WildcattertheIssue 2 . November 1 1 , 201 1 . Calallen High School .

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Swirling Slide.The Omaka Rocka water slide features half-pipe funnels at Aquatica in Orlando, Florida (Marjie Lambert/Miami Herald/MCT) p. 2

Volleyball Playoffs. The Volleyball girls continue to dominate on the court. p. 14

Loony Toons. Cartoons come to life at Senior Dress Up Day p.18

Football Seniors. The boys of fall work hard and play hard. p.16

To Advertise Call Advertising Editor Emily Brearton (361)-765-2960 or )Advisor Janet Simpson (361)-242-5649College Rivalries 17

Check out our new website! www.wildcatnews.orgThanksgiving Day Parade

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10 Online Edition of the latest news and many features not in print

THE FUTURE OF SUMMERWaterparks In The Mix For The City Of Coprus Christi

BY: BRITT SIMPSON & TAYLOR SCHWARTZ

News2 theWildcatter

Corpus Christi, with its many beaches, the aquarium, and the Lexington, has always been a tourist attraction, but sadly these attractions aren't as exciting to the incoming tourists as they used to be. “Corpus has noth-ing touristic besides the beaches,” junior Alexan-dra Gamboa said. “It’s about time we get some-thing worth going to.” The city of Cor-pus Christi has resolved to fix this problem. The City has approved the construction of a water parked named “Hurricane Alley”. With the

building of this new water park, local teenagers will have something to do that doesn't require driving long distances. “It would give us something new to do around here,” junior Jamee

Flow-ers said. “That way we wouldn’t have to drive two hours just to have fun.” Many in this commu-nity be-lieve that

bringing the water park to Corpus can only help bring more money into the city. “The surrounding busi-nesses would definitely

get a lot of profit ,” junior Taylor Benton said. “Es-pecially if they sell swim-ming items.” How-ever, some believe that the water park will hinder our community and not bring forth a profit. “Well it would not improve Corpus right now,” senior Ashton Rach said. “We are in a serious

drought and it will take a ton of water that we don’t have.” Hurricane Alley isn't the only water park in the works for Corpus, there is a chance that the city will be getting a Schlitterbahn, which will be located on Padre Island. “Having two water parks in corpus would be great,” sophomore Katie Camp-bell said. “I

would be the happiest girl in the world.” Even though Corpus is getting two water parks, a majority of people have all ready concluded which parks they believe will be more successful. “I believe Schlitter-bahn will be more suc-cessful,” senior Connor Bryan said. “It is a more well known chain than Hurricane Alley and more people are likely to go to it.”

Water Fun.A guest emerges from one of three water slides on the Norwegian Epic. (Marjie Lambert/Miami Herald/MCT)

Water Fun. Patrons take advantage on December 27, 2007, of the warm waters at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, the largest indoor water park in the United States. (Ken Love/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT)

Boogie Bahn.Daniel Luce, a business student at the University of Houston, curls across the face of the Boogie Bahn wave simulator at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark in Galveston, Texas. (Mary Ellen BotterDallas Morning News/MCT) Pelican Plunge. A new water slide on Castaway Cay, Disney's private

island in the Bahamas, that is visited by Disney ships such as the Dis-ney Dream. (Marjie Lambert/Miami Herald/MCT)

Friday, November 11, 2011

Everyone has their own destiny in life, Steve Jobs just happened to be building a multi-trillion dollar company, and advance the world’s technology by a landslide. The world was in complete awe on October 5, 2011, due to the loss of a great mind that helped

change the way we live our everyday lives. Steve Jobs showed us how far we could go with just imagination and hard work. He went from working out of his garage to

a company that is now well known

world-wide as Apple “It shows how much dedication he had to Apple, because he was so sick and was still able to come up with new inventions,” junior Ana Taylor said. “I feel as if his mission was to better our world’s technology, and that he did.” Jobs was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 2004, and fought it for seven years. It is said that the odds of getting a neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor is 1 in 100,000. He received ‘secret’ treatments as some would put it. “Steve Jobs seemed like a fighter,” sophomore

Skyler Stiles said. “He went through a lot with his cancer, didn’t show how scared he was, and always kept a smile on his face” His death made news worldwide and is still in the media today. The news of his death is not going

to fade away quickly, just because he made such an impact on our everyday lives. Jobs biography topped the list as a pre-order book. His biography is now available, and is at the top

of the bestsellers list. It’s expected that his biography will be one of the best selling books of the year. “I plan on pre-ordering his biography, just because he seems like such an interesting man,” junior Storm Gracia said. “Steve Jobs biography will defiantly be a top seller.” Many feel as if the world’s technology will not advance, without Jobs’ mind at Apple. Some also think that it will progress even more in memory of him. There are many other great minds at Apple; Jobs’ was definitely not the only one. “I feel like he was a big part of modern technology but I don’t think his death is going to impact technology,” junior Aubrey Ryan said. “There are so many people in the world that there’s bound to be someone who can do his job as well if not better than he did.” Jobs has accomplished many things in his lifetime; there are many Apple products that have made a great impact on many lives. In our generation almost everyone has at least one Apple product from the popular company. There are

many people these days who would say that they ‘depend’ on their Apple product to survive their everyday life. “My favorite apple product would be my iPhone,” sophomore Zachary Roussel said. “Because I use it for everything I do,

like music, keeping in touch with friends and family, and surfing the web.” When Jobs’ introduced the revolutionary iPhone, it transformed our everyday communication abilities as one of the first touch screen phones on the market. It also made mobile web-surfing easier. “I will never be able to own anything but an iPhone now,” sophomore Kayla

Reyes said. “It changed my whole perspective on cell phones, and set the bar high to top it.” Jobs shared his ideas with the world, knowing that some would doubt him, He put everything aside and focused on making his ideas

come true. Jobs showed us what t e c h n o l o g y can really do, and how far we are able to go with just perserverance “ J o b s p i o n e e r e d the ideology of simpler being better,” junior Steven Gralinski said. “I’m sure he had many more contributions to make.” Since Jobs was a very

creative and intelligent man, he more than likely left ideas and plans of creating new products behind. “I’m sure that there were many more ideas to come from Jobs, and that he left them for people to find,” junior Montana Williams said. “Even though he is gone his legacy will carry on.”

3NewstheWildcatter

STEVE JOBSThe Master Of Modern Day Technology Gone But Never Forgotten

BY JACKIE VALDEZ AND XAVIER AMADOR

Steve Jobs. In his classic black turtle neck presenting a new product from Apple. Photo Provided By: MCT Campus

Friday, November 11, 2011

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is dedicated to spreading knowledge about breast cancer and providing support to fight the battle. “Although every month should be breast cancer month,” sophomore Garrett Bragg said. “It really serves as a reminder, and almost as a memorial, to those who are suffering.” Breast Cancer Awareness month helps to educate and support people. “Breast Cancer Awareness month,” sophomore Itzel Spicak said. “Is a good way to tell people

how breast cancer affects many lives and how to prevent it.” In the United States, breast cancer is one of the highest forms of cancer acquired by women. A p p r o x i m a t e l y 200,000 women will be diagnosed. “October is a month to remember those who have lost the fight,” sophomore Kade Young said. “Support those who are fighting, and raise awareness about breast cancer.” There are countless supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness month. “I believe people should really support Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” sophomore Sarah

Vance said. “I have known people who have had breast cancer, and cancer does affect their lives and the lives of

those who love them. It’s good for people to support the fight against breast cancer.” Many have been deeply affected by the consequences of breast cancer. “Breast cancer awareness is very dear to me because many of my family members have suffered from it. Awareness and raising money during the month of October is a great way to help the Susan G. Komen foundation as well as cancer victims,” sophomore Grace Ann Polasek said. “I am wearing something pink everyday this month to show my support.” Numerous people had attended events supporting breast cancer. “I have been to a walk and festival supporting breast cancer,” Polasek said. “It was very touching. I never realize how so many people lose their loves because of breast cancer.”

