The Hoofprint – March 11, 2005

Last fall, students walked into the school and started another day - hanging with their friends and going to class - but in the minds of the teachers something had changed. This year, the administration and staff have focused on reading, and literacy as their most important instructional goal.
The Literacy Program was created to help students read and comprehend better in all classes - not just English. Teachers have learned new strategies for teaching reading in their courses, the library has acquired more student-selected books, and book discussions have been started after school. Read 180 is one part of the program where teachers get involved with the students who struggle with reading.
Silent Sustained Reading, which begins today, requires all staff and students to focus on reading for fun during one AAA each week.
For teachers, this program was important because reading is used in every class. This program had a dramatic impact on everything from Science to Math, not just the English classes.
"I remember a chapter that I had to read in my high school biology class and I remember not being able to understand what I read," said Principal Nick Miller. "If you can't read then nothing works."
One goal for the program is to help kids with lower reading levels improve, but it also

Students and teachers will be expected to read for their entire AAA today as the school implements Silent Sustained Reading, a school-wide part of the Literacy Program. Thirty-five percent of 75 students surveyed said they do not take part in any classwork or other school-related activities during AAA. However, many students find worth in that time anyway.
"Sometimes I feel like the day was too hectic and I finally feel like I have 20 minutes to sit and not worry about school," said Senior Mandy Scott.
Over the years, AAA has changed from a quiet work and reading time to a casual time for social interaction. However, 80% of students feel that AAA is valuable.
A new plan started today that will take one day out of AAA. The plan is to read on Wednesdays in AAA. When there will is an early dismissal, the reading will be moved to Friday. Eighty-percent of students surveyed don't think highly of this plan.
"I don't like it," said Junior Sara Hauer. "Students have so much going on during AAA that more important things won't get accomplished, not that reading isn't important."
However, others believe having structured time for reading is good.
"I think that's a good idea," said Sophomore Sallie Parsons, "because AAA is getting out of hand, there should be a time that everyone reads anyways."
Students socialize during AAA while Bison Bits plays on the television. The new Silent Sustained Reading program will take place today, where all students are expected to read during AAA. Photo by Allie Houfer

Snow Daze
Continued from page 1
During AAA competitions, students won arm wrestling and volleyball, and the teachers won basketball and tug-o-war. After school activities included the students winning the Bowling tournament, and the teachers winning broomball and the trivia challenge. The Ice Fishing competition ended in a tie. In Penny Wars staff beat the students with -$11.02. Students [focuses] on improving readers at all levels. Giving the students a broader reading selection in the library and new ways to take notes and understand what students are reading are just some aspects of this program.
"Reading is so important," said Librarian Todd Manninen. "This will give kids a better appreciation of literacy."
Teachers hope that students take the new methods to heart and go away with the knowledge that they can go back to books for anything they need.
Even though this program hasn’t been publicized, a few students are becoming informed.
"I know that the school is starting a sustained silent reading," said Freshman Brianna Barker.
Teachers say that the program is a good way to introduce students to a new way to learn.
"I love reading. It's the reason that I became a teacher," said English Teacher Denise Wahlin-Fiskum.
This is one the the ballots from the Iraq election. This was the first democratic election for Iraq in over 35 years. AP Photo
Penny Wars, over $300.
"It went really well, we had a turn out at the Ice Jam and the Variety Show," said West. "There was a ton of money collected during Penny Wars, over $300."

The citizens of Iraq experienced a historical moment on January 30, the day that the nation held its first ever Democratic election. Out of the 14 million potential voters registered, about eight million actually voted.

At BHS, students overall agreed that the elections were important. Eighty percent of students polled said that the elections were necessary and 85 percent said that the Iraqi people have benefited from it.

"I think it's very good that we got rid of a dictator, and that we helped Iraqi people get their freedom," said Freshman Karen Hillukka. "I think it's great that they finally got to express their opinions through a free election."

Seventy-five percent of students said that US involvement in the Iraqi elections was needed. On that day, Iraqi police and US troops worked together to secure voting sites. As the Iraqi police manned checkpoints and secured polls, American troops were around to back up the Iraqis in case of major violence that the Iraqis couldn't handle. At 5,300 polling sites, there were 300,000 Iraqi and US troops there to secure them.

"I wish that our soldiers didn't have to be there, but I think [the Iraqis] needed a force that regulated the elections," said Hillukka. "Also, I think the Iraqis would've been more afraid of voting if the protection they got from the troops wasn't there."

Iraqi insurgents, who, before the elections, said that they were going to "cover the streets with blood" on election day, did attack. Most of the casualties resulted from suicide bombers. One attack in East Baghdad killed six people, and another in a US-Iraqi security center in the city of Khanaqin (north east of Iraqi capital) killed three Iraqi police and five civilians.

"They shouldn't threaten the Iraqis," said Freshman Tracie Mattila. "The Iraqis should have every right to vote."

Ever since the election day, Iraqi insurgents have been attacking more frequently than before. With the 13,000 to 17,000 insurgents thought to be in Iraq, their suicide bombings have been killing more.

"They're losing their grip," said Mattila. "They probably know that we're winning over them."

Currently, it has been decided that the American troops will stay until insurgents stop attacking the Iraqi nation. Twelve percent of students did not agree with this, and said that the US should leave.

"The US should get out and just watch from afar," said Junior Sarah Miller. "Iraq can take care of themselves. We're acting like over-protective parents."

Exchange Students Demi Duran and Menna El Decken perform a Belly Dance at the Variety Show. Demi is from Turkey and Menna is from Egypt. Most of the exchange students actively participate in BHS students. Photo by Melissa Warfield

Jenny McNelis and Jill Morin
Journalism Staff

Coming from a new place isn't always as easy as it may seem.

Starting in a new school with new faces could be the hardest thing to do. With open minds, exchange students come to the U.S. to see what it's like in a different place.

"At first I thought that America was better than Japan, but now I miss Japan," said Senior Seiko Hanawaka.

"During class here I can relax, it's different in Japan," said Hanawaka.

Even though the exchange students say there are benefits to coming to the U.S., you can't blame the students for missing their roots, and their lifestyles.

"I miss the Chinese food," said Senior Zhou Huasong, "The China Buffet here sucks."

When the students arrive they are introduced to what people do here. Their host parents often bring them to places that are famous or fun.

"My favorite moment was riding a four wheeler, they went, they just called me and said 'you're in Minnesota.'"

