Broncos Blown Out in Dismal Performance

On Sunday, University Area was alive with excitement as the Western Michigan University Broncos (3-6) took on the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames (2-6). This was an important game for the Broncos, especially for one, junior Taylor Manley, who in her freshman year attended UIC.

The Broncos opened the game on a good note when Manley put up five easy points, however, the tides began to change early on when the Flames opened up to a early lead. At the 12:00 minute mark in the first half UIC had a 6 point lead and they never looked back from there. On the game, the Flames had four players score in double digits.

“In our 1-6 start this year one of our struggles has been scoring,” said UIC head coach Lisa Ryckbosch. “In order to be productive on the offensive end you have to be effective on the defensive end and I feel that we did a good job of that today.”

At the end of the first half the score was 39-28 UIC.

In the second half, not a lot changed for the Broncos. UIC was able to get a lot of easy shots especially in the paint where they outscored the Broncos for the game 44-20. Nothing went well for the Broncos. In the second half alone they shot 6-33 from the field and were out rebounded 24-18. UIC on the other hand shot 11-22.

“If your shots aren’t falling and your not able to rebound, its going to lead to offensive breaks for your opponent,” said WMU head coach Tasha McDowell.

It was a frustrating and emotional loss for the Broncos on Sunday. There wasn’t much to cheer about. The final score was 69-47 UIC, 47 points being a season low for the Broncos. They shot 18-67 on the game, a 26.9 field goal percentage. It was the third straight game that sophomore Miame Giden was held to single digit points after scoring a career high 31 against Southern Illinois.

“I think the frustration comes from not playing to the ability that we know we can,” said senior Molly Dwyer. “Over this break I’m going to evaluate myself all around and try and be a better leader for this team.”

“I really don’t know where my team is at right now,” said McDowell. “I really don’t think we came out the way we should have. Obviously we are having some shooting issues. We are shooting the ball well in practice but in games, to shoot 26%, is dismal.”

Womens Basketball Weekly Preview

No. 21 MSU earns 74-51 win over lady Broncos

It was all hugs and handshakes between the Western Michigan University Broncos and the number 21 nationally ranked Michigan State University Spartans in the pregame warm ups, however, when tip off came, it was a defensive battle at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

Today marked the 19^th time these two programs have crossed paths, with MSU leading the series 10-8 and winning the last three. The two teams have met prior to today in Grand Rapids in the 1981 and 1982 seasons. WMU’s last win over MSU came in the 1982 season.

It was a defensive battle early on between the Broncos and Spartans. No points were scored until MSU’s Brittany Thomas went to the free throw line at the 17:37 mark. No field goals were made until MSU’s Lauren Aitch put one in for two at the 16:07 mark. WMU was 7-24 in the first half and MSU was 12-29. Also, MSU’s center, 6 foot 9 Alyssa Dehaan, who is currently 67 blocks away from taking the record for most blocks in NCAA history, had four blocks in the first half.

The Broncos came out and got into foul trouble in the first half giving MSU 15 chances from the line. Along with fouls, the Broncos committed 18 turnovers. It didn’t help the Broncos that freshman DeAirra Goss left the game early with an ankle injury.

One positive that came out of the first half for WMU was that senior Molly Dwyer, who has never missed a game, made a basket from three giving her over 500 points for her career.

At half time, the score was Michigan State 33, Western Michigan 23.

In the second half, Michigan State came out on a tear. They started on an 7-0 run to make the score 40-23, however, the run ended when WMU’s Miame Giden made two foul shots. MSU eventually took control of the half though. They were able to feed the ball around and get open looks in the paint and from beyond the arch. WMU was outscored in the paint 42 to 18.

“We held them under their average,” said WMU head coach Tasha McDowell. “We expected them to have a big night in the post, and [MSU] came here and took care of business.”

WMU tried to cut down MSU’s lead later in the second but they couldn’t. WMU’s Sara Vest led the team with 12 points, and she shot 7-8 from the free throw line. However, it was turnovers that lost the game for Western. They committed 30 turnovers.

“You can’t turn the ball over that many times and win games,” said McDowell.

The final score of the game was 74-51 Michigan State, however, WMU will have another chance to play the Spartans next year when MSU will travel to Kalamazoo to play the Broncos at University Arena.

Womens Basketball Weekly Preview

WMU Womens Basketball Team All in the Family With Giden Sisters

For some families, getting along with your sibling might be a little hard, but not for sophomore women's basketball players Miame and Robin Giden. They came to Western Michigan University in 2008 from Proviso East High School in Maywood Illinois looking for a chance to play together.

This dynamic duo has been playing basketball together since the seventh grade when they played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) ball.

“I really started playing in sixth grade, [Robin] in seventh,” said Miame. “We played on four different teams together before college and now five.”

Once the sisters began to play AAU together they started to receive letters from different colleges around the country. They were recruited by Western Kentucky University, Illinois State University, Northern Illinois University, St. Louis College, and Western Michigan University.

“There were a lot of visits [to different schools] and we kept in contact with them,” said Miame. “We singed early in our junior year [of high school] because we liked Western Michigan and it was one of the only places Robin and I could be on the same team.”

The twins weren’t recruited by the current coach Tasha McDowell but by the former coach Ron Stewart.

“Even though we came in and there was a new coach, we saw how close knit the team was, and to me, that’s really important,” said Robin.

The two have been with each other their whole lives. They shared a room together when they lived at home, they roomed together in the dorms, and currently they have an apartment together.

“Living together is great,” said Robin. We take turns washing dishes and doing other stuff around the house. I love it.”

The two aren’t just sisters though. They are also teammates. They know each other’s game inside and out.

“Robin is a great post player,” Miame said. “She opens up a lot for me. I am able to drive to the basket. We are able to play off each other and look for each other on the floor. Its been this way for years.”

“From playing together I am able to see how much heart Miame has and how much love for the game,” said Robin. “It influences me.”

The sisters are truly a dynamic duo. They do everything together and love playing on the same team. They may be sisters first, but they are also teammates, and they have each other’s backs no matter what.

“I know I have someone there for me and I can go to her and talk to her about anything,” said Robin. “I can’t imagine doing anything without her.”

