The Hoofprint – October 14, 2005

“Whoa.
“What do I do?
“I can’t believe I’m wearing my orange plaid suit.”
These are the thoughts that were rolling through the minds of the homecoming candidates as they stepped out into the middle of the gym. Behind each crown lies a story that not many people are aware of. Homecoming candidates give up pieces of their tale and give the student body a sneak peak behind the scenes.
“[To be nominated] wasn’t a huge ambition of mine, but it feels good to have all that support,” said Homecoming King Corey Jeske.
Most candidates shared the [nerves that were escalating the night before were escalating emotions at coronation. It didn’t really hit me until Friday night,” said Homecoming Queen Run-up Brandi Dufour, “and then the countdown was on. My mom and Sheryl Antony made me the most nervous. They were really into it. The night of, well, I almost peed myself walking into the school.”
Monday night crept up after a weekend of anticipation and anxiety. Each candidate had their own unique pre-game routine.
“I left swim practice early. When I got home I had a nice long relaxing bubble bath. My mom helped with my hair as I did my makeup. I put on my dress -- which was originally my homecoming dress -- and I was off,” said Homecoming Queen Maria Freund.
While some were already primping others were just getting off the football field.
“It took me ten minutes to get ready, not including my shower,” Jeske said. “If you counted that, it would be 15 minutes.”
Dufour had a more hectic night.
“I didn’t have any shoes. I ran around until 5:30pm looking for a pair. Thankfully Sami Beilke had a pair that fit and matched [and then the countdown was on].”
All the hype at school and at home added fuel to the candidates’ emotions. Nerves that were not present [before] were [now] present.
Most candidates shared the [anxiety of getting ready for school],” said Homecoming Candidate Melissa Mans. “I had something to [be] proud of for [a] while.”
Homecoming King Runner-Up Tim Schmidt. “I got a lot more recognition at school from the underclassmen. Everyone seemed to know who I [was].”

The deafening screams of the Seniors, and the classic boos from the Juniors rang through the gymnasium during BHS’s new homecoming activity, Dash for Cash. Thursday of Homecoming Week, with Class Color Day combined with the newest AAA tradition, Dash for Cash, emerged the favorite day and streamers completed with their very own “black carpet.”

Not to be outdone, the Junior hallway had their own blue frenzy.

Perhaps the most customary part of homecoming is “the Rock.” Each year the Juniors and Seniors battle over who gets possession. On Thursday morning, more than 20 Seniors decorated The Rock, getting honks from fellow Seniors or boos from underclassmen.

“It’s tradition,” said Junior Ellie Becker. “I can’t even imagine how many layers of paint are on The Rock.”

As easily as the grades separated on Thursday, they united once again on Friday for Purple and White Day, to show off their Bison Pride and support their school at the football game. The Buffalo Bison defeated the Roger Royals 32-17.

“It seems like the team has been improving,” said Senior Betsy Dehmer. “There were less turnovers this game. The game made a good ending for Homecoming week.”

While Dash for Cash seemed to be a hit, Tuesday’s activity, Royalty Checkers, didn’t get the same response. As Freund and Homecoming King Corey Jeske controlled human checkers, the noise level was at an all time low.

“Royalty Checkers was kind of... different,” said Junior Ellie Becker. “A change of pace...not as good as Gladiators. No one seemed to know what was going on at the end.”

There was a large turnout to Monday night’s homecoming coronation; people went to support their favorite nominee. Most of which were quite pleased with the royalty nominations.

“...I think I added variety to the normal ‘jock’ ruled homecoming court,” said Senior homecoming court nominee Dustin Bethke.

Monday night’s coronation included a slideshow of the nominees, a musical performance by Senior Jeff Mosher and Junior Kory LaCroix and a reading of the “Senior Class History” read by Senior Class Cabinet members Abbey Weinreis and Amber Swandal. The night wrapped up with the crowning of Jeske and Freund.

Students sit quietly in classrooms, no other activities going on. They can all concentrate on reading. During this time students can pick a book of their choice to read or read a book for one of their classes. Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) has increased to two days a week this year. "It gives the students an opportunity to do more reading," said JMNG teacher Aaron Evans.
BHS students have mixed emotions about SSR. Some students thought SSR to be a waste of their time and felt it should be removed. Other students felt that SSR is using up time that they need to get help from teachers and catch up on school work. Although many students complained, some actually enjoyed the time spent reading.
"I thought SSR was a big waste of time at first, but now I use it to my advantage", said Senior Maggie Lungstrom.
SSR started during one a week last spring. The Leadership team, teachers, and principals felt it would be best for students to get more reading into their schedules to increase literacy as a whole at BHS.
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Photo caption: As AAA goes-by, Seniors Max Rixe and Aaron Kramer read silently. SSR started a second day a week this year. Photo by Erika Solsten

The Mercy Unity Wellness Van sponsored by the Buffalo Lions visited all sophomores with signed permission slips on September 27.
Registered nurses took the students' blood pressure, blood cholesterol reading, and their blood sugar level. The nurses and Health teacher Mary Bremmer hopes that the readings will help students understand their readings and to learn how to make healthy choices.
"Now it's not just a number," said Bremmer. "They will have their own number. Before, when we talked about cholesterol, all I could say was, '8-20.' Now, they will understand, because they each have their own number to relate to."
The sophomores spent a portion of the day learning about heart-related health risks.
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Photo caption: A registered Mercy Unity Nurse takes a blood sample from Sophomore Ashley Weiss. Photos by Jolene Tokkesdal

Could you imagine if one day you had everything, but the next day you were just trying to get a drink of fresh water? Thousands lost their homes, jobs, pets, and families when hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf of Mexico and into Lousianna and Mississippi on August 29.

