The Hoofprint - Issue 1 - October 3, 2003

By a 58 percent to 42 percent margin, district voters approved a bond referendum that gives Independent school district 877 42.4 million dollars to invest in building construction and maintenance throughout the district.

While the creation of a new elementary school in Buffalo is the biggest addition to the district, the high school will have the most money invested into building improvements and additions.

Overall, BHS will get an estimated $13,423,795 dollars.

“This referendum will meet the needs of the district,” said Principal Dr. Nick Miller. “New classrooms will be added, along with more lockers, and expanded cafeteria, more space for agriculture, art, orchestra, tech-ed, and physical education classes. It includes a new gymnasium with four to six basketball courts.”

The new orchestra room will be the size of the current band room. The physical education space will increase by 48,510 square feet. Four more classrooms and new lockers will also be added. In addition, the back wall of the cafeteria will be pushed back about forty feet, eliminating crowding in the lunch room.

The referendum faced a challenge due to the economy. Other referendums around the state were defeated by wide margins.

“I was surprised that it passed,” said Science teacher Mr. Cliff Wold. “It is a lot of money for Buffalo to have.”

Projects will start in October of 2004 and are expected to end in June of 2006.

“It is fantastic for the students of BHS and the district as a whole,” said phys-ed teacher Mr. Troy Holland.

The bond includes significant additions at the middle school and buying land for a possible elementary school in Montrose, as well.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2003, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited for the first time over the intercom of Buffalo High School. Eighty-four percent of the student population and 92 percent of the staff stood together and joined in recitation of the words etched into the mind of every American child.

“The state mandated that every school board had to decide whether or not they were going to incorporate the Pledge into their routine,” said principal Dr. Nick Miller. “I think that the board decided to do it because they knew that the students would be allowed to make their own decisions about it. There were only a couple of schools that decided against the Pledge being recited. I think that it works well in our school because we have created a pretty accepting atmosphere.”

Once the board's decision was made in regard to the Pledge, the procedure of reciting it was discussed and refined by school officials. Flags were purchased for every classroom of every school in the district, with a few exceptions. The majority of the school populous agreed with the board's decision.

“My friend said the Pledge of Allegiance to my shirt in the locker room because the locker rooms don't have flags,” said Freshman Karen Baker.

But of the 84 percent of students that stood for the pledge, fourteen percent of them felt pressured to participate. Fourteen percent may seem insignificant, but in addition to the sixteen percent of students that did not participate, approximately 510 students did not support the recitation of the Pledge.

“I think its really stupid, because we're free to do what we want, and school is public, so if they want kids they going to...

This year the information and events will be included in a newspaper, produced by the BHS students of Mr. Ryan McCallum's Journalism class.

There is no other place to learn of news about the school that matters to students.

The school started another newspaper because “It was needed,” said McCallum, "Every other school this size has a newspaper."

When surveyed, 30 percent of students never knew that this school ever had a newspaper. Out of the other 70 percent, nine percent read the past newspapers.

The main reason students cited never read an issue of the past newspaper is because they never received one. None of the students knew where the newspapers were located, or when they came out. The students that did know were not very appealed by it.

Many people are working to make this newspaper an enjoyable one. They plan to do this by “Putting stories in it that I would want to read, not just one or two students would want to read,” said Editor Corrina Swanson.

This year there will be a total of eight issues presented, one issue per month. The newspaper will be distributed to classes during first or second block. There will be a copy for each staff member and student supplied. To keep readers interested, the sections will include: news, sports, features, entertainment, opinions, spot light (photos) and more.

“The main goal is to cover something that interests students from all over the school,” said McCallum.

Topics to look forward to reading about include:news about the school and the community, sports in school, national and statewide news through students' perspectives, important topics, and school feature news.

“I hope it's successful and interesting,”said writer Katie Kruck. “So people read it instead of just looking at it.”

Cafe 22 closed at the end of August due to lack of funding. United for Youth is seeking suggestions from the community as it looks to reopen the building under a new name and with a new mission. The building must stay youth oriented.

“If the building is for youth, why not have the youth working on it by getting their ideas and input in?” said Officer Glenda Ridley.

People from all different perspectives attended the meeting. There were people from the middle school, as well as the high school, Timber Bay, The Journal Press, and Buffalo Hospital.

“From a middle school perspective, I think it would be nice to have it used as a learning facility,” said assistant principal Mrs. Barb Axel.

Ideas for the new building ranged from mentoring to web design classes.

“I think it would be nice to have school work programs and writing classes where students express themselves,” said Jackie Poll.

Ms. Sheri Tamte has been named the Minnesota Art Educator of the Year by The Minnesota Art Educators Association.

Mr. Jon Holtz nominated Tamte by sending a letter of recommendation to The Art Educators of Minnesota last spring, and she was chosen in the fall.

