The Bison Stampede – October 19, 1998

News
The scoop on the boy's locker room page2

Features
Coffee craze at BHS page 6

Sports
Football team on a roll page 8

"In order to maintain the dignity of the education setting, students are not permitted to wear clothes and/or accessories that include logos, words or pictures that are vulgar, obscene, profane, advocate prejudice, drug or alcohol use, are considered offensive or an expression of sexual harassment; or are sexually provocative." (from the BHS Handbook)

Events during Homecoming 1998 brought a twist to traditional activities. Usually seniors wear t-shirts to show seniority and unity. This year, a group of seniors designed a shirt of their own with a vodka bottle and the phrase "absolute seniors" that put the dress code to a test.

"Although I know that students need to express their own individuality, I feel that we have a very liberal dress code and we need to enforce the restrictions described on page 10 of the handbook," said Principal Mr. Nick Miller.

In taking a poll of four area high schools, it was discovered that they had similar dress code policies to BHS. However, t-shirts with reference to alcohol, tobacco and other illegal products are prohibited. All four high schools also prohibit hats of any kind, crop tops and tank tops.

When Homecoming King Joe Svobodny wore the t-shirt to school Miller enforced the rules by suspending him. After making a public apology at the final pep fest of the week, Svobodny was permitted to attend remaining Homecoming activities; however, he was not allowed to participate in the football game.

Other seniors also wore the shirts, and were reprimanded, but were not suspended.

"I think [administrators] took the fun out of Homecoming by not letting them wear their t-shirts," said junior Stefanie Hanson. "The dress code is reasonable, and I think it's fine, but I think they need to be more lenient during Homecoming. They weren't trying to cause trouble, they were showing school spirit."

Some seniors viewed the t-shirts as symbolic beyond class unity.

"The senior class shouldn't have worn them in school because they do promote alcohol and it shows what you do," said senior Katie DuSchane. "The t-shirts symbolized alcohol and senior shirts are supposed to show senior unity, but this year it split up the class."

According to administrators dress codes are enforced all year to maintain the focus on education, not to inhibit fashion. High school is a time to prepare for life after high school in college or the workforce.

"As much as I don't like dress codes you're going to have to follow one at some point in your life, and play by the rules," said social studies teacher Mrs. Cindy Khalil. "School is where you should prepare for the work force. The dress code give you a taste of what kind of rules you'll need to follow."

With the events around Homecoming, students get wrapped up in all the excitement and often forget there is a dress code that is enforced. The administration hopes that the dress code is clearly stated so that when events cause questions on what is correct to wear to school it can be taken care of quickly by looking at the student handbook.

"The whole shirt issue was very stressful and required an enormous amount of my time, and I would like to put the whole situation behind us," said Miller.

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Homecoming King Svobodny attended but did not participate in the football game after wearing an inappropriate t-shirt

For more than 25 years Jeanie Bryant, head cook and manager of the food service at BHS has been putting in an eight-hour day which includes, cooking, serving, and bookkeeping duties.

Her day begins at 5:30 a.m. when she, along with her fellow cooks, makes the dough for the homemade donuts, bagels, and muffins. Because of Bryant's other responsibilities, she does not have much time for cooking.

"It's great to have the privilege to make breakfast because I don't do much cooking anymore," said Bryant.

In food service, BHS is proud to honor Jeanie Bryant, Betty Lou Johnson, Marie Kiphuth, and Evelyn Hoeschen for their 20 and more years of service. Through communication and cooperation good work relationships have been developed over the years.

"I consider myself really lucky to have the privilege to work with such great women," said Bryant.

When asked, what is the least favorite part of your job, Bryant could think of nothing. "I enjoy all aspects of my work," said Bryant.

Students really contribute to her happiness, she thinks, because of all the appreciation that is given to her and her staff.

"I can't think of one person who hasn't said 'thanks' to one of us, and it gets better and better every year," said Bryant.

At BHS, there is an organization within the Student Council, called the Food Council. It consists of about two people from each grade that has meetings with the cooks and they talk about what foods are good and what foods are not pleasing.

"The Food Council has been a great help for us."

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BHS head cook Jeanie Bryant celebrates 25 years of service as Bryant.

Jeanie Bryant and her staff preparing and serving food enjoy working together for the students at BHS.

Dead silence. An occasional squeak of a pencil point pressing too hard on an answer sheet could be heard across the room. Some students were wide awake, others were almost asleep as 397 pairs of eyes shifted from question pages to answer sheets and back again.

On October 13, the sophomore class gathered in numerous rooms to spend the entire day taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). The District 877 School Board decided last spring that the tenth grade class should take the test in order to improve the current curriculum for upcoming years.

"It will be used to measure up to other schools," said Assistant Principal Rick Toso.

Toso added that using the test to measure up to other schools is not the main reason why the sophomores had to take the test. However, opposition arose from the sophomore class, wondering if they were being used to show off the school and "don't understand why we have to take so many tests," said sophomore Darcy Belcourt. "There are still more tests coming up that we'll need to take."

In upcoming years, college bound students will need to take ACTs, SATs and other college entrance exams. Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Deanna Boddie said that the ITBS, although somewhat different, is similarly formatted to the ACTs and SATs.

