The Miegian

Volume 57 Issue 6
February 2014

1970

2014

The Miegian shows love for Miege fans in honor of Valentines Day p. 8 & 9

Miege Choir Visits Local Parishes

By: AndrewGleason
staff writer

Miege students are accustomed to seeing Concert Chorale, often referred to simply as the Miege
choir, perform at school Mass. But
students should expect to see the
group much more often, as theyre
now traveling to various archdiocesan parishes on Sundays.
On Sunday, Jan. 12, Concert Chorale
kicked off the annual choir visits at a
St. Pius Mass. Students typically sing
songs that the parish director has preselected for the liturgy, but prepare
the songs Ubi Caritas and Precious
Lord to sing during the offertory and
communion reflection.
St. Pius included, the group has
already traveled to four parishes to

perform, including St. Joseph, Good

Shepherd and Queen of the Holy Ro-

next up on the choirs list of parishes.

Mrs. Robin Christie, the
choirs director, said that
shes always
wanted
the
students to be
a part of the
parish music
ministry
if
possible. The
parish directors that Mrs.
Christie consulted about
a visiting high
school choir
Concert Chorale, shown here singing at Crown Center, is com- were very approving of the
posed of 38 students. They are performing now at Masses in
idea. All the
parishes around the area. Photo by Lauren Lanter
parishes have
sary. Cure of Ars and St. Agnes are been so welcoming and generous,

she said on the reception of the choir,

They seem excited to see the youth
leading the Mass, and they enjoy the
level and variety of music we bring.
Of the six scheduled parish visits,
members of the choir are required to
attend four. But this is a requirement
most students dont mind. They are
proud to represent their school and do
service in the area they love so much,
music, said Mrs. Christie.

For members of the choir, the
visits are a great experience, unique
from the school Mass experience. I
love seeing the different churches and
how beautiful they are, but I also love
the comfort and community feeling of
school Mass, said Dylan Murray, a
sophomore in the choir. He said that
his favorite aspect of the visits was
being able to to help provide a reverent atmosphere for Mass.

Stags Strut In Washington, D.C.

by the Archdiocese approximately three blocks Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to visiting
By: EricBuckels
from the Capitol Plaza where the March for Life the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the travelers wittook place. St. James, Bishop Ward and other Kansas nessedtwo burials taking place, one accompanied
staff writer
City-based youth groups joined them there. Aqui- by a flyover of four F/A-18C Hornets because the

The 55 Miegians who traveled to D.C. for nas stayed at a different hotel.
man being buried was a fallen member of the Air
the Pro- Life March Jan. 22 were not the only Kan- Weather on the March was anything but pleas- Force.LoganMacek, junior, said,The visit remindsans attending the March. In fact, the entire March ant. The day before the March, meteorologists were ed me freedom is not free, and that many men and
procession was led by Archbishop Joseph Naumann predicting four to eight inches of snow and sub- women have laid down their lives for this country.
of Kansas City, Kansas,
zero wind chills. Theology
It was a moment I
along with 386 students
teacher Mr. Ross Dessert rewill not soon forfromBenedictine Colcalled, Aswe were coming
get.
lege of Atchison, Kansas.
into D.C., we already knew
Although the
Benedictine had
the schools and federal govNational
Parks
been chosen to lead the
ernment were being shut
Service no longer
March because of Benedown due to weather. Therereleases
official
dictine alum Bishop Anfore, the majority of the sitecounts of marchdre Cozzens of St. Paulseeingwas on Tuesday;stuers, it is generMinneapolis.
Bishop
dents visited all of the major
ally agreed that
Cozzens has become a
monumentsMondayeve- Seniors Gina Avitia, Lauren Lanter and more than 500,000
Miege was represented at the annual
prominent figure in the
ning.Tuesdaythey visited the Kate Poulose at the march. This years people participatMarch for Life by a group of about 55
March for Life because
Smithsonian museums, which theme was adoption.
ed last year, and
students. Photos by Brenna Albritton
of his personal story as
were open because they are private.
weather notwithstanding, a similar number was
having been a baby who was almost aborted. His About the weather, senior Alex Perez said posi- expected this year. The official theme for the 2014
parentswere told by doctorsthat their unborn child tively, Althougha little annoying at times, every- March was adoption.Pope Francis had tweeted his
would be a freak, and they should abort him. His one seemed to enjoy the trip, and it was not a major support on the morning of the March, I join the
parents ardently rejected the idea, and shortly after problem. Then with a laugh he added other than March for Life in Washington with my prayers. May
Cozzens was born healthy.
being slightly frostbitten.
God help us respect all life, especially the most vul Mieges contingent stayed in a hotel rented out As the group headed out of town, they stopped at nerable.
Page 2

www.bishopmiege.com

February 14, 2014

Scapin Cast Preps for Stage

By: LouieLaFeve
staff writer

Despite the recent passing of David

Steinberg, the show goes on. Longtime
Miege music teacher Mrs. Robin
Christie has stepped in and assumed the
directorial role of The Scoundrel Scapin.
The play is important because it was the
first play Mr. Steinberg directed while at
Miege and the last one he cast.
This years production opened last
night, with another performance this
evening and a matinee at 2 p.m. tomorrow.
Senior Leah Brownlee, who plays the
role of Scapin, spoke about the production,
Its a 16th century play about two pairs
of lovers, mistaken identity, grouchy
old fathers, and a trickster. Its really
complicated....
We arrive, check the schedule for the
week as a group, decide which act were
going to work on that night, and hop up
onstage to get to work, she explained
about rehearsals. We begin blocking the
show one act at a time, but were working
on cleaning. We run straight through the
acts unless theres a hitch in the blocking.
If there is, we stop to fix it. Were all pretty

much off-book by now, so Molly Becker

sits near the front of the theater and helps
us when we call for lines. After we finish,
we get notes and head home.
Mrs. Christie is very different
than Stein, Leah said. Its far more
collaborative. Stein would have us write
down our blocking from an old video,
then we would fix minor problems that
occurred as we went along. He also gave
us far less direction in our characters,
and let us make more independent acting
choices.
Mrs. Christie accepts tons of input
for blocking because we came up with
it from scratch. She also required a
character analysis from each actor and
is giving much more specific instruction
for movement and speech and such. Both
styles are good, but very different, Leah
said.
Its a blast to step into someone
elses skin, Leah said, explaining her
love of acting. The energy I get from the
audience is exhilarating. Its so fulfilling
and the community is amazing. Theater
brings me together with other people
that I might not otherwise get to know as
well.