“Last year some of my friends and I participated in a 10k walk run, supporting breast cancer,” sophomore Torie Wheeler said. “The money raised was distributed to hospitals and clinics in the area.” Hope for improvements in breast cancer treatment is in our heart. “The purpose of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to educate and empower people to take charge,” Wheeler said. “Even though many great strides have been made in breast cancer awareness and treatments, there remains much to be accomplished.” As breast cancer becomes a bigger issue, many feel it is time to take charge. “It’s a chance for everyone,” sophomore Michelle Veronin said. “Especially us as high school students, to take action and realize we’re the next generation to carry on the fight.”

4 Friday, November 11, 2011 theWildcatterNewsBREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Students Wear Pink To Raise Awareness

BY AMY LIU

GIVING LIFEStudents Give Blood To Save Lives

BY KIAH HINOJOSA

SHOWING SUPPORT: Reagan Tompkins and Ashley Beverly wear pink to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo By: Amy Liu

Students these days are looking for opportunities to make a difference, but they just don’t know where to start. Every eight weeks, the blood drive bus-

es return to the front parking lot to take blood, and it’s an easy simple way to give back

and make a difference without having to open your wallet. Stepping up to the chal-lenge, students donated 140 units at the second blood drive for the 2011-2012 school year beating out all 4A and 5A schools. “Our students under-stand the importance of do-nations,” Principal Yvonne Marquez-Neth said. “They are always striving to uphold our

reputation and show Calallen pride.” Although there is satisfaction in possibly saving a life by donating, some people may never acquire this fulfilment due to certain require-ments. These re-

quirements are as following: Weigh at least 110 lbs, have a healthy diet, must be seventeen or older, and have not traveled outside of the United States re-cently, if so they will review your destination to see if you were in a malaria-risk area. “Well I tried at least five times before they actually stuck the needle in my arm,” senior Reba Nix said. “Through many difficulties, they finally let me donate by the end of my junior year. I didn’t know that there were so many require-ments to donate.” These reasons are not always medical related, they also depend on certain activities that the student are involved in. “It depends on the time of year for me,” sophomore Kade Young

said. “During football season, I wouldn't give because I don’t want to get sick or weak during practice.” There are multiple rea-sons why students choose to do-nate other than saving a human life, such as: receiving a cord for graduation after donating three times successfully, having the satisfaction of beating a ri-

val school, and for the obvious, missing class. “I gave blood to save lives, because sooner or later, down the road, I would want some little youngster to give blood to save my life,” senior Ryan Garcia said. “As for every time they visit, I’ll try my hard-est to donate. Also getting out of class was just a bonus.”

Participation and the number of units donated in the blood drive instills pride in the students and faculty. “Every year is success-ful at Calallen because we are able to help our community with dona-tions,” Marquez-Neth said. “But last year was our most successful year in terms of donations. We donated 842 units. I hope this year we donate a total of 1,000 units.”

GIVING BLOOD: senior Jared Garcia calmly donates blood.Photo By: Xavier Amador

-Get a good night’s sleep -Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet -Hydrate – drink an extra 16 oz of liquid before and after your donation -Remember to bring your donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of ID -Avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting for about five hours after donation. -Enjoy the good feeling that comes with knowing that you may have saved as many as three lives.

Tips for Donating Blood.

The month of October has been dedicated to represent Breast Cancer Awareness month by the National Breast Cancer Foundation or NBCF. The NBCF is a committee whose mission is to save lives through early detection and to provide mammograms for those in need. They celebrate 25 years of helping those victims and survivors of breast cancer around the United States. “I think it’s wonderful that we have a moth dedicated to support people who have breast cancer,” freshman Lauren Powell said. “It’s devoted to help a great cause.” It is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer around the world and more than 40,000 will die. “It surprised me to find out how many women die because of

breast cancer each year,” junior Ashlynn Marek said. “It really does affect many women in the entire world.” In the United States 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and every 13 minutes a life is lost due to this form of cancer. “A lot of women’s life are effected with breast cancer,” senior Evelyn Guerra said. “It really is heartbreaking to see how many die each year due to this terrible form of cancer.” Over the last 25 years breast cancer rates have risen 30 percent in the United States, and more and more women have become aware and have made yearly check ups to a doctor a priority to try to prevent or detect the problem before it starts. “I believe that every woman and even younger girls should get checked sometime in their life,” junior Jackie Cramer said. “It’s better to detect the cancer early than later when it has already developed.” Many believe that breast

cancer only affects women, but approximately 1,700 men will also be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year. “I was surprised to read that men are also affected by breast cancer,” sophomore Samuel Cade said. “I thought breast cancer only affected women.” Even though breast cancer is more likely to affect women than men, some argue that the survival rate for men is not as good as it is for women because men tend to ignore symptoms for longer. “I’ve never heard of men having to go through breast cancer symptoms,” sophomore Osiel Reyes said. “But I’m more than sure having to go through treatments hurts as much as women having to go through it.” The pink ribbon was adapted as the official symbol of the National Breast Cancer Awareness month in the year of 1992 and since then pink has been used as the color of hope for all those going through this type of cancer. “It means a lot to all the breast

cancer victims that are in this world,” senior Carlo Garza said. “When they see all the people wearing pink, it shows support and hope.” Many people, breast cancer survivors and even students of

our own school get together this month and participate in local breast cancer walks to help raise and fund money for breast cancer victims. “Last year I participated in a breast cancer awareness walk,” senior Kayla Zuniga

said. “It really showed me how breast cancer impacts everyday people.” Besides all the sad facts that breast cancer can bring it is proven that more women have overcome treatment for breast cancer over the years; there are over 2 million breast cancer survivors in in the United States today. “I’ve had family members that have had breast cancer,” senior Kim Barton said. “At first it was rough but then they knew they would end up getting through it.” Having breast cancer or being diagnosed with it sometime in life does not always mean and end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope. “I have a lot of respect for breast cancer survivors,” senior Gabby Paddock said. “They have been through a lot and have made it through something not many people will understand.”

said. “I w a k e u p

and remember how great it is to be alive.”

Andrew gives us a new meaning to the phrase “I had a bad day”. Even on his worst days, he kept his family and friends encouraged.

“Just about anyone can make me happy,” Laury said. “If they tell me something somewhat funny, I’ll laugh.”

Andrew was forced to withdraw from school. He chose to be treated at Driscoll Children’s Hospital so that he could stay close to his friends and family.

“I have wanted to give up before,” Laury said. “I just felt alone and that my whole world was ruined and that there was no one else going through what I was.”

Andrew’s friends and team mates tried their best to keep connected with him. There were many days that he was not up to visitors or not healthy enough to be

exposed to the outside world. “I do not take life for

granted anymore,” Laury said. “I always hear ‘I hate school’ or ‘School sucks’ and I just think ‘You better be glad you are going to school because that was all I ever wanted to do so I could be normal and see people but they would not let me’.”

Only someone who has had cancer knows what Andrew has gone through this last year. There are few high school students who appreciate their life like Andrew does.

“The best thing that has happened to me this last year, besides being cancer free, was going to a teen camp,” Laury said. “I met other survivors and other people going through chemo.”

Andrew recently had a MRI that showed his cancer was gone. This was the answer to many prayers.

“I feel amazing,” Laury said. “I am now cancer free.”

Andrew was well enough

to return back to school in August. It has not been easy for him, but it is where he wants to be.

“I have a lot planned now that I am cancer free,” Laury said. “I want to get back to football and get my license.”

Andrew’s football coaches and team mates have reserved his football number for when he returns. Andrew has more than football in his future plans.

“I have a few things on my bucket list,” Laury said. “I really want to ride a dolphin or a whale.”

Calallen showed the true meaning of community in supporting Andrew. They came together and showed the Laury family what the real wildcat spirit is all about.

“I really want to thank all the Calallen kids and the community,” Laury said. “They have always supported me in my fight.”