“It feels nice when your colleagues say you've done a good job,” said Tamte.

Colleagues and students alike appreciate her hard work and dedication.

“Ms. Tamte has been the teacher that has helped me the most with my future plans,”said Senior Martha Tompkins.

“She has really helped me develop my style and she was the one who persuaded me to make art my career.”

“I am passionate about learning. I really like having an impact on students lives.”

Said Tamte. “Teaching at BHS is a wonderful environment for students and teachers.”

Tamte will receive her award on November 7 in St. Cloud at the State Art Educators of Minnesota Convention.

On July 9th, 2003, at 4:30 am, about 100 high school marching band students set off for Travers City, Michigan to perform and compete in two of the National Cherry Festival parades. They took second place out of the eight bands performing in the Cherry Junior Royal Parade, and fourth out of thirteen bands. in the Grand Cherry Royal.

“After working so hard, it seems like we deserved the places that we got,” said Freshman Erik Olson. “We could have done better, but we were competing against some pretty good bands.”

Before the trip, band students attended band camp for one week- five days a week, six hours a day-straight.

“The worst part of Marching Band was Band Camp,” said Freshman Matt Patterson. “Standing outside for hours on end...it was horrible, but good training for a successful season.”

The bus trip to Michigan lasted for about eight hours. The televisions that the busses were equipped with provided some entertainment, but students also found other ways to occupy themselves.

“They had movies we could watch,” said Freshman Chris Rohlik. “But most of them weren’t very good, so I read comics instead.”

In Michigan, the band had the opportunity to visit Mackinac Island.

“It was cool because we got to go off by ourselves,” said Rohlik. “But I got lost in the woods.”

When the band arrived in Chicago, they got to see The Blue Man Group. perform.

“We like to do something on the trip that students can really enjoy,” said band Director Lee Kjesbo.

Out of the blue, The Blue Man Group picked Senior Jamie Comee up to the stage to do a little performing herself.

“The Blue Man Group was so awesome,” said Comee. “I’m a percussionist so I am biased. I was so nervous, they didn’t tell me anything, they just took my hand and pulled me up to the stage. I thought I was just going to stand there or something, but I was up there for about 20 minutes. At first I just stood in front of a camera and they didn’t talk so I didn’t know what to do. We danced and they gave me flowers. It was just so cool.”

After The Blue Man Group, the band left for home on Sunday, arriving home on the 14 of July.

“Marching Band is a lot of fun, especially if you’re into playing music and performing for crowds. The personal fulfillment is phenomenal,” said Senior Andrew Rholik. “The best part is taking trips to different states.”

Ms. Vicki Cary, a 15-year member of the English Department at Buffalo High School, was selected as one of four Minnesota teachers to receive a Leadership in Educational Excellence Award. Winners are selected by Central Minnesota ESCU.

“When I look at the people around me and the people that I work with, I realize what a big honor this is,” Cary said. “It is an honor to represent the faculty.”

Cary spent half a year teaching in Edina, and has taught in Buffalo for the remainder of her career. She currently teaches College Prep Writing and CIS Composition. Cary said her teaching is based on knowledge and respect.

“A good teacher needs to know their subject,” said Cary. “They must relate to people and respect kids. If they respect kids, kids will respect them.”

Principal Dr. Nick Miller feels that the Cary is a deserving recipient for the award.

“She deserves it. She is a wonderful example of excellence in teaching,” said Miller. “She is very professional, and students love her.”

Cary will receive her award at a banquet in St. Cloud on Wednesday, October 29.

If you look around, there are quite a few new faces in our school. Increased enrollment has been overfilling our classrooms and cramming the hallways for the past four years. This school is only seven years old, why is it so crowded?

When our school was built, they planned for a maximum capacity of 1,600 students. Currently, we have 1,682 students packed into our halls. Getting to lockers is next to impossible, and it’s a fight simply to get to class on time, because of the overcrowded halls.

Lately, we’ve added many new programs to the course options. College In the Schools, Advanced Placement classes, the option of Wright Tech, and our sports program have attracted people from different schools looking for better High School opportunities.

People who move here are attracted to Buffalo and our school system. Our school is considered to be a “good one” compared to surrounding districts.

This town has been growing, and our new housing developments in a small but growing city is attractive to many people.

So we know we have a great school, but up until now nothing has been done to keep us from getting to this point. Classrooms are stuffed, so people are unable to switch a class even if they really don’t enjoy it. Lunches are so full that at times it’s impossible to get a seat, and there are way too few lockers.

Next summer, construction will finally start to expand and improve our building. Althogh it adds to the taxes everyone already has to pay, we’ll get a bigger lunchroom, more music space, new classrooms, and more lockers. Maybe then school will be a learning place, instead of a fight for elbow room.