Boddie said that testing will be helpful for students taking college entrance exams and other tests. "The scores from this testing will be extremely helpful for students so they can learn more and achieve more in their classes after the curriculum has been changed," Boddie said.

"We shouldn't have to take it again," said sophomore Jodi Drahota. "I don't understand why only sophomores have to take it again. It would be different if the whole school had to take it."

Although sophomores were not in favor of the testing, there were some that realized the reasoning behind having to take the ITBS.

"I guess it could be good because they can know where everyone's at," said sophomore Lauren Robinson. "Finding out and teaching us what we need to know is only going to be helpful."

Although sophomores weren't exactly singled out, they were chosen because they have three years of high school left and in that time, the curriculum could be changed to fit them better.

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"This test will be used as an indication of how we are all doing as a student body, staff were some that realized the reasoning behind having to take the ITBS."

"We shouldn't have to take it again,"

"I guess it could be good because they can know where everyone's at,"

Custodian, Carol Jones, walked into the locker room expecting an ordinary night of cleaning. When she got to the shower she stopped dead in her tracks, astonished by what she saw.

Jones started working at BHS this August. One of her nightly duties is cleaning the locker rooms. Shortly after starting her position, Jones was confronted with human feces on the floor and walls in the men's varsity locker room.

Although finding human feces in the shower is not a nightly occurrence for Jones, the tape, bottles, cans, socks, mud and underwear on the floor is. She often finds toilets clogged with things like tennis balls, pencils and paper towels.

"I think if the guys would just be a little more considerate, my work would be a lot easier," said Jones. "There really is no reason to destroy a nice school."

Jones took over. It wasn't uncommon to walk into a flooded locker room, with plastic or paper towels over the drains. The concerned custodians approached BHS Activities Director Ms. Nancy Bergert, who has since asked coaches to "beef up their supervision."

While custodians understand that cleaning is their job, they would like to see athletes treat the locker room with as much respect as they do the rest of the building.

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"Somebody pooped in the shower"

"I think if the guys would just be a little more considerate, my work would be a lot easier."

Intentionally clogged toilets are one example of extra work the custodial staff faces in the boys varsity locker room.

There will be a referendum vote taking place on November 3 for District 877. The money that the district is asking voters to approve will go toward accommodating growth in the district.

The Minnesota College Fair will be held on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. It is being held at St. John's University in Collegeville.

On November 12 at 7:30 p.m., there will be a BHS band concert in the PAC. All bands will be performing, including the BHS Marching Band.

There will be a BHS choir concert on October 19 at 7:30 p.m. This concert will take place in the PAC. The concert choir will be performing David Fanshawe's "African Sanctus." Also performing are BHS Singers and Treble Singers.

One generation recalls the last time impeachment was the word on the nation's mind while the next generation ponders the meaning of it all, and speculates what will happen next. Meanwhile President Clinton carries on with his job at the Capitol, just waiting until his trial in the Senate, where his presidency could be terminated in the next few months.

President Richard Nixon faced a similar fate in 1974. The House Judiciary Committee voted against Nixon in three articles of impeachment concerning his involvement in the Watergate burglary. The nation was shocked at the deceit of the most powerful government official in America.

"We had the idea of the nobility of the president," said librarian Ms. Marcia Paulsen: "In the 60s and 70s, everyone believed the best about national leaders. The media helped continue the myth. It was quite surprising when the information was dumped on us."

Even though the investigation of Nixon's involvement lasted for more than two years, it still shook up the public and how they viewed politics and leaders.

"It rattled my faith in people that should have been better role models," said American Experience teacher Ms. Cindy Nixon resigned from office before the House of Representatives had the opportunity to subject the president to a trial in the Senate. Currently, Clinton is past that point in the constitutional impeachment process. The House of Representatives has voted to continue the impeachment investigations for the trial in the Senate, which will take place sometime after the November 3 elections.

It is up to Congress to decide whether Clinton has committed impeachable offenses. His crimes are different than Nixon's. "Nixon used his power as president to do illegal things for election purposes. Clinton is using his power as president to cover up things he did in his personal life," said Paulsen.

The media has evolved in the past 25 years in how it reveals the scandals of the president. According to Paulsen, the media used to be cautious in how much they exposed about the president. Now the press is telling everything, even if the public isn't interested.

"I don't think any of the information should have been released. It should have been between him and Hillary," said Senior Andy Fox.

Some things are timeless, such as trust and how it can be lost.

"I think [Clinton's] an idiot for doing it...it reflects the country," said junior Sara Menzel.

It isn't a personal choice anymore when it's the president. The country suffers when its elected leader makes a poor decision, no matter what decade it is.

"They both knew what they'd done, but it was a matter of waiting until the public found out about it," said Social Studies teacher Ms. Laurie Raymond.

Now the country waits while Congress determines President Clinton's fate.

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[The Impeachment]

[The Crimes]
Sexual relations with various women and coverup throughout 1997

[The Watergate and conspiracy 1972-74]
Break in at White House

[The Evidence Comes Out]
Starr Report Sept. 1998
Grand Jury testimony

[The Cover Up]
Supreme Court rules
July 1974

[The HJC recommendation]
HJC approves three articles of impeachment Oct. 5-8, 1998

[The House votes to impeach by a majority]
HJC recommends inquiry July 1974
House of Representatives approves impeachment July 1974

[BUT... Nixon resigns from office August 9, 1974]

[The future???]
The Senate holds trial future??

