March 2012 Echo

Volume 50 Number 7 Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005 Friday, March 30, 2012

The ‘Sussical the Musical’ cast takes stage/page 6

After the Hoops of Hope assembly, Austin Gutwein (left) takes time to talk to students who had questions about what he has done in Zambia. Gutwein (below) talks to students about hardships and potential at the assembly.

Photos by Brit Hicks

Gutwein shoots free throws to help orphans

Sgt. Curt Eggers shares his World War II memories with instructor Diann Terpstra’s American history class.

Photo by Cylie Svartoien

Eggers shares personalWorld War II experiencesBy Cylie SvartoienNews Editor

Curt Eggers, a World War II veteran, shared his war experiences with history instructor Diann Terpstra’s American history classes.

“There is nothing I could say or show that means more than talking to someone who’s actually been there,” Terpstra said.

When Eggers was 16, the war started, so he enlisted in the Marines at age 17. However, the Marines were full.

“I think God had a lot to do with it,” he said.

Because the Marines were full, he enlisted in the Army instead. Eggers said he’d rather fight the Germans than the Japanese.

At 5:30 a.m. in November of 1942, Eggers boarded a boat to enter the war. Ten days later, he and his troop arrived in France where they relieved the 79th Division.

At that point at the age of 18, he became the squad leader of 12 soldiers. He would later become in charge of 40.

Eggers’ unit was the first to

cross into Germany. Then 155 days after their arrival, they were relieved.

Eggers fought in the famous Battle of the Bulge, in which he was in the 44th Division of the 7th Army.

As part of his service overseas, Eggers and his unit liberated multiple concentration camps.

“It was a horrible sight–one I’d never forget,” he said.

In World War II the military used a point system to determine when a soldier could be discharged. Soldiers earned points by length of service, honors awarded, injuries and title ranking. At the end of the war, Eggers had 50 points accumulated.

Eggers was offered battlefield commission twice, but he turned it down.

Overall, a mere 2.3 percent survived in Eggers’ unit. The rest were injured, captured or dead.

“I’ve been glad I was in the service,” he said.

When the war ended, Eggers was in Austria. He was scheduled to fight in Japan, but then America dropped the atomic bombs and he was no longer needed. Eggers was discharged in 1945.

“I bent down and kissed the dirt,” he said. “It was nice to be home.”

Eggers has shared his personal experiences with instructor Diann Terpstra’s class for 10 years.

“Over the years he’s not only become an incredible resource for our students, but he’s become a very dear friend to me,” she said.

By Brit HicksPhoto Editor

Eight years ago Austin Gutwein started Hoops of Hope by throwing 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during his day at school.

Hardships and potential are what his main ideas are about, he told students at the Hoops of Hope assembly.

“Hardship is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “It’s a life-long dedication of helping each other.”

For the past eight years, Gutwein’s efforts against hard-ships turned into the largest free throw marathon in the world with

an estimated 40,000 people in more than 25 countries participat-ing in Hoops of Hope.

The money raised through Hoops of Hope the past couple of years went to building Jonathan Sim Legacy School, four dormitories for students who had to sleep in the classroom, medical clinics to better children’s lives, wells for fresh water and a computer lab in the rural region of Southern Zambia.

Gutwein wants to build another computer lab and medical clinic with the money raised this year.

The next Hoops of Hope event will be in April in Sioux Falls.

Another hardship, he said, is

bullying. Gutwein said he was bullied when he was younger.

“Bullying is found in every life,” he said. “It causes people to stop doing good deeds because some people make fun of them for doing those good deeds.”

Gutwein said two ways to stop bullying is to tell a trusted adult what is going on.

“It’s not being a tattletale,” he said. “It’s looking out for your own being.”

The other way is to reach out to the bully.

Gutwein, an Arizona high school senior, plans to attend Anderson University in Anderson, Ind., to major in political science.

Pickle ball raises moneyBy Mason BenderCirculation Manager

The pickle ball tournament raised approximately $160 for the Student Council to help pay for next year’s Senior Class retreat.

The tournament had 32 advanced boys teams, 16 intermediate boys teams, 16 coed teams and 16 girls teams.

Principal Gregg Talcott said the idea for the tournament came from several senior boys.

“Although Hammer and I got destroyed by Crow and Taggart, we had a lot of fun just getting to compete,” freshman Riley Duncanson said. “As a team we did better than people would expect us to do as freshmen.”

Duncanson and his partner, freshman Alex Hammer, won their first two matches and then were eliminated.

Seniors Trevor Crow and Cody Taggart qualified for the

advanced tournament finals. The other team consists of seniors Michael Bader and Mack Driscoll. The finals date has not been set.

