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Bryan High School * 3450 Campus Drive * Bryan, TX 77802

Fall sports kick off Teams face familiar opponents...p. 6 Thats entertainment Book, CD reviews...p. 7

Hes baaack...
Thor regains his post ...p. 2

PARKING PRIVILEGES

Parking rules undergo changes


Chelsa Harriman Norseman staff The parking lot policy has undergone a few changes from previous years. There is no longer designated parking for upperclassmen. Instead, it is a first come, first serve policy. More spaces have been added on the Silver campus parking lot, and gates have been put up in order to enforce security and prevent unauthorized exits from campus. A guard shack has been installed at the Oak Ridge entrance to the Viking Gym lot. The first stand, erected across the street, was vandalized and burned within days of its installation. Consequences are in force for those who violate parking rules. Chris Ortega, campus monitor, says that four boots have been purchased at the price of $400 each in order to help enforce parking lot rules. [The boots] will replace the towing, which can get pricey, Ortega said. A $25 fine is assessed when the boot is used. Principal Mike Cargill changed the parking rules to make the process more fair for everyone.

No empty spaces are in sight in the Blue Campus parking lot. photo by Jordan Giles

...see Parking, p. 3

We should be able to park closer to the building. Veronica Gooden-11

It costs HOW MUCH to park there?


Parking permit fees around the nation

Hopkins High School - Minnesota - $200


What parking stand? Didnt it burn down? Shea Urso-12

Westlake High School Austin - $125 Fond du Lac High School Michigan - $25 A&M Consolidated High School College Station - $15

I think we should be able to park in all the unused teacher spots. Floyd Turner-12

TUESDAY Sept. 30, 2003 Vol. 33, No. 1

New faces 31 join faculty...p. 2

NEWS
THE NORSEMAN ! SEPT. 30, 2003

United Way effort kicks off with leadership day


Mary Jane Snedeker Service Learning Coordinator Approximately 100 students attended United Way Youth Leadership Day on Sept. 9. This event kicks off the United Way Youth Campaign, which runs from Sept. 9-Nov. 7. Students from BHS and A&M Consolidated High School compete to raise the most funds for United Way. At the conclusion of the campaign, a check will be presented to the United Way at the Bryan v. Consol football game. The United Way Youth Cabinet (consisting of 10 BHS and CSHS students) planned this annual leadership day to begin the United Way Youth Campaign. The campaign slogan, Youth to the rescue, We serve because we care was carried out throughout the day. The United Way Campaign Chairman of the Brazos Valley, Chuck Ellison gave the formal welcome after the Youth Cabinet members performed a military style skit. Ronnie Jackson from the City of Bryan led the students in Agency Bingo before the 200 students loaded the buses to take tours of area agencies such as the Boys and Girls Club, Twin City Mission, Health for All. Lt. General Van Alstyne, the Commandant of Texas A&M corp was the guest speaker and motivated the kids to continue serving their country and to ask themselves each day, What can I do today for the good of my country or someone in need. BHS was awarded the K-12 Community Partnership Grant from the Texas Center for ServiceLearning and the Corporation for National Service on September 1. This grant funds a full time position to help carry out community service and service-learning programs at BHS. The goal is to have every BHS student perform 20 hours of service each school year.

Upcoming United Way Fundraisers


Faculty Homecoming King & Queen: A group of faculty from BHS will contend to be crowned the Faculty Homecoming King or Queen. The faculty member who raises the most money during the time allotted will be crowned during the Homecoming Pep Rally on Oct. 17. Car Bash: The week of the Bryan vs. Consol football game, the Youth Cabinet from Bryan will host a car bash on Nov. 4. Students can purchase tickets for 50 cents to bash the car. Pass-the-Buckets: During the third quarter of all home football games, the Youth Cabinet will be passing a donation bucket throughout the stands to collect money. Selling Concessions: The Youth Cabinet will sell pickles and popcorn during lunch on Wednesdays on the Blue Campus. Cookbook Sale: The Youth Cabinet, their parents and advisors compiled their favorite recipes into a cookbook. They will be sold Sept 9-Oct 31 for $7.

AND THE WINNERS ARE...


