Many of the soccer players are looking forward to this season, expecting new challenges with a new coach. The upperclassmen are finding the most alterations, as they are now playing together with a new coach. Nathan Ward, senior, is anticipating his senior season.

            “I think each coach has different tactics and skills they want to bring to the team and that is something we are experiencing right now,” Ward said.

            The players are taking the transformations well so far. Many express their new coach as a new “friend” as well as someone they can look up to during their soccer career.

            “I think he is a pretty cool guy. We get along pretty well and the team is taking the changes well also,” Ward said.

            Though the boys soccer team has kept up a good reputation, many believe that with a new coach, they can become better. Of course, practicing diligently is the only way the players can improve their skills and overcome any challenges they may be facing, with a new coach there are new practices. David Wilson, senior, is also expecting a good season this fall.

            “Just having a new coach in general changes things, but not always in a bad way. I think we will have a good season. For the most part, everyone is adjusting to any changes we are faced with,” he said

            Many students as well as players are facing challenges and alterations during this school year. Though not all of them are on the soccer field, students, players, staff and faculty are adjusting to the changes they are faced with and finding a way to overcome them.

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Emily Leadbetter

“It’s a good way to express yourself, and I like to beat people and dominate at tournaments!” said Sims, who is a senior.

No, this is not the type of forensics you see on television that includes examining dead bodies and searching for hidden fingerprints. This type of forensics has to do with performing humorous duets or reading poetry.

“Forensics is competitive speaking and acting,” Angie Flax, forensics teacher, said.

Flax has been teaching at OHS for eleven years. And, according to her, there are “so many reasons” to keep on teaching.

“I like forensics because we can be spastic; we have fun and we laugh. I get to see students grow and mature. Yet, I am competitive. I like to win,” Flax said.

A forensics competition consists of multiple events for students to participate in.

One event is extemporaneous speech. In this type of speech, the contestant prepares a seven-minute political speech with a topic drawn at the competition. A contestant in this category should have a good amount of knowledge over political affairs to assist them in writing their speech. The presentation may or may not be written on note cards to assist the speaker. Junior Jeremiah Nesmith is a first-time participant in the extemporaneous speech category.

“I’m going to try it out to see if it’s fun and if I’m good,” Nesmith said. “I’m doing it because I don’t have to memorize anything, and I’m good at talking about political affairs.”

A second event is informative speech, in which the contestant writes their own speech, over an event or a learning experience, to inform or instruct the judges. This speech cannot exceed seven minutes and must be given by memory. Ryan McCall, freshman, is planning to compete with a speech he wrote about why you should not text and drive, and the dangers it causes.

“I don’t like speaking in front of people, but I feel like if I were to actually do this it would get rid of my fear,” McCall said.

Another forensics event is original oration. This is a speech written by the contestant for the purpose of persuading the judges to agree with a certain point of view. An original oration must be memorized and cannot be more than 10 minutes long.  Sophomore Michael DeLoSantos is performing an original oration about boogers. Why would he give a speech about boogers?

“I chose this subject because it’s unique and nobody cares to understand it fully. I mean, do you know very much about boogs?” DeLoSantos said. “There is a little bit of ironic humor, but it’s also informative. Like how boogers are made, and what happens when you eat them.”

Oral interpretation of poetry is another event. In this, the contestant is to select a published poem to perform. Entrants must use expression, experience and emotion to make their poem stand out to the judges. This event is typically one of the fullest, because the poem should not be memorized. Elizabeth Rein, senior, will be competing with a piece about Little Red Riding Hood and the three little pigs.

“I went with one of Roald Dahl’s poems last year and I did pretty well with it, so I found two of his to do again this year. They’re really funny, so I wanted to do them,” Rein said.

Another event is prose. In prose, the contestant performs a seven-minute piece of fiction or non-fiction. The piece must be published, and can be a short story, novel, news article, essay, etc. This is another popular event, because you can hold your script while you perform.

Humorous solo acting and serious solo acting are a couple more events seen in forensics tournaments. In these events, contestants perform a 10-minute, memorized selection. The selection performed must be a published work. Mychal Peterson, sophomore, is planning to compete in this category in upcoming tournaments. She likes serious solo acting because she doesn’t have to overact as much.

