wildcat newspaper issue 3

4
New tardy policies set standards Students scrub community spotless DANIEL MAMANE Students picked up ten bags of trash from the school. BY SANIA SYED & ERICA KOPF News Editor & Staff Writer D ue to the start of Lower field construction, there will be no home football games during this season. Construction began on Sept. 22 and aims to be completed by May 2015, before graduation. The construction plans include a fieldturf, an 8-lane all-weather track, a logo in the middle of the field and a new scoreboard. The new field is an extension of the joint partnership between the school and the proposed YMCA--this already includes the new gym, tennis courts and basketball courts. “The project will give the athletics and PE department a state-of-the-art facility,” principal Eric Davidson said. “It will be a fabulous place for kids to exercise and participate in athletic activities.” The football field closure affects many sports teams on campus. The Lower field and track were used all year round by the football, baseball, track and field, cross country and soccer teams. Head Varsity Football Coach Lee Lowe is currently using the Upper Field as a makeshift field for practices. “Having no home games also means that we are facing adversity, but it will make us a stronger, more connected team,” sophomore and varsity football player Matthew Horwitz said. Not hosting home games also affects the students on the team, mainly because of the limited fan base that can not attend the games in large numbers. Football is not the only team affected. Many of the cheerleaders often travel with the football team in order to do their job. “It’s tough for us [cheerleaders] because we can only have 17 girls on the bus,” sophomore and cheerleader Georgie Rosales said. “The rest of us have to find our own rides, which isn’t fair because we are actually trying to support the team.” Once the field is completed, however, Uni will finally be able to hold track meets. Previously, the dirt track was not under regulation for the races-- the new track will be. “It will be confusing at first but the team will continue working out regardless,” said Cross Country captain and senior Anthony Santiago. “I believe that the new track is going to be great for all future teams and for the school itself.” The field is just a step towards a more ordered campus. “It will just be an overall better product to maintain,” athletic director Ryan Ritcheske said. “We won’t have to use as much water and we don’t have to spend money painting lines on the field for football games.” The Homecoming game will take place on Nov. 7 at Venice High School against Westchester High School. TONI BRYANT The football team cannot play home games as field construction begins. BY EDUARDO CUELLAR- AGUILAR Managing Editor A dministration will enact new policies to curb student tardiness that will be put in effect on Sept. 29. Any student late to first period will have to serve an hour of detention. At the start of the school year, Uni’s campus was full of wandering students trying to work their way to class. Now students are expected to be on time to all classes. Six weeks into the school year, students are still caught wandering around campus. Because of this, administration has decided to reinstate tardy sweeps. “This is a school, not a shopping mall,” Principal Eric Davidson said. “Promptness and timeliness are important to being a student.” Tardy sweeps will take place after nutrition and lunch as well as two times randomly throughout the week. Being caught in the tardy sweep will result in a 20 minute detention; when three tardies are accumulated the student will be subjected to a full hour of detention. “Having to deal with tardy sweeps during school hours is already hectic,” senior Sam Soobin Lee said. “It makes it more difficult now that it affects students before even entering school grounds.” Uni is famous for allowing students to attend from different school zones including Downtown Los Angeles, Inglewood and Crenshaw. Many of these students must bus, bike or even skateboard to school. “An hour [of detention] for being five minutes late is a harsh punishment because it’s not always our fault,” senior Carlos Hernandez said. “It’s already a hassle for me to skate and take the bus to school. Being rushed to school is an unnecessary headache.” BY ROBIN KOPF Staff Writer U ni students participated in two clean- ups to gain community service the weekend of Sept. 20 and 21. Several students from Uni’s Environmental Club attended Heal The Bay’s annual Coastal Cleanup 2014 in Santa Monica on Sept. 20. This particular Coastal Clean-Up is hosted every year around the world and an estimate of 10,000 people participate. Participants spread all over the beach and tried to pick up as much garbage as possible, including plastic pieces. The club found 357 cigarettes. “It was very fun in the end because we were all laughing and talking while cleaning up and doing our part,” sophomore Clara Vamvulescu said. The next day, students participated in a clean up hosted by the Swim Team on Sept. 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Fifty students and parents showed up to help out. Students could earn up to six community service hours for the three hours that the event lasted. Those that went helped pick up trash, sweep and rake around campus. The swim team combined three goals into one: community service opportunities, campus beautification and fundraising. They are fundraising for the fees at the Westwood pool, which they will use for practices. “Overall it was a fun experience because it brought everyone who went closer together,” junior Michelle Trang said. Swim Team Coach Ariana Silva and other parents organized the event. Elizabeth Kim donated snacks and drinks to the hardworking volunteers. A grand total of ten full bags of trash were cleaned up. Kerri Eich, director for the School of Health and Environmental Science, and plant managers helped obtain cleaning supplies, rakes and brooms. “Overall, it was really successful. The campus definitely looked much nicer when we left on Sunday.” Silva said. The Swim Team hopes to host another cleanup soon and definitely for the next semester. W ILDCA T UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL Volume LXXXIX Issue 3 Friday, September 26, 2014 wildcatpaper.com @uniwildcatnews 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 FOOTBALL FIELD construction commences Administration enforces detention to curb extensive tardiness

