WED THURS FRI

8:00 – 9:55 period 7 period 6 period 19:55 – 10:10

10:10 – 12:05 period 3 period 4 period 5

theLANCER

Volume L, Issue 5 » December 14, 2011 » Thousand Oaks High School » 2323 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 » www.tohsthelancer.org

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A TIME FOR GIVING BACK

Students and teachers give back to local families in need during the holidays

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KELLY WISNESKINews Editor

They passed between two looming balloon-clowns to fi nd themselves standing “Under the Big Top” that was once the PAC lobby.

The parents and students slowly fi lled the auditorium for the dance program’s annual Winter Dance Concert, which ran from Thursday, Dec. 1 to Saturday, Dec. 3.

“I think it turned out amazingly considering the amount of people that were involved in it,” fourth pe-riod dance member junior Annalea Fusci said. “It’s a lot to organize, but it was defi nitely a success.”

Members of fourth period played a larger part in the show than they had in previous years. Dance teacher JaLeen Murphy divided the 70 dancers into three groups, each third performing one dance. The groups combined to perform the clock-themed “Gold Time” in the second half.

Fusci appreciated the way in which Murphy dealt

with the amount of students in her period.“It’s a lot easier to choreograph for 20 kids than it

is for 70,” she said. “It’s nice to be in a different dance with less people so there’s more room and more of a chance to dance.”

Another variation from last year’s show was the em-phasis on transitions between dance routines.

“We worked on how the dances worked together,” Murphy said. “It felt like you were at a circus from start to fi nish.”

This year, Murphy also provided $1,500 worth of lighting, which she said produced more vibrant colors, and commissioned circus tent decorations in the audi-torium and lobby.

“It felt very fi nished,” she said.The emcees, juniors Alex Karukas and Michael

Seltzer, used playful side-skits to put the dance per-formances into context. With the help of their Master Book of Evil Circuses, their characters attempted to use

the ‘evil circus’ to accomplish world domination. “We were trying to get the audience to be involved

yet trying to get them creeped out,” Seltzer said. “In the end it’s supposed to be heartwarming even though we’re evil.”

Although the duo had some instruction from Murphy and wrote their own script, a good portion of the fi nal product was improvisation.

“If we needed to get the plot going or we were just bored with the lines, we’d change it up,” he said. “Es-pecially with the live theatre, if something doesn’t go the way you want it to—which it will—you just have to work with it.”

Murphy is unsure of whether or not the duo will con-tinue as a recurring theme in the shows despite their involvement in the past several concerts.

“My job is to make a great production,” Murphy said, “and it’s hard with so many other students that want to do it.”

Finals schedule to alleviate traffi c and attendance issuesSTEVEN GOLDITCHNews Editor

The administration is piloting a new schedule for fi rst-semester fi nals to help eliminate long-standing traffi c problems and tardy issues.

The creation of this revised schedule stemmed from problems during last year’s winter fi nals. The admin-istration hopes to reduce student parking issues by

scheduling the fi nals for less-populated periods, such as 7th and 1st period, earlier in the day.

“The schedule is always fi ne with me because I am usually early,” English teacher Melissa Wood-Glusac said. “If I was a student or teacher running late in all of that traffi c, it would stress me out.”

The adjusted schedule will also provide more stu-dents, specifi cally those with unscheduled periods 1, 6

Dance performs ‘Under the Big Top’

DANCING TO THE BEAT—Junior Sarah Stolze smiles as she dances with a hula-hoop during “Welcome to the Big Top Circus Extravaganza,” the opening number of the dance program’s winter concert on Thurs-day, Dec. 1. Nikki Blakeslee choreographed the dance, which featured the coed dance team. Approximately 15 boys and 120 girls participated in the entire dance show.

FOR MORE ON FINALS SCHEDULE»see ed/op pg. 4

It felt like you were at a circus from start to fi nish.

—JaLeen Murphy”“

TUES

8:00 – 9:55 period 29:55 – 10:10 —passing period—

10:10 – 2:48 periods 3 – 7 —passing period—

or 7, with a more evenly-distributed fi nals schedule.Finals week will run from Jan. 17–20, following

Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 16. On Tuesday, a shortened schedule after the period 2 fi nal allots pe-riods 3–7 43 minutes each and a 43-minute lunch. The schedule will only affect winter fi nals as seniors have a different schedule for spring fi nals.

“Change is always hard,” Assistant Principal DeDe Dryer said. “The goal is to create a schedule where ev-eryone is on time for fi nals.”

*1st period will take place on Tuesday from 7:00 to 7:55

JOHN ROUTH » THE LANCER

*

newswireJournalism program receives awards

The journalism program attended the Fall JEA/NSPA Journalism Convention in Minne-apolis on Nov. 17–20. The paper won first place Best of Show for the 13–16 page newspaper category.

“To be able to go to my first and last conven-tion and win it all is absolutely amazing,” Ed/Op editor senior Jen Smith said.

Out of the 18 students that went, seven —sophomore Joyce Tan, junior Megan Bowser and seniors Alex Bradbury, Alex Chen, Steven Golditch, Nick Laumann and Rachel Riedel—won individual awards for write-off entries.

—Alex Bradbury

Rally to recreate classic winter tales

Winter Rally, to be held on Friday, Dec. 16, will rumble up holiday spirits before winter break begins.

In this year’s theme, “Classic Winter Tales,” freshmen will represent the Muppets, sopho-mores Charlie Brown, juniors Frosty the Snow-man and seniors Rudolph.

ASB is adding a total of three speakers closer to the bleacheres to resolve the recurring sound issues and to clarify the performance.

Additionally, ASB will incorporate snow into the rally.

“It will be like the snow machines at Disney-land,” ASB president senior Kelly Madden said. “It is going to be a very exciting rally!”

—Joyce Tan

Senior Ball venue and details released

Senior Ball will be held on Jan. 28 at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo.

“It will be a lovely event,” Dean of Activities Coreen Pefley said. “The venue is beautiful.”

The theme for this year is “Enchanted.” From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., a maximum of 400 guests are allowed at the event and will be served dessert and drinks only.

The new rule this year for girls is that dress length must be mid-thigh or longer.

Both the price and sale of tickets are to be an-nounced at a later date.

—Steven Golditch

Band runs for fundsThe 2nd annual “Band on the Run” 5K and

10K race will take place at Wildwood Elemen-tary School at 8 a.m. on Jan. 21.

An estimated 350 runners from around Cone-jo Valley will compete in the race, including stu-dents outside of the band program.

Awards will be presented to the top three run-ners in each age group for each gender.

All of the proceeds from this event will go to the Lancer Band. For more information go to www.tohsband.org.

—Steven Golditch

Career Tech holds open house night

To showcase the unique extracurricular pro-grams available to students, the Career Tech Education Department hosted an open house for members of the community on Dec. 8.

Led by School-to-Career Coordinator Jane Carlson and math teacher Patti McNamara, the open house aimed to educate attendees about classes connected to the department, including metals, wood shop, EThOS programs and Sci-entific Research.

“The event was very beneficial to all the stu-dents, teachers and local community members who got involved with it,” Scientific Research teacher Nikki Malholtra said. “It gave us an op-portunity to showcase our unique and outstand-ing programs at TOHS that not many people know about.”

—Steven Golditch

news page 2 issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

jessica AshcrAftStaff Writer

Students capitalized on the upcoming holiday season and used Christmas tree sales to raise funds for EThOS for the first time in the program’s history.

EThOS members sold the trees on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the front parking lot.

Students began selling tree preorders in October. Each student was required to sell at least two trees, but due to a lack of interest in non-artificial trees, they also offered wreaths and garlands.

Customers picked up their preordered products dur-ing Saturday’s event. The trees cost from $45 to $125

depending on their height and wreath prices ranged from $30 to $35.

In total, the program sold 53 trees, 49 wreaths, and 25 feet of garland, resulting in a profit of over $2,000.

“Overall, it was a successful first attempt,” EThOS instructor Ryan Thompson said. “Next year we hope to double those numbers.”

The trees were sold to raise funds for future entre-preneur competitions, field trips or new technology and materials for students.

“We have done fundraising in the past that haven’t been so successful,” Thompson said. “This is just one of many new fundraisers EThOS will be involved in.”

Robotics fights to qualifyKelly WisneskiNews Editor

It’s just as time-consuming as a varsity sport, club mentor Chuck Seabury says. Robotic, though, replaces athletes with robots, balls with plastic pieces and hoops with PVC goals.