Taggart and sophomore Taylor Murtha won the coed tournament by beating senior Briana Rogiers and Bader. Junior Robert Buchanan and sophomore Sheldon Hauge won the intermediate tournament by beating freshmen Denton Bose and Chandler McGrath. Freshmen Lilli Jasper and Emily Harris won the female division by beating juniors Brooke Merry and Quiana Pardee.

Sophomores Cam Holmes and Derek Johnson won the advanced consolation bracket by beating senior Kyle Rokeh and sophomore Jacob Adams.

“I came to have fun watching and heckling my friends,” junior Long Pham said. “It was also a great way to hang out with friends.”

Brandon Valley Echo Friday, March 30, 2012

Hoops of Hope helps orphaned children in Africa

The Echo is published monthly by the publications students of the Brandon Valley High School, 301 S. Splitrock, Brandon, S.D. 57005. Telephone number is 582-3211. It is a state and national award-winning publication affiliated with the South Dakota High School Press Association and the National Scholastic Press Association. News Editors ...................................Cylie Svartoien and Stephanie MeeterVoices Editor ...................................................................... Libby HoffmanA&E Editor ........................................................................ Sara NadenicekSports Editors .........................................Kyle Rokeh and Ian McClanahanUpdate Editor ...................................................................Meghan GorsuchPhoto Editors .............................................Brit Hicks and Brittany Lunstra Ad Manager ................................................................Amber BroekemeierCirculation Manager ............................................................Mason BenderStaff Writers ............................................... .......................Shaun Fendrich, Alison Kirby, Zach VandenHoek and Devin ZahnAdviser ........................................................................Debra RothenbergerBrandon Valley Echo is a public forum. The editorial content of the Echo expresses the views of the newspaper and not necessarily of the administration, faculty or school board of the Brandon Valley School District. Bylined editorial content is the writer’s opinion and not necessarily of the staff, adviser or school administration. Signed letters to the editor are encouraged, but they may be rejected or edited for grammar, condensation, good taste and/or libel.

What do you think about

the girls state

basketball fan base?

Enjoy prom with your friends

Echo editors encourage readers to submit letters to the editor, which must be signed. They may be rejected or edited for grammar, condensation, good taste and/or libel. They should be addressed to the Echo editors or dropped off in the publications room, 120.

No Health Fair disappoints

Synthetic pot now illegal

Girls State AA Tournament

Thumbs up to synthetic marijuana now being illegal in

South Dakota. Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed a law that took effect as soon as he put his name on it. It includes

such drugs sold as K2, spice, posh and blaze.

Thumbs down to not having a Health Fair this year. Originally

it’s been every year, but now it’ll be every other year to “freshen things up from years before,” child nutrition director Gay Anderson

said. She and the school nurses organized it.

Thumbs up to the girls basketball team making it to the

State AA Tournament. With hard work and dedication the girls placed fourth. Senior Heidi Hoff received the Spirit of

Su Award and was named to the All-Tournament team along with junior Allison Koehn. Also, both girls made the First Team All-Conference.

By Meghan GorsuchUpdate Editor

Because prom is one of the last times the seniors and juniors will be together, the last thing they should worry about is the dancing allowed at prom. Instead, they should make prom an enjoyable time like past years.

If you are a junior, the prom committee is an option to make prom more memorable. The prom committee picks the theme. This year’s is a 1920s ballroom dance look. The colors are red, black and gold. The day of prom the committee meets at 8 a.m. to decorate until about 11 a.m. While they are setting up, they have a mini breakfast with

doughnuts, juice and coffee.One way both the juniors

and seniors can make prom an enjoyable time is by preparing together. Instead of going alone, take friends with you to help you pick out the perfect prom dress or tux. Girls can help each other get ready by doing each other’s hair and makeup.

Another way is by going to supper before prom. Either go with a date or with a few friends. Go to a fancy restaurant like Olive Garden, Minervas or Spezia so that it is not awkward in dresses and tuxes. If you order something messy like pasta, be careful because you don’t want food spilled on your clothing.

Some people don’t want to spend the money to go to restaurant since they have already spent so much money on clothing, hair and maybe prom itself. An easy way to fix that is to eat at your house or a friend’s house. A home cooked meal can be just as good or even better than a restaurant.

Then go to prom and have fun by slow dancing with that special someone, visiting with friends and taking pictures with your family from 8-9 p.m.

After prom, just relax. Watch a movie with friends or even go out to eat again, but this time go to a casual place like Denny’s, Fryn’ Pan or IHOP.

Helping better children’s lives in Africa, Austin Gutwein started a remarkable worldwide event by taking time to shoot free throws.

The Hoops of Hope event is a great way to help children in Africa who are orphaned because their parents died of AIDS. It is also a great way for fellow students and friends to have a fun time shooting free throws for a great cause.

In April Gutwein will host a Hoops of Hope event at Augustana College in Sioux Falls.

Next Tuesday, students will attend an assembly about Invisible Children.