The Bryan High chapter of National Honor Society received a first place award in statewide competition for last years blood drive. Last years officers, Scott Jones, Ashley Marshall, Anne Varisco, and Joe Patranella display the trophy won. NHS entered the Lone Star State High School Blood Challenge, sponsored by the Red Cross. A $1500 scholarship and trophy were presented to the school for their efforts. NHS co-sponsor, Dr. Mary Catherine Harris, said BHS won by collecting 298 units of blood during the annual drive, beating out the second place team from Keller High school by 54 units. This years blood drive will be the first week of February, 2004. photo by Desiree Kelso

Organizers putting final touch on community carnival


A county-wide carnival is set for Oct. 4 on the BHS campus, and organizers are busy making last-minute plans for success that day. This is our first attempt at creating an event that will bring the families of both Bryan and College Station together, said carnival organizer J.W. Lee. Carnival games and booths will open at 10 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. Live music begins at noon, with the last band taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. Carnival and game booths will be placed in the Viking Gym parking lot. The baseball field will house the concert venue. Over 50 booths have committed to the event. They will be manned by various school organizations and community groups. There will be games, music and fun for everyone. This is a great opportunity to help support the different schools, school groups, and volunteer organizatins throughout our community, Lee said. Bands scheduled to perform are: Trip Rocket, Jeff Black, Shelley Laine, Waking Norman, Feeding 5000, and Pilot Radio. Some of these bands played the North By Northgate music festival. Concert tickets are $5 per student (with valid college or high school ID), free for children under 8 and $7 for adults. Tickets are available throughout all lunches and can also be purchased at Texas A&Ms MSC box office, as well as at the event. Other performances will be presented by the Aggie Wranglers and Percussion Studio. Radio stations scheduled to broadcast live from the event are Aggie 96, 104.7-The Mix, and 103-The Jam . Other activities will include a BounceA-Lot, a 25 slide, Bungee Run and moonwalk. Bubbles the Clown will be making balloon animals. Officials from the Brazos County Sheriffs office will be offering Identi-Kit services. The Bryan Fire Department plans to have a ladder truck on hand for all to explore. Everyone seems excited about this event. Dont miss the opportunity to come and have fun with your family and friends, Lee said. It will be guaranteed fun for all ages.

CARNIVAL CONCERT SCHEDULE Noon - Trip Rocket 1:15 p.m. - Jeff Black 2:30 p.m. - Shelley Laine 4 p.m. - Waking Norman 5:15 p.m. - Feeding 5000 6:30 p.m. - Pilot Radio

Thor comes home


Thor, the 700-pound bronze statue of the Viking mascot, was returned to the campus several weeks ago after undergoing an estimated $4000 in damage repairs. The statue was stolen in January and recovered on the bank of the Brazos River about a week later. A $500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the statues theft. (right) Sophomore Alison Ferrell gives the mascot a welcome home hug.

FEATURES
THE NORSEMAN ! SEPT. 30, 2003

31 new teachers join faculty


Statons goals mirror that of many teachers. If I inspire my students to connect with the world, and unThe incoming freshmen derstand themselves through litarent the only new faces seen erature, then Ill conaround campus this sider the year a sucyear. With 31 teachIf I inspire my students to connect with cess, Staton said. ers new to Bryan All new teachthe world, and understand themselves ers completed the High, its likely that through literature, then Ill consider the New Teacher Acadquite a few students year a success. emy on August 11 as will have one of Teacher Rebecca Staton a way of becoming fathese teachers at the miliar with the new head of at least one of their since I was in school; they start surroundings. counting down the days starting We provided a day-long oriclasses. August 18,and do just what they entation and gave the new teachBryan Highs large campus ers a tour of the campus. We still takes some time to get acquainted need to get by, Leblanc said. English IV Resource teacher meet each month to visit and anwith--a lesson new English teacher, Shawn Swisher, soon Rebecca Staton had a wide age swer questions, said biology range of teaching experience be- teacher and Academy coordinator found out. Christy Bailey. There are about 1,000 more fore coming to Bryan. Ive taught from early childFirst year IPC teacher, Greg kids here than at my last hood to junior college-level stu- Kulle, summed up his experience school.When I got toured around campus, I got lost and couldnt dents, Staton said. Her previous so far with a positive spin. So far its been great. find my car on the way back, teaching post was at Montgomery College in the Spring ISD. Swisher said. Chelsa Harriman Norseman staff Tenth grade English teacher, Rebecca LeBlanc, says that she hasnt encountered many surprises. Kids havent changed much