When the exchange students arrived in the U.S., they were sent to stay with a host family. All host families aren't the same, though. This can be different than from where they come from. The change sometimes takes the students a little time to get used to.

"It's strange getting used to the little kids," said Peter Urbanec. "I have a 17-year-old brother, and a ten year old sister in Slovakia."

Changes in family are not the only differences when the students arrive. The exchange students are sent to regular classes, with American students, and American teachers.

"In Japan I wear a school uniform every day. We have no school bus, I used the train, for one month of using the train it costs like 60 dollars," said Senior Masahito Nishizawa.

"I didn't get to pick where they are," said Senior Peter Urbanec who's from Slovakia. "I had to do a lot of paperwork. I didn't get to pick where I went, they just called me and said 'you're in Minnesota.'"

"When we started staying in another house, all of us have cars so that was fun. But everything was so different, though."

"All the exchange students were able to go to school, and share the thing they had to do."

When the students go back in June, they will bring with them many memories of the fun that they have had here. All of them said that they would stay in contact with those friends that they have made here.

They all said they would recommend the exchange program to their friends.

"When I go back I would recommend my friends be in an exchange program," said Zhou Huasong.

When the students arrive they are introduced to what people do here. Their host parents often bring them to places that are famous or fun.

Beep.. "Oh snap!"

War cries can be heard in the sophomore hallway outside of the math resource area after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday as the competition between the knowledge bowl teams becomes fierce.

The Knowledge Bowl team has placed high numerous times including six first places, seven second places and one third place.

Their competition is not only with other schools, it is also their teammates.

"It's just as competitive as any sport," said Senior Steve Schroeder.

Knowledge bowlers take their competition very seriously and stay competitive during the season, much like a sports team would.

Knowledge bowl practices are set up similar to a meet. The three teams sit with their teammates and practice against each other, making for fierce rivalries.

"One of the best moments in knowledge bowl was when we beat Team Two by 16 points, so they couldn't excuse it,"

Over a month after the flooding in the teachers' rooms and life has returned to normal.

Carpeting covers the floor again, the walls are freshly painted, and the bands of yellow Caution tape barring entrance to room A-104 have finally been removed. All the students and teachers are now allowed back into their classrooms.

When the pipe broke on January 17, the teachers affected by the flood had to travel to other rooms to conduct their lessons.

"Everybody was okay with it at first, but our patience wore kind of thin," said Social Studies Teacher Laces Davidson.

"We wanted all of our stuff back and we were sick of being disorganized."

The damage caused by the flood was extensive. Carpet, ceiling tiles, a door, sheet-rock, baseboard, textbooks, and worksheets were among the wreckage. Also, Social Studies Teacher Cindy Khalil's television and computer were ruined.

"Everything was just soaked. Wherever you walked you could hear the 'crunch, crunch, crunch.' I heard that when they opened Khalil's door, water just gushed out," said Science Teacher Natalie Kaczor, describing the scene the morning of the flood.

Over the years people have had their cliques, groups, posses, whatever you'd like to call them. I think it's all crap. Every group has an opposing group, or something that they hate. Why is this necessary? IT ISN'T!

One of the most popular and most misunderstood of them all, is the infamous group known as the PREPS. I have been labeled a GOTH, by a countless number of people, because I wear black clothes a few times during the week, but whatever that's beyond the point and also a completely different rant. The matter at hand is that there is no such thing as a PREP. But how do I know this? I'll tell you how. I came across this little discovery by complete accident. It started like this.

About a year ago I was talking to one of my friends in math class, when they said something along the lines of, "Man, I can't stand so and so, they're such a PREP." I thought long and hard about that statement because I never believed in labeling others. The next day in a different class I was talking to the alleged PREP, and during our conversation they began to express their feelings towards a certain person by saying, "God, I can't stand that person! They're such a PREP!" That got me thinking even more. This little cycle of pointing fingers, and calling each other PREP went on for a while, until I realized that everyone that was being accused of being a PREP, was in accusing someone else of the same thing.

I ended up with this: either those who are PREPS, don't know it, or there aren't any PREPS in my school. Then it hit me. A question that still bothers me. WHAT IS A PREP ANYWAY?

After I put much thought into this, I've come to the realization that there is no such thing as a PREP, at least not the kind everyone is thinking of.

A true PREP is someone who is enrolled into a prep school. Just because someone wears nice clothes and keeps their grades up doesn't make them a bad person.

So they like to wear Abercrombie & Fitch and Aeropostale. Big Deal! I like to wear spiked bracelets and plaid over-shirts. That's no reason to hate me.

If you're going to hate someone, hate them because they're a mean person. Don't hate them for a prejudice label that was created in the minds of confused high school students. It's unfair to them, and it's unfair to you.

Dogs are man's best friend. They are by your side till death, willing to lay down their life for you. They alert you to any movement occurring outside. They clean up spilled leftovers. They entertain you by playing tag with the fat, lazy, grouchy cat.
In return, you play with them, feed them, share your bed with them, and love them.
But how does the love flow when it's two o'clock in the morning, you're not fully awake, and your pup decides to play hide and go seek when you let him outside?
I, like any other dog owner, love my dog dearly. If you lived next door though, you'd probably have your doubts.
As Hobbes, my three-year-old German shorthair, hunkered down near the border of my property and the neighbor's, I scowled and thought, "Great." This wasn't the first time he'd decided to make me chase him, so I knew all the old tricks weren't going to work.
Regardless, my wishful thinking made me try them. After attempting to lure him in with treats, food, and two tennis balls, all I had achieved was hands scented of dog food and two balls to retrieve the next day.
Maybe I could win him with Sweetness. Coaxingly calling to him, "Hobbes! Come on," all I saw was my dog - still outside - crouching to the ground. Looking around, hoping that nobody would hear me, I tried a different approach. I mustered all the anger I could to growl lowly, "Hobbes. COME." Once again, no success. All the little snot did was cock his head to the left, as if not understanding my words.
Ooo, this was war.
Muttering, I slipped on a pair of flip flops and trudged my way outside and onto the dewy grass. A light morning breeze passed through my thin pajama pants and shirt, causing me to shiver. Perfect.
Just as I got close enough to lunge at him, my dog bolted to the right, hunkering low about four feet away from my reach.
I walked closer; he dashed away.
At that moment, I could've killed him. My dog was playing with me at two o'clock in the morning! All I could think as I chased him around was, "Once I get my hands on you..."
After playing "catch me" for ten minutes, I kicked the air and yelled softly, "Fine! Be that way. Stay out here then."