Dr. Gregg Talcott said the assembly is not to raise money or to have an event. It’s solely about letting students know what children in other countries go through.

Invisible Children is about a group of people who stopped Joseph Kony from abducting children from their homes to fight in a war in Africa. By their stopping Kony, they were able to focus on giving those children better lives by building schools for the children.

Both causes are a great way to help other children around the world with their everyday lives.

“We are the envy of many schools. I love the way of our acceptability towards other school districts.”

-Principal Gregg Talcott

“It’s good to see that we are willing to support our team. We’ll do anything to help our team win.”

-SeniorKyle Rokeh

“I think the fan base was spectacular! I am so proud to be a part of a community that supports their athletes.”

-JuniorAllison Koehn

“I think we are a very positive group of kids. We get to back up a great team.”

-JuniorAlex Rogen

“The fan base at state was awesome. We are the only school that brings that many kids to support their basketball team.”

-SeniorVictoria Heinrichs

“It was a huge motivation to play not just for our team, but for the whole community. The parting of the ‘Red Sea’ was unforgettable.

-SeniorBriana Roegiers


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By Stephanie MeeterNews Editor

Prom comes with many different things: memories, fun and, of course, planning.

When choosing your dress, girls, it’s easy to be caught up in the cost, the style and designers. Although all of that seems to matter, focus on the experience of going out with your mom or friends and finding that perfect dress. Also, keep your options open. Always try on dresses hanging up on the rack even though you don’t think it would look good. That ugly dress on the rack may make you look stunning. Don’t spend a fortune on your shoes; most of the time, girls end up dancing without them.

Guys, make sure you ask your date what color her dress is so you can have the matching color

for your tie or bow tie. If possible, ask for a sample of the dress if she had it altered. If you rent a tuxedo, pick out one that makes you feel confident by having it fit comfortably and well.

Girls’ hairstyles and make-up now are much more casual from when your parents attended prom, so don’t go overboard. Aqua Net and loads of bobby pins aren’t needed in your hair; instead, go with a hairstyle that is simple and elegant. Make-up should also be kept simple. Accentuate your best feature like your eyes. Some girls like to have pedicures and manicures done. This is optional because of the cost.

Guys, make sure you order your date’s corsage at least a week before hand. No girl wants to receive a wilted flower corsage from her “perfect” date. Adding a

bouquet of flowers is a nice touch, but isn’t needed or expected. Make reservations for your place of dining three to four weeks in advance. Tell the restaurant that afterwards you are going to your prom and will need to be served in a timely manner. Most restaurants are willing to cooperate with your needs. When the night comes, make sure to be a gentleman and pull out her chair and open doors for her.

Prom is a night filled with memories that you’ll want to last forever. When your parents ask for pictures, pose and have fun with it. When your date asks to dance the chicken dance, don’t be afraid to have a good time.

Yes, prom is one night of your life, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Prom creates memories

Photo By Stephanie Meeter

Junior Lydia Johnson tries on various prom dresses at Lasting Impressions on W. 41st Street. They also rent tuxedos. Johnson has yet to buy her dress for prom.

Photos by Brittany Lunstra

Seniors Elliot Blue and Nate Boscaljon (above)

play a rendition of “Trashy Engineering”

on garbage cans, glass bottles and plastic

bottles during the Variety Show. Junior Austin

Sadler (right) plays his guitar to “Soul Flight,” a song he composed. All proceeds from the

Variety Show will go towards the choir trip to

Florida in June.

Variety Show profits for trip

‘Hunger Games’ thrives

By Brittany LunstraPhoto Editor

Dressed as one of the Blues Brothers in a full suit and tie, junior Jack Kruger performed “Soul Man” for the Variety Show.

“I knew I would get the crowd on their feet singing, dancing and clapping along with me,” he said. “It is the greatest high you can ever get. I love performing and I can’t wait till next year.”

Last year Kruger, dressed as a country rocker, sang “Sweet Home Alabama,” and his freshman year, “Kryptonite.”

The choirs and Fine Arts Boosters raised $3,603 and sold 704 tickets for the choir trip to Florida in early June.

“There is always a huge reaction from the performers, but also from the crowd before and even

after that performers are done,” choir director Terry Gullickson said. “Even though it ran about two hours, I believe the show ran smoothly.”

The talent show was also different from past years with more diverse acts and an intermission.

“I thought the talent show went great,” senior Dani Meyer said. “I loved watching and being able to perform in, not only one, but three different acts.”

Meyer, who has danced since age 3, tap-danced to “Gravel” by Ani Difranco. She danced with sophomores Shannon Gacke and Jena Dreyer.

“The show was a great memory for my senior year,” Meyer said. “Hopefully, I will be able to come watch next year’s amazing talent.”

By Cylie SvartoienNews Editor

At last, The Hunger Games trilogy has produced its first movie. While the movie follows the book thoroughly, it does a poor job of explaining the dynamics of the storyline.

