The Tattler
Volume 93, Issue 6
March 14, 2016
Sectionals
Dance
Science
Olympiad
1
Rachel’s
Legacy
Prom Preview
2-3
Sectionals Dance
Pictorial
4-5
Teacher of the
Year: Mr. Nichols
Meet the King
and Queen
6-7
Senior Trip
Preview
News Briefs
Boys Basketball
8-9
Meet the Coaches 10
Inside this issue:
Inside next issue:
‘The Trouble with
Angels’ Review
Science Olympiad
Results
Spring Sports
Class of 2018 hosts ‘City Lights’
On Saturday, February 20,
Whiting High School stu-
dents had the chance to
dance under the City Lights
at the annual sectional dance
held in the Memorial Gym-
nasium. With the beautiful
decorations created by the
class of 2018 and Co-
Sponsors Ms. Stephanie An-
drade and Ms. Kassie Marko-
vich, it was a marvelous ex-
perience for all who attend-
ed.
The Sectional Court includ-
ed freshman attendants Julia
Ramirez and John Bock;
sophomore attendants Kelsey
Kovacik and TJ Lowe; junior
attendants Kayla Medina and
Julian Gonzales; and senior
attendants Ashley Johnson
and Damien Resa, Alondra
Diaz and Guillermo Perez,
and Tristen Meyers escorted
by Bianca Sotelo.
Near the end of the even-
ing, Damien Resa and Ash-
ley Johnson were selected
king and queen by their peers
in attendance.
“Winning sectionals queen
was a very memorable expe-
rience. It was a great way to
spend my last sectionals
dance. It’s honestly some-
thing that I will always re-
member because ever since I
was younger I always wanted
to win queen for a school
dance,” said Johnson.
“It was really cool to win
sectionals king especially
because it was my senior
year. It was also nice to win
with Ashley because I’ve
known her almost my whole
life,” said Resa.
More than 200 hundred
students attended event.
“Sectionals this year was a
big success for our class,”
said Class of 2018 Co-
Sponsor Ms. Stephanie An-
drade. “Our President, De-
siree Vega, did a great job
spreading the word, and we
had a really good turnout. The
kids put a lot of time and ef-
fort into the decorations and
once the gym was all lit up, it
looked amazing. The process
was stressful at times, but we
had a good core group of kids
who worked really hard to
make sure the dance was per-
fect,” Ms. Andrade continued.
Class of 2018 Co-Sponsor
Ms. Kassie Markovich feels
the dance was not just a suc-
(See Science Olympiad , p. 3)
On Saturday, January 23,
the Science Olympiad team
headed to the Niles West
Invitational in Illinois. The A
team placed fourth overall
against 14 teams and the B
team placed second overall
against 13 teams.
Students on A team placed in the top three for nine
events: Will Ramos and
Science Olympiad readies for state Hector Cossyleon for Air Tra-
jectory; Ramos, Oscar
Figueroa, and Samanta Zapien
for Protein Modeling; Maggie
Mills-Groninger and David
Gormley for Geologic Map-
ping; Zapien and Lilly Ruiz
for Write It/Do It; Lizbeth
Villaseñor and Ruiz for
Bridge Building; Mills-
Groninger and Ruiz for Dy-
namic Planet; Michael Kolavo
(See Class, p. 2)
Leilani Bigott
Reporter
Above, The Science Olympiad plac-es second overall at the regional
competition at Purdue Calumet.
Guadalupe Ruiz
Reporter
Above, Seniors Damien Resa and
Ashley Johnson were crowned sec-
tionals king and queen.
Page 2 The Tattler
NEWS
well. It looked nice and I felt like every-
one had fun,” said Vega. “We started
planning towards the beginning of the
year and started making decorations
over Christmas break. With the sugges-
tions from (art teacher) Mrs. Mindas and
the cooperation of our class, the dance
turned out as expected. It got really
stressful about the week before the
dance. Everyone involved with organiz-
ing it, especially our sponsors, were
shuffling around and tying up loose ends
and getting last details done. All of the
time and effort put into the dance was
worth it. Everyone looked like they were
enjoying themselves. I’m glad that every-
thing turned out as expected,” Vega add-
ed.