At dress rehearsal this past

Monday, junior Nick Corkill
and sophomore Kara VonWyl
run through a scene from the
play.

Photo by Kristen Agar

A French work by playwright

Molire, That Scoundrel
Scapin was chosen by Mr. David Steinberg as the first play
he directed at Miege.
Photo by Kristen Agar

Sadies Royalty Revealed

Dylan Murray and Nick

Corkill are among the cast
of Scapin, the last play
chosen by Mr. Dave Steinberg.

Photo by Kristen Agar

Preparation for That

Scoundrel Scapin, under
the direction of Mrs.
Robin Christie, had
actors inspecting their
roles in a different but
equally valid way, according to cast members.
Photo by Kristen Agar

February 14, 2014

Court for tomorrows Sadie Hawkins Dance was announced

Feb. 10. Cathy Rometti and Sierra Sparks won sophomore and
junior princesses, respectively. Their princes are sophomore
Dawson Downing and junior Nick Schaible. Seniors Colleen
Russell, Maddie Winklhofer and Caitlyn Sutherlin are nominated for Sadies Queen. Next to Caitlyn is king nominee A.J.
Pope. Tom Anjard and Joe Hague, the other king nominees, are
not pictured. Photo by Brenna Albritton

www.bishopmiege.com

Page 3

Health Updates

Sister Martina reports that her recovery is making progress--but very slowly. She says it will be on
Gods good time, but she is still thinking of everyone at Miege and sends Valentines wishes to all.
Heart surgery Tuesday on senior theology teacher Mr. Bill Creach went well, and at press time
Wednesday he was resting comfortably in ICU.

Lemon Club

The Lemon Club, led by senior Macie Heller, meets

once a month and brainstorms places to hold their
next lemonade stand. One of those may be a T-Bones
game this spring where the group will sell baked
goods and lemonade. More information is available
from Mrs. Carman or Macie Heller. All Lemon Club
proceeds goes to Alexs Lemonade Stand.

Auction

The Miege Auction, which is the biggest fundraiser

held at Miege, is in April. It has silent and live
auction items, food, drinks, and a new 2014 Nissan
Ultima. The raffle kicks off on Tuesday, March 11
and ends on Thursday, April 3.

Emerald City

After Prom is being held at Emerald City, formally

known as Bump City. There will be trampolines,
rock climbing, etc., as well as pizza and pop. The
tickets are included in the cost of the prom ticket,
but if you would just like to attend the After Prom,
the cost is $5.

News
Shorts

Blood Drive

The second semester blood drive was on Tuesday.

The Community Blood Center goal for the drive
was 65 pints of blood. We had 83 register to donate,
and ended up collecting 66 units, including seven
doubles. Twenty-two Miegians were swabbed as
possible bone marrow donors.

ACT/PSAT

AP Art

Several AP art studentsTony Arellano, Emily Feierabend, Nate Infen and Emma
Lambiare taking on a new assignment this
semester that will challenge their creativity.
Popular shoe company Vans is hosting a contest for high schoolers all over the country. The
company sends any school that enters four
blank Vans shoes and asks them to come up
with a unique and personal design for each.

Designs are entered between Feb. 28
to April 7. After this the Vans staff will narrow
it down to 50 semi-finalists, to be announced
April 25. Then the public votes on which shoes
they like the best. The top 5 finalists will win
an all expense paid trip to New York City.
There they will find out which school wins
the $50,000 prize for first place to go to the
schools art program. The runners-up will receive $4,000.

Senior Elizabeth Gentry scored a 36 on the ACT last

spring. National Merit Scholarship Commended
students are Leah Brownlee, Hannah Holterman,
Bridget McSorley, and Mattea Pezza. The National
Achievement Scholarship Program Outstanding
Participants are Dominique Allen and Austin Bush.
The National Hispanic Scholar Based on PSAT Score
was Mason Estevez.

By: EricBuckels
staff writer

Schools across the Kansas City Metro
were cancelled Feb
4, 5 and 6. The snow
started falling during the morning of
Feb. 4, and it did not
stop until late into the
night. Snowfall totals
ranged from 8-11 inches across the metro.
Thursday school was
cancelled due to extremely low temperatures with wind chills
below zero.
With
this
break came the fear of
Page 4

Editor-in-Chief

In any club, sports team, group, or cast,
there are people behind the scenes working
tirelessly to reach the ideal end result. In robotics
every member is important and essential to the
groups success, and just like a drama production
or athletic state tournament, the big show only
comes once a year. The pressures on for Team
1997, as their show is fast-approaching, with the
FIRST Robotics Competition scheduled for Friday,
March 14.