The trilogy includes The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. The story takes place in the future after government, as we know it, is extinct.

The country called Panem consists of 13 districts and the Capital. The districts produce all the food and goods the country lives off of.

The people of the districts struggle to survive, many dying from poverty and sickness. The Capital inhabitants, on the other hand, gorge themselves with food, luxury and extravagant clothes.

The movie doesn’t explain the reasoning behind the games very well. It shows a quick video clip,

but the cause isn’t emphasized much.

When District 13 is fed up with the double standards, it rebells against the Capital. The Capital won and District 13 is mysteriously no longer part of Panem.

As a punishment to the other 12 districts, the Capital created The Hunger Games.

From the ages of 12 to 18, children are entered into a lottery. Each year, their names are added again. That way, the older they are, the greater chance of being selected. Children may put their names in more times in exchange for extra food for their family.

The movie skims over how the lottery works. There is simply a drawing, but no details are provided as to how many times children’s names are entered.

Each year, one boy and one girl from each district are chosen as “tributes” for the games. A

total of 24 tributes are put into an arena, designed by the game makers, to fight to the death. The last one alive wins.

Katniss Everdeen from District 12 lives in poverty with her younger sister, Primrose, and her mother. Her father had died in a coal-mining explosion.

Katniss provides for her family by illegally hunting in the forest with her friend Gale Hawthorne.

On the day of “The Reaping,” Prim is selected and Katniss volunteers to take her place. The boy selected from District 12 is the baker’s son, Peeta Mellark.

The story includes action and suspense while hinting at an unexpected romance.

While the movie hooks the watcher, the book does a better job of captivating the reader. The emotion in Suzanne Collins’ words create a deeper mood than the actions of the on-screen actors.


Nagy, Wolters put SDSU

Jacks on map

By Ian McClanahanSports Editor

After being a couple of possessions away from an undefeated February, it looked as if the post-season was coming at just the right time for the boys basketball team. However, the Yankton Bucks had something to say about that.

In the win-or-go-home district matchup March 2, the boys lost to the Bucks 44-41.

“We allowed Yankton to get 13 offensive rebounds,” head coach Brent Deckert said. “All the 50/50 opportunities we got beat in, and that was a big contribution to why we lost.”

Yankton took the lead after a defensive first quarter with the score at 8-7. After falling into a deficit in the second quarter, the Lynx clawed their way back as they trailed by one at the half.

The low scoring continued throughout the third quarter as the Bucks led 23-21. But the fourth quarter was a different game when Yankton started with a 7-2 run. However, the Lynx did what they do best, scratch their way back. With help from a sophomore Jacob Adams’ 3-pointer, the Lynx trailed by two points with under two minutes left. After sending a Yankton player to the line with under 10 seconds left, the Lynx

trailed by three. But another Adams’ 3-pointer at the buzzer went unanswered as the Lynx fell to the Bucks for the second time this season.

In the first round of districts against Washington, the boys lost 58-52.

“The feeling right after the game in the locker room was frustrating,” senior Trevor Crow said. “We were in the game the whole way. We just couldn’t finish the game off.”

The Lynx started the game with vengance as they led for most of the first half thanks to hot 3-point shooting, and took a 30-25 lead into the half. However, Washington turned it on in the second half and went on an 11-0 run to take a 43-38 lead and looked to have the game in hand as they took a 52-42 lead with three minutes to play. But the Lynx full-court pressed and caused multiple turnovers to cut the deficit 54-52. Then the Cinderella story vanished as Washington made its next four free throws while the Lynx didn’t make another basket. They lost 58-52.

“Even though we didn’t make the state tourney,” Deckert said, “it was one of the most enjoyable years I’ve had as a head coach with one of the toughest teams I’ve ever coached.”

Lynx fall short to Bucks in districts

By Mason BenderCirculation Manager

By earning 20 two-point nearfalls, sophomore Adam Presler broke the record formerly held by Morgan Engbrecht.

“It was more or less just by accident,” Presler said. “It just happened.”

Presler also led the team in takedowns, escapes, three-point nearfalls and total wins.

“Working hard in practice and wrestling my opponents smart got me here,” Presler said.

The team finished the season with an 8-11 dual record.

The JV team finished third at the Brookings JV tournament.

At state senior Josh Miller (120) placed eighth and junior Mason Bender (145), fifth.

The team placed third at regionals and qualified nine wrestlers for the state tournament.

Miller (120), Bender (145), Presler (113) and freshman Wyatt Winter (152) were all regional finalists. Other qualifiers were seniors Braden Heidbrink (138), third; Austin Eigenberg (170),

fourth; junior Grant Dougherty (126), third; and freshman Clayton Ebright (220), third.