Robotics team members juniors Justin Perez-Nor-wood, Ian Cornelius and Jared Cohen and senior Erik Leiterman and mentor Chuck Seabury spent the last several weeks preparing for the VEX Robotics Tourna-ment this past Saturday, Dec. 10. The competition, a qualifier for the VEX Robotics World Championship, took place at CSUN from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

At the competition, teams were paired in competi-tive alliances and led their robots to transport red and blue blocks into 13 “goals” of varying heights.

The team and its robot placed 12th out of 70 teams. Twelfth place is normally a qualifying rank for the

World Championship, but the top four teams ultimately determine who will fill the remaining eight places.

Because the top teams selected lower-ranked teams to join them in alliances in the World Championships, the TOHS team will not advance.

“It’s a funny way of doing it, but it’s part of the phi-losophy about working together,” Seabury said.

The team members attribute their ranking to diffi-culties with their onboard processors after the second match of the day. Ultimately, the team forfeited the next two matches in order to install a new processor and upload the necessary software.

They feel, however, that they have improved since their November competition and may try to qualify again at the next VEX competition on Feb. 18.

“We are more than confident in the mechanics,” Co-hen said. “However, we feel like we can work on the technical side of it.”

joyce tAnCopy Editor

Jazz music filled the PAC on Dec. 8 as parents and students gathered for the Winter Jazz Concert, which featured the A.M. Jazz Ensemble with guest perfor-mances by Redwood Middle School.

“Jazz band is more of a collective group of impro-vised music and it was the best performance yet,” bari-tone saxophone player junior Kingsley Hickman said. “We represented well.”

They performed a variety of 10 pieces, including “A Walkin’ Thing,” featuring saxophone and string bass, the Latin tune “Tiger of San Pedro” and several other pieces featuring seven instrumentalists and percus-sion players. The concert concluded with several holi-day classics.

The 20-member A.M. Jazz Ensemble meets during first period, but its members feel that this does not af-fect their performance.

“At first it was difficult to adjust, but I now look at it as a continuation of the previous day,” alto saxophone player freshman Chris Shaffer said.

Seniors make up 60 percent of the ensemble this year, which may cause membership decline next year.

“The seniors were great. They are really good people to look up to because they have more years of musical experience,” Shaffer said. “It’s really inspiring to see how they progressed. It gives me a goal.”

EThOS raises

money through

tree sales

strumming A solo—junior alex Karukas plays to the tune of “Doozy” by Gene Thorne. “in concert band, you play what’s written and there is not much interpretation,” baritone saxophone player junior Kingsley Hickman said. “in jazz, you have the basis of music but the rest of it you express and play yourself. it’s quite fun.”

uPcoming comPetitions

» robofest VeX challenge

Feb. 18Granada, ca

» first roboticscompetitionlate March

» VeX World cham-pionship

april 19anaheim, ca

Jazz program presents holiday concert

fine motor skills—(from left) juniors ian cornelius and jared cohen adjust the wires attached to the eZc cortex on the robot that competed at the VeX competition at csUN on saturday, Dec. 10. The team had difficulties uploading the necessary software to this processor at the tournament.

MicHael sPeNceR » THe laNceR

Kelly WisNesKi » THe laNceR

NEWS page 3 issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

Construction paper and uncapped markers littered tables on the quad last month as Lancers wrote letters to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Letters grant wishes

JessiCA AshcrAftStaff Writer

The holidays are just around the corner, and students have found a way to get others into the giving spirit.

Key Club allowed students an opportunity to write letters to Santa this holiday season. Macy’s donated $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for each Lancer let-ter written in the quad during lunch. The event lasted three days, beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 29 and ending on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Over the course of the three days, students penned 415 letters.

Key Club copresidents seniors Sasha Kasper and Kaeli Peach delivered the letters to Macy’s on the fol-lowing Friday. As a result, the retail chain will donate approximately $415 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“The Santa letters helped grant a little girl named Naomi her dream of going to Disneyland,” Kasper said. “I’ve wanted to be a part of Make-A-Wish for a long time and this is such a simple way to give back.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit orga-nization that grants children with life-threatening ill-nesses their last wishes.

“I love being able to give back and help out with an organization that gives wishes to those who are being given their last chance,” Peach said.

In the same spirit of giving, Key Club collected $294.74 for The Eliminate Project, partnered with UNI-CEF. The charity helps mothers and children eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus.

“The drive didn’t have to do with the winter holiday season, but Key Club’s mission is generosity and car-ing for those who are less fortunate,” Kasper said.

Ultimately, members saw the letters as an opportu-nity to showcase the club’s values in a profound way.

“It felt great that I only had to write a letter and I was helping a child with cancer,” club member sopho-more Eliana Lasarow said. “I’m glad that Key Club and Macy’s are supporting this great cause.”

NOAH rUBINOStaff Writer

With all of the holiday cheer blaring enthusiasti-cally in every mall and on practically every radio sta-tion, students might be wondering why the school has yet to join in the musical festivities. The key word, as it turns out, is “yet.”

On Thursday, Dec. 15, the choir program will hold a concert in the PAC, giving Lancers and their fami-lies a chance to get their fill of holiday song, among other student performances.

At the event, concert and jazz choirs are singing holiday classics, including “Sleigh Ride” and “Ru-dolph,” respectively.

Show choir will also be dancing and singing “Little Shop of Horrors.”

The choir students that participated in the DTASC (Drama Teachers’ Association of Southern Califor-nia) competition, which took place in October, will be performing their rendition of “Drowsy Chaperone.”

Although the agenda is fairly routine for the con-cert, this year’s is different from those in the past, especially with the loss of chamber choir.

“I think it’s a little bit sad because we lost one of our music groups,” concert and jazz choir member senior Sam Cooley said. “They were more just classi-cal, traditional choir music; [they were] a little more advanced than the normal class.”

Recent budget cuts resulted in a lack of funds re-quired for the pianist and consequently caused the class’s absence.

Even without chamber choir, winter is an excep-tionally popular time of year for the program.

“We’re going more than [we were] a few months ago,” concert and jazz choir member senior Kevin Lu said. “We sign up with random places to go caroling, but none of them are [as] formal [as the concert].”

Preparing for the concert was simply a matter of routine practice.

“We were just going through the songs every day,” Lu said.

Choir students are preselling concert tickets for $5 for students and $7 for adults. At the door, tickets will be $8 for students and $10 for adults.

JOHN rOutH » tHe LANCer

gIvINg BAck—sophomore Bailee Johnston pens a “Letter to santa” in the quad dur-ing Key Club’s fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on tuesday, Nov. 29. the letters helped raise $415 in total.

Choir to hold holiday performance

FOr MOre ON HOLidAy CHArities»see spotlight pgs. 8 and 9

Ed/OP page 4 issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

Apparently, music isn’t the only thing on shuffle.

At first glance, the modified finals schedule is confusing. The seventh-period final is on Wednes-day instead of Friday, the fourth-period final falls on Thursday and on top of that, we have a full day of school on Tuesday.

The order for this year’s finals is in a state of disarray. Nothing is where it should be.

As random as this new order may seem, there is a pattern. All classes that have the potential to have less attendance, such as sixth and seventh periods, now fill morning spots. Mandatory classes, such as second, third and fourth period classes, take the 10:10 to 12:05 slots. The motiva-tion behind this scrambling comes down to one word: traffic.

Traffic, especially for upper-classmen who drive to school, is an inconvenience no one should to have to deal with in the morn-ing, especially before finals. Traf-

fic that moves at a snail’s pace right before school is stressful enough as is.

By placing man-datory classes at a later time, the ad-ministration is mak-ing a smart effort at relieving this pres-sure, giving drivers who arrive at different periods time to arrive at a reasonable hour, find a parking spot more easily and walk into finals less stressed than they would be oth-erwise. An extra hour or two of sleep never hurt either.

This will do nothing but make the system more efficient. In pre-vious years, finals meant getting up extra early just to beat the congested traffic on Moorpark Road. Even getting dropped off could mean getting out of the car in the middle of a backed-up street, which is not only danger-

ous and illegal, but doesn’t guar-antee punctuality. The new sched-ule will significantly reduce an

already heavy traffic flow, and will allow rushing students—and their parents—to relax in the early hours of the morning. All congestion aside,

some student’s final schedules may be be-yond the help of fa-cilitated driving. Much

sympathy goes to the unlucky souls who have

Chemistry AP and Statistics AP on Friday; we mourn the loss of your sanity. On the other hand, to the fortunate ones who escaped having both a fifth and seventh period, try not to gloat too much.

Come January, there will be too much stress in the air to even care what days the finals fall on. If it becomes too much, just grab a Starbucks before heading off to class. There will be time.