Womens Basketball Weekly Preview

Broncos Put up 114 In Rout of Aquinas College

Although Exhibition games don’t count toward the record, the Western Michigan University Broncos came out on the to court for their game against the Aquinas College Saints like it was a must win.

In the first half, senior Sara Vest started things off for the Broncos at the free throw line, however, after that the game belonged to sophomore Miame Giden. In the first half she scored 16 points by going 4-4 from three, 5-5 overall, and 2-2 from the line, a perfect first half percentage.

“It’s contagious,” said Bronco Head Coach Tasha McDowell. “Anytime you’ve got one of your returning scorers and leaders on the team hitting shots like that it breathes confidence.”

Over the off-season, Giden worked to improve her outside shot. All of last year she only made five three pointers and tonight she made four.

Senior Molly Dwyer also put up impressive numbers. She had a perfect field goal percentage as well going 3-3 with 8 points in the first half. At the end of the first half the Broncos were up 55-28.

The Broncos really came out on a tear in the second half. Newcomer to the team junior Taylor Manley made seven points in the first three minutes.

“I was a little nervous in the first half,” said Manley. “In the second half I got more comfortable and I just went from there.”

Also in the second half Giden continued to put up her impressive numbers. She would finish the night 8-9 from the field and 4-5 from three scoring 25 points. In fact, Giden didn’t miss a shot the whole game until there was 11:14 remaining in the second half. Junior Brenna Banktson would finish the night with 17 points and four rebounds making a great contribution to the teams effort. The Broncos would go on to win the game in stunning fashion 114-44.

“Anytime you can score 114 points, that’s a good night,” said Coach McDowell. “I was really pleased with my teams effort and intensity.”

There is a lot to look forward to this year for the Bronco Women. There next game will be an exhibition against Kalamazoo College this Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

“I’m very excited about this team,” said head coach Tasha McDowell. I’m really excited about where they are mentally, and we’re just getting started.”

WMU Womens Basketball Season Preview

A Disrespected Conference

I love college sports. I have been a fan ever since I turned 3-years-old when my dad took me to my first Michigan State University football game against Purdue University. The atmosphere was great. We watched the bands march down to the stadium banging their drums and playing their fight songs. Then we would walk over to the stadium, go to our seats and wait for the teams to rush out onto the field.

The anticipation would always build up before the opening kickoff; I couldn’t wait for the game to start.

However, that was a Big Ten Conference game, not a Mid-American Conference (MAC) game. Over the years, I have seen every Big Ten team and MAC team play live. From this I have been able to infer that the MAC is a very disrespected conference. When a MAC team such as Western Michigan or Toledo goes to a Big Ten school for a game, people automatically think the Big Ten team will win. Countless times I have heard people say, “Michigan will win this game, were only playing a MAC school.”

Why? Why is it like this? Why do, cocky Big Ten football fans think they are always going to win? In reality, there are three differences between the MAC and Big Ten. No 1: The number of schools in the conference. No. 2: The MAC has two divisions with a championship game at the end of the season. No. 3: The Big Ten gets more publicity.

But why does this matter? It shouldn’t.

In the last decade, MAC teams have been to bowl games, made the top 25, won championships, beat BCS conference teams and had players drafted by NFL teams.

According to an article written in 2006 on MACsports.com, from 1999-2006 the MAC was 10-5 in bowl games giving them the best record among all Division 1 FBS conferences. Although since then they have gone 1-7, it is still appalling that the MAC can still be disrespected like that when at one point they were the best in bowl games.

Last year, the MAC created a buzz in the top 25. No teams were ranked in the preseason poll, but after Week 1, Bowling Green State University, although never ranked, received votes to make it in. By Week 8, Ball State University was ranked No. 24 in the country and undefeated at 7-0. Week 14, Ball State was ranked No. 12 in the land. However, still no respect. They went undefeated during the season and only made it to the GMAC bowl.

The MAC is not a BCS conference, meaning, it would be shocking if a MAC school played in a BCS bowl like the Rose Bowl. However, conferences such as the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12 are. Over the past few years, more recently than before, MAC schools have been able to beat teams in these conferences. Last year, the University of Michigan suffered their first ever loss to a MAC school on opening weekend when they lost to the University of Toledo. Along with U-M, Indiana University also lost to a MAC school last season in a game against Ball State.

Lastly, how can a conference that consistently develops great players be so disrespected. Players such as Super Bowl winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came from Miami University of Ohio. Other players include Jason Taylor (University of Akron), Chad Pennington (Marshall University), Charlie Batch (Eastern Michigan University), Antonio Gates (Kent State University) and Western Michigan University’s own Greg Jennings.

The MAC conference truly is an underdog conference. I love rooting for the underdog. It’s a great feeling when they win. However, the disrespect needs to end. The MAC has begun to make a name for itself. They have won games and made bowl games. The caliber of player in the conference has gone up. They had the Michigan Collegiate Athlete of the year last year in WMU quarterback Tim Hiller. It is time for the MAC to gain respect and make it big.

Tim Hiller: How Good Is This Guy?

With the college football season approaching, I wanted to take the time to talk about the MAC, the Mid-American Conference for those of you who have never heard of it. You see, the MAC never gets the attention it deserves. Yes, it is a conference with smaller schools, but, it continuously develops players who seem to have success in the NFL. This year, the player to watch in the MAC is Western Michigan Quarterback, senior Tim Hiller.

Tim Hiller is a fourth year starter and he has consistently put out impressive numbers. In his freshman year he threw for 1334 yards, but he has improved each year. As a sophomore he threw for 3021 yards, and as a junior 3725. In just three years he has thrown for 8080 yards and 76 touchdowns. Along with these impressive accomplishments he was named the Michigan College Athlete of the Year last year.

Depending on how Hiller performs in his senior season, I believe he will be drafted, and if he can get Western ranked in the top 15, he could be a Heisman finalist.

Hiller is an incredible player all around. If football was Greek mythology, you could compare him to Hercules. He is always there for his team, he is a strong leader, and he is consistently working hard to improve his game. For this, I commend him and look up to him as a role model.

The MAC Conference never gets enough attention, however, with a few glimpses of greatness, it could turn into something special. Hopefully, this year there will be a tight race for the MAC championship between Western Michigan, Central Michigan, and Ball State. I look forward to seeing how this season plays out.