At the awards banquet Bender received the Most Valuable Wrestler Award and senior Collin

Senior Josh Miller works to turn his Lincoln opponent in the second round wrestlebacks at the State A Wrestling Tournament. Miller won the match by a 11-2 major decision to earn his way into the placing rounds. This was the second consecutive year Miller placed at the state tournament. Last year he placed seventh in the 119 weight class.

Presler rewrites nearfall record

Wible, the Most Improved Award. Winter and Presler were the only ones to earn the Iron Man Award, given to wrestlers who do not miss a single practice or morning lift for any reason.

Photo by Amber Broekemeier

Track teams to host Lynx invite

Senior guard Dylan Rock drives down the court in the district game against Yankton. The boys lost their final game of the season 44-41. Rock played on varsity for three years.

Photo by Brittany Lunstra

By Kyle RokehSports Editor

In the 2004-05 season, many people found it laughable that the South Dakota State Jackrabbits men’s basketball team was headed to Division I. Now, just five years later, they are gaining more national attention every game they win.

The men showed their growing pains early, winning 21 games in their first two seasons in the Summit League while the Lady Jackrabbits made the NCAA tournament four times and were a WNIT quarterfinal participant in the 2007 season in their first five years of Division I. Men’s Coach Scott Nagy knew that if they wanted to be in the national spotlight like the women, something had to change.

So now many people are wondering how a team goes from a 6-24 record in the 2006-07 season to an NCAA tournament bid in just five years. A good place to start is Coach Nagy and junior point guard Nate Wolters.

Before his coaching career began, Nagy made a name for himself playing at Delta State University, tallying 549 assists for the Statesmen, according the ESPN.com. Nagy brought his basketball-sharing technique to South Dakota State in 1995 and won 20 or more games in eight of his first nine seasons before heading to Division 1.

Frustration ensued for the Jacks, winning a meager 10 games in their first year of independent Division 1 basketball that featured games against Butler and Marquette. SDSU had trouble finding any sort of success until the 2010-2011 season when Nate Wolters stepped into the spotlight.

Wolters immediately made an impact in his freshman year, averaging 10.1 points a game. As a sophomore, Wolters helped his team hop over the .500 mark for the first time at 19-12. Magic ensued this season for the Jacks when they won the Summit League Tournament and gave the Baylor Bears all they could handle before losing 68-60 in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Wolters had 19 points in the contest, an effort that officially put him as a player to watch in his senior year.

With the success of the women making it to their fourth NCAA tournament and the men making their first, excitement is swirling around South Dakota. Major television network personalities like Seth Davis of CBS sports and Trey Wingo of ESPN have also shown their support of the Jacks, and it’s all well deserved.

By Libby HoffmanVoices Editor

Track team members will host the Lynx Invite April 7.

Senior Ben Schultz enjoys home meets because of the crowd reactions and support from the students.

Next year Schultz will be run-ning Division 1 track at North Dakota State University.

“I am really excited about it,” he said. “I’m thankful they asked me to be a part of their outstand-ing team.”

The track teams competed in the Dan Lennon Invitational in Vermillion Monday.

At the invitational last Monday, the boys relay team placed fifth in the 1,600-meter relay with 3:38.67.

For the girls team, sophomore Kaija Nitz placed first in the 3,200-meter run with 11:39.10.

The track team competed in the Bob Prince Invitational last Tuesday in Vermillion.

This was the first meet the en-tire team wore their new Nike

warm-ups, purchased from fund-raising money last year.

“Everyone worked very hard the last few weeks and had a tremendous day,” Coach Troy Sturgeon said. “Considering some of the best competition from Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota, they did very well.”

At the invitational, junior Matt VandeBerg placed second in the 60-meter dash finals with 7.24 and first in long jump with 21-08 feet.

“I was excited to place first

even though competition wasn’t heavy,” VandeBerg said. “but I al-ways strive to get first.”

The boys team placed first in the 4x200 meter relay with 1:37.79. Senior Riley Hosman placed sec-ond in pole vault with 11-01 feet.

Senior Haley Kruger placed 12th in the 400-meter dash with 1:07.77. Nitz placed first in the 3000 meter run with 10:53.10.

The girls team placed sixth in the 4x400 meter relay with 4:32.69. Junior Hannah Murray placed sec-ond in pole vault with 7-07 feet.


n Senior Kyle Rokeh

n Senior Nick Lysne

n Senior Ryan Johnston

n Senior Kelsi Bailey


As the Lady Lynx walked off the court for the last time this sea-son with a fourth place finish at the state tournament, senior Heidi Hoff and junior Allison Koehn racked up awards.

Both Hoff and Koehn were named to the All-Tournament team in Brookings and First Team All-Conference for the Eastern South Dakota Conference.

“It’s a real honor,” Koehn said. “I’m happy for Heidi and our team.”

Hoff finished her memorable career at Brandon Valley that featured three trips to the state tournament, a state champion-ship, the Spirit of Su Award and the Gatorade player of the year, the highest honor for any player in South Dakota.