The event will be held at the host
institution, the Metropolitan Community College
of Business & Technology. It will feature 58 high

Did you know? The five seconds it takes you to

answer a text while driving is the equivalent to
driving the length of a football field without
looking at the road.
February is texting and driving awareness month.
This reminder was brought to you by SADD.

having to make up the schools days at the end of the

year. Kansas requires a minimum of 1,116 hours per
school year, but according to Mr. Randy Salisbury,

Miege principal, as of now Miege is just fine on

snow days and will not have to make up any days
at the end of the year.
These days off provided a sizable break for
students. Nick Schaible, junior, said I spent
the first day shoveling driveways and spent
the rest of the time relaxing and catching up
on sleep.
Nick was not alone in shoveling driveways, many students said they helped their
neighbors shovel, and others turned this
snow storm into a money-making opportunity. Alex Perez said, I was able to make a
quick fifty bucks shoveling a couple driveways.
Others however spent their time inside.
Molly Becker, junior, said I attempted to do
homework, but I ended up being so bored I
had to break out the VHS videos. She was
Some Stags spent their snow days on Suicide Hill, while not alone Ella Wengert, junior, summed it up
on the Plaza, Emily Wiese was interviewed by a news saying, I just watched movies all day; isnt
that what everyone does?
crew. Photos by Jamie Franklin
www. bishopmiege.com

By: JennieLittleton

SADD

Surviving Snowpocalypse 2014

Robotics Has it Together As They Near Competition

February 14, 2014

school teams from 7 states there to compete in the

Regional Competition for a chance to move on to
a higher stage in St. Louis.

Two masterminds of this years team
are seniors Daniel Becker and Tim Moore. Both
are part of this years building team, and have
three and four years of Team 1997 experience,
respectively. They are also both leaders. Describing
his teammate, Moore said, (Daniel) thinks and
designs, then builds the robot. This is Beckers
third year of actually being on the build team,
whereas Moore has been shadowing the mentors
and his past team leaders to learn as much as he
could before joining Becker as an official builder.

Team 1997 can be generalized as a smart
and hardworking group of individuals coming
together, but, just like any team, there is so
much more to them. Some athletes are better at
defense than offense; robotics members can excel
in specific areas as well. There is the marketing
team, members of which work on raising money
to go towards improving the robot. Senior Eli
Gress is among the leading marketers. Then there
is the build team, and within that distinction rests
loosely three specialized categories: programmers,
February 14, 2014

mechanics and designers, a new distinction for

Team 1997.

Simplified, the programmers take care of

including juniors Elliot Vanderford and Brina

Wallace work hours upon hours to build that large
metal structure, using the designers fine sketches
and dimensions, as well as the
programmers key electrical
pieces.
The designers can be compared
to the point guard in basketball.
They design the plays with
adult
mentors,
alumni,
and head coaches Mr. Scott
Anderson and Mr. Andrew
Groene, and use the plays
to design a masterpiece. They
figure in things such as the
rules the FIRST program has
applied to dimensions and
still work towards the most
efficient designs. Computers,
sketching, and math are all
very much involved; helping
build skills the team members
codes, and work on the electrical pieces of the can use later in life.
robot. Junior Luke Garrison is dedicated to Moore was surprised in finding robotics to be,
making the robot as high-tech and efficient as more of a business instead of a team, meaning
possible. The programmers part is a big one, as each department evolved, everyone was
as the robot uses a Wi-Fi router to communicate interconnected, and worked intertwined with
wirelessly back to the teams laptop during each other. The designers stepped in to help build,
competition. Using Wi-Fi and joysticks in as builders were key in the designing process, and
addition to the laptop, the team can control marketing members were always welcome to help
in any other aspect as well.
A big difference this year came
in the planning. Much time
and thought went into the
planning period. We planned
all different avenues. We (had
the) experience of mentors and
members. (We took) the skill
we have and maximiz(ed) it.
Moore expanded on that with
there being, more organized
and forward thinking. Trying
to be more business-oriented,
instead of just building a
robot. (It became) more than
a competition, and more like
trying to find money and
spending it wisely.
But with the big show
The diverse sub-teams of Team 1997 have pooled their talents to design, ficoming up, everyone is
nance and build this years entry in the FIRST robotics competition which
working nonstop to just finish
begins with Regionals March 14. Photo by Jennie Littleton
this year strong. Though the
work is difficult and brainthe robots movements, and without them, the boggling at times, Moore adds, (Robotics was)
robot would only be a large metal structure.
more than I bargained for, but in a good way.

Mechanics do the building. Members
www.bishopmiege.com

Page 5

F E A T U R E S
When we were 17 (ish)...
When/Where did you first meet? Did someone introduce you two or
did it just happen?
On a sunny afternoon on Lowry Mall in front of Ellis Library at the
University of Missouri in Columbia.
What high school and college did you each attend?
Ms. Salazar- St. Teresas Academy in KC, Neosho H.S. In Neosho,
Missouri, and Missouri University.
Mr. Emory- McAuley H.S. In Joplin, Missouri, and Missouri
University.
When and where did you first go out?
We went to see The Big Lebowski on April Fools Day. Who the joke
was on is still open for debate.
Did you hang out together before you started dating?
No. Love at first sight.
For Mr. Emory: How did you ask out Ms. Salazar?
I told her, This is crazy, heres my number, call me maybe (It really
did happen somewhat like that.)
For Ms. Salazar: What was your reaction when Mr. Emory asked you
out?
Excited & flattered
Describe what type of couple you were?
Laid back lots of movies, live music and romantic dinners.

What was a typical date?

Going to one of our favorite restaurants in downtown Columbia and
walking around the town afterwards.
What is your favorite aspect about your partner?
Mr. Emory- Too many to choose fromher looks, sense of humor, and
values.
Ms. Salazar- Matt is super funny! Hes handsome, especially his
beard. He always helps me calm down when I get worked up.
Were you liked by your partners parents? What was it like meeting
your partners parents?
Mr. Emory- I was too love-struck to notice or care. I was intimidated
by her dads mustache.
Ms. Salazar- I think so, especially by Mrs. Emory because Im
Catholic. Awkward, but very nice. We had lunch.

Caption
This...
We took this picture to the hallways and asked
students to come up with a caption that best
suits it.

Can we be in the choir now, Mrs. Christie?

Josh Manning
Reggies handles had me like...
Andrew Roth
Quack, Im a duck.
Maxie Dennis
Compiled by Andrew Jezak

What is something that always touches your partners heart? Ex:

surprising him/her with their favorite candy.
Mr. Emory loves it when I load the dishwasherjust kidding. I always
do it wrong.
When did you first realize that you wanted to marry him/her?
Mr. Emory- When I realized I couldnt imagine my life without her.
Ms. Salazar- He makes me a better person. I am better with Matthew
than without him.