5Friday, November 11, 2011NewstheWildcatter

OCTOBER EFFORTS SUCCESSFULStudents Cared by Sporting Pink

BY JENNIFER GARCIA

ANDREW’S BIG WINAndrew Laury Reflects On Having Cancer

Andrew Laury has been faced with a challenge that most of us can not even imagine. Andrew was diagnosed with brain cancer just over a year ago.

“I have had a few bad days,” sophomore Andrew Laury said. “The worst day I have ever had was when I found out I had brain cancer.”

Although Andrew has been through a year of surgery, hospitalizations, and chemo therapy, he has never lost faith no matter how bad it seemed. “There is one thing that gets me through a bad day,” Laury

BY LAYTON HART

BREAST CANCER RIBBION: Represents hope for those who have suffered and are going through breast cancer. Photo by: MCT Campus

Celebrating Life. Sophomore An-drew Laury celebrates his last chemo treatment. Photo By: Anna Johnson

Governor Rick Perry has been in the news quite frequently lately and has been the subject of much controversy also. Just a few years ago, not many civilians outside of Texas recognized his name. Rick Perry has now become a household name. He plans to run for President in 2012. The election will take place on November 6, 2012. By then, most seniors and a few underclassmen will be old enough to vote for President. Although voter knowledge of Perry is widespread, voter education is much less concentrated. Rick Perry was born on March 4, 1950. He graduated from Texas A&M University

in 1972 with a bachelor of science degree in animal science. Perry was elected as a Democrat to the Texas House of Representatives in 1984. However, in 1989, he announced that he was switching parties to become a Republican. Opponents of Perry and Supporters alike are quick to point to some of his most publicized ‘Texan’ actions. Rick Perry once mentioned the possibility of Texas’ secession from the United States. “You know, when we came into the nation in 1845, we were a republic; we were a stand-alone nation.” Perry said. “And one of the deals was we can leave anytime we want. So we’re kind of thinking about that again.” After the abrupt backfire due to this somewhat careless comment, Perry was quick to

defend himself by saying he was only joking. There was

also a coyote incident when

the Governor went for a jog and shot a coyote after it charged at his dog. Rick Perry is a

Christian. He opposes abortion and same-sex marriage. When he didn’t succeed in outlawing abortion in Texas, he signed a bill in May requiring women to get a sonogram before getting an abortion. If a woman lives more than 100 miles from an abortion clinic, she only has to wait 2 hours. Perry also supports the death penalty and supports the right to bear arms. On December 21, 2000, Rick

Perry succeeded George

W. Bush as governor of Texas when Bush resigned to become President of the United States of America. Rick Perry has been forced to reduce the education budget in Texas due to recent economic deficits. These budget cuts may result in an increase in tuition for universities in Texas, as well as teacher layoffs and the deletion of some scholarships. The impending 2012 elections are drawing closer. Will you vote? If so, it can not be stressed enough the value of knowing why you are voting for the candidate you choose. “You can milk a cow the wrong way once and still be a farmer.” The great American President John Fitzgerald Kennedy said. “But vote the wrong way on a water tower and you could be in trouble.”

6 Friday, November 11, 2011 theWildcatterNewsRICK PERRY’S POLITICAL REPERTOIRERick Perry Stirs The Pot Of Politics

BY MATTHEW LEIVA

ECONOMIC MESSAGE. Republican presiden-tial candidate Rick Perry was in Gray Court, South Carolina at ISO PolyFilms, Inc., where he released his economic plan, Tuesday, October 25, 2011. (Tim Dominick/The State/MCT)

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Tickets Online, at any Ticketmaster Outlet, or

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7Friday, November 11, 2011theWildcatter

This November, Grace United Methodist Church will make the move to the ‘promised land’ out on 624 across from KBobs, the site of the church’s new fa-cility. This long awaited and much anticipated transition marks the culmination of a four-plus year campaign to revitalize the church, both in the spirituality of the congre-gation and the physicality of its location. As Grace leaves its baptismal home of over 50 years, church leaders and community members look ahead to the inauguration of new and continuation of old ministry and memberships. As the long building process finally comes to a close, the church reflects on the road to and the foundations of the new worship facility. “One of our greatest blessings is Grace’s willing-ness to let go of much of our past and boldly head into God’s future,” Grace UMC Pastor Stan Whites said. “Through this journey, we’re allowing God to re-create us in ways that more effective-ly share the hope, promise, and salvation of Jesus Christ our Lord in our modern and contemporary world.” The transition of the church has involved difficult decisions. Leaving the original site of

Grace UMC and moving to an entirely new campus in-volved a great deal of plan-ning and preparation. “I know the moving process has been hard, es-pecially leaving a building where our church began,”

former Calallen teacher and Grace UMC member Jennie Syamken said. “However, I think the impact of the new church will be very positive and will bring forth a new sense of community for our church and help us grow even more.” The building of the new church has indeed involved as much spiritual building of the congregation as it has hammers and nails, and the new beginning of the church represents the im-mense possibilities it has to offer to its members as well. “The new church represents a tremendous op-portunity for the existing

congregation to renew its commitment to one another,” Taylor said, “and to continue to build faith and grow spiri-tually based on the core ten-ants and principles of our religion.” Church members look forward to not only the uniting of the current fold, but also to the addition and

inclusion of more commu-nity members. “The building of our new church has been an ex-citing event,” Grace UMC member junior Caitlin Holt said. “Our congregation has joined together as a whole to accomplish this adventure to make a positive impact on the community so people can see the good we will be doing now throughout the area.” The new location serves as a springboard for the many programs the church hopes to further develop. More promi-nently situated and with more expeditious amenities includ-ed, the new church can better

“The new church will serve as a shining light in the community, letting all those who are not currently aligned with a place of worship know that Grace has open arms,” Taylor said. “We are ready, willing and able to embrace the least, the lost, and all those searching for meaning and purpose in their lives.” The central location of the church primes it to be the ‘beacon on a hill’ Grace de-sires and to shed the light and love Grace promotes. “Making disciples of all nations and loving our neighbors as ourselves are the lessons we learn from Christ, and having a beauti-ful facility in which to do that really enhances our ability,” Rios said. “The world, start-ing with northwest Corpus Christi, will be a better place because of what God will do at the Grace Place. Grace will surely be a place to con-nect with Christ, with each other, and with the commu-nity.” Perhaps most impor-tantly, the building signifies a fresh start fort the church, its congregation, and all who will enter it. Taking from the past and moving forward to the future, Grace’s new doors can lead to more than just new walls and floors. “For the majority of us, we can look back on our lives and find those things that we failed in, didn’t do well on, or just wish we could have another chance at,” Whites said. “Relocating our church family gives us an opportunity to start again in ministry and service to our community.”

THE GRACE PLACENew Church Location Facilitates Ministry

BY ALEXANDRA TAYLOR

Featureexecute the ideals of the old. “I think the new lo-cation will be a great way to get more people involved,” Grace UMC member sopho-more Justine Borchard said. “It will give us more oppor-tunities to grow our many church programs, like our youth group and Sunday

school classes.” Through all avenues of ministry, the church’s greatest hope is to expand the knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ. “Reaching the un-churched and/or those who do not know God at all is an exciting adventure for each and every one of us. When people come to Grace and see our excitement as we spread the good news of Jesus, we hope they will follow.” The growth of the church and ac-tions of its members are ex-amples of faith the church leaders and congregation live out, following Christ and leading others to him.