Thanks to the class of 2018 and its
sponsors for hosting a memorable evening
for all those who attended.
(From Class, p. 1)
cess, but a great opportunity that showed
the class of 2018’s dedication to their
event and school.
“It really tested their leadership skills and
teamwork abilities. With their great dedi-
cation, the dance came to a tremendous
success,” said Ms. Markovich. She is also
really grateful for Vega who went above
and beyond to ensure that the students
would have a dance to remember.
“Overall I feel that the dance turned out
Macie Plavec
Reporter
welcomed presenter Keyona Williams
who gave a heartfelt presentation about
Rachel and the way she lived her life,
her thoughts which were recorded in her
diary and the continuation of her legacy.
Her touching presentation left many
motivated to make a difference.
"It inspired me to be nicer and to think
about other people’s feelings. If every-
one would take something out of this,
the world would be a much better
place," said junior Brian Flores.
"After participating in the Rachel's
Challenge assembly last year and her
Legacy this year, I hope students will
view themselves and others in a more
positive light,” said WHS Counselor
Ms. Selene Giron. “I hope students will
realize they are the key players who can
shape our school into a safe and wel-
coming environment through kindness
and compassion."
Students were encouraged to imple-
ment Rachel’s Legacy in their own lives
in the form of five challenges. These
challenges remind students to 1) Leave
a Legacy of Kindness, 2) Show Com-
passion, 3) Practice Pre-Acceptance, 4)
Learn from Your Mistakes and 5) For-
give Yourself and Others.
"Going to the assembly was really in-
spiring and it makes you stop and think
about all of the things the speaker talked
about,” said junior Isabelle Waszak.
“Towards the end, I almost cried be-
cause it just makes you appreciate the
life you have so much more and to not
take anything for granted. I'm really
glad Whiting has the opportunity to
On February 18, Keyona Williams
came to speak to the Whiting Middle and
High School students about Rachel’s
Challenge, a series of programs and strat-
egies that equip students and adults to
maintain the safe, caring and supporting
learning environment essential for aca-
demic achievement. These programs are
based on the life and writings of 17 year-
old Rachel Scott who was the first stu-
dent killed at Columbine High school on
April 20, 1999.
Rachel’s legacy of deliberately reach-
ing out to those who were different, new
at school, or picked on by others is the
basis for strategies that helps schools
promote a positive learning environment.
The program consists of two presenta-
tions: Rachel's Challenge and Rachel's
Legacy. Last year students were intro-
duced to Rachel’s Challenge, and this
year’s program focused on her legacy.
At the assembly, Whiting High School
Above, Speaker Keyona Williams inspires the stu-
dents to ‘Leave a Legacy of Kindness.’
experience Rachel’s Challenge," contin-
ued Waszak.
In addition to the assembly, students
were selected to participate in FOR Club
training. The FOR (Friends of Rachel)
Club and STAND (Students Together
Against Negative Decisions) work hand
in hand to fulfill Rachel’s Challenges by
starting their own chain reaction. It is
designed to help students practice
Rachel's ideals while spreading kindness.
The FOR Club has already made an im-
pact by leaving positive affirmations on
every student’s locker in the high school,
and they have plans to end each week
with high fives. The FOR Club has per-
sonally accepted Rachel’s Challenge and
is actively helping to spread the legacy of
kindness. The group is for anyone and
everyone who wishes to make a simple
but huge impact in others’ lives, all in-
spired by Rachel Scott who put it best
when she said, “People will never know
how far a little act of kindness can go.”
Rachel’s Legacy inspires students
Above, Williams motivates students to use social
media to make someone’s day.
Page 3
FEATURE
ward to seeing everyone," said Ms.
Aviance Cobb, the co-sponsor for the
class of 2017.