Since this issue is being published on Valentines Day,

we decided to make allowances for two Miege staff
members who were only a little past 17she was 21
and he 26 when they met, and they married the next
year...Ms. Sonya Salazar, CMT director, and Mr.
Matt Emory, Spanish teacher.

Not

WhatTo Buy Your Sweet

Valentine For Valentines Day
By: MarcoMarquez

Compiled by Marco Marquez

staff writer

Buy her YOUR favorite candy because if she

doesnt like it, then its all yours.
Buy her flowers shes allergic to so you can
return them for your money back but still win
brownie points for the nice gesture.
Page 6

www.bishopmiege.com

February 14, 2014

Februar y 14, 2014

Find her a puppy or a dog that is wandering the

streets and tell her you saved it from a burning
building. Plus it saves you time and money.

Buy her tickets to the big game, and if she

doesnt want to go, take your friend.

Be sentimental and watch a romantic movie late

Give her some jewelry from the 25 machine at night. If she falls asleep, thats your chance to
at WalMart. If she hates it, keep it for next years either change the channel or get the heck out of
Valentine.
there.
Take her to the grocery store so she can buy Buy her something really expensive and valuingredients for the dinner shell be cooking you able! But dont tell her you used her credit card.
that evening.
www.bishopmiege.com

Page 7

We Heart Our Fans

In Honor of Fan-Appreciation February, the Staff of The Miegian Decided to Dedicate

Our Center Spread to Those Who Help Make Miege Spirit the Driving Force That It Is

They've Got Spirit, Yes They Do,

A Salute to 5 of Miege's Great Fans
By: AndrewJezak
staff writer

Mackey Merrill Directly in the

middle
of
most
energetic branch of
the seniors in
the
student
section
lies
Mackey

Merrill.
Arguably the leader of the
student section, Mackey strives
to attend all the Miege events
he can. Because I cant be
out there on the field or
court, I want to give the
players something they
will remember forever.
Our student section is the best,
our teams are the best, and
together we are strong.

Andy Ritz When the team

needs a little push
at the end of the game,
the student section calls on
Andy Ritz for his trademark
Go Big Red. He is easily
recognizable with his vintage
stag helmet. The helmet
has been passed on through
the years. It started with
my brother Benny in 2009,
then passed on to my
brother Jack in 2011,
and then
I
took
the
reigns
this year. I knew
I had big shoes to
fill so I tried my best,
wore the helmet every game
this year, and every game I
painted. I do it for the fans.
Alli Audley - You can often
find Alli howling her iconic

come on staggiwaggies! at each

and every sporting event. I like
to bench press before each game
to warm up my lungs for yelling.
She has assuredly become the
vocal leader of the females in the
crowd.
Mr. Bill Creach - Attending every
home football and basketball game
is top of the list for teacher and
Miege alum Bill Creach.
Rain or shine, day or
night, he stands proud
for his school and alma
mater.
Hey, I
just get paid to
do it, joked
C r e a c h .
He's
also
always on
his
phone
p o s t i n g
u p d a t e d
scores for fans
not in the
bleachers.

Joey Shondell - Yet only a sophomore,

Joeys love for the Stags runs in
the family. His dad was a Bleacher
Creature back in the day. As a
youngster, Joey could be pointed out
as the kid who wore Stag antlers and
stood in the balcony at every basketball
game.
Im extremely loud and
energetic, and I
dont lose energy.
The only thing
that would stop me
is if I lose my voice,
thats
about
it. Im still a
sophomore
but I love
starting
cheers, even
though
it's
taboo, but next
year and senior
year Im going
to be much
more fiery.

Miege's cheerleaders, including Emery Crosby, Evie McArthur, Sydney Hendrix and Carly
White, are the spark at every sporting event, and the fire they light is fanned by phenomenal
Stag spirit. We continue our salutes and recognition on p. 11 and p. 15. The photo of current
fans on p. 1 is by Jamie Franklin.

Page 8

www. bishopiege.comopmiege.com

February 14 , 2014

Brownie:

There's Just No One Better

Staggering Thoughts

What is your Favorite Miege sports memory?

By: JennieLittleton

Compiled by Eric Buckles

Editor-in-Chief

If you have ever attended a Miege basketball game,
chances are, you had a chance to see Mr. Dwight J. Brown.
Don't recognize the name? How about "Brownie"?

An older man never seen without his cap and plastic
bag of "Original Bubble Gum," Brownie is a staple when it
comes to Stag basketball.

Though he says he prefers girls' basketball over boys',
Brownie first came to Miege while he was following former
Miege coach Rick Zych's career. He then "found a special
interest in Bishop Miege and loved the way Terry English
fought for his team and coached his girls," while attending
the 1995 5A State tournament.
But then, why is Brownie so entralled in basketball?
Asked why he chose this sport over any other, he replied,
"I've got 55 years of basketball behind me." His love for
the sport shines in the spotlight of his decades of dedication to his teams.
It all started when Mr. Brown was attending Bishop
Ward High School a few moons ago, where
he would attend the games regularly, and
was given his name "Brownie." He
eventually started to find a connection with Wyandotte High School,
and, yet there was something extraspecial in basketball run by coaches
Zych and English.

When interviewed for a Miegian article in 2006, Brownie attested
his love for Miege ran deep, "I've just
started handing out gum to the other
schools; everyone seems to know me
now, and it brings me great joy to see
kids from other schools appreciate me,
too. But nothing compares to Miege. I
love everyone at Miege, the students,
the faculty, the fans."
No one else compares to Brownie
when it comes to fandom. He is the
trophy in the case of dedication to a
team, something for any fan to aspire
to. He "gets a real good charge out of
watching (the team) play," everytime he
comes.He is the real and true definition
of the "#1 Fan."

"Any time we beat Aquinas."