Part of the Action

The movie Murderball, was an action packed, informational documentary. While I would not recommend it as a family film, I would recommend it for paraplegics, people who are interested in wheelchairs, people who like sports, and thrill seekers. When I watched this movie myself, I felt inspired and motivated. It taught me to not feel as sorry for people in wheelchairs and they are real people to who don’t constantly need help do daily activities.

Murderball is a documentary which follows two and a half years in the lives of intensely competitive wheelchair rugby players. They slam into each other, spew obscenities, and strive to score points with passion. The sport, also known as Quad Rugby, and Murderball, is an action packed hard hitting sport, and every team’s goal is to win the Paralympics which is held at the same location as the normal Olympics, just a week later. This movie would be a great movie to see for a paraplegic. I feel they would watch it and receive an auspicious feeling, especially if their accident has just taken place.

Murderball disproves every clichéd stereotype we are brainwashed with about the handicapped. The Quad Ruby players are mostly young men in their 20s and 30s, and other than being paralyzed they are just like every other guy you know and hang out with. They are pranksters, they laugh, are charmers, and later they make their moves by approaching the prettiest girls in the bar. Although asked regularly if they are able to have sex, the answer always stuns people and indeed, yes, they can.

The personal relationships between the players and their families are especially memorable. Mark, with a goatee and a large amount of tattoos has a fairly intimidating quality. He is paralyzed from a drunk driving accident caused by his best friend, Chris Igoe. They both want to rekindle their friendship but are too nervous to make the first move. Another character, Joe Soares, disabled from polio in childhood, is a family man, with a supportive wife and sensitive son, Robert. While Sarah Palin might view him as a maverick, he is a total jerk, who used to play for team USA. One year he didn’t make the team so he betrayed his country and decided to coach team Canada, and sometimes he puts his family second to his new country, but when he has a heart attack, he is forced to re-evaluate his priorities. Keith Cavill was an extreme sports junkie and he did motor cross which is what unfortunately led to his accident. “What was once normal will never be the same, and that’s just setting in right now,” he says wistfully when coming home for the first time after his accident. When he meets the Quad Rugby team at the hospital and learns the sport can give him a second chance at athletic dreams, a future Team USA player is born.

The people in Murderball are imperfect, which makes them all the more relatable. These are not the figures painted to us movie-of-the-week specials. They are a funny, intelligent, and lively bunch of men, with the same flaws that affect the rest of us. While rugby is heavily focused on in the film, above all else it’s about people overcoming great odds to embrace the vitality of life.

This movie definitely touched me in a way I cannot describe in words. It was fun to watch but also I was able to take a lot away from the experience. In the rivalry games between the United States and Canada, I felt like I was sitting in a chair myself getting knocked around by the opposing players and like I was part of the action.

Homerun of American Flaws

One who reads “The Breaking Point,” written by Chuck Klosterman, quickly and only once would think it is about Baseball and Barry Bonds. However, it is clearly not. In reading multiple times, one can find a deeper meaning. By using baseball, Barry Bonds, and steroids as examples, Klosterman is writing about the problems in America. The steroids represent the problems America is facing like the collapsing economy and the war on terror. Bonds represents the American ego, and baseball itself represents the rich American culture and history.Today, steroids are a paramount topic in Major League Baseball. Players are constantly being accused and they are almost always found guilty. The government has investigated it and caught players such as Bonds lying under oath. These icons are ruining their careers and letting their fans down. The most recent athlete to be caught using steroids was Alex Rodriguez. He was the face of baseball. He was an all around great player, and many people thought he would be the next “clean” player to break the homerun record. Now, he has probably ruined his chances of ever getting into the Hall of Fame because he has cheated the game. Steroids can easily be compared to the problems America is having today. The War on Terrorism is a prime example. Countries are constantly being accused of supporting terrorism and developing nuclear weapons. The United States then tries to investigate the accusations, but they lead no where; the U.S. isn’t stopping anybody, just like the government investigation on steroids hasn’t stopped players from doing them. The economy can also be compared to steroids. With the collapsing auto industry and high unemployment rate, people are being let down, just like the fans when they watch their favorite players be found guilty of using performance enhancing drugs.Barry Bonds represents the American ego in the story. Bonds did something no one thought he could do in his baseball career; he broke the record for homeruns in a career. When he first passed Babe Ruth, people didn’t know what to think. He had already been accused of using steroids, so people where upset, yet, the fans love to see people hit the ball out of the park. The difference between the two is Barry Bonds has a poor personality. He does not treat the media or his fans well. Ruth was a man’s man. He never did anything wrong. He was peaceful and always remembered where he came from. Then, when Bonds passed Hank Aaron for the all time record people where disappointed. In Klosterman’s opinion, “Barry Bonds has embodied nothing. Now he will embody only this, and ‘this’ isn’t good for anyone. He’s just compiling numbers we don’t trust, and they are colossal and they are meaningless. To care about these homeruns is to care about nothing,” and he is exactly right. Now, Bonds will always have an asterisk next to his name on top of the list because he cheated in order to get there by taking the easy way out. When he was accused of using steroids, he lied under oath, which is a federal offense. Once the evidence had become clear, Bonds was found guilty and now, he will, more than likely, serve some jail time. He will never be vindicated in the public opinion. Millions of Americans have followed in Bonds’ footsteps in taking the easy way out. High school students have copied each others homework and cheated on tests. Plagiarism is taking the easy way out. Criminals also take the easy way out. For example, when they rob a bank, they are taking the easy way out. Instead of making money, they are stealing it, just like how Bonds stole the homerun record.When the steroid era began in the late 1990’s, baseball was changed forever. Baseball has the richest history in all of sports. Klosterman points out the fact, “baseball is the only sport where numbers always seem meaningful, and it is the only sport where a numeric comparison between players of different eras is even half way reasonable.” With steroids now ruining the game, it is impossible to do this. Steroids are a tragedy in baseball. This tragedy represents the rich American history and culture. Klosterman alludes to the 2000 Presidential Election, September 11, 2001, Enron, gas prices, the Olympic basketball loss to Puerto Rico, and bad movies which won awards, all events which changed American history and culture forever.