"At this point in time, we've been exe-
cuting our plans and everything has
been falling into place," said Will Ra-
mos, the president of the class of 2017.
"We're really paying attention to what
we feel will make this a memorable
experience for everyone. Anyone who
attends prom will have a good time; it's
guaranteed," added Ramos.
"It has been an emotional process be-
cause the staff and committee members
would like for this event to be forever
etched in the memories of every at-
tendee," Ms. Cobb said. "Great food,
awesome music and longtime friends,"
responded Ms. Cobb when asked what
students should expect to experience.
If you are attending prom, it is recom-
mended you bring your dancing shoes;
the music is expected to be great.
"The DJ we booked for prom has been
at some really big events, so be ready to
dance and listen to what he'll be playing
for us. Expect to dance for the whole
night," said Ramos.
Aside from dancing, you can expect
delicious food and other fun traditional
prom activities, such as taking memorable
pictures of the night in the photo booth.
Prom tickets will go on sale on March 21
for $80.00 per couple. The class of 2017
hopes to see you there!
For most students, prom is one of the
high points of their high school career: a
magical night filled with music, food,
dancing and fun. The class of 2017 is
sponsoring prom this year and have cho-
sen "The Crystal Ball" as the theme for
the event which will take place on Satur-
day, April 30, at The Center for Visual
and Performing Arts in Munster. From
creating the invitations to picking out the
party gifts, the committee wants this to be
a perfect night for everyone, and the jun-
iors have worked diligently to make this
happen for those attending.
"Planning is on track and we look for-
Juniors prepare for Prom 2016: ‘The Crystal Ball’
Tara Gomez
Reporter
and Gormley for Electric Vehicle; Pablo
Moore, Zapien, and Ramos for Experi-
mental Design; and Ramos and Carlos
Quinones for Robot Arm.
“We still have room for improvement
and always learn from our mistakes. Our
team definitely has potential to play
against the top in the state,” said Cossyle-
on.
The B team students placed in the top
three for nine events: Jeremy Maldonado
and Joe Lowry for Electric Vehicle; Mal-
donaldo, Ethan Harbin and Gabby Ortega
for Experimental Design; Ortega, Lowry,
and Carlos Gomez for Protein Modeling;
Colton Willoughby and Alex Torres for
Wind Power; Melchor and Willoughby
for Wright Stuff; TJ Lowe and Joseman-
uel Alcantar for Air Trajectory; Ortega
and Jose Alcantar for Disease Detectives;
and Ortega and Gomez for Fossils.
The A team placed then placed fif-
teenth overall against thirty-five teams at
Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio
on Saturday, February 6.
Students on A team placed in the top
eight for six events: Cossyleon and Kola-
vo for Game On; Kolavo and Moore for
Electric Vehicle; Ramos, Ortega, and
Kelsey Kovacik for Protein Modeling;
Ramos and Cossyleon for Air Trajectory;
Julianna Scivinsky and Melchor for
Wright Stuff; and Moore, Ortega and
Ramos for Experimental Design.
“I think the team has shown that they
have the potential to be a great team.
Despite not always having our best day,
we continue to place well at competi-
tions. It’s exciting to think about what
the team could do if everyone has the
day that they could have,” said Science
Olympiad Co-Sponsor Mr. Long.
On Saturday, February 20, the Science
Olympiad team attended the Huntley
Invitational in Illinois. A team placed
seventh overall, and B team placed
twenty-fourth overall.
Students on A team placed in the top
three for four events: Ramos and
Cossyleon for Air Trajectory; Cossyleon
and Will Stricker for Game On; Kolavo
and Quinones for Wind Power; and Ra-
mos, Figueroa and Zapien for Protein
Modeling.
“Huntley was a really great experi-
ence; we competed against some of the
top teams in Illinois and even beat some
teams we've never beaten before. I think
it shows that we can go to nationals if
we keep working and we can show that
we deserve to be one of the top schools
in Indiana,” said Mills-Groninger.