Karley Pearson (9)

"When Nolan Gray beat

Blue Valley West."
Ella Wengert (11)

"Coach Kobilarsik cheering

after Andy Ritz got laid out in
freshman football."
Mackey Merrill (12)

"Fresh b-ball when we beat Blue

Valley West."
Sammy Burdolski (10)

www.bishopmiege.com

"First boys' soccer State

championship against Aquinas
at Aquinas."
Mr. Bill Creach

"Blue Valley West game last

year."
McKinley Johnson (12)

"C-team soccer Barstow

Tournament, under the light of
the moon, winning in shoot outs
versus Lees Summit West.
Mr. Dan Schaeffer

"Blocking the field goal

against West."
Landry Weber (9)

Page 9

Fans Are Truly the Energizers

To the Game and the Athletes

O P I N I O N
PDA Really Grinds My Gears

By: MaureenMurphy
staff writer

PDA, also known as public display of
affection, really frays my nerves sometimes. It just
needs to be known that Valentines Day or not, its
not okay to make out and climb all over each other
in public. Yes, a couple of hugs and maybe a peck
on the lips is not a big deal, but nobody wants to
see behavior that would upset your mother taking
place at the locker next to yours.

In a co-ed school its bound to happen.
Two people are dating and just cant see enough
of each other. The school planner says that any act
of public affection will be verbally corrected on

the first offense. A second offense will result in a

detention being assigned. Sadly, administrators
or teachers arent always around to see all of the
offenses, so most of
the time, nothing is
stopped.

The worst
is seeing a couple in
the hallway who say
goodbye before each
period as if theyre
never going to see each
other again. This is not
a Nicholas Sparks movie. You will see each other
again, but even that moment of reunion doesnt
require a greeting equal to a soldier returning home

from war.

School is not a place for these kinds of
things. It never fails to catch me off guard to see
couples acting gross when Im half asleep on a
Monday morning. Do they even think about what
others are feeling? Because this is not just me who
is annoyed with these people.

Although this problem annoys me the most
at school, its not something that only occurs at
Miege. It can happen in any public place. People
being all lovey dovey around each other will make
others uncomfortable regardless of if its at school
or in public. Not to come across as someone who is
cold-hearted and doesnt like seeing others in love,
but some things are just meant to be private.

Staggering Thoughts
Who or what do you love and why?
Stags football, because Coach Kobo is funny. Antonio Franco (9)

Peanut butter, because its delicious on everything. Mrs. Amy Lukert

I love pretty socks because I like to stand out in the crowd. Sydney Hedrix (10)
Nutella, because its yummy yummy for my tummy. Rachel Lavery (9)

I love Jennifer Lawrence because she brightens my day everyday. Jackson Kurtz (12)

Mountain biking because its like my own personal fight club. Mr. Allen Thomas
I love Sagin Churchman Danny Murphy (10)
I love this Doo. Sagin Churchman (11)

Page 10

www. bishopmiege.com

February 14, 2014

By: AndrewJezak
staff writer

There is one experience for every athlete that is
utterly incomparable: home-field advantage. The familiar
playing ground, the calls favoring the home team, and
the biggest asset, the crowda spirited, devoted and
boisterous bunch that adds its own element to the game.
By exerting psychological pressure on athletes to always
perform at an elite level, the crowd can cause stress and
anxiety to the visiting players that make everyone say,
What was he even thinking?

But what else do the fans do for the players?
Lets take a look at it from several
angles, the high school athlete, the
professional athlete and the coach.

According to sophomore
football player Dawson Downing,
The crowd adds energy and
excitement to the game to help
everyone play to the best of their
potential. Led by head coach
Nancy Weber, the cheerleaders
at Miege direct their faithful
followers in interactive cheers
including a fan favorite, Down to
the River.

Even in less traditional
cheering situations, fans have an
impact. My cross country fans
truly help me to attain a level of
excellence I never thought was
humanly possible, stated senior
Joe Hague.

Tradition holds true
throughout every year at Miege,
I remember watching the games
as a little kid and seeing the gym
packed just as it is now with just
at much spirit, said senior Nate
Mohler.

The crowd at Miege
undoubtedly influences the players
to prepare a mental focus allowing
them to play their the best, but also
gives the players a chance to have
some fun. Sophomore basketball
players Shelbe Piggie and Tristen
McFeders said, The crowd helps
build momentum and controls the
February 14, 2014

speed of the game when we need it most, but they also

make us laugh.

In a 2004 study issued by The Los Angeles Times,
sports psychologists reported that in order to play his or
her best, an athlete needs to have the maximum amount
of energy that can be controlled effectively. Controlling
emotions from within and adrenaline gained from the
crowd is what defines a professional athlete. Most of
the time, crowds improve performance in the sports that
involve strength, endurance or teamwork. The individual
or team thrives on adrenaline to work through fatigue in
the final stretches of the game.

Cornerback Richard Sherman of the Seattle
Seahawks chimed in about the effect the 12th man had
on him against San Francisco, You could cut the energy
in the stadium with a knife. It was
different from a regular gameso loud
I could feel it in my chest, and it gave
me energy.

Coaches feel the presence of
crowds the same as if not more than
the players. For us, our fans are a big
advantage, said head Miege football
coach Jon Holmes, they are bigger
and louder than the rest of the teams
fans. Coaches are also subject to the
jeers from the other team, requiring
the coach to be a stable influence in a
game that is charged with emotions.

Often times, the attendance at
games is insufficient, leaving the coach
the essential job at energizing the
players. Coach Holmes doesnt worry
about this, [The crowd] supports us
all the way, and its great to see and
feel their energy after every win.

The outcome of a game can be
cause for a joyous uproar or a gloomy
mourning after high expectations.
Each and every fans emotional
liveliness contributes to the conclusion
of a game. From the 12th man in
Seattle to moms cheering on their little
angels, the fans abilities to alter the
essence of the game is what makes
their presence so powerful.
Nate Mohler is one of the many fans
who stand proud with the Stags.
This photo was taken before the
Blue Valley West game, which was
marked by intense rivalry born from
a Twitter controversy.