“The Breaking Point” by Chuck Klosterman is not a story about baseball, Barry Bonds, or steroids. Rather, it is a story about American flaws. These flaws are only represented by baseball.

For the Fan By the Fan

Welcome to Hoop City. Throughout the weekend of this year’s Final Four, the college basketball shrine is open at Cobo Hall in Downtown Detroit. Upon walking into the hall, music is blaring, basketballs are hitting the floor and swishing through the nets, and fans are cheering for their teams. It truly is basketball heaven.

Hoop City opened yesterday and closes Monday. Open noon to 8 p.m. Friday, Sunday, and Monday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, fans shouldn’t miss out on their opportunity to be a part of the Final Four. Even if you are not going to the game, you can still feel like you are part of the town’s atmosphere by showing up at Cobo Hall. Throughout the City, there are activities that are great for everyone. While entering the city, the first thing many fans approach is the Coke Zero NCAA Championship Zone

“It just caught me by the eye,” said Villanova fan Jamal Walker. “I love that basketball shooting game that keeps track of my points until time runs out after thirty seconds. I made 15 shots.”

Also in the Coke Zero NCAA Championship Zone is a game where fans can play for their favorite Final Four team. They are pulled out of a small audience and they play against another team in an “Around the World” type of game. The winning team of each round continues to play while new fans are picked to play for other teams. The last remaining team at the end of the day receives a trophy. All throughout Cobo Hall there are many activities. There are stations such as CBS College Sports’ various basketball half courts where fans can play “Lightning” or “21,” to the kids station where if a child puts the ball through the hoop they receive a prize. Overall, there are 21 different stations, including a food court, sponsored by different companies. There is also entertainment for fans to enjoy. On the NCAA Center Court, various performances take place each day.

On Friday, there was a Detroit Media Celebrity Game, on Saturday there was the State Farm Coaches All American Team Introductions, Sunday there are clinics that fans can participate in, and on Monday there are fan games and dunk contests. There is something there for everyone to watch and participate in. Along with interactive basketball games and entertainment, there is a Michigan Sports Hall of Fame truck filled with Detroit team memorabilia and plaques with Detroit sports legends on them.

“While walking through the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame truck I was able to relive some of my memories growing up watching the Tigers play at Tiger Stadium,” said Michigan State fan Michael Thompson. “It’s moments like these that make proud to be a Detroiter.”
Hoop City is a place where the big time basketball fan lives. There is so much to do there. Fans can wait in line to meet and receive autographs from Oklahoma superstar Blake Griffin and Davidson standout Stephen Curry or shoot around with some friends. No basketball fan could ever become bored in a town like Hoop City. Governed by New York based company MTKG, Hoop City has a city that is for the fan, and by the fan.

The Musical Experience

I would say that I am one of those kids who is very actively involved in his school and community. I am a member of BBYO, in fact I am the Vice President of my chapter, I am in YFTI at Temple Israel as well as a madrachim, and at North Farmington, I am the sports editor of the paper. However, during my junior and senior years, there is something I did that I had never done before. I participated in the musical. In my junior year, we put on a production of The Wizard of Oz. I played bass clarinet in the pit. It was a good experience for me, but it made me realize that it would be even better to be on stage and sing.

When I was a freshman, my mom, who is a music teacher, really wanted me to get involved in the musicals. During that year, NF put on a production of Hair. For weeks and weeks she pushed me to audition for a part, but the whole time I thought, "wow, if I do this, people are really going to make fun of me." I thought that being in the musical was a stupid and weird thing to do. I wasn't a big fan of them. Boy was I wrong. I finally just tried out so my mom would get of my case. I didn't make it into the show.

Like I said before, being in The Wizard of Oz was a great experience, and it was what really pushed me into trying out for this years production of Children of Eden. Auditions for this year's musical were way back in December. I practiced a lot for them. I used a CD almost daily, and when the time came I was really nervous. Things became even more stressful when Ms. B stopped playing all together in the middle of my audition, but Mr. Cobb from the back yelled, "keep going," so I had to do the rest of it a capella. It was a very long week while waiting for the cast to be posted. The whole time I was really nervous. I hadn't been in a choir class or really sang for that matter since the fifth grade. But I made it, and I was thrilled. We began to practice immediately after winter break. The whole cast received books with the script and music, and we practiced twice a week in the choir room. For me personally, learning the music was tough. When playing clarinet, all I have to do is push down a button and blow and the right note comes out. With singing, you have to find the right pitch and sing your line. I never had the medley, so it was really tough for me to learn. Weeks went on and on, and we got better and better as a choir. By February break, it looked like all the pieces were beginning to come together. At this point, opening night was a month and a half away.

When February break concluded, we all came back really excited to get moving on the show. We moved into the auditorium where we began to put the whole show together. Acting, singing, everything. All the hard work we had been putting into it was beginning to pay off. After double run through, we were in the home stretch. The show was a week away.

On the Monday following double run through, the costumes were in, and I have to say they were some of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life. They made us all look like we had just either popped out of the desert or Iraq. I mean, my costume came with a turban. However, together we looked great, like a bunch of taxi drivers in training.
Thursday, March 26 was opening night, and all though I didn't get to see the show, I heard things went well. The whole weekend was an experience I will never forget for as long as I live, from each power circle to the cast party. I got to play an alligator and a chorus member. Looking back on high school, I'm not going to remember preparing for final exams or cramming for a math test, I'm going to remember the time I spent in Hunt Auditorium.

During Children of Eden, I became closer with people I already knew, and friends with people I had never before seen in my life. All in all, the one thing I regret most about high school is not getting involved with theater earlier than I did. It feels like yesterday that I was taking off the tights from my alligator costume, but it has been about a week. This musical really made me understand a lot about my life at North Farmington. I am a senior this year, but it still made a dramatic change in my high school experience.