New Beginnings. The future worship site of Grace United Methodist Church. Photo by Alexandra Taylor

When high school students are getting ready to go to college they are bombarded with truck loads of college applications, essays and the absolute worst... student loan applications. Every year Corpus Christi hosts the Stars benefit concert which helps high school students overcome the money aspect of college. “Being a senior I can appreciate the Stars concert for helping with scholarships,” senior Marcus Price said. “It gives money for college to those who deserve it, so what’s not to like?”In order to apply to receive a Stars scholarship you must have positively influenced the life of disadvantaged children. “I’m glad Stars wants

to help disadvantaged children,” junior Storm Garcia said. “Knowing that there are people out there who care enough to help really gives you pride in your community.” Sometimes we forget the power that music has in our lives, we all recognize the power of television and the newspaper, yet we overlook the one thing that is constantly buzzing in our ears... music. “Concerts are definitely a perk to this job but our main focus is just to get new music into the public ears,” general manager of 97.5 KFTX, Cindy Rowden, said. “Whenever a concert comes to town that not only draws a large crowd but also benefits high school kids. It makes people stop and think just how music affects their day to day lives.”Despite the fact that music is a universal thing, many do not listen to the same genre as we have tons to choose from, there’s country, pop, rock, classic, Christian, contemporary, rap, metal, alternative and so many

more. “I’m not really a big country fan,” junior Thomas Soto said. “Lady Antebellum is the exception to my usual prejudice against country, I had a blast at the concert and was grateful to help with scholarships .” Some people who are not fans still attended due to ulterior motives. “Going to the Lady Antebellum concert wasn’t on my list of top ten things I wanted to do,” sophomore Kade Young said. “However I went knowing that i was potentially helping one senior friends.” When people experience something everyday they sometimes grow deaf to the minuscule differences in the subject matter. “I’ve been near music my entire life,” senior Jake Brearton said. “Growing up around the radio business helps me recognize the talent and hard work needed to become as popular as Lady Antebellum, each time one of their songs come on I hear a new sound playing on the radio waves.”

Fans are flocked to the ticket booths and getting the very best seats they can afford all to hear Lady Antebellum and support graduating seniors. “I loved the concert,” junior Chance Crook said. “Hearing them play was an experience i’m not likely to forget.” Even with all of the genres of music around people still tend to jump on the bandwagon. “My friends are crazy,” junior Alex Gamboa said. “They drag me to every concert they can and this included the Lady Antebellum concert, we had an amazing time.” Music is always bringing joy to people and making them feel happy. “Whenever I listen to music I always forget what’s troubling me,” sophomore Courtney Jackson said. “It makes me smile when I hear my favorite

song come on the radio. Lady Antebellum is a very generous band to donate their time in order to help these seniors have opportunities to go to college. “Everyone who wants to further their education should be able to, so we’re happy to do these shows to give kids in Texas an opportunity that might not otherwise be available to them.” Lady Antebellum collectively said. “We all have great memories from our years in college, and hope that this allows others to get to live the same experience.”

calling is that emotions are easily understood and confusion can be cleared up easily. “It’s easier to interpret what the person is feeling or how

they’re feeling,” Mylett said. “For example, you could tell if they were being sarcastic, other than assuming a text is

meant to be offensive.” Sometimes people are not in an environment where they can talk on the phone, and texting makes it possible to communicate in these situations. “Calling is alright, but people often call at inconvenient times when you can’t exactly talk on the phone,” sophomore Garrett Bragg said. “But you can text.” Texting is a silent way to have a conversation with someone else other than who you’re with, and many find it to be a great way to still keep a conversation while not bothering others. “I prefer texting because it’s easy to multitask,” sophomore Jillian Howell said. “You can still communicate with someone while in public and not be a nuisance to those around you.”

Short messages make multitasking easy while texting. Long conversations and awkward silences are avoidable. “Personally, I prefer texting,” Bragg said. “It gives a short way to correspond with someone, without being obligated to sit through long conversations.” Having multiple c o n v e r s a t i o n s is easy while texting and new technology keeps making it easier to communicate with groups and being able to send a message to several people at once. “Text ing is much easier now due to better phones,” Bragg said. “You can send multiple texts to

multiple people at the same time. It takes time to dial a number.” Although texting is convenient, many feel like it isn’t replacing calling. “I feel that texting is just as popular as calling, and not replacing it,” Bragg said. “Both have special uses that can’t be replaced by the other.”

8 Friday, November 11, 2011 theWildcatterFeature

LADY ANTEBELLUMSenior Students Excited To Hear About ‘Stars’ Concert to Benefit Scholarships

BY EMILY BREARTON

TEXTING VS. CALLINGStudents Split Between Communication Choices

With constant changes in cell phone technology, texting is becoming more convenient, but some people still prefer to call instead of typing away on their phones. “I like calling because the conversations are quicker and you get to the point of the conversation faster,” sophomore Therese Mylett said. “You’re not just waiting around for a text. Plus, if you have something to say that would take a long time to text, it’d be faster by calling.” Texting is convenient but less personal. A pro to

BY SARAH VANCE

OMG, JK!: Sophomore Garrett Bragg isn’t breaking school rules. He just posed to take this picture. Photo By: Sarah Vance

*Ring* Hello?: Sophomore Jillian Howell talks on the phone to friends. Photo By: Sarah Vance

Looking Good. Lady Antebellum poses for their poster shot in fabulous disarray.Photo Courtesy. Yvette Donovan

When the new drug awareness campaign sponsored by the Palmer Drug Abuse Program was unveiled this month, junior John Rivera’s art work was in the forefront. “I was really proud of John’s work on this project,” art teacher Joseph Sandoval said. “ His interpretation of the challenge was very creative.” There were over 600 entries in the contest which featured all area Corpus Christi schools. “Calallen art students

really stood out,” Sandoval said. ,“senior Shae Tipps took 2nd place, while sophomore Danielle Watkins took 3rd.” Although Tipps finished right behind Rivera in the contest, her confidence was not diminished at all. “I felt good about getting second place, it really gave me a sense of accomplishment. ,”Tipps said. Being 1st out of 600 is quite an accomplishment to say the least. “Winning 1st out of all those people not only gave me the confidence to keep entering contestes,”Rivera said, “but also helped me realize that I can go to school, or pursue a job by doing somthing that I love.”

QR Code is abbreviated from Quick Response Code. It is a type of matrix barcode first designed for the automotive industry.

“I think QR Codes are cool,” senior Riley Rychetsky said. “They are a faster way to reach a website.”

QR Codes are used for linking people who scan them to a certain website or even a video.

“QR Codes make it

easier to access information,” junior Julie Williams said. “It’s also a great update to technology.”

QR Codes were created by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994 to track vehicles during the manufacturing process.

“It’s so exciting to know that we can have so much better technology,” junior Rachel Pesek said. “This is going to help our future.”

You can create your own codes and share them with friends.

“It’s a quicker way to access information,” junior Samantha Tate said. “Or watch funny videos.”

The QR Code is one of the most popular types of

two-dimensional barcodes. “It’s pointless because

a lot of people are already having trouble,” junior Nathan Hilliard said. “It’s just another thing to make life more complicated.”

QR Codes were also designed to allow contents to be decoded at high speed. “QR Codes are genius,” junior Carter Hunt

said. “This is the future and besides are yearbook is going to be awesomeness.”

Yet, QR Codes can be used for more than just what they are created for.

“I think they could be beneficial to teachers and students,” Algebra I teacher Mrs. Wilson said. “If the teacher could post a code in their room that links students to an online graphing calculator, then anyone with a smart phone would be able to access a calculator at home for homework.”

The message data is placed from right to left in a zigzag pattern.

“It’s a more convenient way to share information faster,” junior Storm Garcia said. “We can share them with our friends.”

Although they were used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR Codes are now used over a much wider range of applications, including commercial tracking, and entertainment and transport ticketing.

“I think it has massive potential to carry on in our futures,” junior Marcus Escobar said. “It’s pretty gnarly.”

Friday, November 11, 2011 FeaturetheWildcatter

RIVERA WINS CONTESTJunior Wins PDAP Drug Poster Contest

BY CAMERON GONZALEZ

QR CODESNew App Enhances Communication

BY HUNTER WILSON

SCANNING NEWS. Senior Riley Rychetsky scans a QR Code to follow news. Photo by: Hunter Wilson

9

WINNING ENTRY. Junior John Rivera’s winning photo is pictured at right. Photo illustration by: Connor Bryan.