THE MIEGIAN STAFF

Editor-in-Chief Jennie Littleton

Staff Members Maria Baska
Eric Buckels
Andrew Gleason
Andrew Jezak
Louie LaFeve
Marco Marquez
Maureen Murphy

Photographers Kristen Agar
Brenna Albritton
Jamie Franklin
Lauren Lanter
Adviser - Mrs. Phyllis Hartwig

The Miegian is published monthly by the newspaper staff of Bishop Miege
High School. It is a student-produced
newspaper. The editorial board decides
the content of each issue. Opinions expressed are the views of the writer and are
signed.

The Miegian welcomes material
(letters, guest columns, feedback) from
faculty, administrators, students, parents
and community members. This material
will be reviewed by the editorial board and
published based on the publications letters policy criteria.

Material can be dropped off in
the journalism room (144), or mailed to
the newspaper in care of Bishop Miege
High School. All letters and columns must
be signed. The staff reserves the right to
edit letters for length, language or potential libel, and to refuse any articles or advertising submitted.

All opinion pieces submitted
should contain an address and a phone
number where the writer can be contacted,
because the staff will confirm all letters.

Bishop Miege High School

5041 Reinhardt Drive
Shawnee Mission, KS 66205-1599

Photo by Jamie Franklin

www.bishopmiege.com

Page 11

IEGE SPORTS

Two-Time Newton Champs

Stags head into their last month of competition as victors of the Newton Invitational two years in a row

according to the sole senior leader, Lexie Villegas, sophomores Tristen McFedders and Shelbe Piggie,
winning our games wasnt easy.
junior
Madeline
Starting point guard and sopho
The
tournament
ran
from
Jan.
30
to
Feb.
Homoly,
and seEditor-in-Chief
more Shelbe Piggie handles the
1, one game each day. The first game came
nior Lexie Villegas.
basketball with quick thinking
against Olathe Northwest, where the Stags

The score

Although the
and speedy feet as she leads vartook
care
of
the
Ravens
71-43.
The
more
went
back
and
Lady Stags are about
sity in nearly every game.
daunting
challenge,
and
one
of
our
toughforth,
with
the
a month away from
Photo by Brenna Albritton
est
opponents,
according
to
Villegas,
was
Stags
holding
the
the start of the State
Bishop Carroll.
lead until halftournament, looking at

According
to
Jeffrey
Graber,
a
freelance
time, which had
their recent past fuels
writer
for
www.catchitkansas.com,
the
the score tied at
firm hopes that they are
semifinals
proved
that
both
teams
showed
21. The girls had
again a State-contendgood
defense.
Villegas
described
Carroll
forced about 9
ing team.
as,
tall
and
very
physical.
With
the
final
turnovers
and
To
summaquarter
of
the
game
beginning
in
43-point
were
about
56%
rize since last issue,
tie, Miege shut down Carroll, only allowing
in scoring on their
their record has grown
2
points
on
their
way
to
the
53-45
win
and
a
possessions.
to 12-3, losses only to
shot
at
the
finals.
Though
St. Thomas Aquinas

Kapaun
Mt.
Carmel,
fourth-ranked
in
5A
the game looked
(twice) and Blue Valley
by
the
Kansas
Basketball
Coaches
Associapromising in favor
North. One of the most
tion
(KBCA),
just
below
St.
Thomas
Aquiof Miege, the score
important points, as the
nas,
went
into
the
championship
game
with
came out with
girls rarely, if ever, see
a
record
of
18-1,
and
ranked
eight
in
KanAquinas in the
a small class team, has
sas
by
www.maxpreps.com.
This
challenge
lead, 46-38. This
been that the team was
would
require
yet
another
showing
of
dewas the last game
ranked number one in
fense
for
the
Lady
Stags,
and
they
showed
against the rivals
small class girls high
up.
Villegas
explained,
Our
defense
helped
for the season.
school basketball agian
us
win
because
with
our
press
we
made
the

Next Friby the Kansas City
other
team
turn
the
ball
over
which
in
turn
day,
Feb.
21, the
Star Feb. 7. The biggest
created
a
lot
of
fastbreaks.
The
game
would
girls
will
face
off
achievement they have
end
with
Miege
on
top,
45-41,
champions
against
Blue
Valgoing for them? The A prominent presence on the
ley at home. The
girls went to Newton court, junior Madeline Homo- again of the Newton Invitational.

Being
back-to-back
Newton
Champions
night will honor
and won three straight ly contributed 13 points in the
is
a
great
feelling,
said
a
proud
Villegas,
essenior Lexie Villeagainst very tough and game against Aquinas.
pecially
because
we
lost
to
Kapaun
in
the
first
gas,
as
she
is
the
only
senior
on
the
team.
high class opponents to Photo by Brenna Albritton
round
of
State
last
year,
and
we
beat
them
in
the

Miege
is
currently
ranked
second in 4Abe named the Newton
chamionship
in
Newton
this
year.
D1
by
the
KBCA,
just
behind
Wamego
High School.
Invitational Champions for the second year in a

Miege
came
back
home
to
play
Blue
Valley
A
downside
to
entering
this
new
4A
tournament,
row.
West
Feb.
7,
67-26,
but
really
focused
on
their
upMiege
has
yet
to
see
any
of
the
teams
during this

After a hard-to-watch Jan. 27, 68-76 loss to
coming
match
versus
rival
Aquinas
at
home.
season.
One
thing
is
for
sure

whoever
the Stags
BVN at BVN, the team reconfigured and prepared

The
crowd
was
energized,
as
were
the
playplay
in
the
State
tournament,
it
is
sure
to
be
a heck
to meet some grueling opponents in Newton. They
ers.
Starters
included
freshman
Hunter
Bentley,
of
a
show.
would face off against pretty good teams, and,

By: JennieLittleton

Page 12

www.bishopmiege.com

February 14, 2014

Swim Team Makes

Its Way to State
By: AndrewJezak
staff writer

show that hard work pays off.