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Hits and Misses: What’s Up and What’s down with The Lancer

Hit: Winter break. Bring on the ugly sweaters and awkward family photos.

Miss: Westlake beating Oaks Chris-tian. At least the school that doesn’t “recruit” won...oh wait...

Hit: The 2011 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Not that I watched it or anything...

Miss: Alec Baldwin kicked off a flight for playing Words with Friends. Relax, he’s played a belligerent air-line passenger before.

Hit: The return of Fear Factor. Have fun eating spaghetti and watching people eat worms for money.

Miss: Rick Perry’s jacket in his new ad. See the resemblance to the Brokeback Mountain jacket?

Hit: The last day before winter break. We look forward to watchingElf five classes in a row.

Is a better flow of traffic for parking worth a different finals schedule?

2012 Republican party candidates, according to Lucas

QUINN MARTZGuest Writer

It’s August at Costco, and fake Christmas trees are on display. By the end of October, the Oaks mall has holiday decorations up. Two weeks before Thanksgiv-ing, commercials are airing for “midnight door-buster sales” on Black Friday. Yes, we all know that Christ-mas is coming on Dec. 25. It comes the same time every year. There is no doubt that everybody anticipates the holi-days, but the concept of Christmas as a holiday has be-come too commercialized. People are forgetting the true meaning of the holi-days. Traditionally, holidays are a time for family, cel-ebration and, for some, religion. Lately, it seems they are driven by the media with messages of shopping and spending. They say that it is better to give than to re-

ceive. The giving part is getting out of hand.Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, used to

mark the official beginning of the Christmas shopping season, where stores would have big sales and people could get a head start. Now shoppers start spending a few hours after they finish their Thanksgiving dinners.

The loss of the true meaning of Christmas has even reached the point where people resort to violence in order to get the perfect gift. The eager mob at Urban Outfitters in the Oaks Mall broke security sensors dur-ing the stampede into the store. A woman at Wal-Mart in Porter Ranch used pepper spray so she could grab the last Xbox on sale.

During the holidays, when we talk of giving, is it okay to do so at the expense of the well-being of oth-ers? When we abandon civility and manners, it is ob-vious that the commercialization of Christmas is way

out of hand.Technology adds to the twisting of gift giving, as it

allows companies to make consumers feel pressured into buying a gift. Companies use television, the inter-net and social networks to advertise what the hot deals are, what the ‘must-have’ gift is, how much it costs and where they should buy it. The pressure to spend has never been greater.

In these economic times, it would make sense that people would be trying to spend less. Perhaps that could explain the behavior of Black Friday shoppers.The holidays are only as expensive as one makes them, and in the pursuit of ‘giving’ the true meaning of the holidays is slipping away.

We should look past the superficiality that has be-come the holidays and at least try to remember what they really mean.

LUCAS GIGENAStaff Writer

As the Republican candidates overwhelm news cov-erage with scandals and statements, it can become te-dious to pick out who did what when, or to whom. So here, in what I promise is no particular order, is my view of the current prospects for the Republican Par-ty’s nomination for the office of President.

» Newt Gingrich With a career almost as long as his list of ethics vio-

lations, Gingrich has often proven to be just as slippery as his reptilian namesake. This former Speaker of the House gained widespread fame as the driving force be-hind former President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial, which demonstrated the multitasking skills a president needs by maintaining an affair at the same time.

» Mitt Romney The white bread of this field of candidates, Rom-

ney isn’t too exciting but is certainly the safest choice. However, he has drawn derision from Republican vot-ers for his indecision on important policies, an issue that is only magnified by his complete lack of scan-dal. His willingness to conform to traditional Republi-can ideas has glossed over his past as governor of the mostly liberal Massachusetts and helped him maintain a near constant lead in the polls.

» Rick SantorumSantorum has repeatedly been criticized for his views on immigration and gay rights, or rather for his pro-posed lack of the two. His ideas on important topics tend to contradict each other, a fact that he has chosen to avoid addressing and averted attention from with his trademark nervous smile. Also, whatever you do, never Google his last name.

» Ron PaulA favorite among those with an incorrect definition

of irony, Paul, a self-described libertarian, opposes more government programs than most people know ex-ist. As a former obstetrician, Paul boasts of delivering “over 4,000” babies, but unfortunately has yet to bring any real political insight into this world.

» Michelle BachmannOne of the Tea Party’s leaders, Bachmann has pro-

vided enough misguided quotes and sound bites to fuel her own two-hour television special, hopefully hosted by Keith Olbermann. She has (admirably, of course) hosted twenty-three foster children, a fact that she un-fortunately uses to criticize American mothers. Bach-mann supports many of Ron Paul’s less extreme ideas, which are admittedly still pretty extreme.

» Jon HuntsmanHaving served under three Republican administra-

tions, Huntsman is arguably the most qualified prospect for the candidacy, but his limited campaigning and, as a result, media coverage, have kept his standings in polls to a constant 1 percent of the vote or lower. He has kept himself separate from the bickering between his fellow prospects, demonstrating an attitude classier than the rainbow of grey in Mitt Romney’s hair.

» Rick PerryThe image that comes to mind when picturing a ste-

reotypical Republican, Perry served as the Governor of Texas for 10 years, the longest term of any United States governor. It’s clear only to him whether he is still in the running for the candidacy, as after apparently dropping out he recently returned with a new campaign video, already as infamous as the ‘Oops’ video. At the very least, Perry provides entertainment.

Spirit ofholiday

giving spiraling

out ofcontrol

VOTES

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against

abstain

editorial board

New finals schedule will ease traffic

ED/OP page 5 issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

Probably

As a disproportionately small number of you know, I tend to enjoy things that not too many people like or know about. I don’t understand the appeal of “Jersey Shore,” Justin Bieber (is he still cool?), or whatever it is the kids are into these days.

Furthermore, I’ve been told on multiple occasions that I dress like someone

much older than I, although, in my defense, I just like sweaters. However, my point in this, which I’m tak-ing far too long to reach, is that for some reason I’m often approached with a slight variation on the same question: “If I were to do/say/read/wear/ listen to this, would I be ‘indie’?”

Now, this question is always asked in one of two ways, either with a slight smirk and hint of sarcasm by someone trying to be clever, or with genuine in-tentions. Frankly, the second is much more worrying, as I can defi nitely understand the value of a snide remark like the one demonstrated in the fi rst, more common version.

The fact that this whole idea of “being indie” is achieved, something that takes careful study and ef-fort, can be pretty confusing, especially since I’m not usually known to be prone to extra effort.

But the main reason why this question worries me, the impetus behind my writing this, is that I frankly have no idea what “indie” is. So, if you ask me if your sweatshirt with a wolf howling at the moon on it is indie, I can only guess and tell you the truth: I don’t know, man.

Because really, what do I know (besides that you’re probably a bit too old for said sweatshirt), I don’t at-tend meetings where dudes with creative haircuts and bespectacled girls deliberate in a cornfi eld over what will receive the indie blessing, and I’m certainly not subscribed to any newsletter typed out on a centuries- old printing press.

The fact that I know much more about (the greatly under-appreciated) Robin Pecknold than Rick Ross doesn’t make me an “Indie kid,” it just means that I enjoy acoustic guitars over sampled ones.

I suppose what I’m saying is that I’m about as much of an expert on being alternative as Rick Per-ry is an expert on government (being liberal is hip, right?). And while it would be easy to launch into the oft-repeated rant on how humans love to neatly slot each other into categories, I won’t (but I will bring it to mind by mentioning it). Because frankly, I’m near-ing my word count.

So, bring on your thick rimmed glasses and ques-tionably-offensive Native American prints, your Hol-ga cameras and Mumford and Sons albums. I’ll try just as hard as you are to give an answer: sure, I guess you’re “indie.”

-Lucas Gigena

Options after high schoolth

eLA

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EDITORS ////////////////////////////////editors-in-chief

Alex BradburyAlex Chen

opinion

Nick LaumannJen Smith

features

Maddi RealiJason Gardiner

Taran MoriatesAli Wire

entertainment

center

Nola AdedigbaRachel Riedel

sports

Megan BowserIan Doherty

copy

Joyce Tan

website

Henry ChouEric Hatland

STAFF/////////////////////////////////////advertising manager

Olivia Sundstrom

Nikki Swift

fi nancial manager

Ethan LyonsJohn RouthMichael Spencer

photographers

writers (cont.)

Jessica AshcraftPaige CursonLucas Gigena

Thousand Oaks High School2323 N. Moorpark Rd.Thousand Oaks, California 91360Phone: (805) 778-0947 Fax: (805) 374-1165thelancer.tohs@gmail.comwww.tohsthelancer.orgCirculation 2,428

The Lancer is the o� cial school publication of Thousand Oaks High School, created and produced by students in Advanced Journalism, and serves as a public forum for discussion and information.