One of the changes that came with the reduction of the '95 bell was the reduction of passing time from eight minutes to seven. Students are allowed to dismiss with a 10-minute passing time, but the bell would be in seven minutes.

Originally, the day was allowed to be 45 minutes long. A few weeks before the start of the school year, principal Rick Thomas and Ms. Jewett announced that passing time would be reduced to seven and ten minutes. They wanted to make sure students were not rushed and indecisive. The bell was changed to seven minutes. The option was to keep the passing time at 10 minutes, but the choice of AAA, having a 15-minute passing time, was rejected.

So, we're all sick of the SCANDAL IN THE WHITE HOUSE! But, did you ever stop to ask yourself what you can actually get out of this whole mess other than an opportunity to talk openly about oral sex?

As teenagers, we are in a unique situation. We are old enough to understand what is going on and learn from it. But what can we possibly learn that is productive?

If we think about it enough, this whole Monicagate thing should change the way that we as future voting citizens look at electing officials.

One thing we could learn is not to make the same mistake as voters before us. American voters really have no one to blame but themselves for the whole scandal. Each time they voted for Bill Clinton, they knew he was a liar: first he said he didn't smoke marijuana, then he said he did, but didn't inhale. Next it was Jennifer Flowers. Now it's, "I never had sexual relations with that woman," to "I misled people." These are only the most publicized lies.

On November 3, a few BHS students will have the chance to vote for the first time. It may not be for president, but this is a gubernatorial election. Voting for Governor is as close as it gets to voting for president on the state level. For the next presidential election in 2000, more than half of the current student body will be eligible to vote.

On Minnesota Public Radio, experts reported concern that the current scandal will keep disillusioned voters away from the polls. If that's what happens, then that's a pretty statement about our country. It says that we'll let a scandal like this get the best of us instead of doing something about it. But what can we as future voters do?

We can become better educated, more discerning voters than those before us. We can continue to ask ourselves the traditional voting questions: "What issues are important to me?" "Who will fight for these issues?" "Who will care about them?"

But, based on our current situation, we can add a question: "Who will most nobly and honorably fight for the issues without being distracted by outside influences?"

Clinton has received praise for carrying on with the matters of running the country. However, the October 8 issue of the Tribune reported that Congress has had to put many agendas on the back burner in order to deal with the possibility of impeaching the president, including issues such as health care, school vouchers and abortion.

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"Little Lies"

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Top 10 Song Titles for BILL CLINTON and MONICA LEWINSKY's "LONG SONG"

1) "We're No Longer Lovers"
2) "You Can't Touch This"
3) "While Luther Lives"
4) "Friends"
5) "Big Willie Style"
6) "Little Lies"
7) "My Favorite Mistake"
8) "Creepin' Jiggy Wit It"
9) "Don't Stop"
10) "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"

Pat Randel was the only one of my brother's friends who didn't care if his little brother tagged along. He was the big cool senior who came to the sophomore lockers to talk to me. He always made me laugh no matter what.

Pat was not only one of my brother's friends... he was my friend too.

During fall, we would go to Pat's duck ponds before school and on weekends to shoot a couple of ducks. Duck hunting is fun, but duck hunting with Pat was the best. The only time Pat would not be saying something to make us laugh would be when he shoves one of his calls in his mouth to try to call a flock of ducks to us. Even that was funny because his eyes would be locked on the birds and his face would be as serious as I have ever seen.

Pat was always looking for something to do for fun: water-skiing, football, hunting, basketball, playing cards, or just hanging out with friends. I will never forget playing cards with him. One night of playing cards with Pat was worth a lifetime of laughs. Watching him drop to the ground laughing after a friend made a bad bet in a game of in-between. Betting a dollar for whoever could eat 10 saltine crackers in one minute.

All those memories of Pat were going through my head while I was sitting in the waiting room at the hospital after Pat's accident. On June 9, 1998 Patrick was working by Lake Independence and a very unfortunate accident left him brain dead. Pat was pronounced dead on June 11, 1998.

Pat was the person who could make friends with anyone. He had so many friends that at the hospital they had to make some of his friends go in another waiting room because his room was too full. I have never seen so many different social groups brought together. There were: hicks, skaters, preps and jocks and we were all brought together because of Pat not caring what a person looks like, what a person does. That showed me that we all should be more like Pat, be more open to people. Don't care what people will say if you're friends with a hick, jock, prep, or a skater. Life's too short.

We all miss you, Pat.

We learn in school to treat others equally, not to discriminate because of sex, color, or anything. You are the ones who teach us this, yet, from some of you, I get the feeling you don't follow your own examples.

Every day I see people being discriminated against. Who do I consider the over privileged? The athletes: football players, cheerleaders, swimmers, or basketball players. I don't think they realize their advantage, either. Unfortunately, we are not the only ones who get hurt. The athletes will go into the real world where people will recognize them for themselves and not so much for their popularity status. For most, their athletic abilities will get them nowhere.