Nations students post high scores on SAT; McArthur named Natl. Merit Finalist
Desiree Kelso Norseman staff The countrys high school class of 2003 accomplished a 36year high with the top score on the math part of the SAT examination, while students beat a 16-year high in the verbal part. The College Board, who owns the nations most popular college entrance exam, said August 26 that this years high school graduates had an average cumulative score of 1,026 points on the SAT. Both the average math (519) and verbal (507) scores were up t h r e e points from last This years average math scores year. The are the highest the College Board Counsemath and lor Dr. v e r b a l could document under the current M a r y s e c t i o n s scoring system. Catherine of the SAT Harris are each s a y s graded on 200-800 point scale. there is help for students wishing Overall, 1.4 million students on the to improve their SAT scores. A class of 2003 took the SAT during Scholars Academy is offered durtheir high school career. This years ing the summer to students who average math scores are the high- did well on the PSAT taken during est the College Board could docu- their sophomore year. ment under the current scoring Senior English teacher Lisa system. The first figures date back Prejean also offers a Pull-Out to 1967. Day in which she prepares 25 stuThe College Board said the dents throughout the day on techhigh scores were due to increased niques and strategies to use on enrollment in advanced math and the PSAT and SAT. science classes such as physics, precalculus, calculus and chemistry. How does BHS compare with the national averages? The latest year for which data is posted on the Texas Education Agency website is 2002. The class of 2002 posted a mean score of 1007. Figures for 2003 were unavailable. Senior Robert McArthur performed well enough on the SAT to be recently named a National Merit Scholar Finalist. BHS also had six Commended Students, which comprise part of the top five percent of approximately one million students involved in the competition.

Longtime athletic dept. secretary retires


Desiree Kelso Norseman staff Long-time athletic department secretary Carol Horton retired last month after 22 years on the job. I gained so many things and learned so much, it was another step of parenthood, Horton said of the job she began in 1981. Academics have always been the first priority for Horton as she tracked athletes eligibility throughout the year. I completely support the nopass, no-play rule, Horton said. Academics should be first. Horton worked under just two athletic directors during the two decades: Merrill Green and current AD and head football coach Marty Criswell. Green, who retired in the mid 1980s, is now a member of the Bryan school board. All of Hortons children were active in sports while attending BHS. Her sons were actively involved in football, baseball and track. Her daughter played golf. Horton recalled how much the school has changed since she started working for the district, most notably in enrollment. The number of students has grown increasingly in the seventh through twelfth grades, Horton believes she is here to serve and help the students. Some of Hortons favorite sports are football, baseball, golf and track, along with most other sports, she says. Another hobby she enjoys is visiting older people in nursing homes, something she finds very rewarding. Of the many memories accumulated on the job, Horton recalled humorously a weight-lifting lesson taught to her by strength coach C.M. Pier. I really enjoyed it and learned from the experience. It was fun, Horton said. Horton will more than likely move to Wylie, Texas where most of her family lives, and acquire another job.

...Parking, cont. from p. 1


Theres no senior parking anymore, Cargill said. The seniors have block periods or leave early and we end up having a empty parking lot in front of the school building. Its not fair to the other students who have to be here at school all day. Additional parking spots were designated closer to the Silver campus in the gym parking lot. We also have added more security to watch the parking lots, because we had more vandalism lately and people breaking into vehicles stealing things, Cargill said. Cargill also clarified one of the rules. Some students have been parking in the teacher spots that have no numbers. If a parking spot does not have a number, but still has a yellow block, its still a teacher parking spot. Not a student parking spot.

JOB WELL DONE


Athletic director Marty Criswell shares a moment with athletic department secretary Carol Horton, who retired in August after 22 years in the office. Hortons last day was declared Carol Horton Day and well-wishers paid visits to her throughout the day.