TLE: An American Epidemic

I was sitting on my couch the other day, after school, watching ESPN. Jim Rome was on and he was interviewing Michigan State Senior Guard Travis Walton. Now, I do not like Jim Rom because I think he is full of himself and very cocky. However, I decided to continue to watch his show because I am a State fan and I wanted to see what Walton had to say. As Rome and Walton were speaking, it occurred to me that young members of today's society have a speech impediment. In every single one of Walton's answers he used the phrase "ya know." He'd say something along the lines of "Ya know, I took that shot and made it, ya know." No I don't know. And while Travis Walton is a bright kid, saying "ya know" every five words makes him sound somewhat stupid.
This also takes place in every teenager across America. It is an epidemic that I have come to call the "Teenage Like Epidemic," or "T.L.E." Every high schooler has it, including me. It is a bad habit that I am trying to rid myself of. TLE most often kicks in when I am trying to describe something out loud. I have said thing similar to "In my first hour class today, we, like, did this activity where you do a lot of, ya know, like, umm, stretches and stuff." It makes me sound stupid. If I had said, "In my first hour yoga class today, we did a Pilate's workout followed by final relaxation," wouldn't it have sounded a lot better?

My dad loves to correct me of TLE. I'll be having a conversation with him and he will interrupt me and make me start over just because I said like. Sometimes I don't even notice I'm saying it because it has become such a bad habit for a very long time. I am a true believer that this happens to all teenage students because we say like so much.

But who is to fault for TLE? Schools, teachers, parents? Have they taught us wrong? No. It is in my opinion that TLE is a contagious infection passed down to kids by our American Athletes. If there is one flaw to them besides steroids it is their speech. Whenever I watch an athlete in a press conference, they always use "like," "umm," and "ya know." They could be describing their game winning shot or their spectacular catch in the outfield; no matter what it always kicks in to their system.TLE is a fault in American society that needs to be fixed. There is no antibiotic or pill for it, but as victims of TLE we need to realize the epidemic and work together to find a cure. You could do what I do and have your parents correct you and make you start your sentence over. It's not a big deal. TLE makes us teenagers sound less intelligent than we actually are. We are a smart group of citizens. Don't let TLE define who you are, stand up to it and defend yourself instead.

A Place With Two Faces

When walking into the Library Sports Pub and Grill it is easy to see why so many people love to eat there. Upon entering customers immediately get a feel for the atmosphere inside. Once past the front door the scent of the food tingles the nostrils to the point where you can taste it on the tip of your mouth. However it is the setup which makes this restaurant possible because it is what sets the atmosphere for each night of business.

Upon passing through the front door, a customer is immediately greeted by a beautiful hostess. “Welcome to the Library Sports Pub and Grill, smoking or non, how many do you have?” she’ll say. After, she will lead you to your table. Sitting in the dark brown chair or the green leather booth one can take a look around the busy, ornate, and sedulous establishment and see the men and women hard at work, cooking a juicy steak, cleaning off a table, and taking the order of the young woman sitting at the next table over. The televisions all around the restaurant show every sporting event on. Lined up all along the bar and in every corner of the non-smoking section, it is impossible to miss any of the action. Also, when Detroit teams are playing, projector screens are pulled down and the sound is turned up, setting the tone for the atmosphere. The Library Sports Pub and Grill is truly a sports bar. Team memorabilia is hanging up all around the restaurant. Jerseys are in frames on the walls, trophy’s are on the shelves, and inside the bar and booth tables, there are old Sports Illustrated’s, sports cards, and other team propaganda. Lastly, customers can see all the old and different books lined up on the shelves, which is why the name of the restaurant is the Library Sports Pub and Grill.When the waitress comes to take the customers order, it is extremely tough for many of them to decide on what it is they want to eat. Many customers, especially those sitting close to the kitchen, can smell the aroma coming from the grill. Once any type of food is finished being prepared and brought out onto the customers the smell of the food instantly tingles the nostrils, makes people crave the food they ordered, and the wait for it seems to be getting longer and longer by the minute.

After the wait is finally over, it’s time to chow down on the meal. A Burger, Burger topped with American cheese, lettuce, and ketchup cooked to medium rare is definitely the best item on the menu. This pink, juicy burger can come with a side of seasoned fries. Upon putting it into the mouth, the taste buds instantly cry out in joy because it tastes so good. Each item served has a distinct taste to it. Whether it’s the overwhelming taste of the mozzarella bread or the delicious Stadium Nachos, no customer leaves dissatisfied.The Library Sports Pub and Grill is truly a place of two faces. When no Detroit sports are playing on television the restaurant is calm and relaxing. During this time it is a family oriented place. Families come in, sit, and talk quietly among themselves. The loudest it ever gets is if a baby begins to cry. However, when a major sports game is on television it’s a different story. Workers of the restaurant dress up in jerseys and fans come to the bar to cheer the teams onto victory. During this time it is always rowdy in the restaurant. Beer and other alcoholic beverages are constantly being passed around and at every run, touchdown, and goal customers jump out of the seats in excitement. After nine o’clock p.m. people must be over 21 or with a parent to enter. Many think it would get quiet and calm down at this time, but it just gets louder. After a long day at work, many doctors and nurses love to come in and have a beer or two. Also, many sporting games out west are still on or just beginning at this time. The restaurant also becomes loud on special nights. Tuesday’s are trivia night, Wednesday’s are karaoke night, and Thursday’s are band night. The Library Sports Pub and Grill is like a bi-polar child. The atmosphere can be calm and quiet one minute but after the opening faceoff, kickoff, tipoff, and first pitch, it instantly changes to wild and loud. The Library Sports Pub and Grill is a Barnett family business owned by two of three brothers, Uncle Bob and Uncle Alan. They work diligently throughout the day in order to make the restaurant an effective place of service and entertainment. With two locations, Novi and West Bloomfield, each one behaves the same. It is a sports bar with cheerful customer waiting to smell and taste some good food. The Library Sports Pub and Grill is truly a place with two faces.

For Every King there is an Heir

One of the most important, honorable, and toughest positions to play in football is quarterback, the leader of the offense. They call the plays in the huddle and being each offensive play. During the 1980's and 90's, the San Francisco 49ers were privileged to have two superstar quarterbacks; Joe Montana and Steve Young. Each of these players shared similar qualities. They both attended religiously oriented universities, played for the same NFL team, together for a while, and they both prospered in their retirements. Although these men had many similarities, their playing styles, college and NFL careers, and retirements have been unparallel.