The Lancer is a member of the Journalism Education Association (JEA), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), Columbia Student Press Association (CSPA) and NSPA All-American Hall of Fame.

Call (805) 778-0947 for advertising rates and information. The Lancer reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed inappropriate for high school publication.

Guest editorials and “Letters to the Editor” are welcome, but must be signed and are subject to editing for length, libel, obscenity and grammar.

adviser

Jo ZimmermanSteven GolditchKelly Wisneski

news

managing editor

Samir Malhotra

Cortni KaufmanDustin KowellLee McPhersonCassie NunesAlexandra RandallNoah RubinoDillon Whinery

writers

Is that “indie?” Sure, why not

PretentiousNICK LAUMANNEd/Op Editor

No personal statements and signifi cant money sav-ing sound appealing around the time of college applica-tions. Community college offers such prospects, along with other major benefi ts.

A community college, such as Moorpark College, is especially enticing for students who plan to transfer after the fi rst two years to a four-year school. Trans-fer students must remain motivated and on track in regards to earning the 60 transferable credits through-out the two-year period in order to gain acceptance to a university.

Realistically, the primary motive for choosing a community college is indeed fi nancial.

The cost of community college is such a small frac-tion of a traditional university that thousands of dol-lars could be saved every year. The fi nancial savings include living at home, which is also a benefi t for some not prepared to move away from home just yet.

The best way to take advantage of com-munity college though, is by transferring. While staying motivated and on track at com-munity college—something a four-year college hope-ful should be able to do—the money savings add up. In-state tuition for University of California, Santa Bar-bara, an average UC school, will cost a student almost $12,000. Room and board come in at about $13,000, for a total of $25,000. The enrollment fee at Moorpark Community College is $36 per unit. This works out to about $540 per semester for a student taking 15 units, laughably small compared to the cost of a four-year.

During these two years, students can fi nish the core classes everyone has to take.

When colleges see that an applicant is a dedicated college student who has kept up with classes and main-tained a strong GPA, extra possibilities are opened over applying straight out of high school. In some situations, a student may get into better schools than the ones he or she could have directly out of high school.

The most satisfying moment as a transfer stu-dent is graduating with the same degree that some students paid possibly twice as much for.

While one might think the positives are only fi nan-cial, community college creates the opportunity of at-tending a higher-level school, especially for those with-out the GPA or SAT scores required to gain admittance straight out of high school.

Community college isn’t always the exciting choice, but it just may very well be the smart one.

JEN SMITHEd/Op Editor

Adulthood is upon us. Moving on to college is a rite of passage for any high school graduate, and the urge to move on to a new place is incredibly tempting—especially from Thou-sand Oaks. A four-year university could be the right choice for after high school. Paying for college is easier than it may seem. If one has the means to attend an expensive school with no problems, great. For the other seniors who are in des-perate need of dough, there are a multitude of options, from scholarships and student loans to the ever-favored fi nancial aid package. Four-years will often offer need-based fi nancial aid and sometimes even need-blind ad-mission to make cost less of a problem for applicants.

In addition, for us Californians, the Western Under-graduate Exchange System offers the possibility a reduced tuition fee for colleges in 15 states.

In terms of education, universities offer a wider vari-ety of classes suited for intended majors of study. Even entering as undeclared will guarantee a larger variety of courses that will help in the process of deciding on a major to study. Often, attending a community college means completing classes that have nothing to do with

a major of choice, so English majors might have to brush up on their calculus to get credits. The whole “college experience” is one of the most valuable things to take away from college years. Starting as a freshman allows students to

get acquainted with their new home better than those who attend community college and are often stuck at home. Having the dorm experience not only offers a re-freshing, new sense of independence, but also teaches incoming freshmen the importance of responsibility. Kids that go to a four-year college form the close per-

sonal relationship with the washing machine that junior college students don’t get until later. At the end of the journey, university students earn a bachelor’s degree, and those at a commu-

nity college earn a two-year degree. While both constitute graduating from an institution of higher ed-

ucation, a bachelor’s degree ultimately opens up more doors for job opportunities and higher salaries. Accord-ing to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, someone with a bachelor’s degree earns a greater weekly salary and has less unemployment than an associate’s degree. Four-year schools aren’t right for everyone. Upon ap-plying, the worst they can say is no. However, with the right initiative and some hard work, the opportunities to earn a great college degree are endless.

» Community college » Four-year college

“There are so many opportunities [while at a univer-sity], like fi nding internships and studying abroad.”

-Halley Weinstock (12)

“Classes at Moor-park are on par with state schools, and it’s local, so that adds to the fi nancial benefi ts.”

-Jacob Wissusik (12)

Which is wiser for the hopeful college senior:

community college or a four-year?

» REACTWhat made you choose your type

of college?

FEATURES page 6 issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

PAIGE CURSONSta� Writer

Senior Derek Smith dreams of being accepted into the prestigious Eastman School of Music (ESM), a part of the University of Rochester.

The school is completely focused on immersing its students in the musical world.

“It has a really strong music program,” Smith said. “A lot of the faculty are really renowned with a lot of experience, [and] the faculty is really well–versed in what they do.”

In addition to regular applications, ESM adds a re-quirement in the form of a video audition. If the appli-cant passes the video audition, he or she will be invited to a formal audition at the school.

“I felt really proud of what I accomplished,” Smith said. “It was really nice to know I could focus on a project for that.”

In order to prepare, he has also consulted other peo-ple like his tutor, who is an Eastman graduate.

“He knows the criteria and what kind of repertoire will present me as a strong player,” Smith said.

Out of approximately 3,000 applicants, only around 120 will be accepted and from those, only six will be saxophone players.

“It’s disheartening at times,” Smith said of his pros-pects of acceptance.

Even if he doesn’t get accepted, Smith still plans to pursue his dream to be a music educator by applying to Cal State University Northridge (CSUN) or St. Olaf’s.

“[CSUN is] in between a lot of strong universities with good music programs,” he said. “It makes CSUN the best school for music in California.”

Founded in 1921, Eastman School of Music was originally created to promote the works of American composers and preserve the music of the times. The school itself advertises classes in composition, theory, opera and specifi c classes for different instruments.

“It has good music sources like practice rooms, and the community offers a lot of opportunities to perform,” Smith said.

If he is accepted, he hopes someday to become a mu-sic professor.

“I’ve been inspired by a lot of my music educators,” Smith said. “[They have] had a profound impact on my life.”

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MADDI REALIFeatures Editor

Pursuing her passion for animals, senior Jessica Ta-desse strives for a career as a veterinarian. She has decided Iowa State University would be the best match for her be-cause of its distinguished vet-erinary medicine program.

“I really like [Iowa State] because it’s close to my fam-ily,” Tadesse said. “And I

like the location. It’s in a rural area, so I get to work with larger animals.”

After she fi nishes with high school, Tadesse plans to work hard to prepare herself for her career.

“I’ll work for a bunch of veterinarian offi ces and get as much experience as possible,” she said.

To get ready for college, Tadesse has already de-cided which major she will be declaring.

“I’ll major in animal science with a pre-veterinary emphasis,” she said.

Tadesse has always wanted to be a veterinarian.“It’s the only thing I can imagine being,” she said.Tadesse made the decision to be a veterinarian when

she was only seven years old, and she has not changed her mind since.

OLIVIA SUNDSTROMSta� Writer

As the semester comes to a close, many seniors have sent in college applications and await acceptance early in the new year. Senior Joy Pearson, on the other hand, is among the few students to have already received their acceptance notice.

Pearson has been accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy

in Maryland. She was nominated by U.S. Representa-tive Elton Gallegly.

“To get accepted for something like this, someone has to nominate you and you go through a series of interviews and questions,” Pearson said.

She is set on studying aerospace engineering and at-tending fl ight school.

“My fi rst choice goal is to become an astronaut, but if that doesn’t work out then I want to fl y F-18’s and helicopters,” she said.

Pearson anticipates challenges ahead, but looks for-ward to the academy nonetheless.

“The fi rst year is going to be a bit rough, and I will miss my friends and family,” she said, “but I feel it’s going to be a great experience.”

Tuition is $33,600 per year.

13 percent of applicants are admitted

Ranked fi rst in instrumental performance in the U.S. News and World Report.