“She will go down as one of the all-time greats in any sports,” head coach Mark Stadem said. “She will also be one of the most decorated athletes in the history of Brandon Valley athletics.”

The girls ended their season in the third place game between the Roosevelt Rough Riders. Senior Charissa Etrheim, who tore her ACL earlier in the year, made her final start of her career before be-ing taken out immediately after the tip-off.

“It was such an overwhelming feeling,” she said. “Besides winning (state title) last year, that was the highlight of playing in Brandon.”

Down by 13 heading into the fourth quarter, the Lynx staged a ferocious comeback. Senior Briana Roegiers hit a 3-pointer with 2:14 to play to make the score 52-49 Roosevelt. The Lady Lynx would claw no closer as their sea-son ended with a 62-51 loss.

“It’s a tough way to end the year,” Roegiers said, “but it was fun. I wouldn’t trade these girls for anything.”

The girls were seeking ven-geance in the state semifinal game against the Washington Warriors, who beat the Lynx March 1 in Washington 51-50. Things were

going the Lynx way as they head-ed to the fourth quarter with a 34-30 lead, but fate had other plans as the Warriors outscored the Lynx 31-16 in the final period to win 61-50.

“They shot the ball really well during the last four minutes,” Stadem said.

In the first round of the state tournament, the Lynx defense came alive to beat Rapid City Central 51-36. Koehn led the prowl with 19 points and 11 re-bounds.

It was a winner-take-all atmo-sphere during the regional cham-pionship between the Lynx and Watertown Arrows. In the first half the girls showed they belonged in the state tournament, taking a 29-16 lead after 16 minutes.

The lead widened to 17 in the third quarter before the Arrows made their push for a comeback, at one point they even took the lead. Koehn and the Lynx would not be denied as her 28-point explosion helped seal the 54-52 State Tournament berth.

Lady Lynx finish fourth at state tourney

Junior Allison Koehn drives past a Roosevelt Rough Rider’s defender in the third place game at the state tournament.

Photo by Brittany Lunstra

Girls end season undefeated

Lynx baseball team to face Roosevelt

Softball teams open against Diamonds


In his first year as varsity head coach, Grant Hieb will take over a veteran-filled baseball team that hopes to find itself in the state tournament for the first time in four years.

“My expectations are to make it to the state tournament and

contend for a state title,” he said.Returning letterwinners include

seniors Trevor Crow, Kyle Klumpp, Kyle Petersen, Eric Roach, Dylan Rock and Kyle Rokeh.

“The seniors bring strong leadership to our team along with some of our top arms on the mound and top sticks at the plate,” Hieb said. “The seniors also know

that I have high expectations for them this season.”

The Lynx will play the Roosevelt Rough Riders in their first game Monday.

“We’re ready to roll this year,” senior Dylan Rock said. “We have a lot of talent and we should be able to go a long way this season, and it starts with Roosevelt.”

By Stephanie MeeterNews Editor

By placing second, girls bowling team won $1,500 in scholarship money in Star City High School Open bowling tournament March 17 and 18 in Lincoln, Neb.

Senior Haley Rubin and sophomore Emily Steinhouse made the All-Tournament Team with Rubin’s high series of 581 and Steinhouse’s series of 578.

The girls team also finished its undefeated season by winning state Feb. 24, and the boys placed fifth.

The bowlers started off state by bowling three qualifying games. Four girls bowlers had the highest averages and placed on the All-Tournament Team. They were Steinhouse, Rubin, juniors Caitlin Hammond and Brookelyn.

Next, the boys and girls teams played Baker games where each player bowled one frame. The boys lost against both Lincoln

and Harrisburg, placing fifth.“I was happy with the team as a

whole,” Coach John Grothe said. “We finished two places better than last year.”

After the girls went undefeated through the Bakers games, they

bowled against Vermillion for the state title and won.

“The moment we won was surreal,” Hammond said. “We’ve worked so hard for this. So taking home the state title was an amazing feeling.”

Girls bowling team members are (front row) Caitlin Hammond, Mariah Clark, Lauren Blue; (back row) Coach Ashley Rubin, Emily Steinhouse, Brookelyn Jellema, Briana Grimmius, Haley Rubin, Stephanie Meeter and Kelsey Nimick. After winning the state tournament, Rubin, Hammond, Jellema and Steinhouse were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Rubin

By Brittany LunstraPhoto Editor

Girls softball teams will compete against Sioux Falls Diamonds Gold and Diamonds White Monday with varsity starting at 5 p.m. and JV, 6:30 p.m.

Of the 29 players out of softball, returning seniors are Kelsi Bailey, Morgan McDonald, Mindy Moe and two new players, Amanda Nelson and Maggie Drexler. The coaches are Suzanne Carroll, varsity, and Roxy Geerdes, JV.