At age 18, an auspicious Joe Montana graduated from High School. In the fall of 1974, Montana made his way onto the Notre Dame campus really to play some football. However, his plans were soon cut short when he was listed as seventh string on the depth chart. Throughout his whole freshman year, Montana played on the practice squad and prepared the real defense for their next game. Then, after a coaching change in 1975, Montana finally got his first start as a sophomore when the first and second strings went down with season ending injuries. Throughout the course of his sophomore and junior seasons Montana led his school to victory. He brought his team back on game winning touchdown drives many times and in 1977 he brought Notre Dame a National Championship. Montana graduated in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration.

As a senior in high school, Steve Young had already made a name for himself on the national stage. He was heavily recruited by schools such as North Carolina, Miami, and Nebraska for his unorthodox running style which at the time had not been seen from a quarterback. However, when Young made his final decision on where to go, he decided to attend Brigham Young University (BYU). As a freshman in 1980, Young was immediately the starter. At first, he struggled with passing, but his quickness and stellar scrambling ability kept his team in the games. Over the next two seasons, Young's passing ability improved and in his senior season he threw for an NCAA record 3,902 yards and 33 touchdowns, making him a Heisman Trophy Finalist, however he didn't win and finished as the runner up. Young graduated in 1985 with a degree in Law.

Although Young and Montana took different paths to college stardom, they still had very similar experience during their collegiate years. Both of these young men attended religious oriented universities; Montana went to Notre Dame, a Roman Catholic school, and Young went to BYU, a Mormon school. Each of these men had to attend church on a regular basis. Religion played a very important role in their college experiences. Along with religion their football experiences ended the same way. Neither of these men left college early for the pros, yet they both continued on to play in the NFL.

Joe Montana was drafted by the San Fransisco 49ers in the 3rd round, 82nd overall, in 1979. During Montana's first two seasons in the league he was the second string quarterback, however, he finally made his starting debut in 1981. For his first two years as a starter Montana led his team to the playoffs, however, the 49ers were never able to get past the NFC Championship game. The tide changed in 1983 however when the 49ers broke their losing streak and made it to the Superbowl in Detroit where they faced the Cincinnati Bengals. With little time left in the game, the 49ers were trailing by six points. Starting from his own 20 yard line, Montana led a 80 yard drive capped off by a last second touchdown pass to win the game. Today, this play is known as "the catch." Montana would go on to win one more Superbowl against the Miami Dolphins. Following this game Montana's career took a turn for the worse. He became plagued by injuries, and when the 49ers acquired Steve Young from Tampa Bay it became obvious that Montana's career was coming to a conclusion. Montana was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993, and he retired in 1995.

Instead of going pro, in 1984, right after college, Steve Young signed a record 10-year, $40 million contract with the Los Angeles Express of the now-defunct United States Football League. However, the team went bankrupt in Young's second season and the team shut down. After this, Young was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He immediately started for them, but he did not play well. In his career there he was 3-16 as a starter and he threw for 11 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. The Bucs then selected Vinny Testaverde in the following years draft, so Young was traded to the 49ers for two draft picks. Steve Young played behind Montana his first several years, but shone as a backup. Subbing for an injured Montana early in the first quarter of a 1987 game against the Chicago Bears, he threw 4 touchdown passes in a 41–0 victory, and thus, his hall of fame career began. Young began to start for the 49ers in 1991 when Montana was injured in the '90 playoffs. In the 1994 season, Young finally took the 49ers back to the Superbowl where they defeated the San Diego Chargers 49-26. Young was named Superbowl MVP. In Young's later years, he was plagued by concussions. The 1999 season would turn out to be Young's last. During a Monday Night Football game Young was violently sacked by a Arizona Cardinals conerback. It would turn out to be the last play of Young's career.Montana and Young were both stellar football players. They both won game after game for their team and eventually took them to the top with a Superbowl victory. Today, both of these men are in the Hall of Fame and they should be. Young was Montana's protege. Young learned everything from Montana while playing behind him for several years. They had similar playing styles and were great leaders. For every king there is an heir and Montana is the King and Young is the Heir.

Respect for Spring Sports

As a senior at North Farmington I have observed many things over the past four years. One main thing I have seen is that there seems to be a drop in support for our sports teams when the spring season begins. During the Fall and Winter, everybody loves to attend football and basketball games. We have brown outs every Friday night in the fall and brown outs two or three times a month for men's and women's basketball plus many other sports such as soccer, hockey, swimming, and volleyball. While all of this is great, there seems to be little or no school spirit in the spring.

Over the past four years, I have seen spring sports games. I have been to lacrosse games, baseball games, tennis matches, and soccer games, and not just as a writer but as a spectator. When I have been, I have gone with two or three other friends, but we always end up being the only ones there. For baseball games, it's normally just us and parents, for soccer games, us and parents; do you see where I'm going with this?

Why does this happen though? Do we just not like these sports? I don't think so. Enough kids play them for them to be considered varsity sports. Some are unified, yes, but so is hockey and there are constantly kids in the stands for those games. Do we have too big of a homework load? Maybe, but it's the end of the year. Most students are beginning to wind down because the year is almost over, especially seniors. Plus, this is the easier trimester, at least for me. So I don't think that is the reason. Is it because we are lazy? Yes. This is the reason why. It has to be. It's the end of the year and we just don't want to do anything anymore. We would rather be out with our friends or participating in Water Wars than sitting in the stands at a baseball game. Are we that selfish? These are our classmates. They stay after school everyday and put a lot of effort into practices. They live and breathe their sports and they should be shown support for what they do from their peers.

This year, I think it would be nice if we showed some support for our spring sports teams. Go attend a track meet or a lacrosse game. They are fun to watch. Every turn on the track, every swing of the bat, and every hit off the tee should not be missed.

As students of North Farmington High School, we need to live up to our reputation of being people with a lot of spirit. It is necessary to attend these games to do so. Let's not fall off the face of the earth this year. There is a spring sports season. Here are some things to look forward to in the months of April May and June:

1. Baseball: The first baseball game is tomorrow, Tuesday, at home against West Bloomfield. The city across 14 mile road. You might know students on both teams. West Bloomfield could almost be considered a rival school because we are located so close to them. I know they look at us that way. So, maybe it's time for us to do the same.