We all think we are honest. But the person we struggle being honest with most is ourselves. I personally have a hard time lying but I have been lying to myself for eighteen years. Know its time to change. In 2003 I was diagnosed with diabetes, a result of my unhealthy lifestyle. I didn't care when I woke, I saw someone who weighed 320 pounds, but still I kept eating foods that guided me to my death. Later I went to a different doctor who told me once again to go on a diet. So I did. For a while I was doing fine but one day flipped out and decided to continue my dance with death. Later I went back to the doctor and I had gained twenty pounds but instead of telling me to try again he gave me the number of a surgeon who performs gastric bypasses. For some reason I still didn't care I was killing myself. My mom and dad fought over whether I should have the operation. I didn't care and some way or another we never ended up calling that doctor. Thank God. Hundreds of cheeseburgers later came my senior year and I still didn't care about my health, but somehow I felt like the world was my oyster. When I won Homecoming King I thought it would change life for the better, but it didn't. My life was back to normal. I didn't have girls calling me or any more friends. But for the first time in my life instead of being bitter and feeling like a victim, I became a little more humble. I realized not only was my physical health bad, but so was my soul's. A few months later I was given an independent study where I could do my physical education at the fitness center. My parents got me a personal trainer. One of the first things he said to me was, do you want to do this, and I said, yes, but this time I actually believed myself when I said it. I started my program on January 7th and so far I've lost 20 pounds. I'm at the gym five days a week and I've never felt so good about anything in my life. In a year or so I will go back to that doctor and show him I did it the hard way and I'm never giving up. That is the biggest sin there is and you guys can hold me to it.

Touch ups, they seem innocent but what are they really advertising? Walk into any grocery store and there are magazine racks full of celebrities and models. These people are thought to be flawless. Why does society put these people on a pedestal?

They are no different than the average person; they swallow the same, digest the same and their heart pumps blood the same way yours is right now. Part of the reason these people are thought to be perfect is that they appear perfect. Touch ups are part of advertising, but most have crossed the line. They alter the pictures of normal people to make them perfect. They decrease the waistline, enhance the bust, and erase blemishes. It has a devastatingly negative affect on many girls. They start to imagine all the attention they would receive if they could only achieve what is depicted in the pictures. Some girls even starve themselves for this lie. It's impossible.

Meanwhile, it gives teenage boys wrong ideas of what kind of girl they should be looking for. It sends them looking for something that does not exist. The girls are left trying to live up to this myth and the boys are overlooking them. This is one of the core reasons it is so difficult for relationships to last. At least half of all marriages fail.

The whole line of thinking, concerning touch ups and being perfect, is destructive. No one can ever meet the needs that society tells us we have to achieve.

The solution? Since boycotting every source where this idealism is taught (i.e. television, magazines, online sites...) is impossible; the solution lies within you. What will you choose? Will you choose to follow the empty ways of the world or will you be bold and stand for what really matters to you?

The pictures on these magazines will fade as will the temporary image that may be partly achieved. Do you know what true beauty is? It has been mentioned by someone in the background for years, "It's what's inside that counts."

Self-worth cannot be derived from this fleeting perfection. The reality is that everyone has flaws, so we're all in the same boat. It has to be found within and appreciated. People will accept you better when you can accept yourself. It's time to open our eyes and think for ourselves instead of letting everyone else tell us who we should be, or what we should look like. Whether it's easy to accept now or not, what's inside is the part that lasts; that's the part that more value should be placed on.

Violence, sex, and drugs aren't the only things in society that are spinning wildly out of control today. The music that my peers insist is good, is in fact, gut-wrenchingly horrible, and lacking in any kind of originality.
What popular artists like Usher and Justin Timberlake have is not talent; it's pretty faces and charisma. But when I turn on my radio, I can't hear big sparkling eyes, cute smiles or bling bling, all I can hear is personalities, nice butts, and awesome wardrobes but, most importantly, the talent.
I would be thrilled and shocked to turn on the radio today and hear a new artist who comes even remotely close to the kind of amazing talent my parents grew up with, like Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, or The Beatles. Those are the people who had great talent, and more originality then anyone who followed them. And those are the people whose music will never be forgotten.
For this torture that I have been subjected to, these artists should not only be heavily fined, but also banned from the radio, recording booths, concerts, bars, and most importantly, karaoke.

Not caring that my neighbors would now also think of me as a psycho along with inconsiderate and a candidate for the title of Dog Abuser, I turned back to the house.
But, while trying to keep my dignity, I slipped on the damp grass and fell. Just lying there, I stared up at the stars, wondering what I had done to deserve this. I fed him.
I shared half my bed with the lug. I slipped him some of my sandwich when my dad wasn't looking. What else did he want?
As I lay in self pity, Hobbes decided to play a new game; "plow into Mommy." Screaming in surprise, I sat up. There was my dog, his nose two inches from my face, tail wagging furiously. I realized this was now or never, so I released a war cry and quickly grabbed for my dog's collar.
Yes! I had the cretin. Pulling him to the door, I devised a plan of punishment. Oh, was he going to get it. I was going to spank him, shame him, and then make him sleep on the floor.
But, once I had shut the door and turned to Hobbes, I melted. He sat there, his once giddy eyes now full of apology. Pausing, we stared at each other. I couldn't do it. He was my pup, my baby. All he wanted was a little fun. Sighing, I released him and said, "Go to bed." He rushed his way to my room, opening the door with his nose. I rolled my eyes and followed him through the door.
"The little snot got off this time," I thought as I threw off my shoes and slipped into bed. "But he's going to hear two words tomorrow. Shock collar."

and watching Jack pout which he does a lot," said Senior Molly Stammer.

After rounds are over knowledge bowlers find ways to entertain themselves including playing Magic: The Gathering and discussing their rounds.

"After rounds, we talk about how many questions were stupid because we didn't get them right," said Senior Stuart Johanson.

Knowledge bowlers have fun with these rivalries, often finding any way they can to push each others buttons.

"Jack serenaded me," said Stammer, "he sang 'Build Me Up Butter Cup' to annoy me, because I said I hated 'Journey.'"

After a long day of competing, the bowlers still have the ride home to count on to either boast or lift their spirits. Their activities range from playing magic, presidents, pinochle, singing, and play fighting.