You have in your hands 12 pages of news and information written for you. The stories, statistics, photographs, and coverage in this paper has all been done with you in mind. This is the only place where the students, faculty, and staff of Buffalo High School can find this type of coverage. The writers and editors have done their best at creating a publication that has been absent from this building for too long.

This newspaper is the result of many months of planning and countless hours of after school and weekend work by the editorial staff, who saw a need for a school newspaper and put in the required effort to pull this project off. All of this work was done for you, the reader.

You are the driving force behind this publication.

With that in mind, we need to have your feedback about this issue. The staff of this newspaper is dedicated to writing about things that interest and affect you, and they won't know what that is unless you tell them. Get involved with this paper. Write a letter to the editor or pen a guest column about something that is important to you. Read the stories and let the writers know your opinion. Volunteer to write a story or take a picture. There are countless ways to get your voice heard in this paper.

If you find a mistake (or twelve) in this issue, I'd like to thank you for reading the stories and viewing the pages closely enough to find those errors. There should be errors in this edition of the paper, and I know we haven't failed in that mission. This issue represents the writers' first attempt at writing for a newspaper, the editors' first chance at laying out pages, and my first opportunity to see a paper through from twelve blank pages to a complete project. Of course there will be errors, but each mistake is a challenge for the writers and editors to face for next issue. The goal of this paper is not only to keep the students and staff of Buffalo High School entertained, educated, and informed, but also to teach a group of student writers and editors how to write for and produce a quality newspaper. Mistakes teach us just as much as success, and this newspaper will benefit from each mistake within its pages.

While we welcome your feedback, please keep in mind that the editors and writers all already aware of the word that was spelled wrong on page three, or the coma that was missed on page eight, and they have probably been reminded of this fact a few too many times. Pointing out grammatical errors or problems involved with the printing process doesn't really serve any purpose besides discouraging the staff of the paper. However, we welcome your thoughts and opinions about the news we print, the issues we cover, and they presentation of the paper. If your name is spelled wrong, let us know. If you have a suggestion for better coverage of an activity or issue in the future, make sure you get heard. This is your paper.

Finally, if you happen to notice positive aspects of this issue, share those observations with the staff. They've volunteered to undertake this gigantic task and have sacrificed evenings and weekends to make this issue happen because they believe that this newspaper is an important addition to this school. I admire their dedication and I know they would love to hear from you.

Thank you for reading this edition of the paper. We look forward to your support in the future.

Show gratitude for your freedom

On Tuesday, September 9, Buffalo High School students were asked to stand for the pledge of allegiance for the first time since elementary school. Eighty-four percent of students did the right thing and rose for the occasion.

When the pledge is said, I contribute with the words of freedom. Those words support our country. Reciting the pledge is not an oath that requires us to sign up for the army and go out to war. Reciting the pledge is an acknowledgement of our freedom to make those decisions for ourselves.

We are free, and we have a beautiful and free place to live, so we should express our gratitude by saying the pledge of allegiance to honor those people who kept those ideals alive.

Some people refrain from saying the Pledge because they don't agree with the government's choices at the present time. Some people refrain due to the phrase "Under God." Others do not like pledging to the government that takes their money and then asks for gratitude. The truth is that our government keeps us alive. We would not last long if it was our choice to support each other and take care of things like education and transportation. This government is founded on the basis of using our money to help everyone.

Saying the phrase "Under God" angers people who are not Christians or who do not believe in a god. However, the god referred to in the pledge is not based on any one religion.

Instead, God is used to represent the principles of goodness. I would and will pledge to those ideals. If you are an atheist, pledge to those things as well, or pledge to whomever you believe gave freedom to you.

The Pledge is our way of showing respect to our flag, and showing that we are proud to be Americans. So when I take off my hat to show respect and appreciation to my country, all of my brothers and sisters should be standing next to me: For we are all Americans.

— Robert McHolland Staff Writer

For the people, by the people. Our government was founded on this and other statements, although recently it seems that this and other unwritten laws of our country have been crushed under the silver-tongued boot of our government.

The Pledge of Allegiance: is it showing loyalty to the U.S., or is it turning us into cannon fodder for our countries' wars?

The thing is, we pay for our government. Although they build our roads and pay for our schools, they pay with our money. Since we pay for everything they do, including their income, shouldn't they pledge loyalty to us?

If some day, I'm feeling particularly patriotic, I might say the Pledge in the comfort of my own home. But until then, no one should have to say the Pledge if they don't want to, and no one should feel pressured to do it, either.

In our school, surveys indicate that an unsettling amount of 18% of students find themselves pressured to stand when the Pledge is being broadcast on Tuesday mornings. Keep in mind; you do not have to stand for the Pledge or say the pledge if it is not of your will. Resisting the pressure to do this is an easy matter.

The Pledge of Allegiance is optional. If someone wants to 'give something back' they can go join the army or feed the homeless or anything. But saying a silly little speech in no way ratifies the government's debts to us, or our debts to our government.