It’s no secret that for most teenagers and young adults,music plays a sig-nificant role in daily life. In fact, it is estimated that the average person will spend more time listening to music from the age of 14 to 18 than all other years of their life combined. In addition, most musicians play in a band for the first time as teenagers. Local band Microphonic, is a perfect example. “We’ve all played instruments since we were little,” junior Andrew Be-nys said. “But we started playing together during the summer of 2008.” Microphonic began as former Calallen graduates Robert Benys and Erikh Whitworth. The

Correa. “We want to get our name out there to as many people as possible, and hopefully even some producers or promoters.” Playing live shows is cru-cial for any band trying to make it big and that’s exactly what Micro-phonic has been doing. “They’re a great band and their energy makes concerts alot of fun.” said sophomore Ther-ese Mylett. “Their performance onstage and off reflect their true talent.” Microphonic has also been recording recently and soon hopes to share their progress with their fans. “We have a few songs recorded and we’re working on a couple more.” said Robert Be-nys. “We plan on having the EP finished and announcing release dates very soon.”

10 Friday, November 11, 2011 theWildcatterFeature

MICROPHONICYoung Musicians Take Love Of Music To Next Level

BY BRENDAN STROP

two met in middle school and a few years later they began to play mu-

sic together. Robert as guitarist, and Erikh as drummer. Less than a year passed before Robert made the decision to ask his younger brother Andrew to join as bass guitarist. The trio practiced for hours on end together, but always felt something was missing. Soon after Andrew met Julio online and

after discussing music one day Andrew invited him over to play guitar. Immediately he knew he had found the missing piece to the band and asked Julio to join as

lead guitarist. Microphonic’s sound is alot different than that of most mainstream rock artists and that doesn’t seem to bother them one bit. Their sound is derived from a mixture of several different ele-ments and influences. “Our taste in music var-ies from person to person but for the most part we all like similar stuff.” said Robert Benys. “Our main influences as a band are

Wilco, Dr. Dog, Vampire Weekend, The Strokes and The Black Keys.” The majority of Mi-crophonic’s first year was spent out of the public eye. The band dedicated itself to practice and the four boys spent a seemingly endless amount of time in the small upstairs studio of the Benys’ home. “When we first started out we didn’t really play much live music other than at open mic nights here and there.” said Tuloso Midway

High School junior Julio Cor-rea. “Our first actual show was in 2009 at the House of Rock with Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights.”

Since that first show the band has taken off and they show no signs of stopping. Their talent has earned them notable local rec-ognition and an ever growing fan base. At their current rate of suc-cess, a career in music has become an increasingly large possibility. “Music is our passion and we would love to make music for a living, but because it’s so hard to make it in today’s music industry, we’ll definitely keep our day jobs for now.” said Erikh Whitworth. Although the road to suc-cess is not easy, the boys in Mi-crophonic are willing to stick it out together. “We’ve played together for so long now that we’ve de-veloped a chemistry together as a band.” said Andrew Benys.“Something like that is hard to find especially in Corpus and South Texas, so I think as long as things are going well we plan on staying together.” Not only do they have talent and chemistry, the band has a game plan and they realize that they can’t sit back and wait for people to find them. “We plan on playing shows in places like Austin where the music scene is larger.” said

LOCAL BAND. This illustration was designed by Lead Vocalist Robert Benys

For 80 years New York has been hosting the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It is an annual tradition and a good way to start off the holiday season with the best marching bands in the nation, one of kind floats, hundreds of fun, cheering clowns, giant balloons, characters and our very own Isabella Brown. Isabella and her partner Maddie McLain were handpicked to dance at the end of the parade in front of a judging panel.

“My partner and I were so excited when we got the call.” freshman Isabella Brown said.“It is just so unrealistic; I can’t

believe I’m going to New York to perform in front of millions of people. It’s very exciting and very nerve-racking.” Isabella was at a competition at Tuloso Midway High School when she and her partner got a sweepstakes trophy. With it came an invitation telling them about dancing in New York. “My husband and I are so proud of Isabella and very excited for her.” Mirja Brown said, “She has been dancing for about six years now and all of her hard work is paying off.” Isabella and her mother will be flying to New York November 18 and will be there until November 25. Unfortunately Isabella and her partner do not know what they will be performing yet. The parade will start

on 77th Street and Central Park West and end at 34th Street and 7th Avenue. It will be a two and a half mile route and it will last three hours. “We will be walking along side some of the best dancers in the nation,” Brown said. 3.5 million people stand outside of the streets of Manhattan to watch the parade take place, and more than 50 million viewers tune in to NBC to watch. More than 4,000 people volunteer to help set up floats, put out banners, and help decorate. In the past years the Thanksgiving Day Parade has always had a theme, from story book characters, to this year’s theme Cruces Olay. It takes approximately 18 months in advance to invite dancers, bands, and performers. We will be looking forward to seeing

Isabella on NBC and we wish her the best of luck. “Sometimes I think it’s a dream. Out of all the dancers at our competition they choose my partner and I.” said Brown, “It’s just something I can’t wrap my head around its a once in a life time opportunity.”

ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPURTUNITYBrown Earns Spot In Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

BY BRITTNY MERKICH

CUTE COSTUME. Isabella Brown shows off her costume while practicing. Photo By: Brittny Merkich

All Drama. Isabella Brown struts her stuff while practicing. Photo Submitted.

Men men men men men manly men! One of the most watched shows on TV was taken off air when its star, Charlie Sheen, went on a rant against the show’s producer and the CBS network. When Two and a Half Men’s 8th season was cut short after Sheen quit the show, fans thought it was then end to the TV show. But CBS announced that the show would continue, and Sheen would be replaced with Ashton Kutcher. The first episode of the new season aired on September 26, 2011. It opened with Charlie’s funeral. “The way they took Charlie out of the show was boring,” sophomore Alex Rodriguez said. “They should

have done something more elaborate.”

Fans wondered how they would bring Ashton Kutcher in. Some fans were skeptical and others were excited to see Kutcher in the show. “I love Two And A Half Men,” freshman Jackie Saulter said. “Charlie Sheen is funny, but Ashton Kutcher is funny too.” The first episode of the ninth season, “Nice To Meet You Walden Schmidt”, received over 28.7 million views. “Two And A Half Men is alright with Ashton Kutcher,” substitute Dalia Gutierrez said. “The first episode of this season was funny.” But only 20 million viewers watched the second episode ,“People Who Love Peepholes”. Two And A Half Men’s views dropped 33 percent from its premiere.

“I am a big fan of the show, but I no longer watch it because Charlie

Sheen isn’t on it,” Calallen graduate John Brooke said. “I mean the show is just not the same without Sheen.” There are still some devoted fans who still watch the show. “They could replace everyone in the show,” Coach Radford said. “But as long as they keep Jake, it will still be good.” On the third episode, “Big Girls Don’t Throw Food”, the 20 million viewers was dropped to 17.71 million. The last episode of season eight “That Darn Priest” only pulled in 14.51 million viewers. “I like Charlie Sheen, because I thought it was funnier,” Coach Radford said. “But they picked a good person to replace Sheen.” The fourth episode

,“Nine Magic Fingers”, was down 1.2 million people, pulling in only 15.89 million viewers, but it was still the highest rated scripted program of the night and the highest rated show with adults. The episode was up 15 percent on its performance

around this time last year. “It was funnier with Charlie Sheen,” Mrs.Crisp said. “But I still like to watch it because of Ashton Kutcher.” Even though the ratings seem better than last year, people still like it better with Sheen. “I think the show stinks,” Coach Kirkpatrick said. ”Now that Charlie Sheen is not on it.” There are different opinions on the show. “I think Two And A Half Men was much funnier with Charlie Sheen,” freshman Jenny Philips said. “But the show is more attractive with Ashton Kutcher.” The 5th episode of the season ,“A Giant Cat Holding A Churro”, with 15.14 million viewers was down 1.06 from the previous week. It seems the total number of viewers is dwindling as the weeks go by. “The show is alright,” coach Pereida said. “It is worse without Charlie Sheen.”

