Robert E Lee, Rockbridge and Fort Defiance all met up in the gymnasium to face-off against us and each other in a quad meet. Wrestlers like Junior Gregorio Castillo were preparing for the event.

“The purpose is just to wrestle. This is our first meet, and it’s a chance to practice our strengths and weaknesses,” Castillo said, who sees meet as an opportunity to work on advancing his own skills.

In order to mentally prepare for his matches, he states he “listens to music and warms up with the guys to stay focused.”

When the meet began at 5:30p.m., it started off slow, with two rounds went on for at least four minutes each. The next matches took less time, however, and the number of spectators nearly doubled in the first thirty minutes.

ATreyl Wade is a senior wrestler who just won his first match in 45 seconds.

“[I felt] nervous, but when it comes down to it, you gotta do what you gotta do,” Wade said. However, he saw it as more than just a personal victory.

“It’s about the team,” Wade said, “not just the individual match.”

Tina Sorrel is a manager of the team and believes this first meet to be a good test as the team has only done scrimmage practices so far this season.

“This is the time where our wrestlers get to show off what they’ve learned,” Sorrel said.

After the first set of matches against Fort Defiance, there was a 10 minute break for the spectators. HHS ended up losing to Fort by just two points, but the first-year coach, Billy Bower, is still happy.

“Honestly [the meet] is going pretty well, we’d have won if it’d gone a bit better in the last match,” Bower said.

The second set of matches began against Robert E Lee, and the matches ended in 30 seconds, but there was one middle match where it seemed that the competitors were in the exact same pose for two minutes straight before the referee blew the whistle for out-of-bounds. This time around, instead of losing by two points, HHS beat Lee by two points.

After another 10 minute break, the final set of matches came against Rockbridge. Guillermo Torres scored 13 points against an opponent who didn’t get a single point on him. It was followed by a match with a two-point loss, but soon, more losses started to pile up

The score for the final match ended up with Rockbridge winning by 10 points putting it at the top of the meet.

Wrestlers still, like ATreyl Wade, still wish more spectators came, however.

“Come out and support us. We only have seven home games this year. [Support] is how we win.”

On Nov. 29th, the girls’ basketball teams played against Sherando High School. The JV team ended the first quarter with a lead of 14-8. They kept widening that gap until halftime when they had a lead of 21-17. Around the start of the third quarter,the Sherando team started to catch up and they tied it at 24-24, but Harrisonburg made a free throw making the score 25-24 and pulled ahead from there. They ended the third quarter with a score of 35-26. The team kept the lead going up until the end when they beat Sherando with an 11 point lead at 45-34.

The Varsity game was next. The girls played a close game through the first quarter making it hard to predict who was going to win. Soon enough the opposing team took a lead after the second quarter with Harrisonburg losing by 7 points at 31-24. They kept up a good game, catching up again towards the third quarter and losing their comeback as they neared the end of the game. Finally, they came out strong but lost to Sherando with a score of 43 to Sherando’s 53.

In the world of sports, there is no doubt that American football is the most popular in our nation. In the past I had heard arguments made by college athletes, that suggested that they get paid for playing for their school. For the select few that go on to play college football this is not a problem and they are destined to make more money. When someone plays for a team like the University of Alabama, who is a historically great college football team, they want to go to the next level and make money doing what they love. So for the players who we already know are great, and are recognized nationally, why can’t they be sponsored.

The number one rule for an athlete in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), or any other sports association/conference in the U.S., is that no player is allowed to advertise anything at all or accept any money besides the free scholarship to their desired college. I am sure that Nike would love to have the Heisman trophy winner this year sign a contract and become the face of Nike football products. I think that if a player works his tail off and people admire that player, they should be allowed to sponsor whoever they want.

The argument that the NCAA makes is that the college that the player is attending is already paying for that player’s education and that player should not be paid for anything else that gives ties to them. For example, let’s take a potential heisman trophy winner, Lamar Jackson. The University of Louisville’s record breaking quarterback is almost guaranteed to go to the draft in my opinion, so we know that he is going to be making more money than his college degree was worth, and he won’t be needing his college degree once he’s making big bucks in the NFL (National Football League).