These are the one you would like us to look up to, yet all we learn is how easy they get off. At the beginning of the season, all athletes are forced to sign a contract, agreeing not to use drugs or drink during the season. How many do you think follow that contract? I think your hopes might be shattered with an anonymous survey for sports teams. These people are granted a privilege to play and they take advantage of it.

The one thing that is brought to my mind every day is unavoidable: I use my assignment notebook for assignments, as the name implies. Most days I don't have enough room because the sports for the day seem to be more important.

I know that this letter cannot change your mind, but maybe you will let it help you acknowledge the problem. I'm not saying all of the staff is the problem. Some teachers and staff have encouraged me for poking out of what should be a car door, and blood covered everything. I woke up Thursday, September 22, getting ready for a great day. I was feeling set and optimistic. As I walked to meet the bus (yes, I am the only junior who still rides the bus), I heard sirens, but didn't think anything of it. I live on Lake Pulaski, so I have to go down the Lake Pulaski road and then take 16 street past Myhran Park to Bison Boulevard. As we were turning onto 16 street, I saw more flashing lights and a massive firetruck. I wiped off the foggy window to see a crumpled blue Oldsmobile. As the bus drove by the accident scene, I heard a pop-pop-pop of the Jaws of Life going at the car. I saw a leg poking out of what should be a car door, and blood covered everything. I screamed out something to the effect of, "Oh my God, that's Jim's car!"

I started running in order to get to school, I around, looking for him in all the likely places. When it was apparent that the person in the car was him, I walked back to my locker and started to cry. Sometime after all of this, a friend brought me down to the office to see if there was any news about the accident. I barely made it through the rest of the day. I wanted to leave school, but I couldn't get a hold of my mom. When I came back from my vo-tech classes, I saw a huge card that had so many signatures on it, that it was practically overflowing. After school that afternoon I went to the hospital to see him. The moment I walked in the door, and saw his goofy grin, I about broke down into tears again. But at the same time, a wave of relief washed over me. Later on, he said something I'll probably never forget. "When you get in an accident, you really learn who your true friends are."

There is definitely something to learn from all of this. Not to preach about safe driving or to "always buckle up." But that a friend lets you cry on her shoulder. He helps you out when you can't really think straight. They show up at the hospital laughing and smiling. A friend cares.

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"Most days I don't have room to write in my assignment notebook because the sports for the day seem to be more important."
—Junior Kate Miller

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Who do we turn to if we have been learning the ones teaching us our whole lives are hypocrites? What, then, do we really learn?

Listen up, guys! How many of you would feel threatened if you were to: enter a girl's clothing store with a girlfriend, give hugs to the same sex, back down from a fight, cry during a sad movie, iron clothes, sew, cook and also sleep with a teddy bear?

Too often, boys try so hard that they have an obsession with being a man and get a mental picture of how a man should act. Teenage boys strive to do their best in becoming a man, but sometimes they over-try in the presence of girls.

Some boys think they have to be so masculine they can't do certain things they label feminine. Girls give their boyfriends stuffed animals sometimes and tell them to sleep with it, but how many guys actually sleep with it? Are teenage boys too old to sleep with teddy bears at night? Surely most guys would deny sleeping with a teddy bear.

You must ask yourself, "Where is the line drawn between manhood and boyhood?" In my opinion, you're never too old for a teddy bear and teen boys shouldn't be embarrassed for having one that they sleep with. People may need to hold onto things to help sleep at night. Some prefer an extra pillow or blanket, but I choose a teddy bear. I don't see a problem unless the boy carries a teddy bear everywhere they go.

Boys need to stop trying so hard to be manly and be more sensitive. Just because your friends act a certain way, you don't have to follow them. If they think you are whipped because you followed your girlfriend into Limited Too, tell them they're scared to enter. Give your best friend a hug; see what he says. I dare you to back down from a fight. How about going to a movie and let your emotions conquer your fears? If you try some of this stuff, you may just end up a better person.

This is my story
And I'm stickin' to it.

I woke up Thursday, September 22, getting ready for a great day. I was feeling set and optimistic. As I walked to meet the bus (yes, I am the only junior who still rides the bus), I heard sirens, but didn't think anything of it. I live on Lake Pulaski, so I have to go down the Lake Pulaski road and then take 16 street past Myhran Park to Bison Boulevard. As we were turning onto 16 street, I saw more flashing lights and a massive firetruck. I wiped off the foggy window to see a crumpled blue Oldsmobile. As the bus drove by the accident scene, I heard a pop-pop-pop of the Jaws of Life going at the car. I saw a leg poking out of what should be a car door, and blood covered everything. I screamed out something to the effect of, "Oh my God, that's Jim's car!"

I started running in order to get to school, I around, looking for him in all the likely places. When it was apparent that the person in the car was him, I walked back to my locker and started to cry. Sometime after all of this, a friend brought me down to the office to see if there was any news about the accident. I barely made it through the rest of the day. I wanted to leave school, but I couldn't get a hold of my mom. When I came back from my vo-tech classes, I saw a huge card that had so many signatures on it, that it was practically overflowing. After school that afternoon I went to the hospital to see him. The moment I walked in the door, and saw his goofy grin, I about broke down into tears again. But at the same time, a wave of relief washed over me. Later on, he said something I'll probably never forget. "When you get in an accident, you really learn who your true friends are."