“My solo is about a girl who held a grudge against a classmate that beat her out for homecoming queen,” Peterson said. “I thought it was a moving story, and it has a good lesson.”

Duet acting is an event in which two students work together to perform a memorized, ten minute piece. The selection for a duet performance must be a published work and can be cut from a piece of literature.

Sims’s favorite event is a duet, because you have a partner you can rely on. It is also Flax’s personal favorite.

“I like the creativity,” Flax said. “Like, the possibilities are endless with a duo. I do see students go above and beyond.”

The final event is called improvised duet acting (IDA). In IDA, the two students will randomly draw two characters, a situation and a location. After they have drawn their topics, the students will have 30 minutes to prepare an original skit. This skit must be longer than four minutes, but should not exceed seven. Allison Williams, junior, said IDA is her favorite thing about forensics.

“I love improv, and I love how funny making a skit can be. And having a partner,” Williams said.

Williams is no newbie when it comes to IDA.

“Once I did an IDA with Logan Swafford at a tournament. He was a precise cop, and I was an athlete who professionally caught butterflies. I think it was a car chase on a street corner. It was probably my favorite IDA I’ve ever done,” Williams said. “Everything in it was really funny.”

Both Sims and Williams are experienced “forensicators.” Each has participated in it all their years at OHS, and each has set high goals for themselves this season.

“I hope to make it to state and qualify in as many events as I can,” Sims said. “And hopefully to nationals again.”

Williams also hopes to make it to state, but in IDA.

It is not only the experienced students that have something to look forward to this season. First-time participant, sophomore Megan Shirley said she likes being able to act crazy and to play someone she is not.

“I’m hoping to be able to break out of my shell, and to get good scores more often than not,” Shirley said.

Ryan Tipton, freshman, is also a newcomer to the class.

“I joined because I was told I’d be good at it,” Tipton said. “I want to get more experience toward acting and such.”

Sims and Williams have words of wisdom to share with those just starting out.

“Don’t give up!” Sims said to the rookies.

Williams said that if you are a beginner, you should try out as many events as you can, and pick the ones that fit you.

Forensics is a way to practice public speaking, break out of your comfort zone, and meet new people.

“I’m looking forward to a lot of things this season. This is the largest group I’ve ever had,” Flax said. “I want to go beyond what we’ve ever done. Be bigger and better.”

—–
Jaime Birzer

The Wildcats had been playing with a lot of confidence after taking down Texas, the number 1 ranked team at the time. So knowing they could defeat a number 1 ranked team, they had been prepping for Kansas believing that they had the ability to take the Hawks down.

K-State guards Denis Clemente and Jacob Pullen were just 4 for 24 against Texas, yet the Wildcats still took down the Longhorns. If Clemente and Pullen were to catch fire during the game, even KU’s best defenders were going to have problems.

KU had recently suffered a very humbling loss to Tennessee, but were still ranked number 2 in both the AP poll and the Coaches poll at the time.

K-State Forward, Curtis Kelly averages 23 points and 19 rebounds. He was to be the threat KU was going to have to worry about.

K-State fans may have wanted their opponents to “fear the beard,” referring to Pullen’s facial hair, but the Jayhawks certainly did not. The Jayhawks defeated the K-State Wildcats 81-79.

“It was a close game, but the Hawks will always prevail,” sophomore Ty Lutz said.

KU guard, Sherron Collins stepped up when it mattered most, scoring two points and drawing a foul in overtime, putting the Jayhawks up 79-76 with less than a minute left. Later, Brady Morningstar drained two free throws to put Kansas up five with just seconds left.  K-State’s Jacob Pullen hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, but it just simply was not enough.

“The win in overtime just made the victory that much sweeter,” freshman Austin Blaue said.

K-State proved to be tough competition on their home court, however, Kansas was able

to come through down the stretch and get the win.

“I am a K-State fan, especially since my brother plays there, but both teams played a good game,” freshman Semi Ojeleye said.

With Kentucky losing its first of the game of the season and Texas losing for the third time, it came as no surprise that the Jayhawks were the near unanimous number 1 in this week’s Top 25 polls.