Opinions stirred everywhere when Facebook creator, Mark Zuckerberg released new changes to the website during the F8 Developer Conference in late September of this year, proposing not only to create a more enjoyable experience but a more personal one as well. “There was nothing wrong with the old Facebook,” senior Andrea Perez said. “Then again there is nothing wrong with the new one. I wasn’t too sure about it because of the negative comments I heard. Then once I got to a computer to check it out, I

liked it surprisingly. The more and more I explored it, the more I enjoyed it. Although it sounded promising, some students were not as impressed with the update. “The Facebook changes are ridiculously unnecessary,” junior Ashlynn Marek said, “I just wish it can go back to the old version. Why fix something that isn’t even broken.” The new features included a new home layout, with top news listed first, then followed by recent news, and it introduced a new profile layout called Timeline. Timeline is a scrapbook of your life and can date back to your birth, giving a nice feel or general idea of who a certain person is. “It will be funny to see who actually fills in the timeline,” senior Tricia Lerma said. “If you

think about it, you don’t even have to meet a person to actually get to know them.” Facebook’s ideology about Timeline was to give subscribers a different way to express who they are. You have complete control how you display it and who can see your information.The setup is meant to benefit the user by giving them a chance to personalize their profile, but students sensed a different message. “It’s a little too intrusive on Facebook,” senior Selena Domingez said. “What was wrong with the other layout?” Zuckerberg also had the idea to design a way to connect to anything you want, anyway you want. It’s called the open graph. Now instead of just “liking” a particular movie or book, you’ll now have to option to click “Watched” or “Read”. Adding more verbs, It follows the concept Facebook it trying

to imply “expressing yourself in new ways”. “It’s clever and I’m pretty sure kids will ‘like’ the idea,” senior Steven Flores said. “Now all they need to add is a ‘dislike’ button.” For a user’s own personal convenience, all the important information your news feed is usually filled with will now be put off to the side, literally with Ticker. Basically, its a box on the side that streams everything going on, that may not seem of interest or any “lightweight activity” as Zuckerberg puts it. Simply put, when you share a post, it goes into news feed. When you add an activity, it goes into Ticker and Timeline. “It seemed annoying at first,” senior Julie Schumacher said. “But now I’m grateful to see that my news feed isn’t being blown up with unimportant stuff.” Facebook’s update

certainly attracted a surplus amount of negative feedback at first, but it seems users are adapting to the website with more usage of it. “I admit, It’s a bit confusing at first trying to understand it,” senior Kelsi Duarte said. “Other than trying to grasp it’s function for a couple of minutes, its an interesting design and I applaud Facebook for trying to innovate itself with this new layout and applications.”

11Friday, November 11, 2011FeaturetheWildcatter

TWO AND A HALF MENTelevision’s Most Popular Show is Back

BY SHELBY BROOKE

FACEBOOK UPDATESFacebook Changes Creates Commotion

BY EVELYN GARCIA

New Layout: The modifications made to the popular social media website recieved mixed reviews. Photo Credit: MCT campus

Ashton Kutcher. MTV AWARDS KRT PHO-TOGRAPH BY ABACA PRESS (June 1) Actor Ashton Kutcher arrives at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards held at the Shrine. Auditorium Saturday, May 31, 2003.

The riders eyes look directly in front of them, their hands clenching the reins, the judge is watching every move, the horse and riders hearts racing in sync as they round the corner for the first jump. This would be the grand world of horse riding. From Western to

English, barrel racing to jumping, students and teacher alike can recall horse riding as a favorite past time. “I have been riding since I was very small, and am very glad that Ash and I now have that in common,” teacher Joy Beverly said. “It is something we both do in order to release stress. Her riding does make my heart stop every now and then because of her

jumps, but she is a phenomenal rider.”

Horseback riding requires much more than just the forty five minutes spent riding, it also takes a lot of time spent with your horse. “Riding takes a lot of dedication,” sophomore Ashley Beverly said. “As well as a lot of dedication to your horse.” Some students have been riding as long as they can remember, making it a huge and consuming part of their lives. “I have been riding my whole life,” sophomore

Reagan Tompkins said. “I ride every week and spend hours with my horse.” Riding is an experience and talent that can last a life time; many teachers still enjoy their horses and riding. No matter how old you get this sport takes just as much effort. “I’ve been doing rodeos for a long time now and I have a lot of fun,” teacher Kevin Hippensteal said. “Riding does take a

lot of dedication, money, time spent traveling, and practice.” Horseback riding can open many new doors to students, after having rode long enough and practiced hard enough a student can have the chance to teach their own lessons. “I have always enjoyed riding,” senior Danielle Eastman said. “I’ve even had the chance to teach a few lessons and really enjoyed it.” Riding definitely is not easy or something anyone can do. It takes years of work and at time

you fall and it hurts but the key to success is to get back on and never stop practicing. “Riding is one of my favorite things in the world,” Beverly said. “Although it is hard work and can be painful when you fall, but you just have to get back on.” A rider has many choices as to what they would like to ride in. Including barrel racing, roping, dressage, and equestrian jumping. At

times people may even want to try more than one of these choices. “I have always done Western riding,” Eastman said. “But I have tried English riding and would like to continue riding in either department.” Horses can be an escape from the world. They can take their rider to just about anywhere, and no matter where that may be the trip is enjoyable.

“Horseback riding gives you a chance to bond with your horse,” senior Taylor Adame said. “And it is also a way to get away from everything and relax.” Riding is an option that can take you just about anywhere you go. The beach is always a pleasant option, and can be very peaceful. “Sometimes I like to get away,” Adame said. “And going for a lope on the beach is always a nice

way to get away.” People who don’t ride as a sport are excited to experience a trail ride on the beach or just to see them grazing in the pasture. All around horses bring joy to many people. “I think watching horses is peaceful,” Eastman said. “And even though I don’t get to ride all the time, riding is a lot of fun and a unique experience.”

12 Friday, November 11, 2011 theWildcatterFeature

RIDIN’ WILDStudents Embrace An Exciting And Rewarding Sport

BY RACHEL VAN BUREN

Jumping Big: sophomore Ashley Beverly jumps her horse with perfection at the Heather Ridge Farms Show. Photo courtesy teacher Joy Beverly.

Calallen Wildcatter Staff

2011-2012

Editors:Katie Goode (‘12)Erik Reddout (‘12)Lina Young (‘12)

Emily Brearton (‘13)Taylor Schwartz (‘13)Britton Simpson (‘13)Brendan Strop (‘13)

Alexandra Taylor (‘13)Sarah Vance (‘14)

Calallen High School PublicationsCalallen High School4001 Wildcat Drive

Corpus Christi, TX 78410361-242-5649

(Fax) 361-242-5632www.calallen.k12.tx.us

Advisor- Janet SimpsonPrincipal- Yvonne Marquez-NethVice Principals- Peter Van Maren

William BallSusanna Walker

Superintendent: Arturo Almendarez

Editorial Policy- The Calallen High School Wildcatter invites opinions to be expressed in letters to the editor and special contributions to the publication staff. Anonymous letters or special contributions will not be considered for publication. The editor also reserves the right to edit any letter or special contribution for the length and/or content. All material in each issue of the Wildcatter may not be reprinted or in anyway reproduced without the prior written permission from the editor.