— Jacob Laqua Staff Writer

Look around to see some new faces in our school. Some because parents decided for them, and some have come out of their own free will. About 70% of the students said they would not move back.

The privileges and choices available in our school are some things that new students enjoy.

“This school offers a lot more than Monticello,” said Freshman Chris Banek. “The sports here are much better.”

The new arrivals also enjoy the long passing time, great lunch, and block scheduling.

The staff has some say in what they think about this school too.

“Teachers here are always smiling and helpful,” said Dr. Nick Miller.

The new students come to agree with him for the most part. Some have a different opinion.

“The teachers here are weird,” said Freshman Amber Rogers. “They try to make jokes, but they’re not even funny.”

“I wish everyone wasn’t so ghetto,” said Freshman Gina Fredrickson. “I hope no one tries to bust a cap after reading this.”

“The students are obnoxious people, they seem drawn to me and it’s not cool,” said Freshman Becky Froelich.

Not all students think that way.

“Everyone is very friendly and accepting, I haven’t talked to one person I haven’t liked,” said Junior Brianna Matzke.

Many new students want to be approached by others, instead of being relied on to start friendships.

“I have to jump into conversations, even when I’m not invited,” said Froelich. “Come introduce yourself to us,” said Junior Jami Olson.

There is the signal to all students. About 183 new students have arrived this year from all over the USA and the world. Who knows, their interests could be just like yours.

Mike Beilke, who teaches in the Industrial Technology Department, grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota. As a child, Mike dreamed of being a professional baseball player. Later he went on to playing several dif- ferent high school and college sports including football, basketball, and of course, baseball. After graduating from Leola High School in South Dakota, he went on to study at NSU, where he received his bachelors degree and then continued to Hamland where he received his masters. “I became a teacher because of diversity,”said Beilke, “I’m a people per- son......” After teaching at Aberdeen Central High School for nine years, he then taught at the BHS for three years,after which he transferred to White Bear Lake, where he taught for five years. He has two children, Sophomore Sammie Beilke and seventh grader Brookes Beilke. He enjoys all kinds of sports and likes to jog and hunt, along with listening the oldies on KQRS.

Scott Rabehl was born in Oregon and grew up in the Twin Cities. After gradu- ating from Anoka High School, Rabehl got his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Minnesota. He later received a Bachelor’s degree in music from St. Cloud State. “I get to play everyday and get paid for it,” said Rabehl. After teaching two years in Howard Lake and eight years in Maple Grove he is now one of the music teachers here at the high school. He is mar- ried with two children, Mallory age four, and Mitchell age two.

Candy Cornelius taught almost 30 years at Buffalo Community Middle School, before she transferred to Buffalo High School. After graduating from Cooper/ Robinsdale High School, she went on to college at St. Cloud State. Upon gradu- ating from college, Cornelius started teaching in 1975 in the career of Special Education.“I always wanted to become a teacher,” said Cornelius. Cornelius has two children who attend Buffalo High School: Sophomore Amanda Headley and Junior Jake Headley. Her favorite band is the Beatles. She is currently liv- ing west of Monticello.

Tom Walker teaches in the Special Education Department. He is from Waite Park near St. Cloud, where he taught at Minnetonka and St. Cloud, at both the elementary and high school levels. After graduating from high school in Two Harbors up north, he attended college at St. Cloud State University. Growing Up, Walker wanted to become a professional hockey player and was involved in many high school sports including track, baseball, football, and hockey along with rugby in college. Walker now enjoys sports like bow-hunting, fishing, and golfing. He likes listening to the 60’s and 70’s classic rock and idolizes his par- ents as role models in his life.

Mark Olson teaches business education here at Buffalo High School. Growing up in Monticello, WI, he graduated from the high school in 1996, and went to study at the University of Wisconsin and Edgewood College. After graduating from college, Olson went back to his home- town where he taught at the Bronaux Middle School. Besides being a teacher, Olson enjoys eating macaroni and cheese, and he enjoys sports such as basketball, along with camping and biking. He also likes listen- ing to classic rock on KQRS such as Led Zepplin.

Paula Tapala, a long term sub for Ms. Jennifer Johnson, teaches French. After graduating from high school at St. Cloud Apollo, she went to college at Oregon State University and St. Cloud State University. Before becoming a teacher, Tapala was in the Peace Corps. She also had past experiences in teaching German, French and Spanish and has taught at Anoka and other schools. Tapala has filled in other long term substitute teacher positions in the past. Her hobbies include gardening and participating in yoga classes. She also enjoys listening to French music and her favorite kind of food is Chinese.

Name: Karoline Kneiding From: Berlin, Germany Age: 16 Arrived in America: three weeks ago Staying with: Vicki Hall Thoughts about America: “I think the people are very nice. They are open minded and nice to exchange stu- dents.”