Better luck next time cats

—–
Danon Taylor

Whether preparing for a season of track, soccer or football, conditioning is a great way to prepare your body for more vigorous practices and improve your overall fitness.  While conditioning, it is ideal to work on areas you struggle in, while also maintaining your stronger skills. For instance, if every season your hamstring gives you problems, then do exercises that improve the strength of this muscle to prevent a season on the bench.

Another key to conditioning is working on how you actually play the game. A softball player does not need to run 45 minutes every day. Instead, the athlete should work on sprinting, to increase speed, which is more beneficial to improving their game. However, an occasional distance workout is helpful in order to build up endurance.

By working hard year round, you will reap the benefits during the season. You will not struggle in intense practices to the same extent of teammates who took it easy during the off-season. You will already be ahead of the game and can concentrate on your skills rather than getting in shape.

“I like to condition so I am a step ahead and am ready for the season,” Erica Roberts, sophomore track and cross country runner, said.

After school, students from the soccer, track and football teams have been meeting to improve their overall fitness levels so they are in tip-top shape when the season rolls around. Although no actual plays or drills are being practiced, strength and endurance are very important parts of the game.

Even if your schedule does not allow time to attend these practices, that does not mean you cannot get in shape on your own. The football team meets a couple times a week, while the track and soccer teams meet every day. Baseball will begin conditioning very soon.

“On days I can’t make it to conditioning I do a variety of things at home. I live in the country so I run down the country roads. I also do squats and stuff with heavy objects lying around. And of course you can also do sit-ups and push-ups,” Cadence Ishmael, sophomore track and cross country runner, said.

To better yourself as an athlete, try your hardest to attend off-season practices, or workout at home to put you at the top of your game.

*These sports are meeting to get in shape before the season starts. The football team is also getting together to workout.

—–
Chelsea Jamison

When December approaches Friday nights begin to be filled, shoulder to shoulder, in the student section, full of yelling and pep. Everyone is pumped for the game and is hopeful for another Cyclone win.

Not only is basketball filling our calendars, but wrestling is also starting to take place. Wrestlers start getting ready for their meets, attempting to meet their determined weight. The gym is filled with mats as fellow students and parents fill the bleachers, ready to see someone they know beat their opponent.

Dance Team member Amanda Ahrens, junior, is looking forward to the basketball season of dancing.

“I am looking forward to the dance Starstrukk because it has a lot of new choreography involved,” Ahrens said.

Katie Hull agrees that there is a lot of new genres of dancing and has put a lot of work into putting it together. She hopes everyone likes it.

Dance team members are not the only ones trying something new. Sophomore Amanda Thompson is a new manager for the basketball team this season.

“I expect a good season for the basketball team that is hopefully full of wins and hard work. It is my first year as a manager so I am hoping it will keep me busy, but enjoyable,” Thompson said.

The wrestlers are also looking forward to a great year full of wins and diligence during their meets. Hopefully each cyclone is proud of what is yet to come this winter season.

—–
Emily Leadbetter

“We lost the game but we played really well,” senior Taylor Koberlein said. The seniors played a lot more than usual and I was really happy to be recognized. I took time to reflect on the memories and think back on the seasons.”

The next senior night is for the boys soccer team. It will be Thursday, Oct. 22.

“I’m looking forward to all the seniors playing together as one team. I’m confident that the outcome will be positive,” senior Joel McAdoo said.

The final senior night will be on Friday, Oct. 30, at the football game for multiple sports and activities, including football, drill team, cross country, girls tennis and band. Some seniors are excited for the game itself.

“We [football] will have a tough game up against Gardner, but I’m sure we will do what we can even though we may not come out with a win,” senior Spencer Hawkins said. “When the seniors are announced before the game, it’ll just be all the seniors chillin’, getting our names called.”

Others are ready for the honor of being recognized.

“It’s going to be exciting to walk out on the field with our parents and classmates and have our names called. We have watched all the classes ahead of us get honored and now we get to see it from the other side,” senior  Callie Paquette said. “But I’m excited for the student body to see us dance as well. We haven’t been able to dance the past few games due to the rain.”

For some, this will be one of the last games they will play as a student at OHS. It’s a very exciting feeling all around.

“It has been a tough season through all our unfortunate mishaps. It’s going to be interesting because all the seniors will play together. We all started playing together when we were young, and now we are ending together,” senior soccer player Cody Croucher said.

Being recognized is something many look forward to and cannot wait to experience.