Senior Kim Dougherty used to live in Biloxi, Mississippi. Biloxi was destroyed in the hurricane.

"I lived in Biloxi for four years. It was the longest place I have ever lived in. It was where I grew up," said Dougherty. "I cried when I heard the news. I mean seeing your home shattered is devastating."

Dougherty said a lot of people's homes, jobs, and lives were destroyed. However, while the houses have been damaged, their occupants are okay. The people were evacuated from their homes prior to Hurricane Katrina.

"They don't have any jobs, because most of the casinos totally ruined, and a lot of businesses, and homes were washed away," said Dougherty. "There is a lot of loss, even animals, because you mindlessly leave them at home when you leave."

Students and staff at Buffalo High School collected money during the week of September 13-16 to help with the hurricane Katrina relief. All donations were given to the American Red Cross.

Students and Staff raised between $1700 and $1800 during the relief effort.

"We started the relief because it was early in the year, so no groups have started yet. I helped with the Tsunami relief last year, so I thought we could help again," said English Teacher, Vicki Cary. "We can raise money to help, and it gives kids the opportunity to help."

"I just really wanted to help, and reach out any way I could," said Junior Holly Lohse.

Lohse collected money for "Buckets for Bucks" during the morning in the junior hallway.

"I just wanted to help because help is still needed," said Senior Eva Walsh.

Students helped collect money before school, and during lunch periods.

"We used a lot of encouragement to get people to donate, and by letting people know they can help," said Lohse.

Students were able to donate items besides money to the relief.

"In the future we may have a clothing drive, but right now we are just collecting money," said Cary.

Students have mixed feelings about this disaster, and many say are thankful for what they have right now.

"I felt guilty in a way about the disaster situation. I have good food, water and a dry home. So many Americans don't have that right now. Families are separated by this disaster, but I still have mine. I can't imagine what everyone down there is going through," said Walsh.

The cold morning fog looms over the school as cars slowly begin to pull up. It's 7:00 a.m. as he steps out of his car and steps towards the school. As he enters the English resource area he realized that he is no longer an English teacher. He turns around and walks towards his new office.

New to the administration this year, the school welcomed former English teacher Robert Driver as the new Administrative Assistant. He started the year as an English teacher, but as of September 21 his new classroom is in the front office.

He is working with Activities Director Tom Bauman, scheduling activities and helping solve problems. He replaced Jim Bollum, who left to become an Assistant Principal at Big Lake High School.

"I enjoy the hectic nature of the job," said Driver. "I like solving problems, so this is a job where there's always a problem to solve. There's always something coming at you, and it's always different and always exciting. Some days it's very stressful and some days it's very challenging. I like those kinds of jobs."

Driver went from being an English teacher to monitoring the hallways and taking phone calls as well as looking at staff development in a short time. Going from 80-minute classes and lesson plans to carrying a walkie-talkie, things are different from the classroom.

"In the classroom you're on an 80 minute time frame," said Driver. "Then all of a sudden, the next day you come in and you're in a different office and you're away from the kids. Now everything is coming at me and I am all over the place. It's just a different type of day events that go on."

One thing Driver said he will miss the most is the kids. He won't have the same 90 kids everyday, but now he will be able to see them in their activities, not just in the classroom.

"I think the kids see me differently now," said Driver. "I think a lot has to do with I put on my tie now. I will see the kids in activities and be able to help the kids who come to me with a problem. I will miss the kids, but the best part of it is that I'm still part of Buffalo High School."

In today's economy, the cost of transportation affects our society in regards to our daily living; leaving students with higher expenses on getting to and from school.
Gasoline prices have risen dramatically and prices are expected to reach record levels. On September 12, gas was up to $2.93, which is an increase of 30-cents from September of 2004 and a 65-cent increase from September of 2003. Energy officials are focused on restoring power to pumps on two major pipelines that bring fuel to the eastern half of the country.
The average price of regular gasoline in Minnesota was between $2.53 and $2.56 during the month of July. Near the end of August the price shot up to about $3.00 dollars per gallon.
Out of 170 students polled, about 70 percent of seniors and juniors drive, while most of the Sophomores and Freshmen either ride the bus or carpool. The majority of those who carpool are sophomores.
"I carpool because it saves money," said Sophomore Travis Spande.
Out of 85 Seniors and Juniors polled, the majority of them spend, on average between $20.00 and $35.00 dollars on gas per week.
"With gas prices so high, carpooling just makes sense," said Senior Amanda Stanton. "Elizabeth and I have a great time carpooling together to school, because we listen to Newsies and eat donuts on the way. Sometimes Marge (Elizabeth's car) decides to shut down midway home and we end up gliding into the meadow."
According to research done by Jeff Bryan, a writer for Edmunds.com, the most fuel efficient cars for 2005 include: The Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Volkswagen Jetta/New Beetle/Golf, Honda Civic, Toyota Echo, Toyota Corolla, Scion xA, Honda Accord and Dodge Neon. This research should help students and parents when looking for a more fuel efficient vehicle.