COLLEGE corner

»

»

»

EASTMANschool of

MUSIC The Eastman Theater of Rochester, New York»

» Nearly 900 students are enrolled

» ESM is part of the University of Rochester

Student–faculty ratio of about 6:1

»

JESSICA TADESSE JOY PEARSON

DEREK SMITH

PUBLIC DOMAIN » WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

SOURCE » ESM.ROCHESTER.EDU

features page 7issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

Since I can’t read the sheet music...I have to have perfect intona-tion with my ear.

-sophomore IvanCardenas

“

”

ETHAN LYONSPhotographer

For sophomore Ivan Cardenas, playing the cello is a constant challenge, but he accepts it with enthusiasm.

Cardenas has been completely blind since his premature birth. He has not, however, been hindered in his everyday life and is able to accomplish common tasks.

When he was in seventh grade, he decided he wanted to join band. Due to a mistake with scheduling, however, he ending up joining orchestra, where he decided to play the cello. Over the following years, Cardenas developed his skills on his instrument and now plays in the school orchestra. While cello has improved Cardenas’ life, he also faces many difficulties while playing.

Many blind musicians use a Braille sheet music system to learn music. Cardenas has attempted to learn this way, but pre-fers not to.

“Since I can’t read the sheet music...I have to have perfect in-tonation with my ear,” he said.

He enjoys playing orchestra music, but he enjoys other genres as well. His favorite music is metal by bands such as Metallica and Avenged Sevenfold.

Cardenas loves performing, especially for his friends.

Cellist successful despite challenges

MADDI REALIFeatures Editor

Whether driving, walking or riding a bike, getting to school in the morning is certainly not the most interest-ing part of any student’s day-to-day activities. How-ever, those who know sophomore Ryan LeGault may beg to differ. Those who don’t know his name might know him right away for his unique choice of transpor-tation—his unicycle.

“I’ve been riding it since I was 12,” LeGault said. “I’ve been riding it [to school] this year and last year.”

Though learning to ride a unicycle is not be an easy feat, LeGault learned in only three weeks.

“It’s a bit harder [than learning to ride a bike], be-cause you have 360 degrees to fall, rather than just left or right,” he said.

As he learned, LeGault found himself to be very mo-tivated, even without much help from his family.

“My dad wanted to help, but mostly it was just some-thing I really wanted to do,” he said. “It was difficult [to learn], but I really, really wanted to.”

LeGault was quick to purchase his own, so he could practice by himself and learn even faster, rather than share the unicycle that he and his brother were given as a gift from his father. It certainly wasn’t a purchase that LeGault regretted.

LeGault enjoys a certain amount of publicity when riding to and from the schoolyard.

“It makes people laugh. It makes them smile,” he said. “It’s just nice to see someone sitting in their car, looking miserable, then it makes them smile, and they point and say, ‘Look at that guy!’”

Having ridden to and from school for most of his high school career, he is subjected to many questions from his peers every day.

“I get so many of the same stupid questions!” he said. “Mostly something like, ‘Oh, can I try?’ Everyone falls

off. It gets old. It’s like, ‘No, you won’t learn anything. You’ll be like everyone else. You’ll fall too!’”

LeGault is also very health-conscious and has been for most of his life. He enjoys eating as healthy as possible, usually beginning his day with oatmeal and fruit and eating several small and nutritious portions throughout his day.

“I enjoy the taste of healthy food,” he said. “I was raised that way.”

Riding a unicycle has also helped him to become more fit.

“It’s healthy, faster then walking. It’s a hobby, [and] I love doing it,” he said.

Because of this lifestyle, LeGault sees himself riding his unicycle for a very long time. Maybe even as long as he lives.

“[I’ll ride it] until the day I die,” LeGault said. “Or until my legs stop working.”

Despite all the curious and bewildered students he comes by, LeGault takes their attention very well. He is not deterred by the stares of others.

“I don’t do it for anyone’s benefit but mine,” he said. “I only do it because it’s really fun. I’d much rather ride a unicycle then walk or get picked up. I’d rather be interesting.”

MATT STECK » LANCEr LEGEND

SEEING THROUGH MUSIC—Sophomore Ivan Cardenas practices the cello during his fifth period orchestra class in the PAC. Although Cardenas has been blind since birth, he has adapted his skills and developed new ones. rather than reading sheet music by Braille, Cardenas prefers learning through listening to the songs, and learning that way. He has developed perfect pitch.

EXPERT BALANCE—Sophomore ryan LeGault rides his unicycle on campus. After two years of riding to school, LeGault is adept at his hobby. He has been riding since age 12.

ETHAN LyoNS » THE LANCEr

Sophomore ryan LeGault’s preferred mode of transportation to and from school is unique, and that’s exactly how he wants it.

It’s just nice to see someone sitting in their car, looking miserable, then it makes them smile, and they point and say, ‘Look at that guy!’

-sophomore Ryan LeGault

“

”

Living life on just one wheel

SPOTLIGHT page 9issue 5december 14, 2011 }{page 8 issue 5

december 14, 2011 }{

NOLA ADEDIGBACenter Editor

2 a.m.Diet Coke in hand, Eileen Moore heads out to start her fi rst job as a

newspaper deliverer. The day is just beginning. Moore fi nishes by 5 a.m. and goes home to get ready for her second

job as an English 9 and 11 CP teacher. In order to support her family, Moore has to work more than one job.

Moore’s husband suffered a heart attack seven years ago, but be-cause they waited three days before going to the hospital, his heart condition became more severe.

“He had to have open heart surgery, so we have lots of medical bills to pay,” Moore said. “He couldn’t work—he is disabled—so, I had to work extra jobs to make ends meet.”

In an attempt to support her ailing husband, Moore quit her former job and moved to Thousand Oaks, where she started teaching and also picked up a few other jobs.

Upon her fi rst year back at, Moore found out about Project Concern’s Adopt-a-Family program, and adopted a few families for Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas.

The teachers after hearing about her fi nancial situation, decided to help her. It was not long before the Special Ed department adopted her

as a recipient of the program.As Moore was delivering Thanksgiving meals for Project Concern

to her families, she came across some food that was meant to be a donation for her.

“I kept asking for the family’s address, and they kept telling me that it [the food] was for me, but for some reason I didn’t hear that part,” Moore said.

Little did she know that the food was meant for her, and when she found out, she was more than grateful.

“It was funny because when I was adopting a family, I was being adopted. I felt kind of funny, because I felt that there are people much worse than me,” Moore said “I was really touched that they would even consider me.”

When the next year came, Moore became Project Concern advisor, which put her in charge of the Adopt-a-Family program.

“I took over the next year because Mrs. Jones was being transferred to another school. I felt that these were the kinds of people [students] I wanted to be involved with, so I became the advisor,” Moore said.

Moore continues to distribute food and presents to families involved in the program and enjoys it more with every visit.

“When I deliver the presents to their home, I feel honored,” Moore said “I love meeting the people, and letting them understand that I know where they are coming from.”

Although most students look forward to receiving presents for the holidays, local students this year

make a point to give back instead.

TOHS adopts 25 families

families have been adopted than this year

20

*according to the Adopt-a-Family statistics last year

ARTWORK BY RACHEL RIEDEL AND MATTHEW SAHAKIAN

The gift that keeps on giving

clubs on campus have adopted a family

20over

ALEXANDRA RANDALLSta� Writer

The Adopt-a-Family program allows many students and staff to celebrate this holiday season by giving instead of just receiving.

Adopt-a-Family is a donation drive spearheaded by Project Concern, which collects hol-iday gifts from various clubs and organizations on campus, and delivers them to families of students. Each participating club is assigned the name of one family, selected by faculty and staff, to purchase presents for based upon the specifi c family members’ needs.

What sets Adopt-a-Family apart from other drives and charities is the direct impact it has on students at school.

“It’s one of the only programs where we actually help kids at our school,” Link Crew coordinator and Adopt-a-Family donor Ashley Cooper said. “I think it’s important that we don’t neglect the needs of kids we see every day.”

Adopt-a-Family also has the power to connect students and staff alike in a more per-sonal way.

“Delivering to the homes allows me to step away from the desk and be known as some-thing other than a teacher,” Project Concern advisor Eileen Moore said. “It shows the students and their families that we truly care about them.”

The families that receive the gifts are often so deeply moved by the attention to detail and time given to make their holidays special that they sometimes burst into tears when the presents are delivered.

“The families are so appreciative of the gifts. I remember one dad who told me that the gifts I brought to his house were the only Christmas presents his family was going to have

that year,” National Honors Society adviser Dana Grooms said. “I’ve had people crying and hugging me, and some people have even sent thank-you notes.”

It is not just the students and families receiving gifts, however, who benefi t from the Adopt-a-Family effort. This program has also been meaningful for many students and members of our school staff who donate.