“Practice has been going well,

and the weather has been fantastic so far this spring, which has allowed us to practice outside,” Carroll said. “I’m grateful that we have facilities to use for indoor practice. However, it’s just not the same as being outside on the field.”

Up by one in the bottom of the ninth inning and with two outs, the entire game rests on a pitcher’s shoulders. That is the kind of pressure Rokeh relishes. “I love being on the mound late in the game,” he said. “I know it’s up to me whether we win or lose.” Rokeh knows how it feels to be on the mound for not just the final inning, but the entire game. He threw a no-hitter against Clark County last summer on his baseball team. “It was my first start since my knee surgery,” Rokeh said. “I didn’t know I was starting until I got there, so I was pretty nervous. But overall it was just incred-ible.” Rokeh will pitch this spring for the Lynx.

Although hurdling has not always come easy to Lysne, his coaches notice his dedication. “Nick had to put in a lot of work,” head coach Justin Mashlan said. “It is really starting to show with how he is the last one to leave the track every-day.” His hard work helped him reach his best time in the hurdles of 16.6 seconds. He hopes to place top six in the state. Lysne’s enthusiasm trickles down to the younger athletes. “Nick wants to do things the right way,” Mashlan said. “Other athletes see that and want to do the same.”

Expectations have become high for Johnston. After making it to the consolation championship in the state tournament last season, he expects to place even higher this year. “I did so well last year and I only want to get better from there,” he said. Johnston also wants to place in the top four in the Eastern South Dakota Conference and the top six in the state tournament. “What is impressive is that as the matches get bigger, he becomes more focused,” head coach Mark Schlekeway said. “I am always impressed with his calmness on the court and how he leads by example.”

Bailey thinks of the softball players as her family. “My team is like my family,” she said. “We have done things that most teams can’t ac-complish, winning a state title.” That state title came last summer for Bailey in her most mem-orable game ever. “It was a very close game un-til our five-run rally at the end.” Winning a state title will not be her last memory as Bailey is playing softball at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.


Vocalists, musicians receive superiors

Did you know...?

FFA qualifies for state

n FreshmanBaileyQuanbeckplacedfirstintheOptimistOratoricalScholarshipContestlastSaturday;freshmanAnnikaHindbjoren,second;andfreshmanDesireeRohrbach,third.n Toreceivea2012Lynxonianwithanamestampedonthecover,studentsmustpayJostensbeforeApril27.Topayorverifypayment,gotojostensyearbooks.com.Noextrayearbookswillbeordered.n FreshmanMollieDrexlerandseniorMaggieDrexler’shockeyteam,theSiouxFallsFliers,wontheJVStateHockeyTournament.n FirstgirlsgolfmatchisatYanktonMonday.n FirstboystennismatchisTuesdayagainstRooseveltandVermillion.n EarlydismissalisApril5.n SpringbreakisApril6-9.n BoardofeducationmeetingisattheBVMSMediaCenterApril10.n ACTtestisApril14.n PromisApril21.n BoardofeducationmeetingisattheBVMSMediaCenterApril23.n NoschoolisonApril27and30ifsnowdaysunused.n SeniorsCourtneyCarlsonandHayleyNaaszaretwooftheArgus Leader AcademicAll-Stars.

Bands to perform at contest

The Red Band (left) performs March 13 to celebrate Music in our Schools Month. Seniors Mark Brown and John Sherman (below) play their euphoniums at the Symphonic Band Concert March 5. All three Concert Bands will perform at the Region II Large Group Contest April 11.

Photos by Brit Hicks and Sara Nadenicek

Brick directs ‘Seussical the Musical’

By Sara NadenicekA&E Editor

All three bands will perform in theRegion II Large Group Contest in thePerformingArtsCenterApril11.

Atcontestthebandswillplayrehearsedpiecesforajudgetoreceivearanking.TheSymphonicBandwillplay“1stSuiteinEflat for Military Band.” The Black Bandprepared a selection entitled “AmericanRiver Songs,” and the Red Band willperform“HillCountryHoliday.”

The bands are also hosting their 47thannual Turkey Supper and Pops ConcertApril14.Ticketswillbesoldfor$11thatday. The bands will play selections fromthemotionpictures“Up”andthe“Lordofthe Rings,” as well as medleys featuringSinatra,Coldplay,Pixar,themusicalWickedandmusicinspiredbywesternfilms.

The Red and Black bands shared thestage to celebrate “Music in Our SchoolsMonth”March13.

The Red Band prepared five pieces fortheconcert:“CalltoVictory,”“Deir’InDe”(Traditional Irish Lullaby), “SpontaneousCombustion,”“BrickStreetEncounter”andtheircontestpiece“HillCountryHoliday.”