OPINIONS
THE NORSEMAN ! SEPT. 30, 2003

Pep rallies need overhaul

Coping with loss of friend is difficult


Roy Reyes was born in Bryan, Texas on October 10, 1985. He died August 23, 2003 as a result of a car acci- Ashley Rodriguez dent. Roy was a senior at Bryan High School and was also a member of the basketball team. He was a very talented person and he was loved by so many people, including myself. Roy was an outgoing person and athlete.To me, he was a sweet person who loved his friends, girlfriend, and family. Roy enjoyed chilling with his friends and his girlfriend and also loved playing basketball any chance he could get. His dream was to be the first Hispanic professional basketball player for the NBA. The person he admired greatly was his father, Eugene. Roy was the type of person that stood up for what he be- role model for everyone including lieved in and he did not care what his teammates on the basketball other people thought about him. team. Throughout the week after He was also very excited to graduRoys death, there were many ate this year and go to college. Its very hard to lose a friend. fund-raisers to help the Reyes famYou realize that life is too short and ily. This included the help of precious to waste. You can see Ashley A., Natilie G., Maria C., someone one minute and then the Gracie G., Angel R, Diego C., next they are gone. I still expect to Ashley L., Samantha R., Heather R., Holly B., Jesus S., see Roy in the hallway. But David C., Lance L., Ana then I realize I wont see L., Zeke E., Alex A., Branhim. You still feel that hes don B., Ashley S., Sonia alive and you catch yourR., Jorge R., Robert M., self calling out his name Juana C., Anira J., like you always do and no Monica M., Myra P., Tifone answers. But as time fany G., Crystal M., goes by you realize that Carlos P., Naomi S, and hes in a better place and Roy Reyes Steven S. that hes happy where hes Memorials may be made to at. I did not believe that he had passed away until I saw him in the Roy LiL Roy Reyes Basketball casket, until they lowered him Scholarship fund, c/o Planters and down. A lot of people admired Roy Merchants State Bank, 3710 East and looked up to him. He was a 29th St., Bryan, Texas 77802.

Wheres the spirit?


Pep rallies have changed dramatically, compared to previous years. With no DJ, the mood and spirit has changed. When the DJ was here, he played the newest popular music and the students enjoyed it and became spirited. The pep rally rules have changed so much that many students do not want to go. The purpose behind having pep rallies is to inspire the football players and get excited about the upcoming game. Rules such as no seniors on the floor without overalls and having grade levels alternate attendance have dampened the spirit. There is so much focus on the rules that students are discouraged and do not even want to attend the pep rallies. Of course, the student body should share some of the blame for the dismal lack of spirit displayed on Friday afternoons. It starts earlier in the week. Participation in dress-up days has dropped over the past few years. Those who have older brothers or sisters know the lack of spirit hasnt always been the case at BHS. Stories are told about how the classes used to compete against each other throughout the week to win the spirit stick. Signs, noisemakers, and other spirit symbols were created with that weeks theme in mind. The rules are lowering the morale of the students and football players. Pep rallies are no longer fun. We urge the administration to consider making changes to bring back the spirit. --Norseman Editorial Board

Senior parking is our privilege


Im not a weve been here for awhile. Three seniors are offered a chance to complainer. But, I years ago we had to park far away have first and/or seventh period am going to find and watch the seniors get out of blocks and then we are told that it in myself to their cars in close parking spots, we have to get here early to get a complain about so now it should still be the same good parking place because there this. THIS is [for us].we should have those is no more senior parking at BHS. the fact that we, Lorena Rangel same rights as class of 03, said That is one of unfair aspects to as seniors, now Kristyle Crawford. Most seniors this parking situation. have to fight for what should right- would agree Finally, I would like to address fully be ours. Is this a joke? It seems like the underclassmen who think it is Yes, Im talking about senior the class of 2004 gets all these sooo cool to get to park in senior parking! changes--TAKS, parking, wearing spots now. I want you to think The administration should overalls on the floor! Its not fair... about three to four years ahead seriously reconsider their decision It should be the way it was sup- when you are a senior, and ask to remove designated yourself this question: senior parking. We were Now we have to put up with the entirety Do I want the senior cheated out of our se- of the BHS driving population fighting to parking lot reserved just nior privileges. Senior get what should be senior parking spots. for me and my fellow separking is as much a traniors? If you do then dition as overalls and we should posed to be. Its our turn to get you better get on it and support be allowed to get the spots that our spot. What else is going to the point I am trying to get across, are closest to the school. Virginia happen? asks Neli Ocampo. because if you dont you will have Garcia agrees with me, saying Its For four years seniors have the exact same problems the class a senior privilege and tradition. waited to have our own parking of 04 is having. And for all of Now they want to take that from places and to be respected by un- those who think Im just an upset us, so are the freshmen now going derclassmen. Now we have to put senior, just wait until you are seto have overalls? up with the entirety of the BHS niors and have to deal with all the Seniors all over campus are driving population fighting to get sophomores and juniors getting expressing their discontent. what should be senior parking the spots that should be yours. I think its unfair because spots. It is also unfair because