“I remember one year I delivered gifts to a single mom and her daughter who lived in a tiny apartment. There was a little fake tree in the corner of their living room with nothing underneath it,” Activities Director Caroline Cleaver said. “It felt so good to see all of the gifts nestled under the tree when I left. The mom was very moved, and so was I.”

The program not only makes its recipients feel good about their holiday season, but its participants as well.

“I have never delivered gifts and not been in tears afterwards,” Cooper said. “One year, a student in my classes was a part of one of the families we helped. It was really special to be able to help in such a personal way.”

Adopt-a-Family can also help students develop an appreciation for their own families as well as a view of their peers in a deeper respect.

“It’s important that students realize that there are people in our community who don’t have as much as they do,” Grooms said.

Adopt-a-Family is a perfect way for students and teachers to cooperate together in cel-ebrating this holiday season with delight for both givers and receivers.

“The essence of Christmas or any holiday is to give rather than receive,” junior Becca Thomas said. “Adopt-a-Family is one of the best ways I know of to do that.”

According to sophomore Andy Ragusin, the holi-days are not just a time for gifts and consumption, but a time for helping others. Ragusin and his fam-ily participate in Angel Tree, a church-run program that connects incarcerated parents with their children through Christmas gifts delivered personally to them at the prison.

The Angel Tree program has impacted him and his family personally.

“I had an aunt and cousin who were in jail and

we couldn’t spend time with them over the holidays,” Ragusin said. “When I heard about this program I connected to it personally and thought it would be a great thing to participate in.”

Along with the prisoners and their children, Ra-gusin himself also benefi ts from participating in An-gel Tree.

“It’s very rewarding,” he said. “It feels great to know that you are making a difference in people’s lives and making their holidays better.”

For sophomore Adam King, giving is a lifestyle. Every year, King and his Boy Scout troop collect clothing and pass it on to needy people in the Los Angeles area.

He fi nds that giving to the needy helps him keep in mind everything he is grateful for.

“People down there [in Los Angeles] don’t have warm clothes and during winter many of them get the fl u and pneumonia,” King said. “When you’re

out giving, you suddenly realize how lucky we are to have so much. Most of these guys don’t have shoes or even a jacket.”

King also loves the uplifting feeling that comes from generosity in action.

“I love giving to others; I do a lot of work with my church too,” King said. “It’s hard to describe how I feel when I’m helping someone. All I can say is, it’s just an awesome feeling.”

During the holiday season, English teacher Robin Bromberg supervises The Giving Tree event at the Oaks Mall, which was founded by Children Service Auxiliary.

“The organization provides year-round gifts and support to the children in foster care in Ventura County” Bromberg said.

In the event, a tree with gift tags is placed in the Mall. The gift tags dictates the gender and the age

of a child. People can pick a tag, buy the present for each of the designated tags, and drop it off under the tree.

Even though Bromberg supervises, she never for-gets to pick up a few presents for the tags.

”I love doing this [giving a present] because I know that the foster kid will have a good holiday,” Bromberg said “It feels good that someone is going to be able to gain something.”

Other ways to give back for the holidays NOLA ADEDIGBA » THE LANCER

ALEXANDRA RANDALL » THE LANCER

—Alexandra Randall

—Alexandra Randall

—Nola Adedigba

THE GIFT OF GIVING—Project Concern advisor Eileen Moore sneaks a couple of gifts under the Christmas tree in her classroom. The ornately decorated tree is a class-room tradition held by Moore in the spirit of her Adopt-a-Family activities. Project Concern hosts Adopt-a-Family for both Thanksgiving and for Christmas, during which the students gather food and donations to give out to the participants of the program.

*

theseasonof

giving

Adopt-a-Family

has been run-ning for over

years45more than

150students are involved Adopt-a-Family

more than

Features page 10 issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

Shields tumbles through lifeJASON GARDINERFeatures Editor

Whether she’s tumbling or dancing, sophomore Em-ily Shields is at home in every facet of cheerleading.

Shields is on both the JV spirit and varsity com-petition cheer teams. On the competition team, she practices tumbling, stunts, dancing and cheering for competitions. On the spirit team, Shields and her team cheer at the football games and will cheer at upcoming basketball games.

Shields loves the sport and has been cheering for two years at TOHS. She cheered at her previous school, St. Paschal Baylon, for an additional four years.

Shields has received constant support from her fam-ily, who attend her events, and friends, many of whom are on the cheer teams themselves.

Since her decision to join high school cheerleading, she has not been disappointed.

“I would say that I enjoy all that cheer offers,” Shields said.

Shields enjoys many aspects of the program besides

cheering itself.“I could not ask for better teammates,” she said.With all of the enjoyment and camaraderie in cheer-

leading, Shields has gained more than just a good time out of it. She has learned both leadership skills and how to work effectively with other people.

Shields hopes to make more of cheering than just a high school pastime. She aspires to be on the California Polytechnic State University cheer team. While there, she also plans to study business.

To prepare for her future career, Shields is in the business branch of the Majors Program, where she is learning the basics of how to be competitive in the business world.

In spite of all of her plans for college, Shields is mainly interested in keeping her options open for any opportunities that present themselves.

“Every Lancer Has a Story” is a recurring feature on a randomly selected student.

JASON GARDINERFeatures Editor

From lift kit to roof rack, junior Jacob Steagall’s jeep never fails to get noticed.

Nine months ago—just before his 16th birthday, Steagall received the 1987 Jeep Cherokee as a gift from his father, who works in the transportation department at Warner Brothers. His father acquired it from a friend at a glass company that makes windshields.

Steagall had always wanted a jeep, largely because of their tough exterior and versatility.

“You can do whatever you want to them and they’ll still run,” he said.

Steagall’s distinctive jeep attracts much attention on the road.

“I get a lot of thumbs up from other people driving jeeps,” he said. “You can hear [my jeep] coming.”

The noisy engine isn’t the only reason the jeep is easy to hear. Two weeks after Steagall got his license on his 16th birthday, he, his father and two friends de-cided to renovate the speakers as a weekend project. The jeep now sports powerful subwoofers and door speakers.

Steagall has added all of the accessories he needs, and although he does not have any immediate plans for further improvements and additions, he will always be open to new possibilities.

However, since the car is old, it has several more troublesome features.

The car gets poor gas mileage, its windows roll down slowly and it does not have air bags. Although he is currently considering trading the car for a newer one, he expects to have his jeep at least until the end of high school.

“I kinda like it too much to get rid of it,” he said. “It’s my baby.”

While he has the car, Steagall will continue to enjoy driving it.

“It’s really comfy,” he said. “It’s nice to drive.”

Riding rugged

PAIGE CURSONStaff Writer

For senior Jared Goldberg, karate is not about fight-ing physically, but a way to show a different side of himself.

When Goldberg was seven, his father brought him to a father-son karate class and he quickly fell in love with the sport. Now, ten years later, he has a black belt.

“In my head I felt that I could do it,” Goldberg said. “It is something that connected with me and something I really enjoy doing.”

In addition to training multiple times a week, he par-ticipates in local and regional tournaments two or three times per year.

“Tournaments became a way for me to challenge myself,” Goldberg said. “They allow me to compare myself to other people and put my own skills to the test. I use them as both learning devices and personal challenges.”

With both AP classes and college applications due, Goldberg has learned how to juggle his training and his academics.

“I would say that school gets in the way of karate more than karate gets in the way of school,” he said. “I use karate as a sort of release for the stresses of ev-eryday life.”

Even so, he participates in other extracurricular ac-tivities such as yearbook.

“As much as I enjoy karate and as much as I do my best to maintain my training, sometimes I have to put other things as the priority,” Goldberg said. “It bothers me that I have to miss karate.”

He plans to continue karate after graduating high school, by finding either a studio or a club at his uni-versity so he can train.

“I see myself doing karate until arthritis physically forces me to stop,” Goldberg said. “And even then I would probably keep going to some degree.”

Goldberg’s self-defense a release

PUMPED UP—(above) Junior Jacob Steagall leans

casually against his 1987 Jeep Cherokee. Steagall has

added numerous acces-sories to his car, which he

received before his 16th birthday. (right) Steagall’s

Terminator subwoofers re-side in the trunk of the jeep.

Some of Steagall’s other per-sonal touches include door

speakers, lights, a lift kit and a roof rack.

POISED TO STRIKE—Senior Jared Goldberg executes a move for a judge at a karate competition in Santa Monica.

PREPARING TO CHEER—Sophomore Emily Shields practices a cheer with sophomore Cassidy Anderson. Shields is on the JV spirit team, and hopes to continue cheering in college.