There is definitely something to learn from all of this. Not to preach about safe driving or to "always buckle up." But that a friend lets you cry on her shoulder. He helps you out when you can't really think straight. They show up at the hospital laughing and smiling. A friend cares.

"I LIKE GOING TO THE JAVA JOINT, IT'S A GOOD PLACE TO SOCIALIZE AND THEY HAVE LIVE BANDS."
-SENIOR LAUREN UTLEY.

Thursday at the Coffee Joint with four of your friends. Walking in you feel the aroma of freshly brewed coffee that makes you feel all your stress melt away. It's a great place to hang out.

Coffee is delicious and they have many different flavors. There is even a place to sit and relax.

I went to the Coffee Joint to get my coffee and they had many different flavors of coffee. I also had a delicious muffin and it's a great snack.

Coffee Wells in Spokane, Washington, is a lot of fun. I've been there many times and I've always had a good time.

Coffee Wells is a great place to hang out with your friends.

Thursday at the Coffee Joint is a great place to hang out. There is music and it's a lot of fun.

I went to the Coffee Joint to get my coffee and they had many different flavors of coffee. It's a great place to hang out.

Many students go to the Coffee Joint to get their coffee. It's a great place to hang out with your friends.

When the first bell rings for the new school year, freshmen are nervously trying to find their first-hour classes, while seniors arrive calm and cool to begin the new year.

For freshmen the first days of school are an adventure. As they meet new staff and teachers, familiarize themselves with the new schedule and school. They are now the youngsters after coming from the middle school where they were the oldest.

"The high school and the middle school are two totally different schools, here at the high school kids are so much more mature and the classes are so much longer," said sophomore Andrea Klaassen.

On the other hand, seniors arrive much differently. School, staff, classmates all remain relatively the same with very little change. They anticipate the end of the year with much excitement and nervousness.

The majority of them spent their time with classmates to decide where they want to go, be it a job or a party. For most a job is a necessity in their own world (necessary in their own world) makes a world difference in the world of lawn care according to Gartner.

Over the summer months, as they are all able to get themselves were as they help pay for gas or clothes for themselves.

"Most of my money goes for clothes for the new school year and insurance and gas for my car," said junior Megan Huston.

During the school year upperclassman have about one to two hours of stressful homework as a nightly routine.

Freshmen may not have the ability to socialize with friends as freely being they are not at the age of driving. Although some were able to go out on weekends with friends to movies, while others just hung out. Most students have much more homework which they are used to.

"It seem to have much more homework with the block schedule than at the middle school," said Klaassen.

Throughout the school year all the classes will be getting real older and become more independent. The underclassmen will become seniors and the seniors will move on in their lives. People will grow and become more independent. The underclassmen will become seniors and the seniors will move on in their lives. Any other change of getting older.

As the world watched and waited to see the fate of O.J. Simpson: football player gone, accused murderer, and even as they mourned over the loss of the many lives in the Oklahoma City bombing, a young man not yet known to the world was about to make his debut.

Freshman Michael Gartner, then a small fifth grader, was making his mark in the world as the grounds care technician to the Barton Avenue residents. This was the first year of his small time lawn care business called "Mike's Mow and Snow". Now four years and six clients later, Gartner is having the time of his life on his John Deere lawn tractor.

"I usually mow once a week, sometimes two, or even every other week," said Gartner, "It really depends on the weather."

The yellow and green color scheme of his John Deere lawn tractors makes a world difference in the world of lawn care according to Gartner.

"Yeah sure, they don't break down as much." Said Gartner when asked if he thinks that John Deere lawn tractors are superior then others. "I usually mow when other people's lawn mowers break down."

Customers are always one of the most important priorities in any business. Although Gartner has only six customers they also play a very important role in his business. One of Gartner's pet peeves is an angry customer.

"I think I lost one, because I was at a friends instead of mowing," said Gartner. "I have five clients not counting the one I lost."

Gartner does more than just mows lawns. He also thatches in the spring, bags leaves in the fall, and even plows in the winter.

"I usually mow when the snow melts and do that until the first snowfall," said Gartner.

Gartner soon maybe moving on from lawns to carpet cleaning, but will also do the lawns and driveways.

"Bob, [Gartner's dad and owner of the equipment he uses] is going to buy some stuff for Mike. He'll start off cleaning the stores then maybe move on to homes," said Gartner's mom.

Gartner, who charges twenty dollars an hour for his services, receives help from his father and mother. He also does not get to keep all the money he earns from business.

"My landlord [his father], I rent ten dollars an hour from him," said Gartner.

As of now landscaping is not in Gartner's future as a career. For now though this is something that Mike Gartner enjoys doing for the Westcliffe residents of Barton Avenue.

Hello, and welcome to St.Louis! This is the voice of baseball, Skip Carson. History has been broken this season as Mark McGwire shattered Roger Maris' 37 year old record for homeruns in a single season. McGwire, with 70 on the year, officially broke the record on September 8, 1998 when he smashed a 340-foot shot for his 62" homerun. I am extremely delighted to have an exclusive interview with one of the very key contributors in this historic homerun. Here he is to share his exciting tale, the million-dollar man himself, homerun ball number sixty-two.