In an attempt to make AAA a beneficial time of the day, administration created Silent Sustained Reading (SSR). SSR started out once a week last spring.
It helped open kids to books they otherwise would not have picked up, set a nice ground for book discussions, kept the library busy checking out books, increased literacy rates, and started students reading for recreation.
After a busy week students didn9t have much time to sit down and work reading into their schedules. SSR allowed students that time.
However, when SSR extended into two days of the week, instead of the comfortable once-week, the whole atmosphere changed. Students feel like all their AAA time is being taken away from them, leaving no time for homework, group meetings, assemblies, and time to talk with teachers.
In most classrooms, SSR has transformed into students complaining about reading, teachers baby-sitting the disgruntled kids, and the impossible task of reading surrounded by such negativity. AAA lets students spend time on matters that need extra effort. Two days of SSR chews up too much time for those matters.
Some students don9t use AAA effectively, but the whole student body shouldn9t be punished for that. Besides, after a hard day, relaxing isn9t a horrible thing to do for 20 minutes. The relaxed atmosphere of some AAA days gives students time to actually communicate with teachers and develop relationships, forgetting the stress of the regular classroom situation.
The stress of school brings enough frustration to students. SSR twice a week brought numerous complaints forward. Students don9t want to read twice a week and will look for ways around reading, by text messaging on carefully hidden cell phones, just staring at the book mindlessly, and quietly chatting behind open books.
The whispers circulating throughout the classroom leaves the teachers distracted all AAA. The students can9t possibly read with the constant whispers and reprimands. SSR twice a week has not made students read any more than it did when it was one AAA a week.
SSR worked well as a once-a-week practice, but the switch to SSR twice a week creates a negative atmosphere that leaves students with something other than a love of reading.
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Eve of the Bison
SSR TIME.
DESTROY THEM
STUDENTS WORKING ON PROJECTS INSTEAD OF READING
and will look for ways around reading, by text messaging on carefully hidden cell phones, just staring at the book mindlessly, and quietly chatting behind open books.
The whispers circulating throughout the classroom leaves the teachers distracted all AAA. The students can9t possibly read with the constant whispers and reprimands. SSR twice a week has not made students read any more than it did when it was one AAA a week.

Segregation laws passed half a century ago, allowed African Americans into public schools, created better work forces, and enabled overall better living for every American. However, something is going wrong that is threatening to set back that progress.
What went wrong? The problem is the sudden obsession to be celebrated as a red-neck. With the growing success of Jeff Foxworthy and his Blue Collar Comedy Tour (along with other agonizing spin-offs), people seem to feel being a red neck is fashionable. Even if that means adopting old segregation habits.
It's stupid that even though Blue Collar Comedy Tour, The Movie, came out in 2003. In response to sales, Blue Collar Comedy Rides again was released in 2004.
I believe people who think being a red neck means you have the right to publicly humiliate minorities are the problem. Calling someone a queer, or making derogatory comments about people trying to dress differently, or assuming people of another race are inferior, is beneath us as a society.
Just because you live on a farm or out in the countryside does not mean you are required to speak with a drawl, or shorten your sentences into jargon. Enunciating goes a long way in today's society.
Another fixation with wannabe red-necks is that they believe themselves to be the superior race. "Hey, look at that queer in the tight pants," "Look at that white kid's trying to be black with his baggy clothes." I'm sure stained white T-shirts tucked into faded blue jeans sporting an oversized belt buckle that no one cares about is something you'll find in this month's issue of Men's Vogue.
Red necks are the problem with today's society — not African Americans, not Asians, not people from the Middle East, or anyone of any other nationality. Red necks cause the problem with race and sexuality issues, and quite frankly the world would be a better place without them. No Blue Collar Comedy Tour or nuthin'.

Homecoming 2004 brought a rivalry strong enough to break someone's nose and hurt another's wrist. The "Higher Powers" found the solution: no more Gladiators.
A roar went up throughout the school. Students knew nothing could replace their beloved Gladiators. After all, Gladiators brought out the best in the school: dangerous ways to defeat the other classes. People complained when Dash for Cash replaced Gladiators, but Gladiators needed to be removed.
The danger associated with Gladiators has become ridiculous. Fall sports participants weren't allowed to participate in the AAA activity for fear of possibly being injured. The injuries, like broken noses, are supposed to stay with the football team, while they are playing the traditional homecoming game. The school probably wants to avoid a tradition of injuries spreading into other homecoming activities.
Homecoming week brings traditions like dress-up days, a semi-formal dance, and a constant state of excitement coursing through the school. Enough traditions exist to keep the whole student body busy ignoring their schoolwork for a week. The students need to accept the change and notice that the most important tradition is not Gladiators.
However, Dash for Cash brought a new tradition for everyone to enjoy. It still encourages friendly class rivalry, but the worst injury possible is a skinned knee. It also gave students another opportunity to help out those who suffered from Hurricane Katrina's destructive forces. All the profit leftover from ticket sales went to the Hurricane Katrina victims.
The only way Dash for Cash would not be just as exciting as Gladiators is if people didn't cheer and on class color day people certainly cheered. Cheering creates the best tradition in homecoming. If people don't cheer, they don't have fun.
Getting into the football game, AAA activities, and trying to out-scream the other classes all show the tradition of homecoming. Taking away Gladiators won't change the week. Homecoming comes down to the students and the infectious excitement they create. Each year, the tradition changes a little bit to fit the classes. If there's anything a class can remember, they can know that they were here when a new tradition began: Dash for Cash.