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Page 1: Wildcat Newspaper Issue 3

New tardy policies set standards

Students scrubcommunity spotless

Daniel MaMane

Students picked up ten bags of trash from the school.

By Sania Syed & erica Kopf

News Editor & Staff Writer

Due to the start of Lower field construction, there will be no home

football games during this season. Construction began on Sept. 22 and aims to be completed by May 2015, before graduation.

The construction plans include a fieldturf, an 8-lane all-weather track, a logo in the middle of the field and a new scoreboard. The new field is an extension of the joint partnership between the school and the proposed YMCA--this already includes the new gym, tennis courts and basketball courts.

“The project will give the athletics and PE department a state-of-the-art facility,” principal Eric Davidson said. “It will be a fabulous place for kids to exercise and participate in athletic activities.”

The football field closure affects many sports teams on campus. The Lower field and track were used all year round by the football, baseball, track and field, cross country and soccer teams. Head Varsity Football Coach Lee Lowe is currently using the Upper Field

as a makeshift field for practices.

“Having no home games also means that we are facing adversity, but it will make us a stronger, more connected team,” sophomore and varsity football player Matthew Horwitz said.

Not hosting home games also affects the students on the team, mainly because of the limited fan base that can not attend the games in large numbers.

Football is not the only team affected. Many of the cheerleaders often travel with the football team in order to do

their job. “It’s tough for us

[cheerleaders] because we can only have 17 girls on the bus,” sophomore and cheerleader Georgie Rosales said. “The rest of us have to find our own rides, which isn’t fair because we are actually trying to support the team.”

Once the field is completed, however, Uni will finally be able to hold track meets. Previously, the dirt track was not under regulation for the races-- the new track will be.

“It will be confusing at first but the team will continue working out regardless,” said

Cross Country captain and senior Anthony Santiago. “I believe that the new track is going to be great for all future teams and for the school itself.”

The field is just a step towards a more ordered campus.

“It will just be an overall better product to maintain,” athletic director Ryan Ritcheske said. “We won’t have to use as much water and we don’t have to spend money painting lines on the field for football games.”

The Homecoming game will take place on Nov. 7 at Venice High School against Westchester High School.

Toni BryanT

The football team cannot play home games as field construction begins.

By eduardo cuellar- aguilar

Managing Editor

Administration will enact new policies to curb

student tardiness that will be put in effect on Sept. 29. Any student late to first period will have to serve an hour of detention.

At the start of the school year, Uni’s campus was full of wandering students trying to work their way to class. Now students are expected to be on time to all classes. Six weeks into the school year, students are still caught wandering around campus. Because of this, administration has decided to reinstate tardy sweeps.

“This is a school, not a shopping mall,” Principal Eric Davidson said. “Promptness and timeliness are important to being a student.”

Tardy sweeps will take place after nutrition and lunch as well as two times randomly throughout the week. Being caught in the tardy sweep will result in a 20 minute detention; when three tardies are accumulated the student will be subjected to a full hour of detention.

“Having to deal with tardy sweeps during school hours is already hectic,” senior Sam Soobin Lee said. “It makes it more difficult now that it affects students before even entering school grounds.”