Skip: First of all, thank you for being here, Mr. Ball.

Mr. Ball: Well, you're welcome Skip, but I prefer to be called by my real name, Mr. Rawlings.

Skip: A thousand apologies! Well then, let's get started. How did you go about your day, knowing that that night, you could be the ball that gets smashed over the fence for McGwire's 62" homer?

Mr. Rawlings: Well, the day started out just like any other. I was awakened by the annoying sound of Monica Lewinsky singing the National Anthem in Espanol. Then I proceeded to take my daily ink decoder bath, along with the other baseballs that would be used in the game that night. This would determine the actual ball, in this case me, from an imposter in the record-breaking homer. Obviously after a long night's sleep, one tends to get a little hungry. So, I did what any baseball would do. I grabbed some chow!

Skip: What sort of breakfast does a baseball of your caliber eat?

Mr. Rawlings: Well Skip, funny you should ask. Being the mini-muscle that I am, I go straight for the Wheaties!

Skip: Ah, the breakfast of Champions! Anyway Mr. Rawlings, let us jump ahead to you arriving at Busch Stadium. How were you transported to the game?

Mr. Rawlings: I was transported from my hotel by an armored car. At the stadium I was ushered in by two security guards, who then brought me to the official umpire for immediate event.

Skip: Did you do anything in particular while at the stadium to prepare for the game?

Mr. Rawlings: Yes, as a matter of fact Skip, I did. I went straight to the concessions, where I purchased a big, plump, juicy Busch Stadium bratwurst, with all the fixings. Immediately following my great feast, the umpire, to relieve me of any bloated areas that have overtaken my body gave me a rubdown. (Let's get ready to rumble!)

Skip: Well, let's fast forward to the big moment. Can you walk us through the sequence of events?

Mr. Rawlings: Skip, I can't exactly walk you through, being a baseball and all, but I can roll you through it.

Skip: I'm sensing a little sarcasm here.

Mr. Rawlings: I should hope so. I'm laying it on pretty thick.

Skip: Okay, can you roll us through the sequence of events?

Mr. Rawlings: Be delighted to.

Skip: What did you feel when you heard Mr. McGwire's name called over the loud speaker in the first inning?

Mr. Rawlings: I started to get the chills. When the umpire reached into his pouch to pull out a ball, I tried to avoid his hand, but alas, he picked me. The umpire threw me to the pitcher. As the pitcher applied the proper grip, I was praying for my life. He took the sign, wound up, and hurled me to the plate, as I grew closer to the bat, I dipped and ripped trying to avoid it. At the last second, I darted upward and that's when I ran into solid wood. The rest is a blank.

Skip: When did you realize that you were safe?

Mr. Rawlings: When I felt the soft touch of a grounds keeper's hand on my bruised body.

Skip: Amazing! How has your family life changed, now that you're a major celebrity?

Mr. Rawlings: Not very much. We're doing just great living at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. My son Little League, and my daughter SoftBall are still doing great in school, and they're both on their way to major league stardom. As for my wife Mrs. Rawlings, she's thoroughly enjoyed all the extra money, and all the media attention.

Skip: That's great! Well, that's all the time we have for today. I'd like to thank our special guest Mr. Rawlings for joining us!

Mr. Rawlings: No, thank you Skip!

Skip: Join us next time for another edition of Sports...with a Kick! This is Skip Carson saying have a good day, and a happy tomorrow!

Football: 10/19: vs Monticello, 10/24: Section Finals, 10/31: State Of Finals
Volleyball: 10/22: vs Tigers, 10/29: Section Finals
Soccer: 10/19: Section, 10/22: Section Finals
Girls Tennis: 10/20: Section, 10/25: Section Finals
Swim/Dive: 10/24: Invite, 10/27: State Prep
Girls Cross-Country: 10/20: Conference Meet, 11/10: Class

Who do I block? What's the play? These are some of the questions that junior Dave Macalena faces as the starting center for the Buffalo Bison Football team.

"Remembering the count is by far the biggest pressure I face," said Macalena. "You can't do anything unless you remember the count."

Most of the time the center isn't the focus of attention on the football team. Usually it's the running backs or the quarterbacks who get all the attention.

"The only time centers get attention is when they make a mistake," said Macalena. "So hopefully I don't too much attention."

During practice, the linemen are worked hard for two grueling hours. Doing drills like the ropes, chutes, and numerous technique and hitting drills. After all of that, they must do 350s, a type of conditioning where they must run along the perimeter of the field.

"I like practice when it's over," said Macalena. "Even though practice is tough, it really prepares the team for the upcoming game."

When Friday rolls around, tension and excitement build up as the day progresses. Anxiety about the upcoming game is in the air.

"I go over mental reps in my head and just forget about everything else and concentrate on football," said Macalena. "It's football, football, football."

Some players have different routines they go through or have superstitions they follow before each game they play.

"I wear the same shirt and underwear every game, but I do wash them," said Macalena.

It's kickoff time. Everything practiced during the week is put into action. Throughout the battle of the game, the linemen are put against Spring Lake Park, trying to overpower their opponent.