BRYAN HIGH SCHOOL 3450 CAMPUS DRIVE, BRYAN, TX 77802 Volume 33, No. 1
Editor Desiree Kelso Assistant Editor Lorena Rangel Staff writers Chelsa Harriman, Rachel Hernandez, Ashley Rodriguez, Shawn Walker Adviser Sandy Farris
The Norseman is a publication produced by the Advanced Journalism Newspaper Production class at Bryan High School. The opinions expressed are those of the author and may not represent the opinion of the faculty, staff or administrators of Bryan High School. Signed letters to the editor are welcome and may be delivered to Rm. 6160 or the Blue Campus. Member-UIL Interscholastic League Press Conference (ILPC) Winner of the ILPC Award of Distinguished Merit 1998-99, 1999-2000 Silver Star, 2001-2002.

OPINIONS
THE NORSEMAN ! SEPT. 30, 2003

No excuse for bad behavior


To the person who spit on my foot: I do not appreciate the saliva you spit on my foot. I was Rachel simply buying a Hernandez Diet Coke at the drink machine when you decided that it would not be inappropriate to spit on my foot. I was wearing flip-flops so I subsequently had to disinfect my foot in the bathroom sink. I would be much obliged if in the future you would refrain from spitting on my, or any other persons, foot. Sincerely, Rachel Hernandez This letter is one of many I could write about the ill-mannered behavior of Bryan High students. The absolute absence of consideration for others became strikingly clear to me several weeks ago, while manning the UIL booth at Fish Camp. A girl approached my booth, and as I held out a pamphlet she released a colossal, putrid burp in my face. The perpetrator and her friends proceeded to find the incident quite funny, as they walked away to terrorize the next booth. Im sure everyone has a story to share about the rude behavior of students of Bryan High; no one is safe from this misconduct. It seems as if there should be a solution to this epidemic, such as a punishment or simply verbal chastisement, but it seems nearly impossible to communicate with someone who just let you know what they had for lunch without actually telling you. Im not saying that I am perfect or that I have impeccable manners, but I think that I have at least the self control of a fourth grader and manage to keep my bodily functions from encroaching on someones personal space. I have a dream that one day the students of Bryan High will rise above finding humor in the discomfort of others. I have a dream that in the state of Texas, a student can get an education without having to experience the bodily functions of his peers. This dream can become a reality, but in order to create change, the first step starts with you. The next time you feel an urge to spit on your neighbors foot, kindly refrain from doing so until you to find a spittoon. When you feel a bodily function coming on, try to keep it to yourself. I believe that we as a school can realize this goal of courtesy; the key is to take it one day at a time.

Use local bands at pep rallies


So far we have had a couple of pep rallies and it has been all right but I would like to Lorena Rangel take this opportunity to propose an idea to all administrative officials. I propose that we have local bands play at the remaining pep rallies. I believe that the presence of a band might bring a more enthusiastic environment to the festivities. The student body may even enjoy the different types of music the bands might play. It would also be a great way for students to experience different types of musical styles. The diverse bands may even help to smooth the musical tensions there are and could allow students to understand why their fellow peers like the kind of music they do. Now I put this to the student population of Bryan High. You should help by participating in the festive events and show your school (or personal) spirit by allowing different types of music to be played at pep rallies and dont just be enthusiastic about your type of music. Now I understand that some people might think, well, where are we going to find these bands? There are many students at this high school that have their own group or are part of band. These persons might be willing to play for the pep rallies. Im hoping that everyone, including students and administration really takes this proposal into mind for the remaining pep rallies.