2. Softball: Softball season begins today. They play at Troy Athens tonight. And their first home game is not until April 15 against Berkely.

3. Womens' Soccer: Soccer season has already begun. They have already played 3 games and they play again tonight at home against Seaholm.

4. Mens' Unified Lacrosse: Lacrosse has also already started this year. They have played 3 games and have a record of 3-0. They have a home game tomorrow night against Haslett High School. If you want to attend the game ask someone on the team where it is at because it alternates between all 3 three schools.

5. Womens' Unified Lacrosse: Women's Lacrosse has played 2 games this year and is 1-1. They also played in the Farmington Invitational over this past weekend where they played pretty well. They play tomorrow night at home vs. Tecumseh High School.

6. Mens' Golf: Mens' Golf does not begin until April 13th. However, they will have meets at places such as Glenn Oaks and the Farmington Hills Golf Course.

7. Mens' and Womens' Track: Track missed the whole day of school last Friday for a invitational at Eastern Michigan University. They don't have another meet until April 2nd. However, everyone should attend the Raider Relays here at North on April 24th.

A Hero, A Legend, A Superstar

Many people would argue that Michael Jordan is the greatest player to ever play the game of basketball. After his retirement, it is clear that there are three people in the league right now who can take that away from him, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, and Dwayne Wade. Out of these three players though, who is the best?

Kobe Bryant is a stellar athlete. He came into the NBA right out of high school in the 1996 draft. In his first three seasons he mostly came off the bench. Then in 1999, when Phil Jackson became the head coach Bryant suddenly became a premiere guard in the country. He won NBA championships one after the other along side Shaquille O'Neal. However, in my opinion, Kobe Bryant is only as good as he is today because of the people he has been surrounded by all his career. When Jackson stepped down as head coach in 2004 Bryant took a tumble and his career began to slouch. Then in 2007, when Jackson came back Bryant's slump ended, and he was surrounded by players such as Paul Gasol and Lamar Odom. Kobe Bryant is clearly not the next greatest player to ever play the game. Yes, Bryant will be in the Hall-of-Fame and go down as one of the best ever, but there are some things that have really hurt his career, the law suit against him being the worst offense.

Lebron James also came right out of high school and was taken first overall in the 2003 NBA draft. Like Jordan, James also wears number 23, is the best player on his team, is time and time again an NBA MVP candidate, and is endorsed by many companies all across the country. Lebron James sells. However, James has yet to win an NBA championship. When it comes to debating a new all-time greatest player ever, James' name will always be brought up in the conversation, however, it is clear to me that Lebron is not a clutch player. He has yet to come through for his team when it matters most.

Dwayne Wade, like James, was drafted in 2003, out of college, unlike Kobe and James. I think college is key to a player's success. Yes many NBA players have become superstars out of high school, but college improves an athletes fundamentals. The college game teaches players how to be better at what they do. Dwayne Wade quickly emerged as a productive guard in Miami. He averaged 16.2 ppg, 4.5 apg, and 4.0 rpg he rookie season and took his team to the playoffs. Then, he won a NBA Championship along side Shaq in 2006. Today, without Shaq, Wade is still able to keep his team in games. He is that leader of his team who has the most experience and is a veteran.

I believe that Dwayne Wade is the next M.J. He has the quickness of His Airness and he is able to throw it down just like Mike. Wade is a hero to the people of Miami, soon to become a legend of the game, and is currently a superstar. He has been marketed on video games and has his own shoe. Wade is truly the next Michael Jordan because of his leadership, playing style, off the court responsibility, and respect for the game.

Is Michigan State A Final Four Contender?

How far can Michigan State go in this NCAA Tournament? With their Sweet Sixteen game tonight against Kansas, it is crucial for MSU to pull out a win if they want to play in the Final Four in front of their own fans. I know it's obvious that they have to win the game to advance to the next round, but this years tournament has an extra special meaning for the Spartans. Having home advantage in the Final Four is like having a plate handed to you with a silver spoon on it. The Spartans are heading into tonight's game playing their best basketball of the season, I'm convinced. You know they're playing well when Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Travis Walton is putting up 18 points against Southern Cal, a guy who is only averaging 5.3 ppg this season.So far in the tournament, the Spartans are really playing like the want to make it to Ford Field. They beat Robert Morris easily, but in the game against USC, the Spartans really came through in the last few minutes of the game. I don't mean to be cliche but it was a battle to the wire. The Spartans pushed out a victory in the second half and won 74-69, however, at one point MSU did trail by five.
Tonight, MSU will play the Kansas Jayhawks, who they beat earlier in the season. However, at that time it was January, the Spartans were at home, and it is obvious that both teams have improved since then. Kansas is defending it's National Championship so you know they will be ready to play. The Spartans need to pick it up on offense in order to win tonight. Spartan scoring leader Kalin Lucas only put up ten points against USC, but the key tonight will be Raymar Morgan who only put of three points against USC. Morgan needs to have strong games this weekend because his play could be the deciding factor in a Michigan Sweet 16 exit or a Final Four appearance. In an article written by Detroit Free Press columnist Drew Sharp, MSU head coach Tom Izzo said "the junior forward is having frustrating mood swings -- from melancholy to extremely melancholy." If Michigan State expects to win Morgan needs to get a grip on things and want to make it to the Final Four as much as his coach and team do.

Right now I am in first place for my bracket pool. I have Michigan State in my Final Four, along with Uconn, Pitt, and UNC, however, Michigan State has to want to be there. They are going to have to get past a tough Kansas team and a tough Louisville team, if they beat Arizona. Michigan State has the drive to succeed and if they want it bad enough they will. They have an advantage in not having to travel as far as other teams and they have played in Indianapolis before when they won the NCAA Tournament in 2000. Also, Michigan State knows what could happen if they "March to Motown." The opportunity to win a National Championship in front of a home crowd would be stupid to pass up.

Some key factors you might want to know about Michigan State before their upcoming games are:

1. Michigan State is 7-0 all-time as a 2 seed.

2. The Spartans beat the Jayhawks 75-62 on Jan. 10 in East Lansing.

3. Before the game against USC, Travis Walton hadn't scored in double figures since he had 11 against Kansas.

4. Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Travis Walton scored a career-high 18 points, moving Michigan State into the Sweet 16 for the eighth time in 12 years. That's more appearances in the last dozen years of any school besides Duke.