“I predict that we will continue to im-
prove and show that we can be one of
the best teams in the state,” said Mr.
(From Science Olympiad, p. 1) Long.
On Saturday, March 5, Purdue Calumet
hosted the regional competition where the
A team placed second overall.
The A team placed in the top three for
fourteen events: Ramos and Cossyleon
for Air Trajectory; Cossyleon and Mills-
Groninger for Game On; Ramos, Ortega
and Zapien for Protein Modeling; Kolavo
and Quinones for Wind Power; Moore
and Ramos for Chemistry Lab; Kolavo
and Gormley for Electric Vehicle; Orte-
ga, Zapien and Ramos for Experimental
Design; Mills-Groninger and Gormley for
Geologic Mapping; Scivinsky and Moore
for Wright Stuff; Figueroa and Quinones
for Astronomy; Villaseñor and Ruiz for
Bridge Building; Mills-Groninger and
Moore for Dynamic Planet and Hydroge-
ology; and Ramos and Cossyleon for Ro-
bot Arm.
The B team placed in the top three for
two events: Maldonado and Lowry for
Electric Vehicle; and Maldonado, Harbin
and Gomez for Experimental Design.
“We were very good at regionals, and
we were just a few events short of being
great. We are so close to becoming that
great team that we know the potential is
there to be, we just have to want it more
than the other teams. We are looking to
take it to the next level for the state tour-
nament,” said Mr. Long.
Sectionals Dance Page 4 The Tattler
Page 5
City Lights
Page 6 The Tattler
FEATURE
Mireya Huizar
Reporter
Mr. Dan Nichols: Teacher of the Year
A great poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson,
once said, “The great teacher is not the
man who supplies the most facts, but the
one in whose presence we become differ-
ent people.” One teacher to whom this
quote can easily apply is 2016 Teacher of
the Year Mr. Dan Nichols who was
awarded this honor at a dinner hosted by
the Whiting Robertsdale Chamber of
Commerce on January 30.
Despite teaching being his passion, Mr.
Nichols did not always know he was go-
ing to go into the profession. He was ini-
tially a biology/chemistry major in hopes
of going to medical school.
“After my junior year of college, I de-
cided that the medical profession was not
the right choice for me because I’m a
very emotional person,” said Mr. Nichols,
and he changed his major to history.
“I have always wanted to help other peo-
ple and teaching is a great way to help
students in so many ways that I decided
to make it my career,” Mr. Nichols add-
ed.
Little did he know that one decision
would open doors to an accomplished
career at Whiting High School.
“I have been very fortunate to teach
here at Whiting and my students have
given me so much to be proud of. I have
had successes as a sports coach, took the
Science Academic team to state and
helped start the Science Olympiad team
here,” said Mr. Nichols.
Of all of his accomplishments, Mr.
Nichols is most proud of attending the
National Tournament in Orlando, Florida,
with the 2014 Science Olympiad team,
which was also an honor for the City of
Whiting.
In addition to Mr. Nichols helping his
athletes and students in extracurricular
activities achieve success, Mr. Nichols
helps his students in his classes achieve
on a daily basis. A great teacher under-
stands his students and understands that
everyone learns in different ways, and
us to do our best. He plans our days so
that we manage our time. His class (AP
Biology) is no joke, but he is always there
to help us in any way he can. He really is
a great teacher.”
But Mr. Nichols not only teaches the
curricula; he also touches the lives of
many of his students as well.
“Mr. Nichols has made a major impact
in my life; he has taught me about hard
work and dedication and how you can do
anything that you set your mind to,” sen-
ior Lilly Ruiz said. “Over the four years
of high school, I've spent most of my time
with Mr. Nichols because he has always
been there for the team (Science Olympi-
ad) and me. He goes above and beyond to
help the team. Overall, Mr. Nichols has
made high school a great and memorable
experience that I will cherish forever be-
cause he helped make something as scary
as high school, a very exciting and happy
experience,” Ruiz added.
Besides his impact on his present stu-
dents, Mr. Nichols has left a life-long
impact on many WHS alumni.