Have something to say?


The Norseman staff welcomes your Letters to the Editor or guest editorials. All letters and editorials must be signed with full name and grade. Drop them off in Rm. 6160.

Harder job than you think


Lifeguarding duties can be demanding, yet rewarding
There are not many people at this school who can say that their job is truly hard. Yes, it may be somewhat Desiree Kelso physically demanding, or fast paced. I, as a senior, would say I have a very demanding job to handle as a teenager. Indeed you may frown and disagree, but until you have lived a typical day at work in my shoes, you will not have any idea as to how demanding it actually is. I work at the Bryan Aquatic Center (BAC) as a lifeguard. People say that lifeguards have it so easy. All they do is sit around and get a tan. Now, granted you do get an extremely dark tan working day after day in the hot sun. But there are strenuous requirements before one can occupy the lifeguard chair. In order to become a lifeguard, you must take a class and become certified in lifeguard training, CPR, first aid, AED, preventing disease transmission, and oxygen administration. When you are a lifeguard, it is solely your responsibility that no one get hurt in any way or fashion. If a person is injured, then you must take action in a proper way. You hold peoples lives in your own hands, and your decisions can either help or worsen the situation. For example, if a person cannot swim and jumped off the board, you must sound a whistle, get off the stand, and enter the water correctly. When you approach the victim you must hold them a certain way and take them to safety. If you do not follow every step, which is much more detail then I explained, then you or the facility where you are employed can get into serious trouble. Lifeguarding is not like most other jobs teenagers have, which may require one to serve food, or deal with unappreciative people. I also deal with very disrespectful, rude, and ungrateful people, but most are young children and teenagers. I truly enjoy my job. I am near water, work with young kids and enjoy a good environment. However, it is very stressful and demanding at times because if someones life is in danger, it is up to you to take care of him or her. The Bryan Aquatic Center is a great place to work, but if you decide to become a lifeguard, ask yourself if you can handle pressure and stress well. These two factors can make or break you when working. If you cannot handle it, then lifeguarding is not the job for you.

Enjoy the year, seniors


Its like calling shotgun first. Its like hearing your favorite song on the radio--for the third time that day. Its Chelsa like a three-day Harriman weekend. Yeah, you know the feeling. Its like your senior year. We are the oldest,the most mature, the role models. But, better than that, its our last year in high school, and we receive the most priviliges. So, its time to take advantage of them. We get to be on the floor during pep rallies.Yes, the new rule is that you have to wear your senior overalls to be on the floor, but so what? Thats just another perk of your senior year. Im not gonna lie to you. When I first heard of this rule, I thought, hmm....thats kindof dumb. However, after sitting down and talking to Mr. Cargill about it, I realized that the new rule isnt meant to be vicious and plot against us seniors; its to promote school spirit. I have heard complaints that the overalls can get pricey, but they dont have to be. Nowhere in the rule does it say that the overalls have to be extravagant and expensive--just school spirited. So, wear your overalls, take advantage of these privileges, and enjoy your senior year!

SPORTS
THE NORSEMAN ! SEPT. 30, 2003

Water Polo season underway


Desiree Kelso Norseman staff The water polo season splashed off before school even started. On the August 16 the Vikings played a round robin against the Houston Westside Wolfpack and A&M Consolidated Tigers. The girls finished first, defeating A&M, 13-5 and Houston, 10-8. The boys finished second, defeating A&M 12-4 and Houston winning a close game of 10-8. Our boys have come a long way in 12 months, said head coach Kevin Murphy. Murphy is very confident in the teams this year. He is assisted by Bruce Lester and Sarah Leverington. We are marching toward winning the regional in both boys and girls to qualify for the state tournament, Murphy said. The girls and boys both finished fourth out of eight teams in the Houston Westside Tournament on September 5-6. The boys and girls teams were crowned champions of the 2nd Annual Viking Big Blue Water-Polo Tourney Sept. 27. The girls beat Cy-Fair in the championship game 13-7, with four goals by April Hart, three goals each by Hannah Karkoska and Dru Murphy, and one goal each by Flor Beckman, Amber Pittman and Abigail Proctor. Goalie Amanda Ballew had 11 saves and Catherine Van was a defensive stopper. The boys also beat Cy-Fair in the championship game behind five goals by Nathan Belford, three goals by Mark Van, two goals each by John Cryer and Charlie Kirk, and one goal each by Josh Karkoska, Grant Quimby, Nick Lee and Travis Kiser. Four different goalies played for Bryan, including Patrick Horsman, who combined for 15 saves in the goal. I think our level of competition has gone up, so we will have a better shot at the state tournament, said senior Amber Pittman.