As you park in the ramp at Arbor Lakes, you get out and walk down the busy streets. Turning the corner you spot Abercrombie.
Walking in, you smell the fragrances. You find a cute shirt and check the price, but the price is not in your budget. You turn around and head for Hollister a few stores down. Walking into the dark clothing store you find a similar shirt that fits well within the budget. Feeling satisfied you make the purchase.
Out of 120 students surveyed, 26 percent prefer Hollister over the 17 percent that prefer Abercrombie. Fifty-seven percent like to shop at other clothing stores.
Hollister is a branch off of Abercrombie that appeals to a different set of shoppers but offers similar fashions.
Out of Mall of America, Ridgedale, Albertville, and St.Cloud, 28 percent like to shop at Arbor Lakes because it's closer than the other malls based in the cities.
'If there's the size there,' said Freshman Dani Krolak. 'I like Arbor Lakes because it has many stores that I like to shop at.'
Arguing over which clothing style is better, fifty-four percent of students polled said they like them because of their stylish, as the clothes they wear.
Hollister and Abercrombie contain polo shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, belts, flip flops, hats, jackets, and much more, in any color too. When purchasing your items, your eyes glance down to the shelves filled with surfer magazines, CDs that are played throughout the store, fragrant cologne for men and women, and a selection [of books].
'You got to love the polo shirts,' said Junior Justin Johnson. 'You can pop the collar to make the [look] 99.'
Hollister's polo shirts are $25.00 and Abercrombie's polo shirts are $40.00.
Hollister's jeans range from $40.00 to $80.00 and Abercrombie's jeans range $80.00 to $150.00.
'It is expensive,' said Johnson. 'But in today's society it is okay.'
Thirty-five percent of students prefer Hollister's atmosphere over the 12 percent that prefers Abercrombie. 53 percent of students don't know or don't like Hollister or Abercrombie's atmosphere.
'It's cool with the loud music,' said Sophomore Kandace Point. 'But sometimes it's kind of annoying and how crowded it is with all the tables and people.'
Students who wear Hollister and Abercrombie brand-name clothes that are comfortable to wear.

From the average Ford Taurus to pimped out Ford Explorers, Buffalo high school students transform their vehicles into tricked out rides, they set themselves apart by adding chrome 20 inch rims to their vehicles.
"I wanted something unique," said Senior David Nelson. "Something that would set me apart from every other Explorer on the road."
Twenty inch rims were first seen at Buffalo High School two years ago when former student Darby Ursell put 20 inch chrome rims on his Chevy S-10, and moved on into 22 inch spinners.
Rims and Tint are not the only addition students do to their vehicles, students add exhausts and put on new grills. But why would someone spend all that money on making their car look good?
"It's fun to drive now, even to go get gas," said Nelson. "Everywhere I drive I know that people are looking at my rims and I just have a blast driving."
From average hubcaps to chrome rims, students pimp their ride to make them diverse from the rest, to stand out from the crowd and to look great while driving.
"I bought 22 inch spinners for my Blazer," said Senior Luke Zumbusch. "I wanted bigger and more eye catching rims than anyone."
Most students buy their rims with there own money, and get great deals from Central Rims and Tires, a small business started by Zumbusch and Senior Andy Okerstrom.
Central Rims and Tires tints windows and handles all of the business in ordering the rims.
"I went to Luke and Andy for my rims," said Nelson. "It was a lot easier and I didn't have to deal with all of the ordering and stuff. It was great to have a place to go where I trust the people to deal with my money. They also tinted my windows for me and did a great job."
Photo by Alex Nord
After school, Senior Luke Zumbusch, hangs out by his car. Zumbusch's car includes 22-inch spinner rims.

For nearly 1,633,000 people, the Great Minnesota Get-Together provided 12 days of food, entertainment, and fun.
Gates opened Thursday, August 25 at 6:00 a.m. with people pouring in from all around the state, and beyond.
During the 12 days, 1,632,876 people attended the 320 acre fairgrounds, making it the tenth best-attended fair ever. Of 110 students polled, 52% went to the MN state fair this year. Of those 110 students, 71% have gone to the fair in past years.
"There were vendors in people's yards and the lines for food were outrageously long," said Sophomore Brooke Laven. "It took forever just to get something to eat, much less park. It was a standstill just trying to get into the fair parking lot."
From corn dogs to cotton candy and from alligators to pigs, just about everything imaginable is served on a stick at the state fair. New additions to the theme this year were spaghetti and meatballs on a stick, battered banana foster bites, cheeseburger calzones, Thai flavored sausages, and a foot long Pronto Pup, or Papa Pup. On average, 500,000 corn dogs are consumed by visitors each year.
"It was crazy," said Sophomore Bri Lubben. "At 10:30 in the morning there was a line of about 100 people waiting to get French fries."
Other new foods included chocolate dipped potato chips, chocolate covered sunflower seeds, grilled chocolate sandwiches, and mini cinnamon rolls with soft ice cream. With 450 food choices and 40 of them coming on a stick, everyone could be sure to find something they would like.
"My favorite food..." said Senior Conrad Kwatera, "Where do I begin? Probably the turkey leg because it's like pleasure on a bone."
Over 87,700 people filled the seats in the Grandstand this year as 12 artists performed. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Martina McBride, 3 doors down, Switchfoot, Rascal Flatts, REO Speedwagon, and Styx were among those 12 along with the Minnesota State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Finalists, not to mention 80 other artists that performed on the six free stages.
"I couldn't go to the fair because I had to work, so while my mom and brother were at the REO Speedwagon and Styx concert, they held up their cell phone and I heard the whole thing at home," said Sophomore Cassie Rohlik.
The state fair will run annually for years to come, each year trying to break the daily attendance record that was set in 2004.