“I have known Mr. Nichols for almost
20 years. He was my volleyball coach,
teacher, class co-sponsor (along with Mr.
Long), cooperating teacher (during stu-
dent teaching), and is now my colleague,
and friend,” said biology teacher Mrs.
Kelly Morando. “Mr. Nichols has shaped
my life in many different ways. The big-
gest impact he has had on my life has
been since I’ve become a teacher. His
willingness to help and guide me when I
first began teaching and his experience
and knowledge inside the classroom are
things that continue to help me every day.
I am sincerely thankful to have him as a
mentor,” Mrs. Morando continued.
Mr. Nichols looks forward to complet-
ing the year on a strong note and making
sure that his students learn as much as
possible.
He approaches teaching like life, with
authenticity and passion. Congratulations
to Mr. Nichols on this well-deserved hon-
or.
Mr. Nichols definitely exemplifies that.
“Mr. Nichols makes learning difficult
concepts really easy. He breaks large
complicated concepts into concepts that
we as teenagers can relate to,” said AP
Biology student Tara Gomez.
“Although sometimes tedious, the
projects he makes us do for units help
get the main point across in a way that
is understandable,” Gomez continued.
Mr. Nichols sees himself as a stu-
dent’s tool in their educational endeav-
ors, which defines his philosophy in
education:
“I am a guide that helps students un-
derstand the material they are learning.
I provide them with examples, experi-
ences and explanations to make sure
that they are understanding the course-
work. I am a motivator, a cheerleader
and a friend for students along their
educational pathway,” Mr. Nichols
said.
Senior Tara Gomez added, “He also
has a sense of humor that can turn bor-
ing concepts and days into something
really fun and interesting. You can tell
he cares about our education and wants
Above, Mr. Nichols was selected Teacher of the
Year by the Whiting Robertsdale Chamber of
Commerce.
Page 7
FEATURE
Damien Resa
Why did you want to run for
sectionals king?
Ashley wanted me to run with her.
What were your thoughts when
you won?
I get a cool hat.
What are your plans after grad-
uation?
Go to college
What’s your favorite movie?
She’s Out of My League
If you had three wishes, what
would you wish for?
A dog that can live forever, to win
sectionals for basketball, and to be
wealthy.
What’s your dream vacation?
California
What can’t you live without?
Music
If you could meet anyone fa-
mous, who would it be?
Allen Iverson because he’s one
of my favorite basketball play-
ers.
Ashley Johnson
Why did you want to run for sec-
tionals queen?
I thought it would a fun experi-
ence, plus I’m always a queen.
What were your thoughts when
you won?
I was surprised and really happy.
What are your plans after grad-
uation?
Go to IUN and study radiology
What’s your favorite movie?
Divergent
If you had three wishes, what
would you wish for?
Unlimited pizza, cats and Bri
What’s your dream vacation?
Paris
What can’t you live without?
Bri
If you could meet anyone fa-
mous, who would it be?
Theo James because he’s so cute
and he’s in my favorite movie.
Queen
Leilani Bigott
Reporter
Meet the King and Queen
King
Page 8 The Tattler
FEATURE
Penny War Results
1st Place: Mr. Hopps
2nd Place: Mrs. Lovasko
3rd Place: Mr. Cain
Seniors in for a fun-filled trip
As the final semester of high school
begins to wrap up for the seniors, many of
them are anxiously awaiting the long held
tradition of the senior trip, among other
things. The senior trip is to Florida this
year. After all the stress that senior year
brings, students will be able to wind
down for a weekend of relaxation and
fun. The four day trip will be held April 14
-17. This year there are 42 students at-
tending the trip and four chaperones who
include class of 2016 co-sponsors Mrs.
Lisa Mendoza and Mrs. Daniela Caste-
lan, and teachers Mr. Tim Hopps and
Mr. Brett Jennings. The group has a very busy itinerary.