5. In the last 12 years, every Spartan who has stayed for four years has appeared in a Final Four.

It Is Possible

Unlike most kids who go to my school I like to listen to sports talk raido when I'm driving instead of music. However, over the last few weeks it has become obvious that with all the drama going on with the Lions that most of the people who call in are complete morons. Seriously, I just cant stand some of these idiots who call in and say some of dumbest stuff ever.

Last week, I was driving down 13 mile road on my way home from school listening to my favorite station, 97.1 The Ticket. They were talking about the Lions. As I was listening to an intelligent conversation when a man called in talking about how the Lions didn't really need a quarterback; when I heard this my I.Q. dropped by at least 40 points. I swear to god I wanted to call in myself and say "Have you ever seen a Lions game you dumb son of a b****?"
Now, with the draft approaching next month the Detroit Lions need to be careful with every single decesion they make. The first thing they need to do is make an effort to try and trade for Jay Cutler. With all the drama taking place in Denver odds are that becasue Cutler wants out of there so badly that they will eventually have to get rid of him. It would be smart for the Lions to do this because if they were able to get him, they could trade the top pick and get an offensive lineman.
Second, if the Lions were not able to get Cutler, the obvious thing to do would be to draft Matt Stafford out of Georgia. He is a better passer than USC's Mark Sanchez. Even though Stafford is not the most accurate person in the world he has a rocket launcher for an arm. For weeks now ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay have debated about what the Lions will do with the number one pick. I do believe that the Lions should take Stafford because there really isn't anyone else to take. Yes, the Lions have a large amount of holes to fill on the offense and defense but the biggest open gap on the team is at quarterback. The quarterback is the team leader. They call plays and begin them, and without a strong leader at quarterback, it is impossible to win. I believe that with Stafford, or Cutler if possible, can be that leader who turns this team around.

Third, the Lions really need to improve thier offensive line. If they ever want to be a playoff contender they cannot give up sack after sack after sack. For the past several years they have led the league in this category.
The Lions are my team and I hate to see them lose. After going 0-16 last year, this year will be a rebuilding year, however a turn around is possible. Two years ago with the absence of a good quarterback the Miami Dolphins went 1-15, but one year later, Chad Pennington came in a led them to a 11-5 record and he was the runner up for NFL MVP. This year, the Detroit Lions are almost in the exact same situation. They have decent wide recievers, a defense that with support from the offense can keep the team in games, and they have a running back who with an improve offensive line can run past defenders. Don't forget that Miami drafted Chad Henne last year and then got Pennington from the New York Jets. Maybe the Lions can learn from another team and do the same thing. Trade for a veteran quarterback. There a few good ones still on the market. Hopefully the Lions can follow Miami's footsteps and have a turn around season. It is possible.

Public vs. Private

On March 13, 2009, North Farmington High School played in the District Championship basketball game against St. Mary’s High School. The North Farmington Raiders had home court advantage and their student body behind them. The players put their heart and soul into the game, however, they didn’t come out on top; St. Mary’s won the game 50-45. Although the game was close, it is unfair to the student athletes of North Farmington, who work so hard all season long for their diligent public school. They shouldn’t have to play against a private school in the state playoffs. Private schools have better funding, are allowed to recruit, and offer scholarships, unlike public schools, like North Farmington, where sports are not what are constantly on an athlete’s mind like they might be for a student on scholarship.
In private schools across the state of Michigan, such as Orchard Lake St. Mary’s and Detroit Country Day, recruiting is allowed in order to make their school the best it can be at any sport. They begin this process while the student is still in seventh or eighth grade. They are allowed to send letters to families talking about how good their school is in academics and athletics, and many families take the opportunity to consider sending their child to these schools. It’s no wonder that schools such as Detroit Country Day and St. Mary’s are ranked in the top 20 for mens’ basketball each year. Their programs are stellar because they are able to pull kids in with scholarships and hire coaches that would be way out of budget for any public school.
These private schools become even more intense when it comes to scholarships. After sending families these letters to get them interested, the will begin to scout the students. If the school thinks that they are good enough, then they may offer the family a scholarship. Students such as Chris Webber, now an NBA star, was on a scholarship at Country Day, and with him, they won three state championships. If this kid is getting a free ride at a school because he is so good, it’s not really fair for him to go and play against a public school. In a public school, like North Farmington, the only kids who can be on the team are kids who attend the school, and they can’t do anything about who those kids are. A private school and a public school are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum. Whenever a public school plays a private school, it is a well known fact that the public school is the underdog, and upsets in these situations are rare.
At North Farmington, sports are not the biggest topic on everybody’s mind. Classes are. However, at a private school, they might be because if you are on scholarship, sports are why you are there. North Farmington it well-known for its student body that is energetic, has good grades, and does their homework every night. Students there do whatever it takes to get an A. Yes, they still love their sports teams. At Brown Out after Brown Out, the students show up with the utmost enthusiasm and support for their teams, however, if they have homework or a big test the next day, you probably wouldn’t see many students in the stands. At private schools, winning is expected. The teams are never timorous of other schools. They practice everyday preparing for games, just like North Farmington; however, the private schools might have better equipment due to the better funding they have.
Private schools have much better funding for everything they do than a public school does. At private schools, many alumni make donations to the schools, and there is a tuition fee to even attend the school. Unlike public schools where all the funding comes from taxes, private schools are able to accept money from many sources to build better training facilities, nicer locker rooms, get higher end equipment, and the list goes on forever. These school are able to excel in athletics because of the better funding they receive.

When a public school plays a sport against a private school, the outcome is normally a lot to a little. These games are David versus Goliath. While there is the occasional upset or close game, it is the private school that normally comes away with the trophy. It is not fair that this should happen, however it is the way the system works. But it is time for change, time to change the system. It is not fair that North Farmington should have to play St. Mary’s, but its not who wins or loses that matters, its about what is right and what is wrong, and the people who are in charge of the Michigan High School Athletic Association should know that.