I believe that college athletes who are nationally recognized and are destined to be great are entitled to being able to sign with companies and advertise for them. After all, once that player gets recognized more and more for their advertising, the school they attended gets recognized too. A player deserves the money that they are working for, so why not give it to them a year or two earlier?

Following their 17-15 win over the Minnesota Vikings in week 13, the Dallas Cowboys continue to be the number one team in the NFL, with an almost flawless 11-1 record. Despite their week one loss to the Giants, rookie quarterback and fill-in for Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, has led his team to 11 straight wins, while throwing 19 touchdowns and only two interceptions. After the Cowboys division rival, the Washington Redskins, lost to the the Arizona Cardinals in week 13, the Cowboys have clinched a spot in the playoffs. However, being in the NFL playoffs is one thing, but I think the Cowboys have the potential to go all the way and win the Super Bowl for the first time since 1996.

I think the Dallas Cowboys will win this year’s Super Bowl because it’s obviously hard to overlook their 11-1 record this season, but to back that up, their 27.8 average points per game is ranked fifth in the NFL, and they have the second best rushing yard average in the NFL, coming mostly from their lead rusher, rookie running back, Ezekiel Elliott. Their field goals have also almost been flawless this season. Cowboys kicker, Dan Bailey, has made 21 out of 23 field goals through 12 games, including three field goals from 50+ yards. Their receivers have been pretty good as well, Dak Prescott throwing for 19 touchdown passes, with wide receiver, Dez Bryant catching six TD passes, followed by Cole Beasley with five.

The Cowboy’s defensive squad has been making plays as well this year. In 12 games, the defense has a combined total of 23 sacks and 12 forced fumbles. Defensive players, Barry Church, Morris Claiborne, and Brandon Carr have combined for four interceptions this season. Barring all their statistics though, the Dallas Cowboys have a good, well-rounded football team. Even though they’re without their quarterback who initially was going to be the starter until he was hurt in pre-season, Tony Romo, the team has still been able to excel under the leadership of rookie, Dak Prescott. Romo gave a speech a few weeks ago, saying that he wasn’t going to interfere in the team’s success this season, and also saying that Prescott has earned the right to be the quarterback for Dallas. I think Prescott is not only a good quarterback, but he’s a good leader of the team. He said before that he dreamed of playing for the Dallas Cowboys, and here he is, playing for Dallas and leading them to the playoffs for the first time in two years. With his skill and leadership, I think Prescott will further his dream, and lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl win.

Not only would this be huge for Prescott, but for all the Dallas Cowboys players, their fans, and for the city of Dallas. The Cowboys are known for being the most popular NFL team, or “America’s Team.” Their fifth and last Super Bowl was twenty years ago, so it’s been a bit of a drought since then. I think there’s a lot of pressure on anybody who plays for the Dallas Cowboys, knowing that you have the title of “America’s Team,” however it’s also a good thing because they have more fans than any other team, all those fans have always been behind the Cowboys, so with that support, it should also be a bit of an advantage. Also, most of their playoff games will most likely be in Dallas because they would have the better record than their opponents, and they’d have the home field advantage.

The Cowboys would not just have an advantage in the playoff games, but an advantage in the Super Bowl. This year’s game takes place in Houston, Texas, the other football stadium in that state, of course the other one being, Dallas. If the Cowboys go to the Super Bowl, imagine how many Cowboy fans will pack into that stadium for the game. I think it would almost just being another home game for them, they would have the home field advantage, and the leadership of Prescott on their side. So with the fans, Prescott, and their outstanding football team, is why the Dallas Cowboys will win their record-tying sixth Super Bowl on February 5, 2017.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the two days when everything is on sale. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when everybody just raves about all of the great deals in the stores and tries to get all of their favorite things for low prices. But now the stores have started bringing out their sales for Black Friday on Thanksgiving day, so when you should be in the warmth of your home eating turkey and enjoying your family’s company, you’re out in the cold trying to figure out which store has the best deal. But if you missed out on all of the Black Friday and Thanksgiving shopping, don’t worry. All of the sales don’t end that quick; there is Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is similar to Black Friday, but instead of shopping in stores, you get to shop online in the comfort of your own home.