Name: Peter Kumberger From: Regensburg, Germany Age: 17 Arrived in America: August 22 Staying with: Terri and Denis Durgin Thoughts about America: “Americans are pretty crazy.”

Name: Ollie Bowker From: Hastings, New Zealand Age: 17 Arrived in America: January 2003 Staying with: Rita & Duane Otness Thoughts about America: “Los Angles smelt bad, and Minnesota was cold, very cold.”

Name: Hibiki Odanaka From: Nagano, Japan Age: 16 Arrived in America: August 16 Staying with: Doug Nevinski Thoughts about America: “School is very beautiful and clean.”

Name: Fiorella Marengo From: Carrú, Italy Age: 17 Arrived in America: August 21 Staying with: Alex Macalena Thoughts about America: “For example, in Italy McDonalds and fast food is in the cities. Usually you don’t go to fast food so often.”

Name: Shiho Tamura From: Sendai, Japan Age: 16 Arrived in America: July 24 Staying with: LaBute Thoughts about America: “In Japan we usually separate to shower and go to the bath- room.”

Name: Miri Franc From: Stuttgart, Germany Age: 16 Arrived in America: August 28 Staying with: Alex Macalena Thoughts about America: “You speak a lot. When we say a sentence you tell a story.”

Name: Juliane Goeke From: Paderborn, Germany Age: 16 Arrived in America: three weeks ago Staying with: Hector and Sandra Camargo Thoughts about America: “[Church] is always the same, go there and fall asleep.”

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain where the beaches are glistening, the merchants hawk their wears on crowded streets, the women flamenco dance, and the bull fighters play with fate. Here the cathedrals are tall, the history is rich, the food is good, and every- one is friendly. ¡Disfrútate en España! Enjoy your stay in Spain.

BHS students had the chance of a lifetime to experience the Spanish culture first hand and to test their second language in a completely different environment compared to the class- room setting.

“I love to speak Spanish,” said Senior Anne Elsenpeter, “I had never been overseas and it seemed like a great opportunity.”

Before being able to step foot in Spain the students had to earn 2,200 dollars each, for a 13 day trip, in order to pay for everything except lunches and spending money. For what may seem like a hefty amount to some people, all-in-all most students agreed that it had been well worth the time and money.

“Definitely [it was worth it], we saw so many interesting and educational things,” said Senior Erica Sande. “The memories and the experiences are priceless.”

Memories were made in a variety of different ways, most of all at stops and towns along the way. The group took a tour bus and visited places such as Spain’s capital city Madrid, Seville, Barcelona, and Las Ramblas, along with a day trip to Morocco in Africa.

“My favorite part of the trip was when we went to Morocco,” said Junior Alex Ourada. “We got to see their markets and eat traditional Moroccan dishes.”

At each place they visited the students were encouraged to use their Spanish during their free time for things like ordering food or asking for directions.

“I tried the best I could to use my Spanish but most of the time it didn’t come out right!” said Elsenpeter. “It was O.K. because they knew what I meant to say and every- one was courteous to us tourists.”

While using their Spanish proved to be a bit of a challenge because accents and slang in areas differed from what students had learned, most could get around even though a Spanish level two was required as the minimum to go on the trip. When purchasing sou- venirs students also had to use their second language. Many bought unique and colorful handmade souvenirs others had personalized portraits and other things made for them.

“I bought a big glass light,” said Ourada, “ceramic plates, and as much American food as I could find.”

From going shopping in open air markets to watching a bull fight and seeing a tradi- tional flamenco dance students enjoyed their trip most with friends and family. Being with someone familiar made being in a place so unfamiliar twice as fun.

“Being with my friends was really fun,” said Sande. “Just roaming with them and doing things with them.”

When people usually think of the ely, they think of a couple happily sitting on the front porch imbibing sweet lemonade. The recently released movie Secondhand Lions, directed by Tim McCanlies, took that idea and tweaked it to a whole new eccentric and hilarious style.

The lead performances by Michael Caine (Austin Powers: Goldmember) and Robert Duvall (Open Range), exquisite veteran char- acter actors with three Oscars and numerous nominations between them, made the film very watchable. Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth Sense) with an Oscar nomination him- self held his own, pulling a thoughtful per- formance as their nephew Walter.