Reporters:Haleigh Bauch (‘12)Jennifer Garcia (‘12)Evelyn Guerra (‘12)Katie Stamper (‘12)Xavier Amador (‘13)Katlyn Crisman (‘13)

Victoria Freeman (‘13)Cameron Gonzalez (‘13)

Harper Hans (‘13)Kiah Hinojosa (‘13)Landon Horton (‘13)Matthew Leiva (‘13)

Alli Silva (‘13)Hunter Wilson (‘13)

Rachel Van Buren (‘13)Jackie Valdez (‘13)

Jocelyn Hansen (‘14)Layton Hart (‘14)

Jake Huffman (‘14)Amy Liu (‘14)

Jacaranda Lopez (‘14)Shawn Stracener (‘14)Rachelle Wittner (‘14)Brittny Merkich (‘14)

Editor-in-Chief:Reese Gallagher (‘12)

Whether we’re com-peting for the district win, state title, or the national championship, the emo-tion and devotion inspired by winning are always the same. The passion, the ef-fort, and the work that are all instrumental in achieving the ultimate goal of winning it all are represented in full force when the timer ticks fast and the stakes are high. Representing one’s school, city, state, or country is impressive, and the novel-ty of it quickly catches peo-

ple’s attention. These people will rally behind competi-tors, adopting them as their own, cheering and support-ing them through the flow of victories. Why is it that with victory comes the emotional and physical support from those who previously didn’t know or care the status of the team or group competing? Before the band made their way to State I hardly paid attention to the program, but because so many heads turned, so did mine, and my long suppressed band mem-bership was aroused. I’m not sure if it’s our longing to be a part of some-thing special, or our compet-itive human nature, or just the desire to rep’ our school, but backing the U.S.A. in

the World Cup, or the Rang-ers in the World Series, or Coach Chapman’s Wildcats in their ongoing quest for a state championship on the diamond, seems to come naturally for me and for many. Although my school pride may lie dormant dur-ing some (or most) seasons, when we’re 4 games deep into the volleyball playoffs, and Coach Lindsey wants me cheering in the stands on Friday I’m going to be there, not because I’m scared of her famous “Calallen Pride speeches”, but because the volleyball girls deserve my support. While the bandwagon support system many teams experience during their ‘fif-teen minutes of fame’ is of-ten treated with derision, grappling for a seat on that fast moving wagon is half the

fun. Sure, we all love to see our students succeed, but, in supporting them, we are also gratifying something within ourselves that jumps at the thought of being a part of the adrenaline and thrill that comes with competing for the win. While our chances at excellence may be slim to none, our team’s excellence is tangibly close. They have already put forth all the work, effort, and passion, and we, in return for our outspoken support, are allowed to run along with them on the final leg of their marathon, and cross the finish line, feeling victors ourselves. So as our football and volleyball teams make their runs in playoffs, and the band competes at state, I will be cheering them all on, because although I’m not catching the touchdowns

passes, spiking the volleyball or playing the french horn, that pride is there.

13Friday, November 11, 2011FeaturetheWildcatter

UNITY IN VICTORYComing Together Becomes Easier Through Success

BY REESE GALLAGHER

Wildcat Publications

Website Debut!

Make sure to visit http://www.

wildcatnews.org to see extra feature

stories, posts, live coverage of events,

and videos of all things happening or

relating to Calallen and world news.

Tuesday night the volleyball girls take on a lead challange against Floresville in Goliad. “Volleyball has hit a new level of intensity as I hear from the volleyball girls but it seems to be paying off,” junior Miranda Ysassi said, “Because every time they step foot on the court they get work done and dom-inate.” The Varsity and JV level have kept their traditions on having a head lead on Flour Bluff. “The volleyball girls put a lot of hard work in every game they play and every

victory they earn,” junior Claudia Buti said. The girls’ concentration isn’t just on volleyball they have given a helping hand in the community. “The hard work of the volleyball girls is re-com-pensated in victory,”senior Hayley Brandt said. Lifting weights and running is the time they spend on Monday’s and Wednesday’s. “A champion needs motivation beyond win-ning...” junior Torrye Glaser said. ”To become champi-ons, fight one more round,” The team has had another successful year of a win for district champs. “We really seem to be a new and improved program.I believe we work very hard and it shows

through our games,” junior Caitlin Holt said.

“There is definitely a new meaning to the term’Calallen Pride.’” The players’ mental mis-takes have made the battle hard, especially when it came to playing Ray. “This year has defi-nitely been a challenge, but shown only positive outcomes,”senior Emily Sacky said. “It’s a true test for us to show our toughness and fight back and prove ourselves.” Senior Volleyball girls are excited and apprehensive to see how their 3rd and 4th round will go after having a success so far. “ Us volleyball girls as a whole program can say we all know how to get on our horses,ride, and get the work done,” junior Taylor Adcock said. “Even if we

start off rough.” The girls have played to-gether since their middle school days and don’t plan to leave without a grin. “As a team we have faced several difficult chal-lenges and at one point we have all thought of the two words, ‘give up,’ but we are only as strong as our weakest player,”junior Alexis Tamez said. “Where would any one ever get if they just gave up.” The volleyball days are long with practice but the girls don’t regret it with state coming their way. “Practices are tiring especially when it’s six in the morning, but once we turn that music on it changes the attitude of the room.” sopho-more Sarah Kneip said. “It motivates us to get some work done.” Coach Lindsey encourag-es the team to get motivated

with music. “As a team we get frustrated and we all have our ungrateful days of suck-ing it up on the court, but we never let our team mates down,”senior Katie Baker said. “We have learned that every single person plays a big role on the team and without just one person we can all fall down.”

14 Friday, November 11, 2011 theWildcatterFeature

PREPARING FOR PLAYOFFS

VICTORIA FREEMAN

Court Action: Junior Torrye Glaser (right) and senior Whitney Cornett (left), prepare for a block . Photo By: Victoria Freeman

Volleyball Advances in the Playoffs

It’s that time of year again; basketball season is just around the corner. The boys teams are expected to be great this year, but what exactly does it take to be a great basketball player? “I have spent a lot of late nights and early mornings in the gym,” sophomore Connor Lowrance said. “It is hard sometimes, especially when your friends are going out, and you’re going to the gym, but those are the sacrifices that you have to make if you want to be a great basketball player.” Connor is one of the most dedicated basketball players on the team, he is always in the gym constantly trying to get better. “How do you go from where you are to where you want to be?” sophomore Tristen Davila said. “I think you have to

have an enthusiasm for life. You have to have a dream, a goal. You have to be willing to work for it.” This is Tristen’s first year of playing basketball, and he is already showing signs of great potential. “When you get to this level, it’s not a matter of talent anymore - because all the players are so talented - it’s about preparation, about playing smart and making good decisions,” senior Andrew Beasley said. “If I don’t believe it, then they don’t need me on the court. I’ve just got to believe that in my heart.” Practicing hard and playing well has become a part of these player’s everyday lives. “If many people recognize how hard I go every night and what I put into my game, to make myself and my team better, it means a lot to me,” junior Christian Cantu said. “I’m fortunate; I’m blessed

to be in the situation that I’m in right now.” Christian is always working hard, both on the

court and in the classroom. “I learned that the only way you are going to get anywhere in life is to work hard at it,” senior Jared Garcia said. “Whether you’re a musician, a writer, an athlete, or a businessman, there is no getting around it. If you do, you’ll win – if you don’t, you won’t.” As his senior season, Jared has been working very hard to improve his game in whatever ways he can. “A winner is someone who recognizes his God- given talents,” senior Milton Marquez said. “Someone who works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals.” Milton has been up at 6:30 every morning working out in the gym trying to improve his game.

“I play to win, whether during practice or a real game,” senior Conner Steward said. “I

will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.”

This is Conner’s last season to play basketball, and he will do everything within his power to win every single game. “You always have to give 100%,” senior Alan Valdez said. “because if you don’t, someone somewhere will give

100% and they will beat you when you meet.” Alan is not only a basketball player but also a cross country runner, so he is one of the most determined players on the team. “I’ll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it’s sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate,” sophomore Courtney Jackson said. “Or

making the game-winning shot.”

Courtney is always supportive of the team while he is on the bench or on the court. “Champions aren’t made in gyms,” senior Rey Gonzalez said. “Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have the skill, and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.”