"We have our ups, we have our downs, but hopefully, when that final whistle is blown, we emerge victorious with a smile on our faces for a job well done."

"I love the competitiveness, I like going to war against the other team," said Macalena. "Stepping onto the field is the time when I am the most nervous. But I know I have 10 other men on the field with me, especially four other superb linemen who are like brothers to me."

Varsity tennis has an extraordinarily young team. There are no seniors playing on the tennis courts this season.

This year is different from last year since there are no seniors.

"Seniors were really good friends of ours last year," said junior Megan Houston. "This year we don't know the team very well."

Some players, especially Houston, this season's co-captain along with junior Alyssa Bakke, say that having younger players on the team will be a great experience, and next year it is really going to benefit the team.

"I like it because the younger players get better, and when they get older they will be really good," said sophomore Annie Sturges. "We will have a good team."

On the other hand, freshman Jenna MaGee thinks that it's kind of nice, because she knows most of the girls, and doesn't seem that different to her.

Leadership is a huge role in sports such as tennis. Good leadership is to be involved and to have talent in the sport. Having a young team may be hard to show leadership but to captain Houston it's not too hard. Last year she observed from the seniors.

Besides having no seniors on varsity, the team developed another difference.

"A lot of people don't have high standards," said Houston. "The team was really close last year and was fun because of all the seniors," said Sturges. Players hope to become good friends with this years team.

Varsity tennis record for conference games is 4-3.

Hardrock-n-roll, makeup, jewelry and sports are a huge part of every day life for most teens, but for certain teenagers these "accessories" are foreign.

Many teens would find it difficult to live without sports, rock music, jewelry and other things Laestadian Lutherans do without. However, for them, it's always been a part of life. Being true to their faith means more to them than a letter on their jacket.

Because of the competitive nature of many organized sports, people of the Laestadian Lutheran Church choose not to participate.

"The atmosphere is so bad all it is is win win and no fun," said senior and church member Charles Kariniemi.

In addition, members of this church choose to lead a fairly simple life-style. Like most churches, members pine to be in it when they are old enough to know what it is about. They can leave anytime they want, between the ages of ten and 60.

"Our religion does not allow us to wear make up, wear earrings, listen to music, watch t.v., no drugs or alcohol use, and we can not play in competitive sports or games," said Kariniemi.

Even still, Charles is still very active in many sports, but for fun and not for competition. Because of the competitive nature of many competitive sports, he follows them in the newspaper. He considers himself a Vikings and Timberwolves fan.

"Sometimes I wish I would participate because I know I could play, but my religion is what I grew up with and I do not want to give it up," said Kariniemi.

"I believe if kids from my church could play school sports the teams would be better than what they are," said Kariniemi. "And I do not know what it is about sports that I like, but I love the team unity."

Junior Andrea Matilla, also a Laestadian, agrees that school sports are very competitive. She also enjoys sports, but is very committed to her religion.

"I chose to be in my religion, and I like it," said Matilla. "Other things about my religion is we do not use any type of birth control and we have to marry in our religion, and I will marry someone from my same beliefs."

Graffiti makes a statement. Set crew rocks said a scribble on the surface of a homemade desk built for the fall musical. These words describe the overall pride of nearly seventy people working on the musical.

In the beginning, drama teacher Ms. Tracy Denny chose the most complicated musical she could find; at least she joked that she did. Needless to say, the play How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is taking more than seven days and seven nights to prepare. In fact, there are over thirty-eight practices.

The musical is a satire about a man who climbs the corporate ladder in a very short amount of time by doing nothing but manipulating his situation, using a book as his guide. It presents the characters as shallow, two-dimensional beings who do nothing but drink coffee and flirt with secretaries.

The play is a satire demonstrating the existence of chauvinism and conformity in 1950s corporate America. It pokes fun at how big business has become more about status quo than about people,> said Denny.

Anybody can be a part of theater for the first time even as late as one's junior year. In his first school acting experience, junior JJ Wright joked that he was spending time on the play to prove he was a good boy.> His character is the important role of a lazy employee who goes to lunch early because he's the boss's nephew. Ironically, in one of his first practices, he left fifteen minutes early for the activity bus.

I wanted to try something different,> said Wright.

This play is much more than acting. It is the devoted effort of an orchestra, the stage crew, stage managers, the tech crew that controls lights and sounds, and the teachers who make the whole thing happen.

I think a lot more people are putting a lot more effort into the play than ever before,> said senior Trina Lyrek.

Just like graffiti, musicals can make a statement too. On Nov. 4-8, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will deliver messages about conformity and robbed individuality.

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A lot more people are putting a lot more effort into the play than ever before,> said senior Trina Lyrek.

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THE STAR CAST
Mitch Wilton: Finch (Manipulative shaker of the corporate ladder)
Cassie Triplett: Biggley (Overpumped president of the company)
Rosemary Lis: Rosemary (Secretary in Biggley)
JJ Wright: Bud Frump (Bratty nephew of Biggley)
Light Grail: Hedy (Sassy mistress of Biggley)

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Dates of the shows
Thurs. Nov. 5 at 7:30
Fri. Nov. 6 at 7:30
Sat. Nov. 7 at 7:30
Sun. Nov. 8 at 2:00

Hands folded and eyes closed, the group sits in a circle and offers up a prayer for the long day ahead. When the Amens have been said, the Bibles are opened and the studying has begun.

