wherever we want and do anything we wish. In a car, there are no distractions of waiting in line for a ticket or being crowded into tiny spaces with other people. We can adjust the climate inside to our liking, not what a faceless corporation decides. If we change our mind about where to go, we simply take a different direction, rather than waiting until the stop and buying another ticket.
Young people are generally drawn to cars. They basically work so they can buy a car and pay insurance on it. The car is so important to get places that having one is considered essential. When restrictions are placed on cars, young people get semi-angry. Don9t adults trust us with a piece of equipment that is capable of speeds of at least 80 m.p.h.? The question is answered by itself. Of course not, not until young drivers gain experience. However, the only way to gain experience in an automobile is to drive one. You can9t learn how to drive by sitting in a class or reading a book; it cannot be done. Until you actually get into a car, you are clueless about how to operate a motor vehicle. You feel apprehensive the first time that you climb into the driver9s seat, at least.
The new law on the six-month permit should force people to get more experience in driving. The added requirements for the driver9s test should make more people practice. The curfew of midnight might help keep inexperienced drivers off of the roads at those dangerous hours. All of these are fine and well, but inevitably young drivers have to get on the road and drive, and learn on their own.
Perhaps contemplating the only alternative will make us better appreciate the accessibility of cars. The possibility is one which makes us shudder, although it is the cheapest for the country and uses the least in terms of natural resources. I am not condoning it, but I'm thinking of the system of public transportation. If there was massive public accessibility, then nobody would even have to think of the rules of driving except for the bus drivers, and people in similar professions.
A system like that would drive people crazy, because they couldn9t do anything spontaneous. Buses work fine in cities, but from city to city they don9t work so well. They work fine for school children on the way to school. But for everyone else, they are terrible, compared to cars. That is why there will never be a mass system of public transportation all over the U.S. Cars are obviously the answer to getting people quickly and efficiently to places, where buses and trains result in something similar to government bureaucracy. They are needed sometimes, but have too many mazes.
The car is convenient and easy to use. In a society which hustles around, it is the only answer to transporting people and products short distances. My guess is that most young people could probably be able to wait a little longer and work a little harder to gain access to their license and car, rather than whine and complain over the new laws. Cars are so worthwhile that people will be able to handle a little extra work to get one, even teenagers like me who have to have everything quickly.

Room to maneuver: an opinion column
Rob Niemela
Columnist
The automobile could be considered an American icon. More than anything else, it symbolizes our freedom to go wherever we want and do anything we wish. In a car, there are no distractions of waiting in line for a ticket or being crowded into tiny spaces with other people. We can adjust the climate inside to our liking, not what a faceless corporation decides. If we change our mind about where to go, we simply take a different direction, rather than waiting until the stop and buying another ticket.
Young people are generally drawn to cars. They basically work so they can buy a car and pay insurance on it. The car is so important to get places that having one is considered essential. When restrictions are placed on cars, young people get semi-angry. Don9t adults trust us with a piece of equipment that is capable of speeds of at least 80 m.p.h.? The question is answered by itself. Of course not, not until young drivers gain experience. However, the only way to gain experience in an automobile is to drive one. You can9t learn how to drive by sitting in a class or reading a book; it cannot be done. Until you actually get into a car, you are clueless about how to operate a motor vehicle. You feel apprehensive the first time that you climb into the driver9s seat, at least.
The new law on the six-month permit should force people to get more experience in driving. The added requirements for the driver9s test should make more people practice. The curfew of midnight might help keep inexperienced drivers off of the roads at those dangerous hours. All of these are fine and well, but inevitably young drivers have to get on the road and drive, and learn on their own.
Perhaps contemplating the only alternative will make us better appreciate the accessibility of cars. The possibility is one which makes us shudder, although it is the cheapest for the country and uses the least in terms of natural resources. I am not condoning it, but I'm thinking of the system of public transportation. If there was massive public accessibility, then nobody would even have to think of the rules of driving except for the bus drivers, and people in similar professions.
A system like that would drive people crazy, because they couldn9t do anything spontaneous. Buses work fine in cities, but from city to city they don9t work so well. They work fine for school children on the way to school. But for everyone else, they are terrible, compared to cars. That is why there will never be a mass system of public transportation all over the U.S. Cars are obviously the answer to getting people quickly and efficiently to places, where buses and trains result in something similar to government bureaucracy. They are needed sometimes, but have too many mazes.
The car is convenient and easy to use. In a society which hustles around, it is the only answer to transporting people and products short distances. My guess is that most young people could probably be able to wait a little longer and work a little harder to gain access to their license and car, rather than whine and complain over the new laws. Cars are so worthwhile that people will be able to handle a little extra work to get one, even teenagers like me who have to have everything quickly.