Knowledge bowl has is much bigger than past years. They have even started to use managers. Managers make pop runs, run the computers in practice and help set up the Buffalo meet.

"They leave garbage on the table and call us over to pick it up. We just let it sit there, and they yell at us, It's funny," said Manager Rachel Kunde.

Despite all the rivalries, the knowledge bowlers get along very well. Team One and Team Two look forward to a good time at the upcoming state tournament, April 19 and 20.

Repairing the rooms and service area began right after the damage occurred.
"They've replaced ceiling tile, sheetrock, and carpeting," said Principal Nick Miller. "Some painting still needs to be done and I've ordered new textbooks."
After a month of being out of their classrooms, teachers said they were glad to be back.
"It's been really stressful for us and we were just ready to get back to our rooms," said Davidson. "It was a relief to finally teach in my own room again."
Most felt that the attitude of those involved was positive over the past month and helped to eliminate tension during a stressful series of transitions.
"Everyone's been awesome about it. We just said we're gonna deal with it and that's the way it's gonna go," Head Engineer Coco Henry said. "You couldn't ask for a better staff to work with."

Butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle; the first year boy's swimming and diving team became familiar with all four of these basic strokes that make up the events for competitions.

Because two new girls' activities were added to the list of extra-curricular programs this year, a boys activity needed to be added. Boys swimming and diving had the largest amount of supporters and readily available equipment.

The key factor to improvement in swimming is to drop time and race against the internal clock inside one's self.

"Swimming is very different from other sports because it's a team sport but the events are individual," said Senior Co-Captain Devin Danielson.

The team's amount of yards swam during practice through out the season were doubled. Built up endurance through practice to increase performance levels.

"The workout is harder because it's long and very tiring," said Junior Jordan VanDorp. "It's more physically demanding than you think."

"We have improved a lot since the beginning of the year," said Danielson "but we still have a long ways to go."

Swimmers. Records were set for all events at Buffalo's first home meet on Thursday, February 3. Vandorp took first place and holds the first Buffalo team pool record in the 50 freestyle. Swimmers often use strategies to get ready for meets. Before races begin, some swimmers visualize events to get focused.

"I relax and don't do anything out of the usual," said Senior Ben Rayl.

The boys showed improvement in many different areas. Seconds were shaved off from individual times by faster starts off the blocks and by practicing quicker flip/touch turns off the walls.

"I thought it would be cool to start a guys' team," said Senior Co-Captain Alex Trogstad. "I also wanted to stay in shape over the winter."

Wanting to stay active proved to be one of the main reasons participants wanted to be involved in swimming.

Competitive swimming and diving, at a high school level, includes 12 events for a conference dual meet. Records were set for all events at Buffalo's first home meet on Thursday, February 3. Vandorp took first place and holds the first Buffalo team pool record in the 50 freestyle. The search for the best contestants in the final meet of the season for the Boys Swimming team. 2004-20056 marked the first year for BHS Boys Swim Team.

Despite injuries, Junior Gold set Buffalo records for the 2004-2005 hockey season.

One third of all serious injuries for 10-17 year-olds are sports-related. According to CDC research one million out of eight million high school athletes are seriously injured resulting in hospitalization, surgical treatment, missed school, or one half day or more in bed.

"Injuries have definitely affected the team...Steve hurt his neck, Mike hurt his knee, Dan broke his ankle and Dylan broke his hand," said Junior Chris Solarz. "We're missing Dan; he was a strong forward and on our first line."

"It sucks having to sit back not able to help out," said Senior Dan Cummings.

The team, injuries and all, earned a 9:12:2 season record; the best in the history of Buffalo Jr. Gold Hockey. Players also earned another record of least amount of penalty minutes.

"We got a good team with lots of skill," said Solarz. "We know how to play together."

Leadership was not lacking from the eleven seniors including: Calvin Bennis, Dan Cummings, Devin Danielson, Chad Freund, Riley Gulbranson, Matt Miller, Steve Sorenson, Dylan Stevens, Assistant Captains James Hoffman, Harlan Kartak and Captain Josh Mahoney.

"This year is different because I'm a senior, someone the younger guys might look towards," said Bennis.

Most Junior Gold agree that the most exciting moment of this season was the double-overtime win over Shattuck at the Cumberland, Wisconsin tournament on January ninth.

The hockey program at Shattuck-St. Mary's is nationally recognized. All six teams practice everyday and play a competitive, seven-month schedule, with tournament play throughout the U.S. Their current record is 25:16:0.

"I like playing Jr. Gold because the coaches don't suck," said Junior Shane Pierce. "...hitting, scoring; that's what makes hockey great; we just go out and have a good time."

The following was readers as a fan of the team; and students agreed it was a fun season to watch.

Car washes in Buffalo are advancing to today's car wash technologies. Buff and Glow provides many car washes, a basic car wash, a clear coat car wash, and an ultimate car wash. The ultimate receives my best rating at a cost of $11.00.

Today's car washes come with variable computerized options and different price packages depending on how clean you want your car.

Buff and Glow takes the time to pre wash your car with high pressure soap. The average wait time to get into the wash is less then 5 minutes.

The following car washes are in list of best to worst and pros and cons of each wash.

Many people do not like the touch carwashes du to car damage, scratching the paint, or speeding up the rusting process.

Conoco uses new Futura touchless wash technology. The gas station based wash provides 3 inexpensive washes, basic wash, ultimate wash, and deluxe wash.

Buying this station's gas will allow you for cheaper benefits on washes. You can pay by simply driving up to the computer at the wash entrance. The drying time is a user friendly dryer--you have 90 seconds to drive through so that the car can exit without any left over water. During the day, this wash is very busy and wait times can be very long. The deluxe wash lasts nearly 5 minutes and gets shorter for the cheaper wash bought.

Buffalo Co-Op uses touch car washing. This car wash is used by a lot of businesses in Buffalo so they can use a pin code to purchase a wash without paying in the building. Good wash value for the money and there are also cheaper options with gas. Three options leave you open to different washes. The computer system used for this wash is confusing. Users do not know whether their code was accepted or not because there are no indications.

Tom's Citco uses Futura touchless technology. This car wash leaves your car semi clean and very wet when it is complete. The Futura system lags compared to its sister machine at the Conoco car wash.

There are wash discounts for purchase of 8 gallons of fuel, and a free basic wash is given when 10 wash ticket receipts are given to the clerk. The basic wash doesn't give you a dry time, so your car is completely soaked when you're done. The wash takes a lot of time even though it robs you of options that other car washes would, when paying the same amount.

Butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle; the first year boy's swimming and diving team became familiar with all four of these basic strokes that make up the events for competitions.

Because two new girls' activities were added to the list of extra-curricular programs this year, a boys activity needed to be added. Boys swimming and diving had the largest amount of supporters and readily available equipment.

"I thought it would be cool to start a guys' team," said Senior Co-Captain Alex Trogstad. "I also wanted to stay in shape over the winter."

Wanting to stay active proved to be one of the main reasons participants wanted to be involved in swimming. The key factor to improvement in swimming is to drop time and race against the internal clock inside one's self.

"Swimming is very different from other sports because it's a team sport but the events are individual," said Senior Co-Captain Devin Danielson.

The team's amount of yards swam during practice throughout the season were doubled. Swimmers built up endurance through practice to increase performance levels.

"The workout is harder because it's long and very tiring," said Junior Jordan VanDorp. "It's more physically demanding than you think."

Competitive swimming and diving, at a high school level, includes 12 events for a conference dual meet. Records were set for all events at Buffalo's first home meet on Thursday, February 3. Vandorp took first place and holds the first Buffalo team pool record in the 50 freestyle. Swimmers often use strategies to get ready for meets. Before races begin, some swimmers visualize events to get focused.

"I relax and don't do anything out of the usual," said Senior Ben Rayl.

The boys showed improvement in many different areas. Seconds were shaved off from individual times by faster starts off the blocks and by practicing quicker flip/touch turns off the walls.

"We have improved a lot since the beginning of the year," said Danielson "but we still have a long ways to go."

Junior Jordan VanDorp competes in the final meet of the season for the Boys Swimming team. 2004-2005 marked the first year for BHS Boys Swim Team. Photo by Maria Freund

Since the 1970s, Buffalo has always had a mascot. However this year was the first year Buffalo has had a full body suit of the Bison. Business Teacher and Cheerleading Coach Amy Alinder decided that Buffalo should have a full body suit because she wanted the students to have a sense of pride for the school.

Most of the kids volunteered to be Buffie the Bison. It takes a certain person to be the mascot, someone who is energetic and outgoing to be Buffie.

The mascot is at every football game and most of the boy's basketball games.

"At a game I try to act the character and be up beat, happy, get the crowed going even though we're losing," said former mascot Senior Brad Davis.

The mascot doesn't have a set routine and doesn't have a practice after school. He shows up at a game and improvises his act based on the game. That itself makes it harder because the mascot has to go off of what they have experienced in the last game.

"I think it's pretty cool that our school has put some money into the suit this year," said Junior Brad Bergslien.

In order to get the full body Bison Alinder went to Ryan Chevrolet and sold hot dogs to raise money for the Bison suit. The suit costs about one thousand dollars.

Most students like to see the full body Buffie the Bison at the games.

"I would like to see the mascot at wrestling matches and hockey games," said Sophomore Katie Blizel.

"The purpose of having a mascot is to promote school spirit, give the students a sense of pride, the goal is to have the mascot at most of the events," said Alinder.

This is the first year that BHS has had a full-body mascot thanks to Mrs. Alinder and the fall cheerleaders in all their fund raising efforts. Here Buffie is spotted at a home basketball game with one of his many fans. Photo by Bailey Banek

Jump... jump... king me "TOUCHDOWN BINGO!" and that's the game. Another student walks away from the checkers table disappointed, having lost again to Social Studies teacher Gerry Bakke.
Many students at BHS that had Bakke for a teacher have attempted to beat him, but only a very select few have ever been able to accomplish that almost impossible task.
Many students only know Bakke as the crazy guy who loves wrestling and teaches Minorities class. However, some kids who have been in his class have learned that he loves to play checkers. Bakke has been playing checkers ever since he was a child.
"I started playing checkers as a youth in Albert Lee, Minnesota," said Bakke. "My dad never let me win. It made me very competitive."
People wonder how good Bakke actually is at playing checkers. However, if anyone has ever been in his class, they have probably heard that he was once a four-time city champ in Albert Lee.
"The biggest thing I have is bragging about becoming a four-time city champ," said Bakke. "I have an ongoing bet with the kids. If any male beats me twice he gets $30 and if any female beats me twice she gets $100. I'm not being prejudiced, but women are less motivated."
Bakke has not reached this level just by playing a couple of casual games on the side. Almost every AAA Bakke takes on his next challenger.
Only a handful of students have ever been able to beat him. Seniors Brad Wisner and Jeremy Lehn and alums like Tad Hickman and Charles Jones have played over a hundred games just to beat him once.
"I started playing with him in Minorities class," said Senior Chad Liljequist. "But, I have never been able to beat him. He is too good."

BHS Drumline is a school activity that is widely known but people really don't know how much work it takes. It is an activity of concentration and strictness given off by the drum line section captains. The captains are: Junior David Harri, captain of the snares, Senior Patrick Rich, captain of the tenors, Freshman Abbey Roberts, frontline, Junior Sara White, captain of the bass, and Sophomore Jason Brummer, captain of the cymbals. The captains are the ones who keep their section in line and make sure they memorize their part. "I think that it's harder for rookies to memorize the music. Also once you start it just becomes something that is fairly easy," said junior Sara White, who has been in it for 4 years. "They just end up repeating what the captains tell them and then I think it becomes fairly easy."

Marching band, specifically the drum line, is a demanding activity that requires discipline and memorization. Roberts said the group practices the same section over and over again.
“Some music is harder to memorize depending on the section,” said Freshman Sara Marquette. “But overall not really.”
Along with the memorize drum line is known to be very strict. Also in some cases if they screw up they end up doing 10 push ups. They can’t smile and the main part is focusing on their part so they don’t screw up.
“I like that drum line is strict or else you wouldn’t do so well and we would be all loose,” said Marquette.
“I kind of love it,” White said.
“I think it’s cool that discipline is a major part in drum line.
Although drum line is strict, it’s an experience to meet people from other schools during the competitions. There are nine line and by spending so much time with each other they have become like a family.
“The people are really nice and it’s really fun to do an activity with friends,” said Roberts.
While doing an activity with friends might be fun, drum line practices tend to be Saturdays 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Thursday nights 5:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
“At first it got annoying, but when we started shows, I saw how important it is,” said Freshman Jolene Tokkesdal.
Competitions are a very important attribute to drum line. On February 12 they placed First in Rocori. On February 13 they placed First in Sartell against Monticello. On February 20 they had their first home show and they can’t compete when they host it.
“They did really good,” said Freshman Emily Carlson. “It was really fun to watch them.”