15 Friday, November 11, 2011FeaturetheWildcatter

BRINGING THE HEATPlayers Prepare To Take The Court

BY SHAWN STRACENER

P a l o m a Treasures

in Gypsy Reign

TO THE HOOPTO THE HOOP. Junior Christian Cantu Dribbles Down the Court. Photo by: Reba Nix

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16 Friday, November 11, 2011 theWildcatterSports Feature

PLAYOFF TIMEA Tribute to the Football Seniors

BRITT SIMPSON

Name: Avery CortezNumber:1Position(s): Corner Back

Name: Marcus PriceNumber:5Position(s): Safety

Name: Hayden WoodsNumber:7Position(s): Wide Reciever, Cornerback, Holder

Name: Jared LangleyNumber:3Position(s): Safety

Name: Nick EspinosaNumber:8Position(s): Corner

Name:Albert GonzalezNumber:14Position(s): Wide Receiver, Safety

Name: Ryan GarciaNumber:25Position(s): Running Back, Inside Line-backer

Name: Cooper StormNumber:30Position(s): Running Back, Safety

Name: Alick GarciaNumber:40Position(s): Defensive End

Name: Joey IbarraNumber:41Position(s): Wide Receiver, Corner Back

Name: Darren BoltonNumber:42Position(s): Defensive end, Tide end

Name: Tate BammertNumber:43Position(s): Defensive end

Name: Jon “Mikey” AguilarNumber:52Position(s): Center, Nose-gaurd

Name: Marky PerezNumber:84Position(s): Corner

Name: Michael WiserNumber:77Position(s): Defensive Tackle

Name: Justin GarzaNumber:75Position(s): Nose Guard

Name: Jared AlvaradoNumber:73Position(s): Defensive/Of-fensive Tackle

Name: Jake BreartonNumber:62Position(s): Guard, Defen-sive Tackle, Kicker, Punter

17Friday, November 11, 2011SportstheWildcatter

RIVALRIES RUN RAMPANTCollege Football Rivalries Intensify

BY: LINA YOUNG

The transition from summer to fall is indicated by not only the changing of the temperatures but also the beginning of football season. As college football season kicks off, so does another year packed full of rivalries. These high profiled rivalries cause tension between sports fans nationwide, often causing households to divide as well as friendships during game time. “There’s a lot of his-tory between the college ri-valries,” Beau Coleman said. “It’s a lot of fun to watch the teams fight for positions in the BCS polls.” Many people engage in the in-state rivalries that fuel friendly competition. Games are displayed on the big screen and bets are made as people defend their favorite teams. “I like Texas A&M College Station better than the

University of Texas. The Ag-gies always have really good starts, but after a few mistakes they keep building on the negative,” Jordan Price said. “It causes them to lose.” Rivalry games often present the utmost competi-tiveness not only on the field between teams but also in the living room between family members as well. “I’m the only person in my family that is a Texas Longhorn fan. My relatives all graduated from Texas A&M College Station,” Haleigh Bauch said. “The in-home rivalry makes for a stress-ful game…for the Aggies, of course. The Longhorns al-ways win!” As conferences re-align, many great rivalries are in danger of becoming nonex-istent. “The Baylor game against Texas A&M College Station is usually a good one,” Sally Schroeder said. “It’s dis-appointing that this is the last time they will meet in confer-ence play.”

R i v a l r i e s are sometimes a result of be-

ing the only large schools in an area. This causes the two schools to compete for popularity. “I like the Iowa ver-sus Iowa State game because it is up north,” Paul Castillo said. “No matter what, the crowd hype at that game is amazing.” State boundaries can foster some of the most rec-ognized rivalries in college football. “My favorite is the Red River Rivalry between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma.” Marcus Price said. “The in-tensity is unbelievable and it is always worth watching.” Some rivalries are rec-ognized because of their com-petitiveness in their regions and the impact they have on their conferences’ outlook. “When Michigan fac-es Ohio State it is usually to determine the winner of the Big 10 conference,” Creyton McDermett said. “Competing for the conference title is what fuels their rivalry.”

For some sports fans, the loyalty they have towards their favorite team turns every game of the season into a ri-valry. “I like watching the University of Texas play against any maroon team,” Coach Ozuna said. “I love my team here at Calallen but it bothers me some that I have to wear maroon. I have a cer-tain animosity for teams such as Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.” Why do rivalries thrive? As long as athletes

push themselves to improve, their improvements can be measured on the field as they compete against their rivals. The more intense the rivalry, the more likely an athlete will be to produce a game winning performance. “Rivalries will always exist. They are a tradition that repeats itself generation af-ter generation,” Ryan Garcia said. “Rivalry games are the most exciting games of the year.”

FRIENDLY FACE-OFF. Sophomore Layton Hart and senior Heather Moses show support for their favorite college teams. Photo by: Lina Young

18 Friday, November 11, 2011 theWildcatterNews

SENIOR DRESS UP DAYBRITT SIMPSON

19Friday, November 11, 2011theWildcatter

STANFORDBY ALEXANDRA TAYLOR

Born in the excit-ing era of the gold rush, an institution to parent “all the children of Cali-fornia,” the vogue new

Stanford is highly selective in the admissions process, admitting only a little over 7% of applicants. However, there are no cut-off test scores, GPAs, or other dis-tinctions. Rather, the intellectual vitality of the student is viewed, through the student’s essay, recommendation letters, and proof of student involvement in school and community activities that make a difference. Because once at Stanford, mak-ing a difference is what it’s all about.

GETTING IN

Located between San Francisco and San Jose in the heart of Sili-con Valley, Stanford is a self-sufficient portion of the Palo Alto community. Palo Alto is a mid-sized city of roughly 63,000 and encompasses plenty of space, park land, and attractions. Stanford itself is enough removed from the city that it boasts a ‘home-town’ atmosphere. Interested visitors to the university might be sur-prised to find the best of both worlds, with the technology of silicon valley and the glitzy at-traction of the California beaches not far from ‘small-town-Stanford’.

CITY LIFE

Stanford has seven schools, under-graduate and gradu-ate, all located on one campus. The education has a strong liberal arts base and also the ca-pability to be uniquely individualized. Op-portunities for research are also available; labs in all areas of scien-tific research, as well as specified research cen-ters that can be tailored to a student’s major are wonderful resources for study.

WHAT THEY

Although the California high-rolling lifestyle may make the money decisions difficult, Stanford offers financial aid to any and all qualify-ing applicants. While not everyone receives financial aid, those who do receive reap immense benefits. Also, whether or not a student gets aid or scholar-ships from the school, other options for monetary help are an important part of the application and accep-tance process. Stanford’s website includes a question and answer forum and a feature that allows students to calculate their projected financial aid.

FINANCIAL

Stanford is home to a little over 6000 un-dergraduates and over 95% of these students live on campus. Diverse residential facilities al-low students to immerse themselves in the kind of lifestyle and learning they want from the college. The average 630 student clubs and organizations also offer plenty of on-campus diversions. Stan-ford is also well-covered by its various artistic groups and sports teams, performing and compet-ing on national levels.

STUDENT

STANFORDStanford of the late 1800s continues to lead the na-tion in 21st century in-novation. A Californian college that easily com-

bines the free and easy ways of the coast with the American techno-integrity of Silicon Valley, Stan-ford’s educational and

research opportunities are as unique and diverse as the students who attend the school.

OFFER AID LIFE

SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST20 Friday, November 11, 2011 theWildcatter

BY KATIE STAMPER

This week we had a contest picking who has the ride with the most style. Marcus Escobar is the winner with a lifted Chevy 4x4 black Duramax that has all the ladies crawlin’!

Ridin’ in style

Coach Steve Campbell graduated from Corpus Christi Ray High School, and Texas Lutheran University. He was in track and played football in high school. I received a track scholarship and transferred to another college to play football. He is extremely competitive in everything from dominoes to football. He has been coaching for 30 years, but he maintains he is only 39 years old. Coach Campbell says his coaching philosophy is to treat kids like his own children, and prepare for the worst and hope for the best. He believes it is important for the the football team to be successful because it helps create pride in the High School, and pride in the community. This is evidenced by 27 straight years of play-offs, 8 semifinal appearances and 1 state final appearance. Although he works very hard, he also makes time for play and fun. “I like to have a good time. Who wants to be around someone that is “strung tight”. I understand humor adds years to your life. I would like to live to be a 100,” Coach Campbell said.

When asked what celebrity he would like to meet, he replied Jesus Christ. “I have never been impressed with actors and actresses because what you see of them is not real. Pro athletes have God given talent, so why not meet the person responsible...Jesus Christ.”

Hangin’ Out With....Coach Campbell App of the Week

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