When comparing both Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I would have to say they both have their strengths, but then again they both have flaws. For example, Black Friday has grown to much more than just a single day, to the point where they start bringing deals out the day before on Thanksgiving. Instead of waking up at 4:00 a.m. on Black Friday, people have begun to wake up at the same time, except on Thanksgiving. But there is a way to get all your favorite things on sale without getting in all the traffic, the mess and the crowds. There’s Cyber Monday, the day when you’re actually excited when Monday comes around because there’s such a great bargain for all your favorite things and it can be sent to your house with the matter of just clicking a few buttons.

On December 5, the HHS Stage Streaks traveled to Monticello High School in Charlottesville to compete for a state championship in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) one act competition. They competed against Jefferson Forest, Great Bridge and Lafayette for the title. It was the fifth consecutive year that HHS has advanced to states.

Although both original and musical shows tend to do poorly on a competition level, the cast and crew of “That Was Then” placed first, with three out of four of the Best Actor awards, given to junior Julie Hedrick and seniors Eleanor Alger and Noelle Warne.

Director Stanley Swartz was overjoyed by the result.

“The most exciting thing for me is the fact that we’ve swept every competition in first place,” Swartz said. “This has never happened to us before. It’s truly the icing on the cake.”

For co-authors of the show, seniors Eleanor Alger and Genevieve Cowardin, the victory is even sweeter.

“I am so thrilled that we won. I’m happy that my four years in one act have ended on such a high note; it was great to see the show and the cast get so much positive recognition. I was nervous going into states because the competition is much steeper, but it’s validating to win in that venue as well because it means that the effort we’ve put into the show has been noticed,” Alger said.

“I have a lot of memories at states,” Cowardin said. “We’ve been there all four years of my high school career, and [Monticello High School] holds a lot of emotions for me. Performing in that space again—and winning—my senior year was a really important moment for me.”

Alger and Cowardin both portray the show’s main character, Betty Jo, along with freshman Kate Cummings, in different parts of her life. Cummings plays Young Betty Jo, Alger plays Middle Betty Jo and Cowardin plays Old Betty Jo.

For Cummings, this run was especially important.

“Our projection was a note judges had given us before, and this time we did it better than we’ve ever done before, especially in such a large auditorium. It felt like all the things we’d been working on finally came together,” Cummings said.

The character of Betty Jo is both dynamic and emotionally demanding for the trio, as she endures physical and sexual abuse, a substance-abusing father and the consequences of having to uproot her life and run from her home at 15.

For all three actresses, the road to states has not been easy.

“It’s been a constant struggle, trying to create a character that will do the story justice. I  wanted to make sure that [Betty Jo] was both believable and dynamic to the audience. [The role] took an emotional toll on me, but the support system we have in the cast helped me overcome the darkness in the show,” Cummings said.

“It’s been an emotional release for me. I can take all of my negative feelings or from the day and channel them into this role, because it’s so heavy. It’s cathartic, because even though my character deals with a lot of darkness she sees a lot of light at the end of the show,” Alger said.

“It’s a very heavy topic and it’s a very heavy character. A lot of this stuff we haven’t dealt with before in our lives, and hopefully never will; taking that on is pretty strenuous. But having the support of the cast, directors and my family especially has kept me healthy throughout this process,” Cowardin said.

Co-author and Assistant Director Susan Comfort has watched this emotional transformation since the show’s first stages, and is thoroughly impressed with the development that all three girls have shown, as well as the rest of the cast.

“I’ve seen them get very close to each other both as actors and personal friends. Theatre and performance isn’t just about memorizing lines and blocking, it’s about listening and connecting with the other actors, and they know this well. They’ve grown and developed more and more with each performance, and that has really added to the quality of the show,” Comfort said.

For both Comfort and Swartz, they believe this level of emotion will be an asset in competition at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) the cast and crew will be traveling to in early March of next year.