Raw and enthusiastic vocals come in with blaring guitars sounding triumphantly over a constantly changing drumbeat and a nowhere near simple bass line. New breed music creates a sound of its own. The New Breed of music is here and new artists emerging out of the woodwork from across the country, making names for themselves with their raw and provocative music. A main ingredient for their songs would be screaming vocals. Other ingredients go in to make the new breed music. The guitars, often duelling or harmonized throughout the song, mix in well with the drums and bass. Everything is fast paced and the instruments work together creating music people have never heard before. "I'd say [the New Breed is] more than music the average person listens to," said Junior Gerick Engle. "It's not about selling the song or the album. It's creating a scene around it having music as its center." But others felt that one couldn't place the new breed into one category. "The music varies from metal to non-metal," said Junior Joseph Mitlyng. "All of those stupid sub-categories like thrash metal, nu metal, screamo, emo, and others are ruining the face of music." Labelled as hard-core puts up walls for artists. From the screaming in the songs found in the New Breed, students could think differently of new breed music. "People think 'Ahh, they're screaming,' but for some bands that just works," said Junior Sean Brunn. Although following close to the same genre, the bands vary through sound and also in their instrumentality. Still Remains, a band coming from the New Breed, consists of strings, drums, vocals, and also a synthesizer. Even though they all take root from the same genre, not all of their music follows the same pattern. "There are different levels of screaming," said Engle, "Not all of it is just fast; it goes at slow tempos too." Out of 84 students surveyed only 12 heard about the New Breed. The majority could care less about it, but others just simply haven't heard it before. "I just don't know what it is," Senior David Harri said. Perhaps there could be new ways of letting people know what the New Breed is. "Maybe lighten the image," said Mitlyng. "It's not all devil worshipping 'Goth' music that people label it as." But because of the New Breed independency, others feel differently about new people knowing about it. "I don't care if people have heard of it or not," said Brunn. "I just don't want the media to get a hold of it and tear apart what's good about it." The New Breed is the independent music of today with artists just getting music out there for the fans to hear, not worrying about how records sales are doing or who knows the name. They feel the only profit they're getting is the satisfaction that people are enjoying themselves through listening to the artists' music.

Cancer. When people hear that word it can make them look at a person differently, like they're a different person just because they have that word attached to them. For art teacher, Jon Holtz, that was a different story. On April 21, 2005 Holtz was at the doctor's office when he told him that he had Seminoma, a type of testicular cancer, naturally he thought of one thing. Death. "You just think of the word cancer," said Holtz. "It's really hard to understand the gravity of cancer until it is applied to you, and then it scares you." Arriving home and telling the news to his wife, who had just moved here from China after marrying him, she was scared for the worse. While just having a son, Levi, who at the time was only three months old and had nothing to lean on here in America, it was hard. "She took care of me and Levi at the same time, which was hard, but she did it," Holtz said. When something big happens in someone's life sometimes they would have a new perspective on things as they deal with it. Some may be positive and also some may be negative, depends on the situation and how the person looks at things. "I don't have a different feeling about the world, but then again I do," said Holtz. "No, because before I had gotten cancer I had thought that life is short lived, don't waste your time and also don't take things for granted. Yes, because before this I didn't think the school could function without me, but I learned it could. I also learned that I have to take care of myself and my family more." "For treatment I went to the doctors for four weeks, everyday, and had radiation treatment," said Holtz. With everything said, he is not out of the cancer circle. Holtz still has to go to the hospital every three months to get a CT (computed tomography -- a procedure that uses special X-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional pictures of the area being X-rayed) scan to check if he has cancer. Most likely, the type of cancer he had will not return, but Holtz will be monitored constantly to make certain it will not happen again. "As I say this," said Holtz. "This is a face of cancer. It doesn't discriminate anybody. I learned you have to listen to your body and take care of it. Cancer doesn't care who you are."

For the class of 2006, college is soon to come, but preparation is still needed. Students are taking standardized test and signing up for extracurricular activities to polish their college applications. "I took the ACTs and I'm in AP Calc. That should get me a college credit," said Senior Tyler Friesen. "I'm planning on going to the Web Institute in New York." As Seniors plan to move on, they think about the past. Starting freshman year, and transforming into a Senior. "I remember the first day of high school," said Senior Maria Freund. "I couldn't find one of my classes so I asked a teacher, and he pointed to the opposite end of the building." Although the class of 2006 lockers have changed, for Seniors it feels the same as every other year. "It really isn't much different being a senior," said Senior Jeremy Risk. "It's weird to hear people call you a senior." Throughout their years, they've had a variety of teachers and friends, and they've enjoyed making fun of the freshman class. "I prefer not to fraternize with their kind," said Senior Brian Mazurowski, referring to freshmen. Although college is near for most, seniors continue to plan ahead. "I'd like to be living in a yellow house on the lake, after college," said Freund. "I'd like to be teaching English, coaching diving, being the student council advisor and the kids can wait." Even though most seniors are going through preliminaries to go to college, some may not even get in. However, they try to keep their minds set on education and their goals in life.

The store clerk counts the new inventory all here, all accounted for; Microsoft's Xbox 360 hits shelves on November 22nd. Some people can't wait.

"I'm getting one when it comes out," said Sophomore Brandon Ordorff. "They're going to be the best thing out there, so why not get one?"

The name of the system comes with praise and criticism.

"It should be called the Cool Box 520," said Freshman Michael Peterson, "because I think that's a cool sounding name, and it's going to be 520 times better than the first Xbox."

"The name 360 sucks; they should've just called it Xbox 2," said Ordorff. "It's not a great name, but at least they didn't call it Xbo2," said Freshman Kevin Mazurowski. "That would just be boring."

"It's not a circle, so why is it called the 360?" said Freshman Jordan Williamson. "They should just have called it the Xbox 2."

The 360 will be a step up from the previous Xbox and the other current systems; there are also fears: what if the 360 doesn't meet expectations?

"If it didn't hook up to computers, then I couldn't put stuff on it," said Williamson.

Along with a vast graphical upgrade the audio department is not neglected with 5.1 channel surround sound output allowing players to control how the game distributes sound all the way down to bird chirps and engines revving. The 360 will support DVD video, along with other CD and DVD functions.

Along with new features, nearly 80 new games are scheduled to come out. Many await the upcoming blockbusters.

"There just has to be a Halo 3 and a Counter Strike," said Mazurowski. "I already have Halo 2 and the first Counter Strike game for Xbox; I hope they come out."