By April Huston
Columnist
The prom is an event many seniors anticipate: dinner, coronation for friends, pictures and memories to treasure. However, underage drinking at proms has become a problem. Because of that, many schools have heightened supervision, and parents often host after-prom parties to keep students safe.
Some students believe drinking is a rite of passage for seniors, while others choose not to participate. Parents and chaperones should emphasize responsibility and safety, offering alternatives and monitoring activities. Open communication between parents and students, along with clear expectations, can help reduce risky behavior during prom night.
Ultimately, prom should be remembered for its positive aspects, not for poor decisions made by a few. Encouraging safe celebrations and making plans in advance can help ensure that prom night remains a fond memory for everyone involved.

When people picture volunteers, they see the publicized ones. Although they might not compare to Mother Theresa, some of the most important “volunteers” may be right in front of you -- or behind you -- in the computer lab.

Seniors Bob Schlick and Peter Walz are the guys many of us turn to with that frequently asked question, “Why doesn’t this work?”

Over the course of the 1996-1997 school year these two computer experts have often been there to help students and staff through their technical difficulties.

“[Peter and Bob] are very knowledgeable of the school and can fix anything,” said senior Ryan Fay.

Schlick and Walz have volunteered their time, nearly 15 hours a week, before, during and after school. They also volunteered during summer break, Christmas break and in the set up of the new school.

“They have been an asset to the district, both here and at the District Office,” said former technology support technician Bobbi Huikko. “They have been a real help to Bob Berry and Jeff Holte (district technology staff) with stuff that they would never have time for.”

“Bob is constantly helping out the staff with their computers and getting the announcements done right,” said junior Molly Warner.

Schlick and Walz have done everything from pulling hundreds of yards of cable in the old school to becoming key designers of the Buffalo web site. They moved and set up the technology department in December of ‘96, spent many hours helping with the auditorium, helped set up the lunch PIN system and got the video announcements up and running.

They have also been involved in numerous multimedia presentations, as well as the training of students and staff in our new technology.

“They’re really smart; I wish I knew half the things they know how to do,” said freshman Jeremy Runyon.

“It’s worked out really nice having them here,” said computer lab adviser Pam Correll. “I enjoy their company.”

Schlick and Walz are both seniors this year. Both plan on attending the U of M; Walz in computer networking and Schlick for psychology. Many people wonder what BHS will do once these two graduate.

“We are training kids to do some of the things Bob and I have been doing,” said Walz. “I won’t be too far away, so I’ll be able to come and help when they need me.”

“I think it’s good that students get involved in technology,” said Huikko.

Even though helping others can become difficult at times, Walz and Schlick still have fun with the time they donate.

“I enjoy doing technical stuff -- working on the computer, playing with the light board and working with the wires,” said Walz.

“I just like working with the people, both staff and students,” said Schlick.

When thinking about 4-H, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts most people probably picture animal judging at the County Fair, rough camping and merit badges, or even door-to-door cookie sales. These groups go beyond the typical stereotype by extending their services to the community in volunteer projects.

Girl Scouts do more than earn badges and sell cookies. They participate in service unit events and plan and carry out their own service projects.

“We try to be involved as much as we can in the community. Some things we have done as a troop is a book drive (going around neighborhoods collecting old books) and volunteering at the animal shelters. Our troop has also participated in service unit events like the ‘Kids Only Sale,’ where kids can go and do their Christmas shopping,” said freshman Kristina Ecker, a seven-year member.