The movie begins with the adolescent Walter (Osment) getting dropped of at his mysterious old uncles (Caine and Duvall) house by his unstable mother (Kyra Sedgwick). Walter learns, from passively dealing with his mother’s smiling deceitful- ness, through the help of his uncles cur- mudgeonly guidance, to stand up for himself and what he believes. The whole film weaves around the past of the two old uncles. Bit by bit you learn the pieces of their exciting and colorful history. Some of the major themes it addresses are death, acceptance, and belie- ving in something. Caine and Duvall’s per- formances played excellently off of each other. Caine plays the sentimental, caring and thoughtful one, while Duvall plays the energetic, strong-willed one. Over time, Walter develops and becomes a stronger, more open person through the time and strange events he goes through with his uncles. From their begrudging acceptance of him into their Texas home, they too are trans- formed from half-hearted dreamer into caring fatherly figures. You watch Walter’s view of trust in family transformed from skepticism to a unique embrace of his uncles’ sense of adventure and abandon in life. He enables them to unlock and revitalize to rediscover their long lost youth. He brought them a new sense of joy and propose, other than unload- ing shot gun rounds to scare off the persist- ent traveling salesmen, (all the while coolly sipping on fresh lemonade.)

This movie was a wonderful refresh- ment, like a rain after a long drought. The sensitive cinematography gave the film an excellent brown tone, down to earth and old look to the film. This movie captures the emotion of old times—it makes you feel like you were there. It doesn’t use vulgar lan- guage and tons of blood and gore to make you enjoy it. The broad screenplay covered many themes and emotions of life, like belonging, purpose, death, and belief. The only complaint I would have about the film is that the scene changes were choppy— jumping you from scene to scene making the movie seem slower. Yet the plot and the plot twists kept you on the edge of your seat as the movie developed. Great laughs came from odd situations, jumbled together in a happy mayhem consisting of the uncles’ myriad eccentricities and their nephew’s noble, lov- ing confusion. A nice break from movies like The Fast and the Furious that have no more substance than the air the stunt cars fly through. Unlike the typical, derivative, vio- lent, and steamy (and ultimately forgettable) trash that lure teenagers to them like a mouse to a trap, you may actually care what hap- pens to the memorable characters brought to life through this film’s slow, thoughtful style. The warm homely feel of the film allows you to slip right into the mood and enjoy. It’s hard not to be uplifted and in good spirits as you exit the theater. I would definitely recom- mend you go and see Secondhand Lions and capture its insightful views on life and fami- ly.

This fall the musical is going to be Music Man. It is about a man named Harold Hill. He is a con-artist, who goes to Riverside, Iowa to con people. There he comes face to face with the librar- ian, Marion Peru. She is a woman whom doesn’t get along with Harold. So she spends her time trying to expose him, as a con- man. During that masquerade, they end up falling in love with each other. In the end he stops his evil ways and turns good.

“It’s a typical American love story,” said director Tracy Hagstrom. “I am very happy though, it should be a fun, familiar show that everybody knows.”

In the past two years they have graduated a lot of leading seniors. Even with that there are no worries with over 100 students that auditioned.

“It goes in cycles, just when I am getting worried how theatre will never be the same and I will have no one for the next year, the 9th and 10th graders take stand. They come in and audition and amaze me,” said Hagstrom.

“Last year I was the new guy, and all of the older guys befriended me, even though I was a freshman. Now that they are gone it is scary, but I am excited to become the role model of the younger kids like they were to me. I was glad to have that last year to brace myself.” said Sophomore Jake Cline.

No matter what the changes happen in the theatre department people are still excited and are willing to partake.

“I am excited so much,” said Brianna Matzke. “I have heard great things about BHS the- atre and people are super nice, I am happy to be a part of it.”

After a tough 0-3 start to the season the Bison are now on a winning streak. The team’s losing streak was snapped by a 26-7 victory against their conference rivals, the Saint Francis Fighting Saints. The team’s second consecu- tive win was a 24-20 victory over Irondale. These victories came after three consecu- tive losses to Hopkins, Spring Lake Park, and Cambridge-Isanti. Solid defense and key scores, including a 65-yard touchdown pass from Sophomore Quarterback Corey Jeske to Junior Wide Receiver Brett Andrews, gave this team its first victory over St. Francis. “It was exciting to have more points at the end of the game than they did” said Defensive Coordinator Leroy Erickson. With the loss of three quarters of their team and their three captains from last year, Micah Schmeling, Matt McCallum, and Zach Christ, the Bison are a young and inexperienced team and must work together to find success. “We can’t have one person holding us back while the rest of the team is doing its job,” said Senior Captain Ray Wurm. “We need to work together.” According to Erickson not only is this team inexperienced but some of them weren’t ready for the tempo their first three opponents came out with. “I think the intensity of the Varsity level surprised some of our younger players in the first three games,” said Erickson “they couldn’t believe that all the hard work they put in and they still were a step behind.” Although success won’t come easy for a young team, they are listening and working very hard, their learning curve is steep. “We need to improve every week, every day,” said Erickson. According to Wurm, even-though they are young, they have no problem starting out with lots of fire. “Every game we come out fast,” said Wurm, “but we need to maintain that speed throughout the third and fourth quarters.” The Bison are looking to their senior leadership to keep their team focused and keep their heads high. “We need to have fun out there,” said Senior Captain Chad Anderson “play with intensity, and believe we can do it.”