Each day is packed with fun and adven-
ture. With the exception of the arrival
day, the trip includes a theme park ex-
cursion for every day. Upon arrival, the
students and chaperones will be able to
relax in Downtown Disney and the ho-
tel. On Friday, the attendees will be able
to experience Magic Kingdom and Uni-
versal Studios. On Saturday, the group
will explore Animal Kingdom and Hol-
lywood Studios. On Sunday, the final
day, the group will be having fun at Ty-
phoon Lagoon. Mrs. Mendoza is excited for this group
of students to be given the opportunity to
have fun after four years of hard work.
She is also excited to experience the trip
herself. "I'm most excited to see Mickey, of
course! I'm also excited to experience the
warm, sunny Florida weather," said Mrs.
Mendoza. She is also very impressed with
how many students are going on the trip.
She expects this group to be a lot of fun!
Tara Gomez
Reporter
Congratulations to the following
choir members on their
performance at the
State Solo and Ensemble Com-
petition in Indianapolis on
February 20.
Gold Medalists:
Faith Huss, Hope Huss, Lupe Ruiz,
Julianna Scivinsky, Juliana Serna,
Girls Ensemble (Hope Huss, Faith Huss,
Julianna Scivinsky, Rana Hamad, and
Marissa Baez)
Silver Medalists:
Mckenna Hetzel, Ruby Sanchez and
Jacqueline Zarate
Congratulations to the following
band members who
competed at the
State Solo and Ensemble
Competition in Indianapolis on
February 27.
Gold Medalist:
Matthew Plavec for Tenor Saxophone
solo.
Silver Medalists:
Flute Quartet (Hannah Hetzel, Ana Corne-
jo, Kaylie Callahan and Brianna Irvine)
Trumpet Quartet (Macie Plavec, Tara
Gomez, Isaac Sahagun and Brian Flores)
The National Honor Society sponsored
the “Penny Wars” to raise money for the
Lymphoma and Leukemia Society from
February 8-19. The total amount of mon-
ey raised was $1,535.86. The first place
Choice class received an ice cream social.
The second place Choice class earned a
dress down day.
Photos: Below, NHS; Above Left: Mr. Hopps’
Choice class: Right: Mrs. Lovasko’s Choice class.
News Briefs
Page 9
SPORTS
Guadalupe Ruiz
Lilliana Ruiz
Samanta Zapien
The Tattler Staff Alex Danielides
Tara Gomez
Mireya Huizar
Macie Plavec
Kata Bes
Leilani Bigott
Emily Brooks
Editor-In-Chief Leilani Bigott
Printing Mr. Cain’s Class
Adviser Ms. Hylek
Bishop Noll had taken the lead. The
Oilers had only scored five points the
entire quarter, coming from Dietz and
Petruf. The Oilers lost their lead for the
first time the game with two minutes left
in the third. The quarter ended with Noll
ahead, 33-29.
After a very competitive three quarters,
Noll started to break away during the
fourth. The Oilers trailed the Warriors
by a few points the entire quarter. In a
final attempt to shorten the lead in the
last minute of the game, junior Victor
Quinones hit a 3-pointer, making the
score 56-49, Noll. With a late foul
against the Oilers, and two free throws
by the Warriors, the final score of the
game was 58-49. The Whiting Oilers
ended their season 10-13 overall.
In the first round of the Boone Grove
Sectional on Wednesday, March 2, the
Oilers basketball team faced Bishop Noll.
The Oilers hung tough initially, but even-
tually fell short to the Warriors.
The Oilers jumped out to a great start.
After two turnovers from Noll in the first
minutes of the game, the Oilers went on a
5-0 run. The Warriors came back, but the
Oilers never lost their lead. The Oilers
closed out the first quarter by a score of
15-13.
Both teams were on a shutdown defense
in the second quarter. Neither team was
able to execute offensively. Noll finally
penetrated the Oilers’ defense and scored
in the final four minutes of the half, mak-
ing the score 15-15. Seniors Jon Alonso,
Chris Dietz and Martin Petruf contributed
to the score after this point. After consist-
ently trading baskets with the Warriors,
the Oilers ended the half ahead of the
Warriors, 24-20.