"I hope Dance Dance Revolution 2 comes out for it," said Peterson.

Game companies have already jumped on board with contract jobs for the new system. They include many old favorites.

"Electronic Arts — they make good sport games, and I like all their other games too," said Williamson.

Other gaming companies planning to release games for the 360 are: Activision, Ubisoft, Atari, THQ, Midway Games, Warner Brother's Interactive, and SEGA.

Whether or not Xbox 360 is a success, the next generation of gaming begins November 22.

With the new Monticello theatre now open, moviegoers must decide whether to stay close to home and go to Buffalo or to spring for a more luxurious experience at the Monticello theatre.

Monticello's new theatre opened last year with 14 screens.

The theatre has become quite popular with the students at our high school. Of 180 students polled, 66% said they had been to the Monticello theatre, and of those students, 73% said they have been there at least twice. 8% of the students that had been to the theatre even said they've been there 10 or more times.

"Monticello is bigger, nicer, has more selection, and is comfortable. I stopped counting how many times I've been there, I don't go anywhere else," said Senior Luke Zumbusch.

The survey showed that students have seen over 50 different movies at the Monticello theatre, some of which were more popular with the students.

The most popular movies with the freshman were Star Wars III and Be Cool, with the sophomores, Star Wars III and The Dukes of Hazard, with the juniors, The Dukes of Hazard, and with the seniors, Wedding Crashers and Star Wars III.

"I saw Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith four times at the Monticello theatre," said Senior Alex Payne.

The students that had been to the theatre seemed to all agree on one thing: the seating in Monticello is much nicer than Buffalo's.

"Monticello's seats are much nicer, bigger, and has really good, comfy seats," said Freshman Ashley Elsen.

"The Monticello theatre has nicer seats that lean back a little," said Sophomore Katie Peterson.

"It's a good theatre," said Junior Heather Cherry, "especially for people with back problems. My mom always wants to go there: the seats are much nicer."

There was a lot that the students liked about the theatre, but also a few dislikes.

"It smells bad," said Junior Laura Ackmann.

"It's a little on the chilly side, but so are most," said Junior Matt Ecklund.

Although, there were much more likes than dislikes. Only seven percent of students said they prefer the Buffalo theatre to the Monticello theatre.

"I like the Buffalo theatre," said Freshman Eric Bergman. "It's not as far; it's in our town."

A few students were undecided about which theater they preferred, but most preferred Monticello.

"Monticello is a lot nicer," said Sophomore Courtney Comes Flying, "the seats, the screen, the setup, the choices of food, refills on pop and popcorn larges."

Monticello's tickets are sold for $7.00 compared to Buffalo's $6.50, but most students don't seem to mind paying the extra amount.

"Monticello is worth the 50 cents more," said Sophomore Emily Carlson.

Journalism Staff

Style is how you live; fashion is what you wear Ralph Lauren.
This season students say gaucho pants, oversized sunglasses, gaudy necklaces, half tops, embellished tops and pants, and flats are the most common trends for girls.
Popped collars and button-up shirts lead the guys in popular trends. Polo shirts, layering, and destroyed jeans are popular for both. However, even if girl and guy trends are similar, that doesn’t mean they agree on everything about fashion.
The concept of designer brands, for example, sparked disagreement between girls and guys.
"I don’t think people should go buy clothes because it says a name or has a certain logo," said Senior Kallie Sandell. "If you like something it shouldn’t matter."
However, some feel the clothes to be of higher quality.
"Designer jeans are definitely stylish, and the most comfortable things I have put on," said Senior Brady Bruhn. "You get your money’s worth."
However, girls and guys agreed that quality mattered more than quantity.
"Quality, because you can take a good piece of clothing and change it up with different accessories to make it look totally different, like you have a lot of clothes," said Junior Alyssa Danielson.
Junior Justin Johnson agreed on quality mattering more, but for different reasons.
"It’s got to be beautiful for me to wear," said Johnson, "at least in my eyes."
Another aspect that girls and guys agreed on was that the media and society put stress on looking fashionable.
"The media is everywhere," said senior Kathleen Rosso, "That stuff is expensive too, and even though some can’t afford it, the pressure makes them want it, even if they won’t admit it."
"Everywhere you look on TV, you see something better. Then you get jealous and you want it," said Johnson.
What the girls think is fashionable isn’t always what the guys like.
"Some of the girl’s trends have gone too far," said Johnson. "It has gotten to a point that it is teasing beyond belief."
Some guys think the girls’ trends are stylish.
"They’re hot," said Senior Nick Matson.
When it comes to what guys think is trendy for them, the girls generally agree.
"They are very trendy," said Rosso. "It doesn’t take over their lives like it does girls."
Danielson agreed, but with a unique reason.
"I really like the popped collars and the layers. It adds dimension to the ordinary," said Danielson.
The current trends and Ralph Lauren aside, it’s clear that even if fashion is what you wear, everybody has their own style.

"You just do what you love, just play your heart out," said Senior Wyatt Rudenberg. "We made one, but it just never went through."
Members of Remnant Faith, a local Christian band, know how hard it is to find practice time. Homework, jobs, free time, and sports make finding time hard enough; writing music, recording, and playing in local parks make it even harder.
Most student bands lack organization. They mostly play together to work on individual skills. What music gives them, according to Junior Tony Ellis, is a good feeling, especially when the band plays in front of audiences. "Playing for people who come to performances is awesome," said Senior Cole Nelson. "You just do what you love, just play your heart out."
Finding time to practice pays off, though, especially when the band plays in front of a live audience at Sturges Park. People of all ages come to performances, including adults. Student bands who get out and play can be bad or good with time and practice, but it all sums up to finding the time to get into the music. After all, these people could be famous someday.