Boys Two runners with Buffalo jerseys crossing first and second is a common scene this year at Varsity Boys Cross Country meets. The boys team, now halfway through the season, is trying to win conference for the third year in a row says coach Jill Hanson. “The boys goal this year is to win conference because we always want to strive to be the best,” said Jake Fourre. With Junior Dan Fadgen currently ranked fifth in the state and Senior Captain Mitch VanBruggen close behind in each race. These two feel the team has some of the stepping stones to accomplish their goal. “Fadgen is a great runner with excellent talents,” said Fourre. Fadgen and VanBruggen were the first and second scoring runners from last year’s team, but from last years graduation they lost their third and fourth runners Danny Ruter and Chris McCarty. The fifth scoring runner from last year Jared Geurts has stepped up and filled the third position and Fourre has filled the fourth position. They are only missing one link. “We mainly need a fifth runner to step up and [get] a little bit better times from our fourth runner,” said Jr. Jared Geurts. The fifth position is now a tossup between runner’s Adam Redlin, Ben Ruter and Brett Hack. Redlin is currently finishing fifth on Varsity. Ruter is running in the sixth position on Varsity and Hack is running in Junior Varsity races. Fourre, who has never been in Cross Country before, jumped ahead of these runners by placing with surprising times of sub 18:30’s. He joined after doing what Hanson thought was very good time in the 800 meter race in Track last year. “I figure, if God gives you a ticket you got to ride,” said Fourre.

Girls After losing Katelynn Krause, Jill Brager and Carlie Hanson from last years graduation and some of their better runners injured or recovering the girls Cross Country team is out for something different this year. “We’re out to have fun and beat at least one team per meet,” said Senior Jamie Nelson. This is Nelson’s first year. She placed fifth in the Junior-Senior race at Elk River. Constantly finishing in the top position for the girls team, she has become the top runner for the girls right now, but says she joined for reasons other than winning. “Honestly, I joined to get in shape for Nordic skiing and to have fun and make new friends,” said Nelson. Another first year runner is Sophomore Ann Lundebrek who does things a little bit differently than most. When runners are racing they have to have something to keep them going when it starts to get hard or hurt. Most runners you’d never know what they are doing, but you can hear Lundebrek. “I like to sing and I sing out loud and I talk to other people,” said Lundebrek. Lundebrek thinks running is hard, but she says sarcastically, “It’d be a shame to waste my incredible talents.”

The boy’s soccer team has been struggling so far this season. Yet, according to assistant Coach Matt Lubben, they have still been able to keep their scores close. They do not allow any other teams to defeat them by a large amount of goals, and they do not defeat any other teams by a large amount. They plan on progressing throughout the season and keeping their spirits high with a chance to upset some teams in the tournament.

“It helps our team to keep our spirits high during the game,” said Junior Drew Hanson.

The team has been working on getting more shots on goal. Some other goals of theirs are to communicate, get open for each other, and work to their highest potential in every game. They also agree that getting along helps the team tremendously.

We have to get along on the field, whether or not we do off the field,” said Junior Darby Ursell.

While the team does not normally get a huge crowd, they agree that the fans are fun to have. It helps them on their home field where they play best.

“When they are there, it helps us at home,” said Senior Paul Ross.

There have been a lot of injuries so far this year, which has really set the team back. Some of these injuries include Mike Johnson with a hip flexor, Dylan Thompson with a hurt Knee, and Peter Kumberger and Jeff Klarstrom both with hurt ankles. James Huff, one of the team’s goalies, was out of the net for a couple of weeks because of a broken thumb.

“It’s kind of hard to play well when you have a lot of your starting line gone,” said Ross.

The team plans on continuing to progress and finish better in their conference.

“Because of our record, other teams are going to take us lightly for the second half of the season,” said Hanson, “But we will continue to battle and work our hardest.”

Buffalo Varsity Volleyball team took third place out of eight teams at the team’s invitational tournament on Saturday September 6.

The teams record currently stands at 7 wins and 5 losses.

“They’ve worked hard and their skills are improving. We just need to work on confidence as a team,” said coach Dennis Axel.

The team will begin playing in the Section Tournament during the week of October 20th.

“To me sections are just another part of the season and the team having the ability to play,” said Axel.

Some of Axel’s goals for the season are to finish in the top half in Conference. He also hopes they will also get to the 2nd round of section play. That isn’t the only thing he wants them to do.

“I mostly want them to play better volleyball though,” said Axel.

They all don’t play volleyball just for fun. Some of them are interested in scholarships, making it big and being role models for the younger girls.

“I want the younger girls to look up to me as role model someday.” said Junior Rossi Hammer.

The goals of some of the girls have been answered. Some freshmen hope to someday be like them.

“I look up to the varsity players because they have stuck with the game to get to the top spot. I hope to hit like them and someday I hope I can be that good,” said Freshman Margaret Suerth.