Uni is famous for allowing students to attend from different school zones including Downtown Los Angeles, Inglewood and Crenshaw. Many of these students must bus, bike or even skateboard to school.

“An hour [of detention] for being five minutes late is a harsh punishment because it’s not always our fault,” senior Carlos Hernandez said. “It’s already a hassle for me to skate and take the bus to school. Being rushed to school is an unnecessary headache.”

By roBin Kopf

Staff Writer

Uni students participated in two clean- ups to gain

community service the weekend of Sept. 20 and 21.

Several students from Uni’s Environmental Club attended Heal The Bay’s annual Coastal Cleanup 2014 in Santa Monica on Sept. 20. This particular Coastal Clean-Up is hosted every year around the world and an estimate of 10,000 people participate.

Participants spread all over the beach and tried to pick up as much garbage as possible, including plastic pieces. The club found 357 cigarettes.

“It was very fun in the end because we were all laughing

and talking while cleaning up and doing our part,” sophomore Clara Vamvulescu said.

The next day, students participated in a clean up hosted by the Swim Team on Sept. 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Fifty students and parents showed up to help out. Students could earn up to six community service hours for the three hours that the event lasted. Those that went helped pick up trash, sweep and rake around campus.

The swim team combined three goals into one: community service opportunities, campus beautification and fundraising. They are fundraising for the fees at the Westwood pool, which they will use for practices.

“Overall it was a fun experience because it brought everyone who went closer together,” junior Michelle Trang said.

Swim Team Coach Ariana Silva and other parents organized the event. Elizabeth Kim donated snacks and drinks to the hardworking volunteers. A grand total of ten full bags of trash were cleaned up. Kerri

Eich, director for the School of Health and Environmental Science, and plant managers helped obtain cleaning supplies, rakes and brooms.

“Overall, it was really successful. The campus definitely looked much nicer when we left on Sunday.” Silva said. The Swim Team hopes to host another cleanup soon and definitely for the next semester.

WILDCATU N I V E R S I T Y H I G H S C H O O L

Volume LXXXIX Issue 3Friday, September 26, 2014

wildcatpaper.com@uniwildcatnews

1 0 2 0 3 0 4 0 5 0 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 0

10 20 30 40 50 40 30 20 10

FOOTBALL FIELDconstruction commences

Administration enforces detention to curb extensive tardiness

Page 2: Wildcat Newspaper Issue 3

Cheer uniforms: suitable or scandalous?

Tardy policy too tough

Samantha ElmS

Racism still relevant

“... they should not be forced to serve

an hour of detention...”

On game days, cheerleaders are required to wear their cheerleading uniforms in

order to show their school spirit and promote game days; however these outfits are unfair because they contradict school policy and advocate the objectification of women.

Among a multiple of things, The Standards of Student Attire restrict tops that show any part of a student’s stomach and extremely short shorts or skirts that do not reach the middle finger or the thigh.

Clothed in short skirts and cropped tops, cheerleaders are exempt from these rules because they encourage school spirit and advertise for sports games.

However, the minute a regular student walks through the doors wearing shorts that are a little too short, or a top that shows the tiniest bit of skin, they are reprimanded

for it and forced to change. It is unfair that cheerleaders are allowed to follow a different set of rules.

In addition, it is unethical to use the cheerleaders as a form of promotion for school games. Using scantily-clad girls to promote games prompts the idea of the sexual objectification of women. These students who want to participate in cheer, are required to wear revealing clothing that emphasize their bodies. This can lead to body image issues and disorders like bulimia and anorexia. These outfits may also provoke sexual harassment by peers and bystanders.

The uniforms of male cheerleaders also comes into question. Why are they often required to wear baggy shirts and baggy pants? Why aren’t they required to show off their bodies through revealing clothing?

Another recent addition to the responsibilities of cheerleaders is to provide snacks to the football players as “rally girls.” This might make cheerleaders feel that they need to go the extra mile to entertain the football players, acting as servants to the players.

The double standard that exists is prominent in these instances.

In order for this to be fair, administration should alter the school’s policy and update it so that cheerleading uniforms conceal more of their bodies. Another solution is to alter the dress code so that students do not get in trouble for wearing revealing clothing. More importantly, cheerleader should not be subject to objectification by others anymore.