Every Monday morning at 7:00 a.m., a group of students gathers in Mr. Kevin Schmeling's room. There aren't many of them, but they hope more will come. During this time the students study the Bible, trying to understand what is meant by the words that were written so long ago. Together, they share their ideas and stories of spiritual beliefs and apply the Bible to everyday life. As they end their time together, they pray once again, this time taking prayer requests. Pencils busily scratch down names and topics so that each person may remember to pray for them all throughout their week. When it's all over, the group steps out of the room towards another hectic day.

"It gives me hope that there really are people out there who are committed to Christ," said sophomore Rachel Starr who attends the morning Bible study regularly. When asked why she goes to the Bible study she replied, "Because it's good to get together with others who feel the same about The Lord as you do."

Not all students feel the same. In fact, 50 percent of students surveyed were against the idea of in-school Bible studies.

"I believe that church and state are separate," said junior JJ. Wright. Many people surveyed felt the same, agreeing that religion should have no place in school.

School policy says that while schools of the district are supportive of state and federal mandates concerning religion in the public schools, this in no way precludes the use of the Bible, the Torah, the Koran, or any other religious text when it is used for gaining awareness and understanding of the various forms of religion. Students of various faiths may request absence from school for practicing faith on holy days of particular religious significance.

This school policy makes it possible for the bible study to continue, which is good news for those who like the idea. And for the rest who are against it, it is a reminder of the freedom that they also possess.

The other alternative was having a eight minute passing time and a 30 minute lunch. The principals thought that an eight minute passing time and a 30 minute lunch would be best, although they would have preferred it to have stayed at 10 minutes. Of course, they can't please everyone and it's "kinda hard to change a big system," Julie Swaggert said.

Some people experience trouble making it from one class to the other without being tardy. "If I am on one side of the building and my locker's on the other, by the time I get my books and got to the bathroom, the bell's already rung," said junior Cole Demmer.

Senior Lori Omann says she feels that eight minutes is a short time to be able to talk to your friends, and it's especially hard for seniors; they want to talk to people as much as possible because it's their last year.

Some people found advantages to a shorter passing time. They enjoy AAA and getting dismissed from school ten minutes earlier. "I like it because I can get to the sport in quicker, and get home faster to do homework," said junior Laurie Auger.

Nine out of 10 teachers think eight minutes is enough time to have, if it is spent wisely. "I think it's enough time for students to stop for bathroom break, drink of water and get to class," said math teacher Mrs. Peggy Pasche.

Everyone is affected by the changes in the passing times, but it will stay the same throughout the rest of this school year. "Students are handling the new start times, end times, and passing times very well. We have an understanding student body that understands the need for change when new challenges present themselves," said assistant principal Mr. Rick Toso.

To teens, driving represents freedom. But for some, that freedom can mean deadly results.

Since the invention of the wheel, teens have been looking forward to the day of driving by themselves and feel like it's a goal to achieve. They watch older siblings and friends learning to drive and anxiously await their turn. "I felt like I've accomplished something that I've been waiting for for 16 years," said junior Jim Crowley.

Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds are more likely to be killed in accidents than people in the entire age group from 25 to 64. Highway accidents are the number one killer of American teens. It's not just drivers in the cars either. It's also passengers. Sometimes, irresponsible drivers can put their friends at danger. "It felt like a Tilt-a-whirl, jerking around in the car," said sophomore Sarah Berthiaume.

Meeting death suddenly and violently in moments of recklessness, poor judgement and inexperience behind the wheel can happen so quickly, that chances are a person would never know what hit them.

"I stopped at the stop sign, looking both ways a million times," said senior Nicole Sargent. "Then a white Geo hit me in the rear driver's tire. That sent me spinning into the middle of the intersection."

When pulling into the parking lot people usually park any way they want. Driving too fast is also a concern. "The school is considering installing speed bumps at the entrance of the parking lot to slow down people coming and going from the lot," said Activities Director Nancy Bergert.

Many safety concerns are involved with driving and teenagers. The biggest thing is slowing down.

There are many teen drivers at BHS who could be putting their lives at risk each day.

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File photo: There are many drivers at BHS who could be putting their lives at risk each day.

The city of Buffalo wants to install stop lights at the corner of Co. Rd. 35 and Co. Rd. 135. The bids have been priced from $320,000-$452,371. Factors are considered about the road, and whether or not additional road construction is necessary.

Junior Aric Bethke was having a great time at the Homecoming game on October 2. It's no wonder...the Bison trampled over the Spring Lake Park Panthers 33-7.

BHS freshman got into the swing of pep rallies. On Purple and White Day, visitors got psyched up for the big game, and brought spirit to the entire school.

"Great participation, great activities, great spirit, great crowds, topped off by the most awesome game ever." — Julie Swaggert, Assistant Principal

Everybody joined in the Homecoming festivities, including staff. Cook Susan Spike shows her school spirit in the cafeteria on Crazy Hair/Hat Day.

Seniors rein as Gladiator Champions, thanks to Kari Jensen and Jesse Henley. Jensen beat junior Mariel Gartner to the finish line.