The Gold Award, the highest award a scout can earn, includes earning a leadership pin, volunteering 50 hours of community service and sending an application and essay to the Girl Scout Council about an idea that will benefit the community. After council approval, scouts can carry out their project to earn the award. Last year, a record 26 scouts in the Greater Minneapolis Council earned the Gold Award.

“I’m currently working toward my Gold Award. I plan to work in an area nursing home to coordinate activities and games with the residents,” said junior Melissa Pallansch, an 11-year member.

4-H is a popular organization across the country and around the world. It offers opportunities for both boys and girls. 4-H in Wright County is governed by a Federation and Advisory council which meets once a month to report the budget, discuss any problems with clubs and make decisions. Most clubs meet every first Monday to discuss projects and fundraisers. 4-H is not just about County Fair showings; members are involved with camps, cluster events, exchanges and junior leadership.

“It’s a positive way for all teens to develop leadership skills along with learning about any area you are interested in. You can be in it from speech to animals; anything is possible. Everything we do is for the community and members,” said junior Beth Peterson, an 11-year member and current club president.

Boy Scouts experience camping, helping younger scouts, being with friends and doing various service projects. The Boy Scouts were involved with building wooden ramps and sidewalks at the Buffalo Civic Center and building a stairway at Triangle Park in Buffalo.

“Our community involvement provides opportunities for easier access to places like the Civic Center and Buffalo Lake,” said sophomore Andy Hermes, a five-year member.

Members plan to continue with these organizations into the future by helping with teens, becoming leaders, working at extension offices and, above all, continuing to serve and help the community.

April celebrates the 101st anniversary of people who volunteer their services, a time for no financial reward.
In 1896 the whole purpose of "God's American Volunteer," was to be an organization dedicated to "reaching and uplifting" American people.

Twenty-five percent of the students surveyed said that they have volunteered in some way, whether it was for NHS, church or just for the sheer satisfaction of helping others.
"Volunteering gives me a feeling that I've done something to help others. We have so much going on in our lives. It's nice to be able to help out someone else," said junior Heidi Balk.

Programs are offered throughout District 877 for adults and youth to commit their free time. Karla Heeter is the volunteer coordinator for the district and can follow through with those projects. Some of the projects that are offered through District 877 are: Meals on Wheels (delivering hot meals to shut-ins in Wright County), helping out teachers throughout the district or tutoring elementary students.
"I know [volunteering] makes a difference in my life," said sophomore Stephanie Hourscht, "and if I can help one person, then I've succeeded."

Lorraine Ledin, a senior citizen in Buffalo, is a familiar face to BHS students because she occupies the greeter desk on Tuesdays.
"I hope that I have been of some help and in the end I am happy with myself," said Ledin. Volunteers find that even simple deeds could make other people's lives happier and more fulfilling.
"I volunteer for anything I am asked to do," said Ledin, "from giving a ride to visiting with someone to make their day brighter."

Volunteering is not a job that provides monetary rewards. Instead, it's a job that emphasizes the satisfaction of knowing you are needed and wanted. As volunteers learn new skills and assist other students or adults, they better themselves by sharing their knowledge and talent.

Sometimes volunteering is more mandatory than it seems on the surface. Students often have to complete service hours to fulfill necessary requirements for confirmation or groups such as NHS.
"I volunteered because I was forced to, so I could get confirmed at church," said junior Kristine Kohn.

Sometimes these "forced" volunteering hours turn into recognition of the positive aspects of giving time to others.
"When you volunteer, you get to work with people you never have before -- strangers working together to make other strangers happy," said Kohn.

4-H is a popular organization across the country and around the world. It offers opportunities for both boys and girls.

4-H in Wright County is governed by a Federation and Advisory council which meets once a month to report the budget, discuss any problems with clubs and make decisions. Most clubs meet every first Monday to discuss projects and fund-raisers. 4-H is not just about County Fair showings; members are involved with camps, cluster events, exchanges and junior leadership.
"It's a positive way for all teens to develop leadership skills along with learning about any area you are interested in. You can be in it from speech to animals; anything is possible. Everything we do is for the community and members," said junior Beth Peterson, an 11-year member and current club president.