At an Arby's restaurant in Plymouth a war veteran, confined to a wheelchair, struggles to get into the door. With no one to help him, he begins to give up. Suddenly Junior Sarah Sanderson steps out of the cheerleading van still in the drive-thru, and helps a man who once fought for our country get into the building to fight his hunger.
"He couldn't open the door by himself," said Sanderson. "So I hopped out of the van and asked him if he needed my help. He said, 'yes,' so I opened the doors for him."
For years the media has stereotyped cheerleaders as drama queens with less-than-average intelligence who sleep with the team. The BHS cheerleaders are fighting this generality by working even harder to prove themselves to the rest of the school.
"It's more than putting on an outfit and being bubbly," said coach Amy Alinder. Being a cheerleader goes even further than practicing everyday after school. They've also organized multiple fundraisers: selling gold cards with the football team, candle sales, even hosting a dance. It's all part of being a BHS cheerleader. Because of the responsibilities of being on the team, Alinder is considering waiting until winter season to allow freshmen to tryout for the team.
"The adjustment from middle school to high school is huge," said Alinder. "I want freshmen to get a chance to get acclimated before they tryout for varsity cheerleading."
Along with the potential discontinuance of fall freshmen teams, other changes will be made to restructure the fall squad. Next year, the JV team will be able to cheer for both JV games and Varsity. It's not a mandatory addition Alinder said, but if the team works hard enough, and they show interest in cheering for both games, they will now have the opportunity to do so. Furthermore, they will begin recruiting male members next fall so the team can try its hand at competitions. Tryouts start April 2005.
"It's really fun," said Freshmen Bailey Banek. "You get to do a lot of fun things with the girls and get to know each other."

In 2003, the single Stacy's Mom lit up the billboard charts with its funny lyrics and catchy beat, but throughout history and in our culture, what moms, according to BHS students, really do have it going on?
"I don't know, man," said Senior John-Paul Natysin, "does Jennifer Love-Hewitt have any kids?"
Natysin was not alone in his nomination of a current celebrity.
"Look," said Junior Jesse Klingelhoets, "I'm just going to throw this one out there: Pamela Anderson."
Some students weren't sure if their nominations were mothers.
"Brooke Burke," said Sophomore Lucas Johnson, "She's a mom - isn't she? - or, oh, - what's her name? - Reese Witherspoon."
In the beginning... there was the mom.
"Let's start at the beginning: Mother Mary," said Sophomore Eli Krumholz, "Now, she never did it, but she was still a mom. That takes skill."
Not only men appreciate beauty in motherhood.
"Madonna," said Junior Kelsey Schmidt, "She's been around forever; she's awesome."
Some students go farther back in history.
"Definitely Marilyn Monroe - she's hot - and Jackie Kennedy," said Junior Kyle Swenson.
And still farther.
"Helen of Troy," says Sophomore Andrew Burns, "and I assume she was someone's mother, and she had a face that launched a thousand ships."
Of course, the nominations aren't restricted to real people.
"Betty Rubble," said Burns, "if I was friends with Bam-Bam, I'd be over there all the time."
Despite some students' hardline stances, many students are undecided.
"I don't know," said Senior Kaisha Tracy, "I really don't know... she, like, an actress? Debbie Reynolds. Who is that even? Isn't Martha Stewart's mom."

The game is played with a 60 card deck, so it can't be pinochle. It's between two people, so it isn't canasta either. There's no board, so cribbage is out too.
So what is this game that has BHS students devoting their time and money to it?
The game is Magic: The Gathering, and there is a growing underground taking root. There is a minimum of 60 cards in a deck, but more is allowed.
"A game is won by reducing a player's life total to zero, or forcing them to draw a card when there are none left in their library," said Senior Joe Hance.
That may sound like a lot of jargon, but there is a lot of reasoning to Magic.
It was created by Richard Garfield while he was working on his graduate degree.
It is between two players who take alternating turns.
"A turn is broken up into a couple of parts. You got your untap phase, draw phase, main phase, attack phase, then a second main phase, then you're done," said Senior Ross Stirratt.
Despite its humble beginnings, there are quite a few players around.
"Everyone and your mother plays," said Hance, who admittedly spends $150 on the game some months. "It's like the White Lady." Other people offer more concise explanations.
"I would say I have ten to twelve friends who play regularly," said Junior Jake Ekern.
With regards to motive, students give a variety of reasons for the game.
"I play Magic because I'm an uber-dork. It's the only way people will talk to me," said Senior Nick Costanzi.
"My cohorts and I summon monsters in our basements to kill each other."
Death seems to be a common theme among Magic players.
"I play because it's every future dictator's dream. You have creatures that attack each other for you," said Senior Jack Lenczewski.
There are several distinct places where people play around school as well as outside of school.
"I play in the library, or usually after school in the lunchroom," said Senior Chad Liljequist.
Others are less discriminating about the venue.
"I play wherever there's Magic to be played. Shindler's, Knowledge Bowl tournaments, every weekend at someone's house. Then... sometimes alone... at my house," said Lenczewski.
"Anywhere there's a flat surface," said Senior Andrew Dale.
Whatever the reason, most Magic players agree that they will continue to play for quite a while.
"Honestly, I think I'll be playing throughout my life," said Ekern.
"I don't want to sound like a complete bum, but... yeah."

Each year, schools from around Minnesota come together and perform in front of judges. This year, Roccori, Monticello, St. Cloud Apollo, St. Cloud Tech, and Buffalo participated in Solo and Ensemble. The choir Solo and Ensemble took place on January 31 at Monticello High School, and the Band Solo and Ensemble took place on February 9 at Roccori High School.

Solo and Ensemble consists of concerts performed for retired music teachers who rate the performers. Any students from band, choir, or orchestra may participate. Over 60 students from band and over 90 students from choir participated in this event.

"Honestly, why not participate?" said Sophomore Grace Holthaus. "You get to show off your talents for others. It's a chance to work toward something meaningful."

Each participant is given the opportunity to decide whether to perform a solo, duet, trio, or a large group performance. They also decide which song to perform and are given time during class to practice.

Sophomores Jennifer Ruhr and Kaitlyn O'Malley sang "Homeward Bound" by Jay Althouse.