Miege s latest meet was the
at EKL finals Feb. 7 and 8. Against
stiff competition, the Stags placed
fourth overall out of 7 teams. Jack

Boys swimming just keeps
on rolling and rolling.
With State quickly
approaching, the Stags
have focused their
efforts on that final
goal.
Quality wins
at the right time are
boosting the teams
confidence.

The crew had
their best win of the
season on Jan. 25 at the
Blue Valley Southwest
Invitational. The Stags
placed first of 16 teams Junior Matt Wiese swims at BVN.
Photo by Jamie Franklin
and won by 84 points.
With their dominant victory came a Wirtz placed third in the 50 and 100
little publicity. The team was chosen as free. Louie Carter, Jack Wirtz, Mackey
the Fox 4 HyVee team of the week; they Merrill and Jeff Martin placed second
appeared
in the 200
on TV on
free relay.
Feb.
4.
T h e
It
was
b o y s
neat to be
next meet is at State on Feb. 21,
the first swim team ever, said senior 22, 23. We have a lot of potential
teammate Jack Wirtz, it just goes to heading into State, said senior Adam

15 have qualified for State

Senior John Pawlewicz is one of the 15 Stags

who will compete at State next week.

Bowling Works Towards

Striking Gold at State
By: LouieLaFeve
staff writer

Bowling has been striking
the
competition
this
season,
putting
on
several solid
individual
performances.
Most
impressive of
these has been
senior Stephen
Langley, who
has knocked down 2572 pins so far.
Close behind him is sophomore Matt
Daly, with 1949. Leading the girls is
senior Remi McDonald, with 1639
knocked down, despite suffering a
series of injuries.
At the most recent meet at Park
Lanes on Jan. 27, the boys and
girls both came in second behind
St. James. Weve been making
improvements as the season goes

Brown, we are hoping

to do great things. The
Stags have qualified 15
members already: Ryan
Bias, Adam Brown, Corbin
Brown, Louie Carter, Colin
Grunhard, Jeffrey Martin,
Mackey
Merrill,
Nate
Mohler, Carlos Olivas, John
Pawlewicz, John Schultz,
Jacob Stockton, Jake Waris,
Matthew Wiese, and Jack
Wirtz.

As junior Louie Carter
simply stated, If we are not
number one, its nothing.

on, Remi said. The underclassmen

have been improving every day.
The practices are fun, she said.
We switch up practices sometimes.
Like the other day we spent the
whole time focusing on picking up
different spare scenarios which will
hopefully
lead
us
to
having
c l e a n e r
g a m e s .
(Coaches)
Esh
and
Gemmill
are
really
good at targeting exactly what we
need to work on and helping us
correct whatever needs need to be
corrected.

The bowling team will
compete
at
the Archbishops
Tournament Feb. 19 at Park Lanes
in Shawnee Kansas. Jake Grohmann
says,we should continue to get
better and hopefully we will win this
one.

Having fun and

working hard to
win State.

Senior Alex Lutz, junior

Esteban Navarro, and
sophomore Angelica
Perez, all hope for
strikes as they release
the ball at Mission
Bowl.
Photos by Jamie Franklin

Photo by Jamie Franklin

February 14, 2014

www.bishopmiege.com

Page 13

 The Miegian Goes Behind the Scenes

Boys Basketball Giving the

EKL A Run For Their Money
By: LouieLaFeve
staff writer

Boys basketball has been performing admirably so far despite injuries, distractions, and a lack
of veteran players. Even with these obstacles they
have managed to stay competitive, if not overly
dominant. We started slow because were young,
but were getting better every day, said senior
McKinley Johnson.
While they have put on some solid individual
performances thus far this season, the main area
the Stags have struggled in is building momentum.
They have yet to win back-to-back games, following

every win so far with a loss.

However, thats not to say that there havent been
some truly impressive games. The one-point victory over St. James comes to mind, as does the stunner
over Aquinas. Many think that at Miege, if you lose
every other game but manage to beat Aquinas, its
been a successful season.
Beating Aquinas was great; it was the last time I
get to play them on their court, said McKinley. Its
going to be fun when we get to play them at our
house later this season.
The most impressive player this season has been
McKinley, who has committed to Butler Community College for football. So far, hes been the leading scorer in every game he has
played.
Running at practice is always
the hardest part, he said. But
the bus ride to away games is
awesome. I love the basketball
talk.
The Stags lost on Jan. 31 to
Blue Valley Southwest at the
Newton Invitational 45 to 35.
Their latest match-up was
against Aquinas this past Tuesday. The boys fought hard for 32
minutes but came up short 33-39.

Miege Sew Thankful for Staff Members Efforts

By: AndrewJezak
staff writer

With every great victory at
Miege comes an extremely time-consuming and tedious task. Mrs. Maura
Peterson, Miege school nurse, knows all
about that. She assembles the unique
sports banners that hang from the gyms
rafters.

Leading the team on offense

from the point guard position
this year is junior Reggie Byers.
(above). Photo by Kristen Agar

Senior Lucas Franco (left) looks

for an option on offense. Photo by

The Stags are thriving on young

talent like freshman Semaj Ray
(left).

Kristen Agar

Photo by Brenna Albritton

Wrestling Pinning Up Quality Scores

By: MaureenMurphy
staff writer

With the wrestling season winding
to an end, the team has their eyes set on
the EKL, Regional and State competitions.
Coach Dave Eller said, The team has been
working hard and continues to get better
every day; they are ready for these last
three competitions. There are three wrestlers who have above 500 records.

The team has been practicing five
days a week, and they also condition every
Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m.
Ryan Madrigal, senior, said, Although the
workouts are hard, they should pay off in
the end, and we are in great shape because

Page 14

of them.