“I’m extremely excited for senior night, because despite being a little class of seniors, we have all worked hard to get where we are today. I feel honored to be a senior and it’s even better to be a senior athlete,” senior Jena Richardson said.

—–
Abby New

On Oct 2 of this year, the varsity football team dominated the Baldwin Bulldogs, 18-7. It was a game that made history, and it will always be remembered.

“It felt absolutely amazing to win our first game. I feel like it should have happened a long time ago though.” Senior Devin Turner said.

The crowd roared intensely with excitement.

“It was a well deserved win, and it was about time. I felt proud I attended all the games, even when the record wasn’t great,” Junior Brigitte Clancy said.

All of the students who attended that game rushed down to greet the football players on the field.

“My heart was pumping and I was filled with excitement from head to toe. I just wanted to tell them what a great job they did!” junior Paige McFarland said.

This victory was very much needed and showed that if you do not give up and keep giving it all that you have it will pay off. Our school is proud of the boys and cannot wait to keep cheering them on.

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Tayler Guge

“I expect us to live up to the motto by playing to the best of our ability for the rest of the season, and to come out of substate,” said senior Alyssa Currier.

The team agrees that it is important to start playing together  and with a tough mentality.  However, they also believe that every loss they have faced has been an overall learning experience. They figure out what needs improvement and work on it during practices. The volleyball team expects to take the loses and turn it around to something good.

“I’m expecting us to give it our all on the court and to play with a lot of determination. It definitely helps having people there to support us and cheer us on,” said junior Reggie Graf.

The team has only a few short weeks before substate starts, which will be at Spring Hill this year. Many agree that it has been a roller coaster of a season, but the girls expect to battle through to the end.

—–
Angela Geist

When two freshmen, Alexis Roecker and Paige Weidner, were asked if they felt proud that they made the varsity team, they both responded with a great “Oh Yes!”

“I am so proud of myself and of all the other girls who made it. I am so lucky to get the chance to play with this great group of girls!” Weidner said.

“With a team full of upperclassman it can be scary and a bit shaky at first to play as a freshman. Once you get going it can get less intimidating.” Roecker said.

“At times I felt a little intimidated, but for the most part they all are really nice and fun to be with,” Roecker said.

The freshman girls feel confident for this year’s season. They feel like they are a strong team that will dominate.

“From what I have seen I think we will do great! The learning process is finding everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.” Weidner said.

To keep their team going they like to have a few cheers up their sleeves that they perform during blocks, kills and serves. Most of their cheering is in the form of encouragement. They ensure that everyone on the court always has a positive attitude and maintains a positive atmosphere.

They also made up “The Huggie.” They do the huggie after every play to say what they need to fix or how well something went. A “huggie” is when all the girls go out on the court and come into a circle and form a giant hug.

All the girls are sure to gain some memories and learn something from one another. Through thick and thin, this team is sure to stick together.

—–
Tayler Guge

When he was released from prison, it first seemed that he would not be picked up by any teams before the beginning of the season. Then seemingly out of nowhere, he was signed by the Eagles, a team that already had Donavan McNabb, a Pro-Bowl quarterback. The odd fit seemed even odder when McNabb spoke to the press after the signing, saying that he was the one who pushed for the Eagles to sign Vick.

The signing was not without controversy. Vick had trouble finding an animal shelter or animal rights group that was willing to have him work with them to do his community service. Then he was photographed drinking at an airport bar, which was initially thought to violate his parole, that called for no excessive use of alcohol.

His preseason debut for the Eagles was no less controversial. He was substituted in for McNabb in the middle of drives, and used in a variety of positions on the field. He lined up as a quarterback, running back and wide receiver but failed to be truly effective in any of those roles. Eagles head coach Andy Reid was criticized by football experts for creating a distraction and undermining the authority of his starting quarterback, McNabb.

Michal Vick’s next preseason games went smother, he showed an understanding of the offence and flashes of the athletic ability that had made him one of the top quarterbacks in the game. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has been impressed by the way Vick has handled his return to both the NFL and life outside of prison. He has agreed to reinstate Vick into the league three weeks sooner than expected. With his fantastic football ability and an injury to McNabb in Week 1, we could see the return of Michal Vick to the football field and the highlight reel very soon.

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Schuyler Foulke