"The song had a really pretty sound to it, and it was something I could sing alto to," said O'Malley.

The judges rate the students by giving them a score anywhere from Poor to Superior. From choir, 40 students received superior, 34 earned excellent, 9 received good, and 2 received fair. In band 37 students earned superior and 23 received excellent.

"I got excellent, one away from superior," said O'Malley. "I skipped a note. I didn't think [the judge] liked my shirt because we got a point off for dress."

The concert took place during and after school. Students were able to choose the time they would like to perform, and took a bus over to Roccori or Monticello. There were more BHS choir participants then all other schools combined.

it greedily and stalked away. She walked behind a store and pulled out a pack of cigarettes and a liter. Later she ate the mint cone to extinguish the smell.

Amy sat up in her bed. She was breathing hard. The smell of stale cigarette smoke hung in the air. She looked around her room. It was still the same. The doll house her grandmother had given to her was still in the corner with all the dolls set neatly in their beds. The pink walls were still pink and her curtains were still pink. She lay down in her bed looking up at her canopy. It was still pink. She closed her eyes. Images only a young girl would see flashed before her closed lids, and she slipped into dreamland. In the background, her mother woke up coughing a wretched smoker's cough.

It was a hot sticky day and Amy walked down the sidewalk. Sweat was standing on her brow. She was in shorts and a t-shirt. She walked to the park and saw the ice cream truck parked on the corner. Her heart soared. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a crumpled dollar bill. "One mint cone please," she said as she laid the bill on the little counter. The ice cream man went deep into his truck and came back with the cone. Amy took it.

Amy turned off her music with a scowl. Her mother yelled down the stairs at her to turn it down. Amy plopped down on her bed and looked up at her ceiling. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. She found she was becoming calmer and calmer with each inhale of smoke. Soon she drifted off into slumber.

Amy walked into the crowded gym hanging on the arm of her date. Her pink dress sparkled beneath the dazzling lights. She smiled at everyone she saw. She danced with her date for several hours. The music stopped. Amy and her date left the gorgeous prom. They went to an empty parking lot and filled the car thick with cigarette smoke. Her date took her home, promising to see her again soon.

The church was magnificent. There were flowers everywhere. Her father led her down the aisle. Amy approached the altar. She took her groom's hands and listened to the Priest speak. They exchanged their weeding vows and kissed. On the way to the honeymoon, they tossed butt after butt out of the car window.

Amy lay in the hospital bed. The whir of the artificial breathing machine echoed in her ears. Amy listened to that horrible sound every day. She seldom had visitors. She had no cards or flowers. Amy lay in the hospital bed alone.

The line of cars was minute. They followed the hearse to the cemetery. The crowd was minimal. It consisted of a few of her friends and relatives. They lowered her casket into the ground. Few tears were shed. They all left and went on with their everyday lives, smoking and smoking and smoking.

Behind an old abandoned building, a group of young boys turned out their pockets. Packs of cigarettes and lighters fell to the ground. They put their hands behind their backs and were led to the police cars. They don't know how lucky they are. They don't know what happened to Amy. There was no one to stop Amy.

Mitch Biermann
Arts and Entertainment Editor

In support of co-ed Greco-Roman wrestling An opinion
War and peace A one act play
Self breast examinations A photo guide
Suggestive amateur wrestling positions I have seen A sports story

Bounce
Suspension of disbelief and other ways I survived my first relationship
Syphilis, herpes, and other things that lasted forever, unlike my first relationship
Putting two and two together, and other mathematical ways my girlfriend figured out I was cheating in my first relationship
Rectal thermometer salesmen I have known

Dreft
Cummerbunds and other formal accessories that sound dirty
Socks I have worn

Arm and Hammer
Dr. Laura Schlessinger (A.K.A. God)
Organize toilet paper first chronologically, then alphabetically A "Dear Abby," parody
In support of putting sterilization drugs in Mountain Dew and any drink with "punch" in the name

Snuggles
New lead in BTK killings A news story
Oh crap, they've caught me A journal entry
"Be positive!" and other blood donating puns
"I'm a negative," and still more blood donating puns
"Hitler wasn't that bad," and other things I have said to disrupt newspaper meetings
I start my own entrepreneurial business and try to take over the world [insert Goldfinger theme]
WorldCorp™ beats Manchurian Global in worldwide sales
From breasted to popcorn—the BHS chicken cycle

Downy
The British House of Commons and other places with two drink minimums I have been thrown out of
In remembrance of the time my girlfriend tragically shot herself in the back with a harpoon first relationship

With the help of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors the Boys Varsity Basketball Team snatch another win, making their conference record of 10-12. Players from all four grades on the varsity team this season is something new for the Bison this year. The captains leading the team are Seniors Eric Jenkins, Paul Olson, and Jason Weber.
The combination of freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors on this team isn't something you see on the average varsity team's roster. All players can benefit from this intermixing of age levels including the seniors.
"I thought it was good because you get the combination of experience and gives the older kids a chance to lead," said Jenkins. "It makes the younger players better for years to come."
Another factor contributing to the Bison team's record relies on the roles of the players. There are five players on the court each doing their own thing and working together. With the different age levels on the team, the seniors have an influential role.
"They encourage you a lot to dribble, shoot, keep your head up, and to never give up," said Freshman Dee Broadnax. "I like playing with the older kids. We're like brothers - age doesn't even matter. We just play the game."
"The intermixing of all four-grade levels has been a success this year compared to last," said Head Coach Nick Guida. "With the variety, the team is working as one and accomplishing more. Everybody is accepting roles and we can't rely on just one star player."
"This year there's no one person star and the coach is more laid back," said Junior Nate Ortmann. "I like the competition. It makes me work harder for a spot on the team."
With section games coming up the team has been preparing for playoffs. Pressing more and pushing the ball up the court faster is a key component that the team's been working on.
"We'll do pretty well in the section tourney if we get on a run and play our style of basketball," said Sophomore Karl Olson.
"We can make it to the section final game," said Jenkins.
"By pressing a lot, wearing them down and getting the easy points off of turnovers."