Boy Scouts experience camping, helping younger scouts, being with friends and doing various service projects. The Boy Scouts were involved with building wooden ramps and sidewalks at the Buffalo Civic Center and building a stairway at Triangle Park in Buffalo.
"Our community involvement provides opportunities for easier access to places like the Civic Center and Buffalo Lake," said sophomore Andy Hermes, a five-year member.

Members plan to continue with these organizations into the future by helping with teens, becoming leaders, working at extension offices and, above all, continuing to serve and help the community.

With a record of 5-15 last season, the Bison baseball team lost 7 of those 15 losses were by one run. By doing the <extras= this season, they hope to turn the close games into wins.
It9s not good enough to just show up and have fun. Although last year9s season ended without living up to ex- pectations, according to the coaching staff, this year will be a different story. With two and a half hour practices, in- volving conditioning and weight lifting, fundamentals are being stressed to the ut- most while maintaining one goal in mind: to win and enjoy
By Tammy
Wermager
Journalism Il Student
doing it.
<This season, we are stressing self-responsibility and fundamentals, especially with pitchers and catchers,= said assistant coach Mike Beilke. <We will hopefully develop with using more team ethics and giving it all you -have.=9
The player9s reactions are mostly positive. They like the attitude of winning, giv- ing extra time for practice and extra effort in the weight room. They spend more time practicing on Saturdays and on particular days before school.
<It9s hard when it9s snowing outside and below zero, but we know that the indoor practices and all the hard work will pay off later when we are playing games every other night,= said se- nior Roscoe Fadden.
The Bison will be re- turning three key players, Fadden, and senior co-cap- tains Shane Trigg and Cory Carlen. Competition at al- most every position makes it very hard for the coaches to_ choose their roster because of the great attitudes and hard work that players are giving.
<The overall attitude and work ethic has been ex- cellent. These two attributes can bring ateam along way,= said head coach Donny Th- ompson. <My expectations are always high and I expect 100 percent from each team member.=

Mother Nature pulled an April Fool9s joke on the softball team, leaving inches of snow on the fields forcing an extra long preseason. As soon as the joke melts, the team is preparing for a re- building year. The team en- ters the season lacking expe- rience with only four return- ing varsity players.
<T feel that because of the inexperience, we will need to rebuild and reevalu- ate the entire team. I see us placing in the upper half of the conference but it9s hard to tell right now,= said junior Holly Bonk.
The team will focus on recovering from the absence of seven seniors who led the team to a 14-8 season record, a third place finish in the North Suburban Conference, and a third place seed in the Region.
<Tt9s not possible to re- place those seniors, but we will try to live up to the stan- dards that have been set and have been traditionally kept,= said senior Annie Schillinger.
They do have a strong base to build upon including returning All-Conference 8players Bonk, sophonore Sa- rah Thompson and senior Kristen Thompson. The re- building will require hard work, versatile players and strong leadership from se- niors and returning players.
<The few that are re- turning from last year need to step it up while others learn their positions. We need to adjust people to positions they usually don9t play. With plenty of practice, we should be ready for the season,= said sophomore Sarah Thompson.
With several inches of snow still on the fields the North Suburban Conference has already pushed back the start of the season one week. So the players are preparing for a long indoor season.
<The snow is going to postpone many games, so we9ll probably end up play- ing four games a week to get done before Sections. I don9t mind that at all, but if there are little things we need to9 work on, we don9t have any practice time,= said senior Kristen Thompson.
Because of the inexpe- rience and weather problems, coaches are taking extra prac- tice time to prepare, stressing fundamentals and technique. With a little extra prepara- tion, the team is very confi- dent about their chances at another winning season.
<We are basically pre- paring the same with a little stress on fundamentals and technique, but I expect the girls to be ready to contend for the Conference and Sec- tion titles,= said Coach Dave Alto.
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Photo by Jenine Graham
To warm up for practice, sophomore Jason Opsal plays catch outside the school.
Outside practice time has been limited this preseason due to poor weather conditions.