With the volleyball team being in the last half of the season Hammer is hoping to improve their score.

“We have had a better season know that Axel is back,” said Hammer. “I hope we continue to work well as a team to improve our record.”

After over forty consecutive wins in North Suburban Conference play, no loss is easy.

The Bison girls tennis team had their win streak snapped when they dropped a close match to Centennial.

“It was our first loss in over 40 games,” said Senior Co-Captain Joanna Jacques. “On paper, we were supposed to beat them, but we lost.”

The loss not only ended an impressive win streak, it also put their run for a sixth consecutive conference championship in doubt. The loss put the Bison in a tie for second place. They can move in to a three-way tie for first, if they remain undefeated and Centennial loses to Totino-Grace.

“The bus ride home was really bad,” said Junior Courtney Zinter. “Some of us were crying and the coach wasn’t talking.”

Zinter said that the team will use the defeat as motivation for the rest of the season.

“It’s going to make us work harder,” said Zinter, “and the younger girls saw how much it hurt us.”

With two eighth-grade members, eleven freshmen, and seven sophomores, the team is looking to rebuild this year. Despite the high number of underclassmen, the team is 3-1 in conference play.

“This year, we have a lot of younger girls,” said Jacques, “and we’re trying to rebuild.”

The leadership of the team’s four Seniors, seven Juniors, and two exchange students, the team is looking to continue the success the team has become known for.

“I am fortunate to have worked with many hard-working female student-athletes,” said head Coach Charlie Keifenheim.

Keifenheim attributes the team’s successful past and strong present program to the example set by leadership.

“Of all the hard work and success over the off season, you can’t win at tennis if you don’t work at it,” said Senior Co-Captain Amy Schlief.

The Buffalo Swimming team is undefeated and awaiting there next meet in Buffalo tomorrow. The have competed against and defeated Blaine, Shakopee, Spring Lake Park, Robbinsdale, and Princeton; however, the key to there victories lies even beyond all the practice sessions, it lies in tight bond between the girls who share the interest in competitive swimming.

“I consider them like my sisters,” said Senior Co-Captain Megan Warfield. The other two captains this year are Susie Schubert and Kelly Strait.

For the Swim and Dive team the season started with a summer party traditionally held at Pulaski Park, in which the team participates in making crafts, eating, swimming, and getting to know each other.

“If you have patience you can get along with all the other swimmers including the young new girls, I try to get to know and encourage the younger kids,” said Schubert.

This is of the many roles the captains take, including the planning of team traditions. They include the trips to Culvers after meets, sleepovers, and the biggest their trip to Grand Rapids on Oct. 24 this year.

The captains also must stand a role models for the team keeping the team focused to win.

“Team work is key to a good team,” Schubert said. “We are such a team, we aren’t divided, we evolved with everyone on the team. Like in softball the teams are divided, but on the swim team the girls are much closer.”

Though every meet they go to is a challenge they are especially preparing for Centennial.

“Trying to beat Centennial for the first time is going to be the teams biggest challenge this year.” said Junior Allie Houfer.

The big Centennial meet will be held on October 14, and the Bison swim and dive team is prepping themselves already.

“We plan to defeat them by practicing getting conditioning before the meet,” said Houfer.

Results May Vary, Limp Bizkit's 4th album, hits stores on September 23, 2003. This is the follow up to Chocolate Starfish and The Hot Dog Flavored Water. Results May Vary is a great album. The first single is Eat You Alive. Its a great song, it brings back the sound of the 1997 release Three Dollar Bill, Y'all. A more heavy sound than you would hear from Limp Bizkit. The album features the new guitarist Mike Smith, who brings a new sound to the band. Fred Durst sings a lot of songs on this album about girls that think that they are too good for people. “Hey you miss I don't know what the F*** your name is I'm drawn to you, something's magnetic here if I could approach you or even get close to the scent that you left behind I'd be fine,” Fred sings in the first single Eat You Alive. A lot of other bands have turned on Limp Bizkit and don't like them any more but in this album they do a song with Snoop Dog called Red Light - Green Light. It is a really good song and is pieced togeth- er very well and sounds great. With the new album Fred is once again feigning for a microphone. “Let go of that mic kid step into my world that you've never seen when I'm feigning for a microphone I'm a micro- phone fiend. This album is great. The songs on it are amazing and the lyrics are just sweet. So get out there and get this album.

to say the pledge in school, they should set up a differ- ent school, just like for reli- gion.” Sophomore Kyle Swenson. The Pledge will be recited over the intercom every Tuesday morning during first block. Although opinions of the matter are diverse, the option will continue to be offered to students. “It would be a tough decision to make to sit dur- ing the National Anthem or the Pledge because you would be afraid to be under scrutiny of your friends and peers,” said Miller.