She grips her poles tightly as she lines up at the start. The sweat is soaking through her hat and her toes start tingling. The buzzer goes off. She races on the first stretch as fast as she can. The first turn comes and many thoughts are going through her head. The first hill is right around the comer. She moves her legs as fast as she can to pass that hill. When she crosses the finish line her insides fill with victory. Not many people know what a challenge nordic skiing can be.
"Isn't Nordic skiing a ski club that goes to Powder Ridge after school and does competition?" said Freshman Meagan Maciver. Nordic skiing is actually a long-distance race that goes up and down hills and around turns. It is like cross country skiing, but instead has two types: classical, which your skis stay parallel, and skating, which is like your ice skating but with skis.
"Isn't Nordic skiing where you go down the hill really fast and they go between those poles?" said Freshman Jessica Landowski.
When there is no snow the Nordic skier goes roller skiing. They will do this so they still get there practice in. There are three captains for the team, Senior Trisha Steen, and Juniors Ann Landerbreck and Amanda Trossen. They get there equipment from REI and other ski snowboard stores.
"I like Nordic skiing. It is a good work out and takes up a lot of your energy," said Freshman Ingrid Leask.
On February 10 the skiers had there last section and placed sixth which means they won't go to state this year. None of the team members would go to state.
"My skiers did there best this year and I hope we will do better next year," said Head Coach Nicole Kunze.
"In Nordic skiing we always get along with our competition," said Leask.
The sun starts going down and there is a beautiful sunset in the sky.
As she gathers all her things up and takes one last look and the track she feels sad, but good inside. Soon, there is no body left at the track. As she thinks of what the next race will be like. All of her team mates congratulated her on the race that she did today as they left the competition.

Jump, flip, dive, tuck, roll...these are all physical aspects of being part of a gymnastics team, but that is not all there is to it. There is an emotional side. The pressure on all the girls to work hard can take its toll on you, too.

The girls had mixed feelings about the team. They have eight fewer gymnasts than last season.

"A smaller team is good because you get to know people better," said Junior Brittani Matzke. "It is bad because the fewer people there are, the less competition there is. You don't have to push yourself as hard."

The team went from having 25 members last year, to 17 this year. There were many different reasons as to why this happened, but the main one was that people couldn't get along with other people on the team.

"I think that there was a lot of personality clashes on the team," said Matzke.

Injuries are common in every sport, but they don't always have a large effect. The girls said that, though they had six members with major injuries, it didn't affect them with competitions.

"We had six injuries," said Junior Megan Strait, "and people just stepped up and did really well, so our stories didn't vary at all."

Though the team got smaller, there were a few girls that came over from Gym-Nation. Gym-Nation is club gymnastics where they compete just about anywhere and they have more difficult skills because they practice year round. Kandace Point, Alysha Prestidge-Nelson, Lauren Rohlin, and Karin Rossin are the girls that came from Gym-Nation, and the rest of the girls say that it's a good thing that they came.

"They give us more depth and more experience," said Senior Sarah Person. "Just a stronger team overall. And the best part of being on the team is the relationships you develop and the fun that you have."

Alpine skiing or downhill skiing is the recreational sport of sliding down a hill covered in snow with two long skis attached at each foot. It may not be the easiest sport to explain, but Senior Captain Derek Abramowski has been skiing for five years, does the best he can.
"We ski downhill, around gates set, as fast as possible," said Abramowski. "It's a race against time."
To get even more of a simple definition we turn to Junior Tyler Friesen who has also been skiing for four years.
"We weave in between little plastic gates, flying down the hill," said Friesen.
These skiers had many goals set for the season but more specifically on sections. The Alpine skiers had their section meet February sixth, eighth at Giants Ridge in Biwabik, MN. Even though none of the skiers made it to State, they all had fun.
"I got 21st, which is five places better than last year," said Junior Captain Kristen Weller. "I wanted to get top 20, and it will probably stay my goal for next year also."
For the racers the best part of Alpine Skiing would be how fun the sport is, the small team, the social aspect or even the snowball fights. For Friesen, it's the bus rides.
"Bus rides are crazy," said Friesen. "Little kids jumping over seats, wild card games and mugging others for their food."
With the season at end and the two seniors going to college, there are thoughts about them continuing after high school.
"I want to ski for the rest of my life but racing is a question," said Abramowski. "I will race if I can."
Although Abramowski would race if he had the chance, Anderson would have a different opinion on that.
"I'll do recreational skiing, not racing though," said Senior Jordan Anderson.
For these two seniors they leave their last season with high hopes for the future team.
"Give it a couple more years and we'll have a great team," said Abramowski.
They both have a lot of memories and experiences that will stay with them forever.
"It was fun, I'm going to miss it and I hope they do well next year," said Anderson. "I'm going to miss overnighters at Welch and sections, the races, watching the team mates on their runs and cheering them on."

Jumping up and down, pounding against the glass, screaming right along with the fans is how the Blades celebrated their win over Elk River on Friday, February 11. Beating the Elk's meant the Blades finally got their chance they
't been waiting for: the chance to go to state. "Elk River was the defending state champions. To beat them, that's just nuts," said Senior Brita Schroeder.

As the excitement built over the week, the team could barely concentrate on the school work in front of them. On February 17, they loaded up on a bus and headed down to Ridder Arena, to play the game of their lives. When they finally reached Minneapolis, they stepped foot onto the hard cement and looked around them. In just a few hours, hundreds of family members and friends would be crowding around to watch the Blades play what could be their last game ever.

Although that wasn't the case that night, the Blades dominated the Rochester-Mayo Spartans with a 2-1 win. The Blades got another chance on Friday February 18, to be that much closer to being the state champs. This game wouldn't have such a fairy tale ending. With an upsetting loss to Cloquet, the girls prepared for their last game against Wayzata on Saturday February 19. After the Blades finally got their chance, the team had never gotten to fulfill the dream many of the team players have had since starting hockey as young girls. And what a great year to do so. With Blades ending this 04-05 season, this will be a huge memory for all of the girls to remember forever: their final season as a team, and their first time to advance all the way to state.

"It's going to be hard to leave the team next year. We all get along so well," said Senior Michelle Moen.

With many of the senior girls pursuing hockey after high school, the underclassman are wondering what's going to happen to the team they have grown up with.

"The number of girls in youth hockey is enough now to create two teams, so the Minnesota State High School Hockey League wants us to break up," said Maple Lake Junior Chelsea Couette.

No longer do girls from Annandale, Monticello, or St. Michael have to travel to practice every day. Buffalo girls will have the chance to be the Buffalo Bison and represent the school. Letting go of the team the girls have grown up with and love will be a major adjustment, but they'll forever have the memory of going to state in their final year as Blades.