Cheerleading should be about the stunts and dances that they perform not about the way they look while performing.

By Eduardo CuEllar

Managing Editor

Administrators have decided to harshly pun-ish late students by mandating a new policy

in which tardy students will receive more severe consequences, such as an hour long detention, for students arriving late to first period.

This policy states that for every marked tardy during first period, a student will automati-cally earn an hour long deten-tion.

Failing to complete deten-tion will result in prohibition to enter school events. This is an effort for students to be timely in a fair and equitable manner.

While students timeliness does need to be regulated, this is an exaggerated punishment.

By sending the student to the cafeteria, the student is forced to waste more time, arrive later and further hold back the class.

First period has the highest tardy rate, so enacting a policy like this seems reasonable.

Administration aims to bring equality in teachers and students by having both be timely, but when the majority of students take the city bus for two or more hours through unpredictable traffic and teachers can easily drive, then the balance is ruined.

Students are encouraged to leave home early and get to school on time, but if traffic picks up and the student is late, then they should not be forced to serve an hour of detention.

Students who live hours away from the school already have to get home late, work on all of their

homework and wake up hours before school begins. They should not have to deal with this extra element of stress to get to school.

Students will be discouraged to even attend first period if they are to be harshly punished for a two-minute tardy.

In order to conduct this policy more efficiently, teachers should be responsible for giving the detentions themselves. This will allow students

to save the time they would be spending walking around after being told to go to the cafeteria and back.

Students that are late to first period should also be given a strike–– receiving three strikes in the span of five weeks should result in an hour of detention. This is a more moderate approach, however it is still intimidating enough to solve tardiness.

Though administration has good intentions by implementing this absurd policy, they need to understand that most students attempt to be on time every morning, but it cannot always be accomplished.

By Zoha SyEd

Staff Writer

An Arab committee has re-cently accused a Southern

California high school for stereo-typing against their race. In a let-ter sent out this month, the Amer-ican-Arab-Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) accused them of imitating Arab Muslims through demeaning stereotypes.

ADC is seeking a name and mascot change for the high school, stating it goes against the Arab Muslim race.

During half-time in school competitions, a female character-ized as a belly dancer comes out and dances with the mascot for the pleasure and entertainment of the students.

Despite the fact that the issue was resolved, it still shows the lack of respect the community has for Muslims. Treatment of Muslims should improve overall.

Prejudice against Arab Mus-lims not only happens in schools, but all over the world.

Groups like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State, and the Taliban are the reason why Americans

perceive Muslims as a threat to the country. It is because of this, discrimination against Muslims is on the rise.

The idea of terrorism be-ing linked to Islam is absurd and unethical. It is not fair that Muslims are being harassed on a daily basis for following their religion.

In America, most of the re-cent bombings have all been blamed on Muslims. The fact that a person follows a particu-lar religion, especially one like Islam, should not determine whether they deserve respect or not. The lack of respect they get is immoral because not all Mus-lims are terrorists. For them to have to justify their every move, gives a different perspective on what Muslims are portrayed as.

Muslims should never have to justify themselves in their every action. The idea of being labeled as a threat for following a religion is shameful.

Americans should realize that the innocent Muslim peo-ple are not responsible for ter-rorism as a whole.

Page 2 September 26, 2014

OPINIONUNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT

University High School11800 Texas Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025

The Wildcat student newspaper is published by the Journalism 2 class at University High School. Letters should be directed to room C-261, [email protected] or the Journalism mailbox in the main office. Please include full name and grade. Letters are subject to editorial discretion. Call (310) 914-3551, ext. 504 or email [email protected] to place an advertisement.