On Feb. 15 both the varsity and
junior varsity squads will compete at the
EKL tournament at Blue Valley. Coach
Eller said, The EKL is difficult, but hopefully we will have five or six wrestlers who
place. Junior Hunter Friesen added, I
think we will have good results from EKL
and Regionals. The toughest team we have
faced was probably Holton, who is ranked
number one in 4A.

The team is led by seniors Ryan
Madrigal and Sean Maxwell, who both
made it to State last year. The season is
going well because of our strong group of
seniors and our underclass students who
have to work extra hard to fill in where
they are needed, Eller said.

www.bishopmiege.com

Each banner is made from the
strongest felt Mrs. Peterson can find. She
inherited the state pattern from previous seamstresses, It has been used for
years, she said. Typically, each banner
takes about 25-30 hours to prepare. You
have to trace and cut out each piece and
the sew them on individually. The football teams are the hardest because they
win so many titles like Regionals and
Districts and State.

Preparing to take down his opponent is senior Ryan Madrigal.

Ryan competed at State last year and hopes return this year.
Photo by Kristen Agar

February 14, 2014

Banners documenting the successful Miege tradition hang from walls and
rafters in the gym. Photo by Eric Buckels

She took over the job after Mrs.
Mrs. Peterson strives to complete the
Rose Mary Walsh, past home economics
banners before each teams banquet.
teacher, and science teacher Scott Ander- It makes it a bit challenging, but well
sons wife, Mona. I dont recall how
worth it, stated Peterson, I recently
I got the job specifically, if I heard that
received a picture of the soccer team
they were looking for someone to take it
holding their banner. I enjoy seeing the
over or if Mr. Bohaty asked me because
smiles of the teammates holding what
I like to sew, said Mrs. Peterson, either
they so beautifully earned. The first
way, it has been a while.
time I saw a championship team hold
their banner was when my
nephew was on the State
Championship football
team. It was very special.
The endless hours and
craftsmanship of the banners does not go without
praise throughout the
Miege community. Sophomore Nolan Gray chimed
in, The banners are a
great testament to Mieges
history, and it brings the
whole gym together.
The soccer team sees their banner for the first time

at their banquet. Photo provided by Maura Peterson

February 14, 2014

Cheerleaders Stands Loud and

Proud As Season Comes to a Close
By: EricBuckels
staff writer

There is always one constant in Miege sports; rain or shine,
fall or winter, hot or cold, the Miege
cheerleaders are always there
encouraging the Stags. The
season includes long hours
of practice starting in the dog
days of summer and continuing into the freezing days of
late winter. The cheerleaders
are always helping the student section to be one of the
loudest in the area.

Cheer season begins
in June with workouts from
8 - 10 a.m., Maddy Stroder,
junior, said, The first day of
workouts was the worst day
of my life, she quietly added, I threw up. During the
summer they also attended
cheer camp, which lasted for
four days. The camps include learning cheers and new stunts with other
cheer squads from around Kansas.

The cheerleaders overlook every

basketball game and give the boys
some momentum. Photo by Jamie

Franklin

www.bishopmiege.com

Maxie Dennis, junior, described it as

an extremely tough camp, but at the
end of the four days, we get a lot accomplished She added, I cry myself
to sleep every night.

Once school began the girls
practiced two to three times a week

Seniors Katy Miller and co-captains

Kristen Agar and Emily Tenbrink
lead the crowd in cheers. Photo by

Jamie Franklin

from 3 to 5:30 p.m. In the fall they

cheered for all the varsity football
games, varsity soccer and for some of
the varsity volleyball games. Junior
Emery Crosby said, Doing the cheer
Down to the River and leading the
student section in the song Follow the
Leader is my favorite part of cheer.

During the winter sports
season, the squad cheers at about two
basketball games a week. Carly White
said, I really like cheering at basketball games, the best part is when the
student section is loud and following
our cheers.

The varsity squad is currently
preparing for a cheer competition in
Baldwin City on Feb. 22. This will
be the first year they have attended
the competition. To prepare for this
routine they have held four hour long
practices on Saturdays where they
work with a choreographer from Kansas State.

Page 15

Ever
wanted
to try curling? Ever felt
the need to race across
ice at up to about 37 mph
only supported by razorsharp skates? If youve
been watching the 2014 Sochi Olympics, you may have
seen the commercials for finding
places near you to try out the
Winter Olympic sports. Using www.nbcolympics.com/goldmap, and some local knowledge, The Miegian found the places to
be if you want to be a future winter Olympian from the Midwest.

Curl

...in Missouri
Kansas City Curling Club @
Line Creek Community Center
5940 NW Waukomis Drive
KCMO 64151
www.kccurling.com

Speed Skate
...in Missouri
St. Louis Speedskating Club
550 Weidman Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63131

Jefferson City Speedskating Club

700 Kansas St.
Jefferson City, MO 65109

Hockey

...in Kansas
KC Ice Center
19900 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, Kansas 66218
www.kcicecenter.com/
...in Missouri
Line Creek Community Center
5940 NW Waukomis Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64151

...in Kansas
Air Capital Speedskating Club
505 W. Maple St.
Wichita, KS 67213

Snowboard/Ski
...in Missouri
Hidden Valley Ski Team
18518 Dogwood Acres Lane
Wildwood, MO 63005

Now...

Go
For
Gold!

$25/person for a one time curling

lessontry with some friends or
family
6 week leagues available
www.kccurling.com/curling-programs/beginners-curling

Ice Skate

Snow Creek
1 Snow Creek Dr
Weston, MO 64098
www.skisnowcreek.com/

...in Missouri
Line Creek Community Center
5940 NW Waukomis Drive
Kansas City, Missouri 64151
For all of line creeks programs, go to
www.kcparks.org/facility/line-creek
...in Kansas
KC Ice Center
19900 Johnson Drive
Shawnee, Kansas 66218
http://www.kcicecenter.com
Olympic pictogram designer: Otl Aicher