I kinda like it too much to get rid of it—It’s my baby.

-junior JacobSteagall

“

”

EThAN LyONS » ThE LANCEr

wITh PErMISSION » DAVE CErVELLI

CAMPUS

Cool Car on

PhOTOS » EThAN LyONS » ThE LANCEr

want more pictures? The scores from recent sports games? what about videos? Scan this Qr code with your

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EvERy LANCER has a STORysophomore Emily Shields

Taran MoriatesEntertainment Editor

Despite what some pessimists may think, as they still proudly don their Led Zeppelin T-shirts, rock and roll is not dead. Amidst the poppy glam and flashy hip-hop that has come to characterize the past decade, there are still musicians out there who can melt your face off with a rad guitar solo or with a growling verse.

The clear leaders of these artists: The Black Keys. They have characterized rock and roll for years now, but the world just recently became aware of it. With their 2010 breakout effort, Brothers, The Black Keys rocketed to the top of the music industry and peoples’ favorite bands lists alike.

With the success comes great pressure and antici-pation—an alarming increase in the chance for disap-

Bring the blues

Taking a bite into Breaking Dawnali WireEntertainment Editor

I have a confession to make. In the eighth grade, I loved Twilight. I know. I’m embarrassed too.

This was way before I discovered things like “good literature” and “creativity.” But, nonetheless, I was quite a fan. I had Twilight shirts and carried the book around like it was my Bible. So, naturally, I went to the midnight premiere of the first movie.

And it was awful. I didn’t bother seeing the next two movies. It was

too hard for me. But, to be fair, I rented them from the library and watched them all in one painful day.

For those who didn’t see them either, let me quickly summarize it. Bella’s boyfriend leaves her and she complains while a hot werewolf, Jacob, struts in front of her, taking his shirt off and flashing sexy smiles. Then, her love comes back and she has to decide which incredibly attractive man to fall in love with, which of course, just makes her even more miserable. She chooses the sparkling vampire. End of movie.

In the next movie, she gets engaged to her vampire, and there’s a fight about something, but I’m really not sure what.

Breaking Dawn Part One was probably the worst. And it isn’t even done yet.

I’m not even kidding; The first minute of the film,

BLooDY HeLL—Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) clutches on to her sparkly boy toy Edward Cullen (robert Pattinson) in terror in Breaking Dawn. Or happiness. Or sorrow. i’m not really sure, she makes that face all the time.

imPrinT EnTErTainmEnT » PuBliC dOmain

El Camino Tracklist

1. lonely Boy2. dead and Gone3. Gold on the Ceiling4. little Black Submarines5. money maker6. run right Back7. Sister8. Hell of a Season9. Stop Stop10. nova Baby11. mind Eraser

Upcoming Movies

» sherlock Holmes: a Game

of shadows

December 16

» the Girl with the

Dragon tattoo

December 21

» the adventures

of tintin

December 21

» extremely Loud and incredibly

CloseDecember 25

»ContrabandJanuary 13

EntErtainmEnt page 11issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

THE BlaCK KEyS » PuBliC dOmain

chord change or that snare snap could be improved. This approach could explain the lightning in a bottle effect that the new record contains, with no lull in be-tween the punches.

Although the production, done by Danger Mouse, is cleaner and more upscale than the fuzzy, lo-fi be-ginning albums, especially Thickfreakness, The Black Keys never forget its Akron and blues roots. There is an obvious feeling that they would’ve made the same exact album even if all their success in the past year never happened, except perhaps the guitar riffs and drum beats would be bouncing off garage walls and not a polished professional studio.

From the start, with the eruption of a rapid, distort-ed guitar riff leading into the incredibly catchy single “Lonely Boy,” the tone is set as a more upbeat and rock-ing record than the vast, swampy blues-filled Broth-ers. “I got a love that keeps you waiting,” Auerbach croons amidst the pounding of Patrick Carney’s drums and background singers, displaying his confidence that they are finally valuable in people’s eyes. Caution: this tune has the uncanny ability to make bodies start danc-ing like the man on the music video without consent. Except, maybe not with the same level of moves.

The comparisons between the Keys and former fuzzy basement rockers, The White Stripes, are finally put to rest with such tracks as the western-feeling groove “Gold on the Ceiling” and “Dead and Gone,” which show off a sound and range that the Stripes never ac-complished.

However, that doesn’t mean that they still don’t make tribute and homage to their influences. Auerbach and Carney tip their hats off to their predecessors in classic rock with their own “Stairway to Heaven” in “Little Black Submarines,” a simple beauty that finds the world’s reigning rock star sound sincerely solemn, playing off a familiar theme for the group—“A broken heart is blind”—until it breaks into the familiar rough electric guitar and relentlessly fierce drums.

Once the keyboard falls into a dip with Auerbach’s voice on “Sister,” I feel like I’m getting out of a vin-tage sports car after successfully executing a bank

heist, hair slicked, shades being smoothly placed on my ears, jacket being shrugged onto my shoulders. The intermittent strikes of the bottom guitar strings coincide with my footsteps as I walk away and my trusty sidekick slips me a manila envelope.

Carney goes hard throughout the album, making me feel as if my arms are sore and I need a cup of water simply from listening to him attack his drum set. In “Hell Of A Season,” he goes ape on those things to the listener’s greatest satisfaction, even when his wingman breaks it down and expands the track.

“Stop Stop” sends a picture through my mind of Derek Zoolander doing a A Night at the Roxbury head bob as he strolls down the boardwalk at Venice Beach. Then, seemingly in the click of the mouse as one searches for thick, black-rimmed glasses and a remov-able grizzly beard on Ebay, the album’s closer “Mind Eraser” captures the listener’s sentiments perfectly within the payphone-sounding chorus—“Oh, don’t let it be over, no, don’t let it be over.”

The Black Keys have withstood the ever-foreboding test of capturing the moment while in the spotlight. I can’t imagine the Keys ever releasing anything even re-motely mediocre. Too much soul, talent, and humility. I can’t wait to be that 50-year-old dad who still wears his Black Keys shirt, refusing to let go of the classics.

pointment if the successor doesn’t quite live up to the previous hit. However, The Black Keys certainly don’t fall into this trap with their seventh album, El Camino, as they capitalize on the added attention with ease. El Camino is a spurt of energy and soul that is captured without hesitation, without reserve. The duo ignored the hype and pressure and kept cool, one witty com-ment and denim jacket at a time.

“We don’t act overly precious about ourselves. A lot of bands get into that really bad habit of overthinking things and it’s just really crippling,” lead singer and guitarist Dan Auerbach explained in a recent interview with ExploreMusic, as if revealing some big rock se-cret. And perhaps that is indeed the key—to keep do-ing what they’ve been doing and capture it in a spur of a moment or of a feeling without questioning if this

Taylor Lautner had already pulled his shirt off. I sup-pressed a groan, and shoved a handful of candy in my mouth to stop me from screaming profanity.

It was truly horrendous. Kristen Stewart’s face re-mained the same the entire movie, and Robert Pattinson looked constantly constipated. The special effects were terrible, and the script was unbearable. I’m pretty sure a dizzy seven-year-old could have written it better. And probably could deliver it better than the actors did.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, I started paying attention to the music. Now, don’t get me wrong. I like Iron & Wine as much as the next girl. I just enjoy it at the proper moments. I certainly wouldn’t want a song about suicide in the background of my wedding.

The worst scene was the birth of Bella Swan’s child, which was truly disgusting, and the effects made it al-most impossible to comprehend what was happening. And, I found it kind of disturbing that she looked al-most like a skeleton during the entire pregnancy. That’s probably pretty bad for the baby.

After the movie was over, I really wanted my $7 back. I don’t recommend seeing it. Seriously. Save yourself.

Anyway, Taylor Lautner only takes his shirt off once. It’s not worth it.

1. Five billion cats in Hogwarts robes—Ali Wire

2. To have a play date with Marcel the Shell—Taran

Moriates

3. Facial hair—Steven Golditch

4. A fuzzy bath robe—Ian Doherty

5. A British accent—Nick Laumann

6. A purple Bedazzler—Jen Smith

7. An “A” in APUSH and Alex Bradbury’s sweater—

Jason Gardiner

8. For people to make their edits—Alex Chen

9. The White Stripes record player—Eric Hatland

10. Sleep—Samir Malhotra

11. The Packers to lose—Megan Bowser

12. A box full of Prismacolor markers—Rachel Riedel

13. A Firebolt—Kelly Wisneski

14. A leather jacket for when I’m on my hog and I

need to go into a controlled slide—Alex Bradbury

15. A jumbo size Hello Kitty plushie—Joyce Tan

16. A trip to France—Mrs. Zimmerman

17. To be able to use my recently found Borders gift

card—Nola Adedigba

18. A new car stereo—Maddi Reali

19. A Belle and Sebastian tour—Lucas Gigena

theLANCER

Holiday Wish List

I want to be a rock star. Rock stars are just simply cool—the swagger, the leather jackets, the overly tint-ed sunglasses, the scraggly hair, the lifestyle.