Wildcat Editor-in-Chief ...............................................................Alissa Nardo Managing Editor...........................................Eduardo Cuellar-Aguilar News Editor........................................................................Sania Syed Opinion Editor............................................................Emma Nicoletta Feature Editor................................................................Shirin Enayati Sports Editor........................................................Brandon Berookhim Creative Director.........................................................Samantha ElmsOnline Manager............................................Matthew Goriachkovsky Business Manager........................................................Samantha ElmsCopy Editor......................................................................Alissa NardoPhoto Editor.................................................................Stephanie ZeckWriting Coach...................................................................James Ward Journalism Adviser......................................................Alexandria Lau

Wildcat Staff: Zoe Adams, Jacqueline Cruz, Ashley Drew, Destiny Frazier, Jesse Herrera, Ariana Kidd, Erica Kopf, Robin Kopf, Julissa Lopez, Sha’terra Myles, Alexandria Parker and Zoha Syed

***************************************** The Wildcat is a student-run, student-operated

student-produced newspaper, which does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration or the school at large. Staff editorials represent the collectively agreed upon opinions of the Wildcat editors. All writers published in the Wildcat are protected under Calfiornia Education Code 48907.

Page 3: Wildcat Newspaper Issue 3

September 26, 2014 Page 3

FEATUREUNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT

Ryman Arts paints futures

Student experiences new adventure in Italy

Middleton returns as new AP

“Every meal I consumed possessed intricate

flavors that helped me

understand why Italy is

renowned for its cuisine.”

Pho

to Pr

ov

ided

by

: ry

an

Kim

ariana Kidd

Assistant principal Claudia Middleton re-turns to make a positive impact on campus.

By Sania SyedNews Editor

Walking through the hallways at school, senior Ryan Kim would seem like any

ordinary student and athlete. But what many of his peers may not know

is that he spent his junior year abroad in the town of Viterbo, Italy. Kim lived in Italy for

nine months with the School Year Abroad program. Surprisingly, most of the curriculum was similar to Uni’s, but heavily based on

European classics. Kim was able to take

classes unique to his location, such as Introductory Greek, Italian Language and Culture and even Italian Art History.

While in Italy, Kim traveled

to many areas of the country, including Sicily, Florence and

Venice—these included trips both by himself and with the program. He even left the country twice to go snowboard in the Alps and watch a tennis match in Monte Carlo.

“My favorite place that I traveled to was Venice, because it was different from all the other parts of the country,” Kim said.

Among the countless unique aspects of Italy, the cuisine is definitely something to be noted. Kim remembers one particular restaurant, La Spaghetteria, famous for serving 300 different preparations of spaghetti.

“Every meal I consumed possessed intricate flavors that helped me understand why Italy is renowned for its cuisine,” Kim said. “The ability to consume such delicious food at every meal made my experience abroad truly unforgettable.”

In Italy, Kim was accompanied by 55 other students through the program, all of them from all over America. School Year Abroad also offers education

opportunities in China, France and Spain.

Kim looks back to all the valuable life lessons he obtained while at the program.

“I came to really appreciate what it means to study abroad and all the different lessons you get from leaving your comfort zone,” Kim said.

Kim hopes to spread his valuable experience to many others in the school, through the founding of the Abroad Adventures Club, which meets in room 308 on Fridays.

“Unfortunately for this school and schools

in the area, studying abroad isn’t really well presented and there aren’t many opportunities,” Kim said. “I want kids at Uni to be able to take advantage of the same opportunities, even if they aren’t readily presented by the school.”

In order to sign up, a student should visit the website, pick a country, and follow the application deadlines and rules. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

By Samantha elmS

Creative Director

High school students from over 120 schools in Southern

California gather at Otis College of Art & Design and California State University, Fullerton to take professional art classes every weekend

Ryman Arts provides these intensive out-of-school studio art classes are provided by Ryman Arts. With small class sizes and three-and-a-half hour-long sessions, the teachers are able to provide a high-quality and personal education. The classes range from foundational drawing to advanced painting.

“If you want to develop your skills and get experience of what a college art classes are like, this is the place,” Ryman Arts teacher Julie Weitz said. “Even if you are not interested in pursuing art school, it’s such a fun way to spend a weekend learning how to draw better.”

All students accepted to the program are offered free art instruction, college and career counseling, art supplies and support services, regardless of students’ family incomes. The costs of this program are approximately $2000 per student per semester.

“I am astounded by [the students’] skill level,” Weitz said. “This is clearly a selected group of the best students in this area. The attention, seriousness and sense of community that is established here is really impressive.”

Ryman Arts is a non-profit fine arts education organization founded

in 1990 in honor of Herbert Dickens Ryman, an artist and Disney Imagineer most famously known for creating the first overall illustration of Disneyland.