Hannah Karkoska shoots the ball at practice, while April Hart tries to block the shot. photo by Desiree Kelso

Volleyball has new head coach


Rachel Hernandez Norseman staff The Lady Viking volleyball season has been much anticipated with the hiring of a proven winner in head coach Caroline Simpson. The Lady Vikings kicked off their season in late August. Randy French, Dianna Greene, and Sarah Lane are returning to the varsity lineup, and Simpson will be looking to seniors Laura Brown, Lindsay Burt, Rachel Hernandez, Amber Kologinsak, and Ashley Kornegay for leadership. Juniors Nica DeLeon, Bailey Idam, Mallory Pratt, and Renae DiGuardi will also be playing on varsity this year. Greene feels that the teams strength is the abundance of juniors and seniors, and the weakness is the large number of girls; 14 will be wearing varsity jerseys this year. Sophomores Liz Pilger and Chelsea Reber will round out the roster. Pilger describes being a sophomore on varsity as ...intimidating at first, but the team made me feel welcome and like I belonged. Simpson describes the willingness to learn as a strength, and a lack of experience and confidence as a weakness. We need to strive to get better each time we get on the court and not get down on ourselves, Simpson said.

Vikings top unbeaten Texas City 30-7


Shawn Walker Norseman staff With district play just weeks away, the Vikings are fine-tuning their efforts. They took a giant step forward with Friday nights 30-7 win over Texas City. Fullback Byron Wiggins had a career-high 179 yards on 17 carries, and ended the night with 205 yards. The win brought the pre-season record to 2-3. Bryans season opener against fourth-ranked Woodlands at the Alamodome was not a total loss. Although Bryan lost 35-20, the Vikes stayed with them until midway through the fourth quarter. Woodlands quarterback Jordan Dodson passed for 195 of his teams 320 yards. Bryans quarterback Blake Joseph, who didnt get much playing time as a sophomore, had 176 yards on 13 of 20 passing. Joseph and Dodson went head to head on the gridiron. The following weeks win against Tomball jump-started the Vikings, as they beat the Cougars to a 35-23 victory. The play of the game was when Markeith Gibbs ran a kick return from the 7 all the way to the Cougars 4-yard line. Our kids could have gotten rattled, Coach Marty Criswell said. Thats why the kickoff return was such a huge play. Criswell is pleased with how this years team compares to previous years. Our team is more improved, more talented, and experienced, Criswell said. The offensive line, led by Yemi Babalola and Tyler Toomer, is a big strength for running the football this year. We got bigger and better, and raised our game to do what we need to do to be successful, Toomer said. Babalola says the blocking his teammates are doing is paving the way for success. Thanks to strong blocking, Artrell and Wiggins were able to make a big plays for our running game, Babalola said. The Vikings lost their next two road games to Katy (22-12) and Judson (41-21). It was a hardfought loss to Judson (41-21).

RUNNING HARD
Cross country team members Sabrina Martinez (front) and Casey Martinez focus on staying ahead in the meet held at Central Park in College Station. photo by Bill Meeks

IN-DEPTH
THE NORSEMAN ! SEPT. 30, 2003

Good Reads In Her Shoes hits the spot


Rachel Hernandez Norseman staff Many high school studens limit their reading to the neccesary Shakepeare and other required reading. There are, however, many great books that can be entertaining and have no underlying meaning whatsoever. In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner is one of these books. It follows the lives of two sisters, Rose and Maggie Feller, who are seemingly opposite, but in the end they both find ways to appreciate each others differences. This book is an easy read, the kind that you bring to the beach on a hot summer day. It is easy to relate to Maggie and Rose; anyone who has a sister has probably gone throught the same ordeals. In Her Shoes does have a happy ending, but it doesnt reach this conclusion in the usual fashion. Overall, In Her Shoes, is an entertaining, satisfying read, and you will find yourself rooting for the two protagonists.