The third quarter was close; however,
Oilers end the season against the Warriors
Alex Danielides
Reporter
Above, Junior Jesse Santos plays defense against
Clark.
“A better team beat us by taking ad-
vantage of our mistakes. But there is
nothing more we could’ve done; we
played hard and hit shots,” said Dietz.
“I’m glad we got to end the season
with a great game against our rival. We
had a lot of fun at times, and I’m really
going to miss playing with my broth-
ers,” said Alonso.
The team will be losing four seniors:
Alonso, Dietz, Petruf and Damien Re-
sa, who have been the first group to
have three consecutive 10-win seasons
in the past three decades. Coach Tim
Hopps had only great things to say
about them and the team.
“I am proud of what this group of sen-
iors had accomplished in their careers.
We certainly have had our share of
adversity throughout the year, but the
team continued to work and improve,”
said Coach Hopps. “The chemistry they
share on and off the court is unmatched
with any team I’ve coached. The lead-
ership and mentorship of our seniors
left a tremendous impact on the team,
and their impact will not be forgotten,”
Coach Hopps added.
Above, Senior Chris Dietz attempts to shoot
around a defender during the Whiting Clark game.
Above, Senior Damien Resa takes the ball out of
bounds.
Page 10 The Tattler
SPORTS
Emily Brooks
Reporter
Meet the spring sports coaches
Name: Adam Musielak
Hometown: Highland, IN
Coaching Position: Varsity Baseball
Head Coach
Past experience with sport: Junior
Varsity Coach last season
Reason(s) for coaching: Not only am I
passionate about baseball and a very
competitive person, I love seeing student
athletes succeed both on the field and in
the classroom. The greatest satisfaction
for me is to see a student athlete go out
and achieve something they did not
know was possible for them.
Goal(s) for the season: I would like to
place first or second in conference and
win sectionals.
Name: Marty Furiak
Hometown: Hammond, IN
Coaching Position: Boys Golf Head
Coach
Past experience with sport: Golf
Name: Kelly Morando
Hometown: Whiting, IN
Coaching Position: Varsity Softball
Head Coach
Past experience with sport: I played
softball for 12 years, four of which were
for Whiting High School. During my
high school career, I achieved four sec-
tional titles and one regional title. I
coached six seasons as Mr. Laub's varsity
assistant.
Reason(s) for coaching: I love the
game! Passing on my excitement and
knowledge of the game is another reason
I coach. It's amazing to see players work
hard all season and then finally have that
breakthrough moment when all their hard
work pays off is an awesome feeling as a
coach.
Goal(s) for the season: First and fore-
most, I want to improve upon from last
season which includes having a winning
record. Second, I would like to place in
the top three teams of our conference.
And third, I want to win sectionals.
These are just some general goals that I
have. Once we meet as a team, we will
develop both team and individual season
goals.
Coach for eight years
Reason(s) for coaching: I love the game
of golf and what it can teach to young
people.
Goal(s) for the season: We lost three
solid veteran upperclassmen from last
year. I am hoping to get some underclass-
men to help rebuild our program. I am
hoping to find that my players care about
the program and strive to make it better.
Name: Mark Harnew
Hometown: Griffith, IN
Coaching Position: Girls Tennis Head
Coach
Past experience with sport: I was the
Assistant Girls Tennis Coach at Griffith
High School for two seasons and the
Girls Head Tennis Coach at Griffith High
School for four seasons. I coached Boys
Tennis at Griffith High School for one
season. I gave lessons at a summer camp
outside Philadelphia for one summer.
Reason(s) for coaching: Tennis starts off
with love and ends with a winner. The
game requires a mix of mental toughness
and physical toughness. I love teaching
the ins and outs of the game!
Goal(s) for the season: The goal this
season is to improve our hitting each
match and try to get as far as possible in
the postseason, both individually and as a
team.