Each semester provides unique opportunities. The fall semester focuses on college application and portfolio preparation, while the spring semester focuses on career opportunities in the arts. Each class also attends field trips and gains figure drawing experience with professional live nude models.

The two semesters culminate in an annual exhibition of student work at the California African American Museum.

Ryman Art alumni may receive further benefits after graduating from the program. The Walt Disney Company provides two paid internships to alumni each year, one in the Walt Disney Animation Studios and the other in Walt Disney Imagineering. BRC Imagination Arts also provides a full time paid internship to another Ryman graduate. Alumni also have preferred access to art competitions and art and college scholarships.

Ryman Arts is also hosting a Big Draw LA event called “Make Your Mark in the Park” that is free and open to the public on Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Grand Park in Downtown LA. There will be public performances and many drawing activities that anyone can participate in.

Students interested in applying to Ryman Arts for the Spring 2015 semester should submit their applications by Dec. 5.

“I love working with students. Knowledge is power and I’m living proof that education is key to a better future. Most of my work experience has been in education,” Middleton said.

Middleton is here to stay and she’ll be trying to make sure that the hallways are safe and the students are happy. “The support system is a place for students needing additional academic or emotional support,” said Middleton.

Middleton is here to stay and she’ll be trying to make sure that the hallways are safe and the students are happy.

Cal State Los Angeles and continued with her master’s of arts degree at Cal State, Northridge. Middleton previously worked at Los Angeles High School for 12 years.

She hopes to create a support system to help students that are in need of academic and emotional assistance.

“The support system is a place for students needing additional academic or emotional support,” Middleton said.

Students should go meet Middleton in the assistant principal’s office if there are any concerns or if they want to talk to an adult.

By matthew GoriachkovSky

Web Editor

Claudia Middleton joins the Wildcat pack as the

new assistant principal this school year.

Middleton has been walking the halls of Uni for the past few weeks, introducing herself to students and making herself known in the school.

“I became an assistant principal because my desire is to improve schools and provide an enriched and positive learning experience for students,” Middleton said. “I’m excited and looking forward to this new experience and to be part of the Uni family.”

Middleton used to work at Uni 15 years ago as a teacher’s assistant and now she is back to make an even bigger impact.

“I have the opportunity to have a positive impact in students’ lives. I hope to serve as a symbol of success, resilience, and motivation for students,” Middleton said.

Middleton has had 10 years of educational experience and knows how to handle students.

“I have also worked with parents as a Parent Center Coordinator and as a volunteer program coordinator.”

Middleton completed her bachelor’s degree in Microbiological Sciences at

Page 4: Wildcat Newspaper Issue 3

Page 4 September 26, 2014

SPORTSUNIVERSITY HIGH WILDCAT

By AlissA NArdo

Editor in Chief

Cheer team has been revamped with a new coach, new stunts, and a new initiative.

The cheer squad is made up of 39 girls. Nearly half of the team is made up of new cheerleaders. The team is lead by senior team captains Ariana De Los Reyes and Erin Johnson.

“We’re all still getting used to each other’s personalities,” Johnson said. “But overall, we are much more together this year. Our team works hard and we are in shape.”

The cheer squad practices a couple hours every day after school, alternating between practicing in the gym or in the dance studio. Practice consists of stretching, working on stunts, learning new routines and new cheers.

Although school has only been in session for a month, the cheerleaders began practic-ing over summer vacation.

For the first time, freshman cheerlead-ers were added to the team during summer practices through UCLA’s Summer Bridge program.

In addition to new girls, the team also gained a new coach this year. Coach Mat-thew Ramos is an experienced cheerleading coach, gymnastics coach and a even a former cheerleader.

“Coach ‘Matty’ is very positive,” John-son said. “He brings so much energy to prac-tice. And he actually comes to the games.”

The cheerleaders also plan on entering cheer competitions this year, a first in the team’s history. Their first competition will be held in October.

In order to reach competition level, the squad is working on learning new stunts and improving their pyramid formation.

“[Last year] we had no foundation or di-rection with out stunts,” Johnson said. “With our new coach, we have a lot more guidance that makes stunts possible. We’re always

learning new routines, new tricks. It’s a con-stant learning process.”