“Because the cast has been so involved in the writing process, they’re very invested in the show. I really think that aspect of the show is going to help us in competition,” Swartz said.

“I had a feeling we would win VTA [Virginia Theatre Association Conference], because this is such a powerful story and the cast treats it with such respect. They honor the honesty of the story and all the other Betty Jo’s out there. I’m hoping SETC will be the same way,” Comfort said.

This competition was the last to take place in the VHSL season. It will be the last performance of the show until the Stage Streaks hold their final fundraising performance in late February, before they travel to Lexington, Kentucky for the Southeastern Theatre Conference.

SETC is the largest regional theatre conference in the country, and will include 19 other schools from ten states. “That Was Then” will be competing for the champion title, and will be representing the state of Virginia along with Rock Ridge High School.

On Saturday, Dec. 3, various members from our band gathered at Turner Ashby High School for All-District Band auditions. The audition consisted of a prepared piece, a sight reading piece and the presentation of different techniques characteristic to each instrument. Those accepted into the band were ranked by chair, which correlates with their placement into either the Symphonic band or the Concert band. The Symphonic band is comprised of those in the first eight chairs and the concert band is made up of each chair following that.

All-District Honor Band 2016-2017 results

Flute:

Boroka Boisen | 4th Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Oboe:

Irene Liu | 1st Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Alice McNett | 2nd Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Jenai Macarthur | 2nd Chair Concert

Clarinet:

Rachel Everard | 8th Chair Symphonic

Manny Peralta | 5th Chair Concert

Kennedy Wolter | 14th Chair Concert

Jill Doss | 23rd Chair Concert

Alto Saxophone:

Lucy Moss | 1st Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Cecily Lawton | 2nd Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Noah Pope | 3rd Chair Symphonic

Tenor Saxophone:

Phillip Hart | 2nd Chair Concert

Trombone:

Jerome Li | 3rd Chair Concert

Nathan Ringle | 6th Chair Concert

Euphonium:

Nathan Ringle | 3rd Chair Symphonic

String Bass:

Jaden Graham | 1st Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Percussion:

Joshua Jordan | 1st Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Katya Kirilyuk | 3rd Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Nick Burzumato | 5th Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Ben Blake | 7th Chair Symphonic, All-Virginia Band and Orchestra Eligible

Sam Schaeffer | 1st Chair Concert

Weston Hatfield | 7th Chair Concert

When eating a bowl of soup, cereal or any other food that is liquidy, your mind automatically goes to the appropriate utensil, the spoon. But have you ever stopped to think wether spoons are useless? Think about it; the knife is used when a food is in need of cutting. There is no other need for the knife other than cutting something edible that is too tough to be cut by another utensil. The knife is a necessity and there is no way around it.

Another necessity is the fork. A fork is used to pick up a solid piece of food to eat. The fork is safe compared to eating the solid food with a knife or sharp object that can cut you and cause you to make a run to the emergency room. There is no alternative to a fork. You are stuck with using a fork in certain situations because, once again, the fork is a necessity. Pasta, meat, salad and sometimes pizza (for the weirdos out there), can all be eaten with a fork and knife but are an extreme inconvenience if eaten with a spoon.

This brings me to my next point. Let’s talk about the spoon, the peasant of the utensils. A spoon is used when it seems like the appropriate choice. If you have a bowl of tomato soup steaming in front of you or a bowl of ice cream just waiting to be eaten, your best option seems to be a spoon, but there is an alternative. There is no food that exists that you can eat with a spoon that you can not either drink, eat with your hands or eat with a fork and knife. You can drink soup, you can eat ice cream with a fork, but you can not, for example, eat meat with a spoon. What, are you, crazy? The spoon is the most useless out of the three power tools: fork, knife and spoon.

The origin of the word “spoon” originated during the anglo-saxon time period nearly two thousand years ago, meaning “chip of wood.” This definition clearly describes this overrated piece of metal that nobody has an actual use for. The next step, continuing this utensil’s evolution, is for the human race to move on to bigger and better things. It’s 2016 people. Bring on the spork.