The track and field team is planning on setting the standard this year by winning the North Suburban Conference meet and qualifying for the True Team State Meet. The increase to 153 members will help ensure good balance, with people who can score in each event. However, the huge number of athletes has presented some challenges for the team.
Practice started on March 3, with several feet of snow on the ground, making it difficult to find room for 63 boys and 90 girls to practice inside.
"Practices are a little harder to run with so many people because the coaches have to help more people," said senior Erik Hanson. "We have to make sure we stretch well because it is easier to pull muscles when it is cold," said senior Alicia Heisel.
Seven coaches have the responsibility of coaching this large number of athletes. Scott Palmeris is the head coach and middle distance coach. Other coaches and their specialties include: Pam Ramstad -- long distance; Boyd Emmel -- hurdles and pole vault; Doug LaPlant -- discus and shot put; Cole Mattson -- long and triple jump; Blake Jacobson -- pole vault.
One of the strengths of this year9s team is the experience of 21 returning seniors and 15 AIIl-Conference competitors, six of whom competed at the State meet in June. These leaders will serve as the core of the team.
The boys9 dominating events are predicted to be pole vault, high jump and sprints; whereas, the girls9 are expected to excel at distance, long jump and triple jump.
The indoor track meet at St. Cloud State University on March 15 proved that the Bison will be tough this year. Senior Jed Bergstrom placed first in the pole vault and broke his own school record of 14'9".
Senior Willie Vargas captured first place with a 20'92" jump in the long jump. The girls 3200-meter relay team consisting of Heisel, freshmen Heidi Jacobson and Beth Jackson and eighth grader Nancy Buselmeier placed first with a time of 10:15.
The Bison excelled at the North Suburban Conference Indoor Meet on March 24 and 25 at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The girls 3200-meter and 1600-meter relay team each took first place. Jackson broke her own record by 15 seconds in the 1000-meter run with a time of 3:03. The boys9 1600-meter relay team placed first. Junior Jed Kassulke won the high jump with a height of 5'10". Pole vault was again won by Bergstrom with a vault of 13'9".
The coaches and athletes expect the early season success to continue into the North Suburban Conference Meet and the True Team State Meet.
"Both the boys9 and girls9 teams should be as strong as ever. There are a lot of people out this year which makes for a solid team with lots of depth," said Jed Bergstrom.

More and more often, the faces behind hockey masks are female, as girls hockey becomes more popular throughout the state of Minnesota.
Its expansion goes beyond the high school league with the introduction of "club teams," which give girls from different communities the opportunity to play hockey together. With 60 girls high school hockey teams already in competition, more are being added yearly at the varsity level and beyond.
Girls teams start as young as squirts (9-10 years of age) and move on through peewees (ages 11-15) to midgets (high-school-age players) who choose not to participate at the Varsity or JV level. The "Minnesota Thoroughbreds" play in the Midget Division and produce some of the country's top players. Of the 18 players on the team, 13 participated in the Olympic Development Camp in Lake Placid, New York.
This elite group of players focuses on developing hockey skills for college-level competition.
"By playing with the Thoroughbreds I'm getting more competition, especially when we travel to places like Detroit and Chicago to play some of our league games, which will make me better in the long run and help me prepare for the college level," said Roxie Stang of Princeton, Minnesota.
The Thoroughbreds have been in existence for 12 years and the program has continued to grow. The team finished second in the nation last year to the Alaska Firebirds in triple over-time by a score of 1-0.
This year, the team has a record of 30-1-1, and is 22-0-1 against Midget-level teams. The Thoroughbreds continue to lead their opponents in goals by scoring 193 and only allowing 17.
"We have dominated every game, and there have been some games when we have played with only seven skaters and one goalie which tells you what the strength of these girls is. Many of the teams that we play against are scared to come out on the ice with us because every player on the team is physical and fast and most teams only have one or two of those players," said Coach Steve Weber.
Weber resides in Eagan, Minnesota and has been coaching the Thoroughbreds for three years.
In the fall of 1997, the University of Minnesota will begin its first season of Division I Women's Hockey. The first player to commit to the U of M was Jenny Schmidgal, a member of the Women's Junior National Team, along with five other Thoroughbreds. Schmidgal leads the team in scoring with 98 points. Five other Thoroughbreds plan to play for the Gophers next season.
"Even though next year will be the University of Minnesota's first year in Division I hockey, I still think that we will be very competitive with the other schools that have already been around for many years because the state of Minnesota is producing some of the country's top players," said Schmidgal.
The team has participated in the 1997 National Championships held on April 9-13 in Boston, Massachusetts. Results were not available at the time this issue went to press, but the team is predicted to take the national title which would provide great motivation and dreams for future girls in hockey pads.
Editor's Note: Jackie MacMillan is a four-year member and goalie for the Thoroughbreds. MacMillan has been a three-time participant in the Olympic Development Camp at Lake Placid, New York and will be traveling to Boston to compete in the 1997 National Championships in April.