This season, the team introduced the pep squad as an extension of cheer. The job of the pep squad is to be spirited by keeping game crowds involved and spreading Wild-cat pride all throughout campus.

Beginning this season, the cheerleaders are partnering with the football team. On game days, the cheerleaders provide a ran-domly assigned players a goodie bag filled with drinks and snacks.

“A huge issue last year was that the girls didn’t know the football team until the end of the season,” Johnson said. “We want to get to know the team better by wish-ing them good luck and giving them some-thing to look forward to in these goodie bags.”

“We hope we motivate people,” Johnson said. “We want to create positive attitudes, enthusiasm, good energy and lots of school spirit!”

AlissA NArdo

The cheer team pracices new stunts and formations for the starting sports season. Almost half of the team is made up new athletes. One goal they have is to encourage school spirit with their pep squad.

Get to know your athlete

Interview by Zoha Syed

Name: Mariah Harris Age: 16

Height: 5’3”Weight: 105 lbs.

Grade: 11 Sport: Cheerleading

Position: Flyer

Q: Why did you join Cheerleading?A: I have wanted to be a cheerleader for a pretty long time. When I got to Uni, I decided I should try out. I joined with my friends and it has been a lot of fun. I love having a big family in the cheer team. It feels good to be a part of something bigger, especially this year.

Q: What is your favorite part of the sport?A: I like stunting and cheering at games. As a flyer, I get to do the tricks and go high up in the air. It is exhilarating. I love all the spirit we have. I enjoy spreading Wildcat pride and performing in front of the school and for our teams.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone joining a sports team? A: I would say be positive and always put 100 percent in whatever you do. Do not ever be scared to join a team. You never know if you will make it unless you try, so give it a shot. Never give up. Cheerleading is one of my favorite parts of the school.

Q: What is the most important thing you got out of this experience? A: I improved in flexibility and I learned how to cooperate well with others. I learned the value of a team. The hard worker and enthusiastic person inside of me came out with this team. We have fun out there every single day, doing something we really love to do.

Sports rules updated for safetyBy BrANdoN Berookhim

Sports Editor

This year’s sports teams have stricter regulations and these

regulations are being enforced more than ever before. This is affecting both the coaches and the players by limiting the quality of their practices.

Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown passed a few laws, among them law AB 2127 which regulates high school football.

Football players in CA are not allowed to participate in too much helmet to helmet contact.

If the coach is not supervising contact practice there will be penalties, such as personal fouls, for the offenders.

Additionally, sport teams are only allowed to participate in no more than 90 min. of contact practice per school week.

Otherwise, teams could face suspensions. This is all for the health and safety of the players.

“Football is a violent sport by nature,” head football coach Lee Lowe said. “We are trying hard to prolong the lives of the athletes.”

The district and CIF are enforcing their new rules this year.

There have been too many stories of kids passing out, getting concussions or having career-ending injuries. Uni has had its fair share of injuries as well.

“When I was playing football in school I had multiple concussions,” head coach Lee Lowe said. “I wish we had rules like these. They would’ve

helped many of the kids before and now.”

Lowe attended two required full-day classes along with other coaches regarding the new rules

and regulations. They learned

to recognize the signs of a concussion along with how to identify signs of over exhaustion.

“We are having more firm heat advisories set in place,” cross

country coach Kelly Aguda said. “The temperature and air quality of the valley area are used in determining advisories.”

Possibly the biggest change this year are the GPA requirements.

Before, students who were ineligible in middle school could not play sports in 9th grade.

Now, players get a fresh start. This motivates them to do well right from the start, which will help keep their GPA’s up.

Athletes need to keep a minimum of a 2.3 GPA to compete in CIF.

Students with SAT scores below 1000 have to have GPA’s above 2.5 to compensate for their low scores.

Along with the GPA requirement, athletes must have 10 out of the 16 mandatory courses completed by senior year. Seven of these classes must be in English, math or science.

Overall, these new rules and regulations are going to ensure that the Wildcats stay healthy so that they can be more successful in sports and in life.

“We are trying hard to prolong the lives

of the athletes.”

Wildcat spirit soars