Along with all Buffalo sports, the
Bison girls tennis team is moving into
a new conference:
the Mississippi 8.
The Bison are expected to encounter new teams such as;
Princeton,
Big Lake, Becker, and tennis powerhouse
St. Michael-Albertville.
"St. Michael is our only opposition," said
Junior
Kathleen
Dehmer, "Last
year they finished
our season, beating us at sections."
Excluding
St. Michael,
the
girls
are
finding
the
new
Mississippi
8
Conference
teams
to
be
underwhelming.
"We play a lot of matches that don't
challenge us," said Dehmer, "Which
makes it hard to remain enthusiastic."
"We need to focus on playing our
style of play," said Senior Kelly Ross,
"our team needs to concentrate a
lot, and not let other games affect us."
With a wide array of players,
from sophomores to seniors and letter
returnees to rookies, the Bison have
little trouble playing together as a team.
"We all get along," said Senior
Brianna Emmel, "We all work hard,
we all have fun, and we all want to win."
The
variety
of
players
also
helps
when
deciding
who plays
where.
Often times
the
players
don't
know
their
spot
until
the
day
of
the
match.
"Our team has
a lot of depth,
and
versatility,"
said
Dehmer,
"we
don't know
until
the
day
[of
the
match],
what
we're
playing."
The Bison have a strong singles
lineup including 2004
state participant, Sophomore Dana Vanbruggen,
Seniors
Laura Walz, Laura Sandberg,
Junior
Olivia Graham,
and
Sophomore Samantha Lefebre; complemented by strong doubles teams
of:
seasoned veterans Ross, and Emmel, Juniors Dehmer and Andi Leistico, and Senior Elizabeth Sorensen
with
Sophomore
Krista Nauman.
With an unblemished conference
record
so
far this season,
the
girls
are constantly improving their game.
"We usually have two matches
a week,
so when we're
not playing,
we're
practicing
the
other
three days of the week," said Ross.
Section playoffs for the girls began on October 10 and will run all
---
After a strong match, Junior Ashley Groenke, and Sophomore Samantha Lefebre casually walk together after their win against a St. Michael-Albertville duo.
Monday, October 10th will be the teams first round of section 7A matches.

Senior Jacob Fourre could smell
it,
it was the ninth frame, only four
balls left to throw -- assuming he got
all strikes -- he already had eight in a
row, so what's four more? The elusive
300, the perfect game, only a select few
can say that they have done it, but not
Fourre. He bowled a nine-spare in that
ninth frame and finished it out with all
4
strikes to complete his near perfect 289
game.
But Fourre and other students
cannot compete for our school team.
"Why?" you ask, because the school
doesn't have one.
"There really should be a bowling
team, so my friends and I could dominate," said Senior Zach Braun, who
normally bowls at Huikkos Bowling
Alley, located in Buffalo. Braun claims
to have a near 200 average, despite the
fact that he says that he doesn't bowl all
that often.
Some students like Senior Shane
Jensen, who bowls in a league through
the
Medina Entertainment Center and
won the Pepsi State Tournament two
years ago, have found other teams to
join.
"I really think we should have
a
team," said Jensen. "A team would
give us something to do after school,
bowling
and provide us with a chance to compete.
Mrs. Stacy Eggers, who was an
avid bowler during her college years,
recalls many fun filled nights at the
Garden Center Lanes
in Alexandria
with her college cronies.
"I really wish we had
a team," said Eggers, "bowling is a great sport, I
would possibly even think about supervising it during the fall."
So our school has students interested and someone willing to supervise -
a bowling team during the fall.
BHS
may soon see an up and coming bowling team tearing apart the Mississippi 8
alleys, but until then, students and their

Au volleyball players share a love for the game.
Sophomore Abigail Johnson is no exception.
"I like volleyball because it's the ultimate team
sport," said Johnson. "When you're on the court it's about
teamwork, and I like that."
The Bison will be pulling together to help fill
the void
left
by
last years
seniors. All-Conference outside hitter
Rossi Hammer will be especially
missed.
"Losing all our seniors
is hard," said Senior Rachel Kunde.
"Rossi was amazing, but we have
Ashley Allen and Molly Schroeder
who are both good hitters. I think
they can fill her shoes."
With
less
experience
on
the
court, the Bison will be looking to
veteran coach Dennis Axel for leadership.
"He really knows what he's doing," said Kunde.
Most players seem to agree.
"He's a great coach," said Senior Captain Ashley
A. Johnson
Allen.
Allen said that maintaining the conference title is
the Bison's top priority, and St. Michael-Albertville will be
their toughest challenge. A local newspaper predicted the
end of season records: Bison 7-1, St. Michael 8-0.
"STMA
is going
to
be tough," said Johnson.
"They're always good servers, but if we have good serve
receive then everything else will just flow."
The Bison and the Knights square off Tuesday,
October 18th, at St. Michael Albertville High School. The
varsity game is scheduled for 7:00 pm.
Even once the conference title has been decided, volleyball season is not over for most players. To keep their
skills sharp, the girls stay involved year round. A handful of
Bison play on the Minnesota Selects team.
"The Selects squad is pretty elite," said Johnson.
"Tryouts are in November, and it goes through June or
July."
"The coaches are really qualified and you get great
training," said Allen.
Expensive teams with professional coaching are
good, they're not entirely necessary.
"I play a lot of sand volleyball during the summer
with my friends," said Junior Brooke Meyer.
Students and players alike are looking forward to
an exciting climax of the player's year-round hard work and
dedication.

Journalism Staff

Every year seniors graduate, leaving open spots on the roster, but this year was nothing less than extreme.