A student, without a pass, wanders the
halls during AAA. At least three teachers
notice this activity, but no action is taken
whatsoever.This student was not a trouble-
maker out to cause
a ruckus. Rather, this
student was part of an experiment to test the
<security= in the halls during the last 20
minutes of the school day. Obviously, on that
particular day,
the results show that the
supervision policy wasn9t enforced.
<Supervision should be preventive
rather than punitive,= said Assistant Principal
Julie Swaggert. <What we are doing now
works okay,
but some students
still skip
school.=
With new, high-tech security cameras
throughout the school, many students and
staff members wonder why there need be any
supervision at all. For most students, the idea
of carrying a little pink pass everywhere they
go is unpleasant; especially when it does little
to deter mischief and is, therefore, thought to
be unnecessary.
<T think that once we reach high school
we are old enough
to go places without
passes,= said junior Caroline Myrlie. <And
furthermore, only a few teachers enforce the
use of passes.=
AAA presents problems
besides
skipping school
or wandering the halls.
Approximately 15 percent of students polled
say they don9t use the time productively.
8With that many students misusing
time during
school hours, some faculty members see the
need to eliminate the time altogether.
<For students that
I see, the time
is
valuable for 10-15 percent of them. The rest
could accomplish the same thing down at
McDonald9s,= said math teacher Pete Johnson.
<On whole, I think it9s good for conscientious
students who use it, but if they didn9t have
that time, they9d get their things done
anyway.=
On the other hand, many students attend
activities and meetings during AAA. Forsome
students, loosing
AAA might mean they could
no longer participate in their activity.
<I use AAA
for extra-curricular
activities like jazz band that meet only a few
times a week,= said junior Scott Moen. <Talso
use it to talk to teachers and get caught up
with my homework. It9s a very valuable time
in the day.=
The decision to eliminate AAA would
most likely be met by opposition from the
student body. Approximately 94 percent of
students polled felt that AAA should continue.
Among faculty members, the opinion isn9t as
clear-cut. In September, a faculty AAA Task
Force was formed to identify both the positive
and negative aspects of the time and to offer
suggestions of improvement for now and into
the future.
<We did an informal survey of all
classrooms last fall listing the number of
students and what they were doing in each
room,= said English teacher Tracy Hagstrom-
Dahl. <We found that the majority of students
were using the time in two ways: for academic
endeavors, or socializing with other students
and/or teachers. A small, yet noisy, minority
were abusing what AAA was intended for.=
With the future of AAA not yet decided,
many students look ahead
to next year,
wondering if they9ll see changes. Without
any major problems, AAA should stay
unchanged until the end of the school year.

Seniors, it9s not too late to
sign up for the All-Night
Graduation Party. The party
will be held after graduation,
from 9:30 p.m. until 5:30 a.m.
The cost for the entire evening
is $35. Prizes and cash
drawings will be held
throughought the night. Sign
up in the office now!

Sophomore Lori Oman, junior Megan Snyder, senior Meghan Bidne,
and junior Chrissy Smith. talk with a judge at the section Solo and.
Ensemble contest held at BHS last month.