Perks of Being a Wallflower a great teen read


Desiree Kelso Norseman staff Stephen Chboskys The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a great novel for every teenager to read. It is a coming of age novel. Any person can relate to it-from peer pressure, dances, even relationships with friends and family-this book covers it all. High school students, in particular, can relate to this

story. The novel is compiled completely of letters to a certain someone. Readers learn every little detail about the main character, Charlie, through his writing. The way Chbosky wrote this book is excellent; it gives the reader the idea of reading someones secret diary. It shows how a young freshman in high school handles situations, his reactions to them, and what he is thinking. I would definitely recommend this book to read.

Local groupOff tha Chain working on next release


Ashley Rodriguez Norseman staff Local musicians Richard (DJ Stien) and his late brother Tommy Andrade (Shiesty) RIP began their own label in 1997. They Off Tha Chain members are: (back, from left) later got to- DJ Stien, Big Worm, Phillip Wayne, Justin gether with a Ray; (front) Joe B, and Nikole. (not pictured) group of friends Shakr, Big Laukn, Ben G, Hogg,and the late and started Tommy (Shiesty) Andrade chopping and Hit Dice is going to screwing music and selling their talents under the name be Off Tha Chains fourth album produced by the late Off Tha Chain. They have a team of Tommy (Shiesty) Andrade talented poets including the and also his brother Richyoungest, 12-yr old Justin ard (DJ Stien). The group hopes to Ray, who writes his own music. Eleven members get bigger in the rap industry together as a team somemake up the group. What makes us so dif- day. For now, they want to ferent from other rap groups, stay underground but if the is our music is simply off opportunity comes around they are willing to take it. tha chain,said DJ Stien.

The Billboard Top 10


1. DMX, Grand Champ 2. A Perfect Circle, Thirteenth Step 3. Erykah Badu, World Wide Underground 4. John Meyer, Heavier Things 5. Hilary Duff, Metamorphosis 6. Beyonce, Dangerously In Love 7. Thursday, War All the Time 8. Alan Jackson, Greatest Hits Vol. II 9. Sheek Louch, Walk Witt Me 10. Bubba Sparxxx, Deliverance

What are you listening to?

Nirvanas Nevermind. Jorge Perez-10

Jackpot by Chingy. Vanna Hornsby-11

Britney by Britney Spears. Amy Adams-12

Three Doors Down. Angela Cash-12

Shanias latest is a pick-Up!


Rachel Hernandez Norseman staff In the aftermath of September 11, many artists have been striving to appeal to the escapist side of the American psyche. This is the case in Shania Twains newest CD. Up! is an upbeat medley of the usual girl-power tracks, plus a few ballads. With the popularity of Napster, music connoisseurs have been demanding more bang for their buck, and Twain delivers. My favorite track is Nah!, Twains token angry at my ex song, in which she declares: I hate to be a downer/ but dont bother comin round here/ cause I wont have a change of heart. Shes Not Just a Pretty Face is an inspirational, yes, girl power song, and I think that every woman will follow in my footstep in concluding that this song is written specifically about them. UP! doesnt break any new ground, but it is the perfect CD when all you want is to pick up your day.

Suga, Suga. Sara Kannegieter12

Killswitch Engage. Eric Keatts-11

Korrupt City by Tyrone Williams. Latresha Nathaniel-11

Nagging by YingYang Twins. Veneshia Green11

Three Doors Down. Laura Vavra-10

Holiday Inn by Chingy. Tommy Harkey-11

Ramon Ayala. Javier Gonzales12

Ben Harper. Jess Hernandez11

ENTERTAINMENT
THE NORSEMAN ! SEPT. 30, 2003

Go to almost any high school on a Friday fall afternoon, and youre sure to find familiar sights and sounds...cheerleaders, chants, colors, music, dancing...SPIRIT!

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