The football team after losing 26 players, had some major adjusting to do this fall, as the new season approached.

"I think we filled the spots with better players," said Senior Football Captain Brad Willetts. "We just reloaded, I think we are stronger."

The girls soccer team lost nine out of 11 starters, but tried not to let it get to them.

"It affected us," said Girls Soccer Captain Senior Elizabeth Ehlenz, "[but] not in a negative way necessarily. It gave us a chance to grow and improve because of new opportunities."

The boys soccer team had a more dapper feeling towards the situation.

"We lost a lot of speed up front from [All-State soccer player] Darby [Ursell]," said Junior Boys Soccer Captain Josh Wachter.

With the loss of players, an increase in stress and pressure from coaches or other teammates seemed inevitable.

"I feel more pressure as a senior and our coach has higher expectations because we are more successful this year than past year's teams," said Senior Girls Tennis Player Katelyn Ross.

Trying to meet the par of standards of last year and then exceeding them, seemed to be on the top of athletes' minds.

"I feel like we have to be as good as last year and have as good of a record," said Junior Volleyball Captain Molly Schroeder.

Replacing old faces with new faces was different for returning players. Although a player can never really be replaced by another, players can perform and fill a graduating player's role as well if not better.

"Hannah Utley is our setter this year," Schroeder said. "She's a sophomore and has really stepped up and filled Cassie's [Yates] shoes."

---

Set for the next singles rally against a St. Michael Albertville opponent, Senior Laura Walz helped to lead the Girls' Tennis team to the section tournament. Sections took place October 10-12.

Photo by Alex Rixe

Above- Junior Boys Soccer Captain Josh Wachter dribbles past St. Michael Albertville's forward, Junior Mitch Bebus.

Given the title of Co-captain as a junior, Wachter was chosen early to lead his team.

Left- Prepared for the next Monticello hit, Senior Captain Ashley Allen communicates to her teammates on where they should move next.

The Volleyball team beat Monticello in three games, Thursday, October 6, 2005. Saturday, October 10th, the girls will be participating in the Benilde-St. Margaret Invitational, with Sections starting October 24th and ending November 5.

Photo by Sara Hauer

• Football defeated Rogers in 32-17 Homecoming game.
• Cross Country came in 5th at Buffalo Invite.
• Volleyball team on 11 game winning streak.
• Boys' Soccer moves to second place in M8 Conference.
• Swimming enjoys wins over Princeton and Watertown.
• Volleyball rolls over Monticello 3-0.
• Girls' Soccer still seeking win at 0-7-0.

Coach Stephanie Hawks replaces Sally Geisler as Girls Soccer Coach for the 2005 season.

Every August the Buffalo Girls' Soccer team steps onto the field for five hour practices until school begins. This year was a big change for them. When they stepped onto the field there was no Giesler. Sally Giesler left Buffalo School district and moved to Chicago.

"It's sad because I really liked her, but I'm sure she had her reasons," said Senior Captain Amanda Bethke.

"It stinks but we have to move on and improve as a team even though she is gone," said Senior Captain Sami Beilke.

"It's too bad, she was our coach and we'll miss her," said Senior Captain Elizabeth Ehlenz.

When the girls stepped onto the field they were relieved to see a familiar face. Junior Varsity coach Stephanie Hawks has became the new Varsity head coach. Hawks has played soccer since she was five years old; she played for the Blaine Soccer Club from age five to eighteen. In High School, Hawks played for Spring Lake Park grade seven to twelve. In College Hawks played soccer for Bethel College in St. Paul. Hawks drives from Anoka to Buffalo every day to coach.

"These girls have a lot of heart and dedication, I am honored to be the head coach," said Hawks, "I decided to coach Varsity soccer because I didn't want to abandon the team and I believe in my team."

Every year before school begins the Varsity team takes a bus and heads to Duluth where they play a game in Two Harbors. This year the team lost 3-0. Then they all get settled down at the Radisson in Duluth and they all enjoyed walking around down to Superior to get ice cream and watch the ships. Then the next morning they arrived at Esko Field to play the Agates, the Bison lost 2-0.

"Even though the actual bus ride isn't very fun... the time spent on the bus with teammates is a blast, we laugh until we can't breathe," said Beilke.

"I like hanging out and walking around town," said Bethke.

"I enjoy walking around downtown as a team and swimming in Superior together," said Junior Manager Gina Roberts.

"I love the Duluth trip; it's a great time to bond with your teammates. I wouldn't go somewhere else, Duluth has everything we need and it's a blast," said Ehlenz.

I asked the girls who they thought was their biggest rivalry.

"Monticello," said Bethke.

"It has been Monticello in the past but now I think Rogers is becoming a bigger one," said Beilke.

"Cambridge," said Roberts.

"Probably Elk River, we suffered our biggest loss to them and we need a change that next time we play," said Ehlenz.

The next game for the Buffalo Girls' Soccer team is sections which start on October 13, 2005 the place and time is yet to be determined.

The cross country team practices on Saturday mornings. They practice six times a week. On Monday it is their most intense workout. Their practices consist of different running workouts.

The night before every meet they have a spaghetti diner.

"It is just something fun that the team does," said Senior Captain Vick Hanson. Everyone brings a side dish to share.

"It is a time to hang out and have fun," said Senior Captain Jake Keenan.

Some of the runners are nervous before they ran their race. Some of the runners are nervous some are not.

"I run better when it starts earlier then if is suppose to," said Senior Amanda Olson. "Then there is not time to think about the race."

"I do my best under pressure," said Fourre, "You have to step up to the plate ya know."

After standing there nervous the race starts.

"So many thoughts go through your head, like I hope I win and I'm almost done, when you run," said...