Soloists for theRedBandwere juniorsMegan Forster, flute; Collin Vielmette,baritone;freshmenBethanyHeadrick,altosaxophone; Megan Swets, french horn;Chelsey Schmeling, trumpet. SeniorsCarissaGerovac,MorganMcDonald,flute,performedaspartofthepercussionsectionduring“BrickStreetEncounter.”

The Black Band finished the concert

set with five more pieces including theircontest piece “American Riversongs,”“GhostFleet,”“CircusDaysMarch,”“TheyLedMyLordAway”and“Abracadabra.”

The Black Band featured four soloists.They were freshman Alli Fatone, flute;KatyTernus, oboe; Riley Duncanson andMorgenBurkman,trumpet.

“Ithinkhowwe(BlackBand)playedinthe concert was the best we had played,”seniorAshleyDeWittesaid.

SymphonicBandalsopresentedaMusicinOurSchoolsMonthConcertMarch5.

The band played six pieces including“On a Hymnsong of Lowell Mason,”which celebrated Music in Our SchoolsMonth.Othersongsplayedwere“ShortcutHome,”“1stSuite,”“LibertyBellMarch,”

“Undertow”and“Fusion.”“Weplayedreallymusically,”sophomore

SabrinaDietzsaid.“Itwasanoverallgoodconcert.”

Soloists were seniors Hayley Naasz,flute; Ari Butterfield, J.W. Fruehwirth,clarinet;MarkBrown,euphonium;juniorsHaleyUllom,altosaxophone;RachelVolk,trumpet;andfreshmanEdenBurch,frenchhorn.

The Jazz Band placed fourth in AAcompetitionattheAugustanaJazzFestivalMarch6.

Soloists were senior Stacy Deibert,tenor saxophone; juniors Brendan Gallo,trombone; Alex Rogen, trumpet; ZachVanEde, alto saxophone; and freshmanChelseySchmeling,trumpet.

Twenty-sixvocalistsreceivedsuperiorratingsattheRegionIIVocalSolo/EnsembleContestatAugustanaCollegelastTuesday.

ThesoloistswerefreshmenSummerRogers,AlliFatone,KevinHuizenga;sophomoresAllyDykstra,PaigeWright;juniorsKaraAnderson,JennaBreitzman,AshlynnBoerhave,MalleStephens;seniorsMichaelBader,ElliotBlue,ShannonHomer,NoraLueth,HayleyNaasz,HaleyRubinandGerritWilford.Homer,LuethandRubinalsoreceivedasuperiorforagirlstrio.

OrchestramembersreceivingsuperiorswerefreshmanMariahZell;sophomoresCarsonPruett,AnnikaHindbjorgen,ToddGrothe,AlicenBeldin,AmandaBerberich,BrittanyJackson,SpencerHeidbrink,BrittanyKlein,LucasMutschelknaus,EvanMallat;juniorsBrendanGallo,AnthonyPederson,KelleBeckman,MaggieGrapevine;seniorsHaleyRubin,ErinSpanton,MaggieDrexlerandKateyMathis.

Photo by Cylie Svortoien

In Seussical the Musical Horton (senior Gerrit Wilford) and Gertrude (junior Malle Stephens) finally confess their love for each other. The next performances are tonight, Saturday and Sunday.

By Amber BroekemeierAd Manager

Seussical the MusicalcametolifeonstageThursdayandwillagaintonightandSaturdayat7p.m.andSundayat1p.m.

“Seussical isacombinationofmanyof themostmemorablestoriesbyDr.Seuss,”directorKevinBricksaid.“Thelargecastgivesstudentsof all ages the opportunity to share in themusicalfun.”

The musical begins with a boy who meetsthe well-known Cat in the Hat and becomestransformedintoJoJo.

JoJo, in thecourseof themusical, is takentoWhoville, the small town locatedonadustspeck. It also tells the story of Horton theElephantandhisadventuresinsavingJoJoandthe Whos, the tiny people living on the dustspeck.TheWickershambrothersand theSourKangaroo are characters who try to take thedustspeckfromHorton.

The musical incorporates other charactersfromSeuss’books,likeGertrude,abirdinlovewithHorton,andMayzie,alazybirdwhoconsHortonintohatchingheregg.

With its colorful characters andupbeat dance numbers, Seussical the

Musical is entertainment that audiencemembersofallagescanenjoy.

FourFFAteamsqualifiedforthestateCDEsinBrookingsApril15-16.

Theteamsareag.mechanics,landscapenursery,floricultureanddairyfoods.

DuringtheTri-StateDistrictCDEs,threeFFAmembersplacedoverallincludingseniorsAustinCarlson,second;StevenKuck,fifth;andRyanSamsel,sixth.

IndividualplacersincludedsophomoreShelbieHoliwayindairyfoods,sixth;andjuniorDillonDutsoninnaturalresources,third.Theag.mechanicsteamplacedsecondoverall.

Documents

March 2012 Echo