I want to be able to relax someone on a stress-ful night, capture a sprite of joy, evoke thought and aspirations, create the urge to dance or bob one’s head with a song I created. To stagger onto a stage and change someone’s life with the most killer show they’ve ever seen such as The Strokes did for me in the summer of 2010.

Therefore, I get frustrated on a daily basis whenever I unsuccessfully attempt to belt out one of my favorite songs in the car—I admit it, so what?—or as I get ready in the morning. Why can’t I just have the voice of Ju-lian Casablancas or Win Butler or Dan Auerbach?

Then, with further thought, I question myself. Is it really as cool as it looks? Upon closer review, I real-ize how precarious of a situation that these musicians live in. They are subject to the infliction of count-less contradictory and ironic forces, encased in some sort of catch-22.

Naturally, artists want their work to be heard or seen by the most people possible. They want to spread their creation, to share it, in hopes that maybe an 18-year-old boy living in Thousand Oaks will dig it and be inspired to write a column about music. It’s why they cram into a mini-van and live off Denny’s Grand Slam breakfasts

ModernAge

as they make their way from gig to gig in hopes of land-ing a record deal.

However, with each new fan, each increase of the size of the venue, there’s a greater chance that the band could fall into a downward spiral towards the abyss most recently characterized by one of my favorite groups, Kings of Leon. Meaning, if they make it in the business—which is a phrase that could vary in defini-tion with each person you ask—people turn on them.

Suddenly, some of the group’s biggest fans are filled with disgust whenever their moms start singing their breakout hit when it comes on the radio as they miss what once was, when it was THEIR band. I don’t even like saying that I love Kings of Leon anymore—no, it’s more involved than just liking “Use Somebody.”

Rock star success also leads to great pressure—what I will be calling the “Kurt Cobain effect,” where the criticism, the cravings of the fans for the next great al-bum, the expectations, becomes so much that it takes what they love doing and fills a wine glass with it. The pestering, recurring interviewer’s questions and the scrutiny makes it hard to remain cool, even for the coolest of the cool like Cobain—cracking them to the brink of rehab or in his case, death.

However, there’s more to these artists than the re-cord deals, the screaming fans, the party life and the cover photo shoots. Facets that should be ad-mired and replicated in lives that are far more mundane and ordinary.

Rock stars encompass the finding of a passion and pursuing it whole-heartedly. They make the music they like and want and dress and act in a way that is true to themselves. In a world where interests are thrown aside and replaced with what you’re “supposed” to do and where the opinions of others cripple one to ultra-conformity, this is a feat that should be praised. Take it or leave it.

On second thought…yeah, I still want to be a rock star.

-Taran Moriates

The irony and intrigue of being a rock star.

The

The Best of 2011

RadioheadThe King of LimbsStill not sure if Thom Yorke is insane or not, but we don’t care, we love it. This one grows on you “Little By Little.”

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2Wizards. Wands. Magic. Need we say more? The only problem is that there was no Dobby. He’s the man.

Music

GrouploveNever Trust a Happy SongA superbly catchy burst of joy. Roll down the windows and sing your stresses away.

Miscellaneous

Movies

Adele21There’s a reason why she was number one on iTunes for so long.

The StrokesAnglesOur favorite New York City rockers return to remind us how to not give a crap and work neon green high-tops with this synth-influenced hit.

Kanye West and Jay-ZWatch The ThroneTwo legends teaming up to make us all cry in depression that we will never achieve their level of cool.

Panic! At The DiscoVices & VirtuesProving that you can lose your bass player and your guitarist and still sound really awesome.

Kurt VileSmoke Ring for My HaloThe classic scraggly hair in the eyes and guitar and amp gets a makeover while providing quite the walking companion.

The Lonely IslandTurtleneck & ChainNot quite as great as Incredibad, but a wor-thy competitor. Rap has never been so funny and ridiculous.

Horrible BossesAn exaggerated mission to take down that certain

hated boss. Finally, a way for viewers to release some of those pent-up feelings.

X-Men: First ClassA prequel to the hard hitting Marvel franchise. We seem to never get sick of crazy, Mutant battles and blue people.

Paranormal Activity 3Despite being a low-budget film, Paranormal Activity 3 got more hype than the first two ever did. I’ll never go into Moorpark again. Never. Again.

BridesmaidsKristen Wiig made our sides ache with laughter, and gave us more to add on to the list of unforgettable comedy movie quotes.

Rise of the Planet of the ApesJames Franco, Tom Felton and crazy apes that make us want to cry and cuddle at the same time, as well as make us rethink our aspirations of being proud monkey owners.

MoneyballA smart and different sports movie that isn’t strictly for baseball fans. And, Jonah Hill is serious—weird, but great. Does Brad Pitt ever disappoint?

Crazy, Stupid LoveWe, along with Steve Carell, learn how to be a

smooth ladies’ man. Plus, we get to see Ryan Gosling’s abs. Oof.

EntErtainmEntpage 12 issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

WIKIMEDIA CoMMoNS » WITH pERMISSIoN

Nicki Minaj’s butt implantsIt’s the next big thing. (It’s okay to laugh.)

Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard separateLet the competition begin, boys.

Beyonce getting pregnantThe baby of champi-ons. Who wouldn’t want her as their “Suga Mama?”

Justin Bieber sued for allegedly impregnating a 20 year old.And Justin suing her for rape. Baby. Baby. Baby. Oh.

our choices on the major highlights of this year, including possessed dance moves, magical wands and some silicon.

WIK

IME

DIA

Co

MM

oN

S »

WIT

H p

ER

MIS

SIo

N

CoMpILED By ALI WIRE AND TARAN MoRIATES

sports }{ page 13 issue 5december 14, 2011

Photos » Ethan Lyons » thE LancEr

Ball it up—(Left) Junior DJ Brown tries to get past teammate senior LJ Wiley. (right) Junior tanner Fanjoy tries to shoot over his teammates in practice. the Lancers began their preseason against agoura, but scores were not released as of press time.

Basketball ends near–perfect preseason

lee McPhErson Staff Writer

Since new head coach Gary Walin stepped in, girls basketball has already been successful with a win in the Crescenta Valley tournament on Dec. 3, but due to a power failure, the championship game has been postponed to a later date.

The team is happy with their early successes and they believe that these early victories will lead them to a strong season.

In the first game of the tournament the girls steam-rolled Village Christian with a jaw–dropping score of 69–15, then bested La Canada 59–33. Finally, they defeated Notre Dame 44–32 to finish off their perfect

tournament run.“We have been practicing six days a week for two

hours a day,” point guard junior Lindsay Neuner said.Though training is important and creates the foun-

dation for a team, player bonding and camaraderie have proven to be key in the team’s overall success, as well.

“We are having a team sleepover to get us in a unit-ed mindset so we can be a team on and off the court,” Neuner said.

The team took three tough losses in a row at the Buena tournament on Dec. 7–10, losing to Ventura 33–47, Camarillo 29–47 and Stockdale 45–61.

These ups and downs should be somewhat expected

however, as the team is still young, still lacking se-niors and comprised mostly of juniors, save for two sophomores.

With a record of 3–3 going into their first league game against Agoura, the girls were prepared to go hard in the paint against the Chargers.

“We will have to play our best to win...they are one of the hardest teams in the league to beat this year,” guard junior Carolyn Ruffino said.

The Lancers played Agoura yesterday, but scores were not available at press time.

Tomorrow the team will face off against Westlake in the first of two games between the rivals during the season.

Girls basketball has shaky end to the preseason

Dustin koWELL Staff Writer

After a championship season last year, the Lancers look to compete this year with a smaller and younger team.

Boys basketball started this season with the Nord-hoff Tournament on Nov. 30–Dec. 3 and didn’t disap-point. They went against Fillmore, whom they routed 78–24. The team then beat Cabrillo thoroughly about the head 82–39 on Dec. 1, proceeding to rout Pacifica 70–51 on Dec. 2 and Buena 69–25 on Dec. 3 to claim the championship.

“The first tournament went really well. We played good as a team and everyone stuck to their roles. We are learning how to play well together as a team, main-ly focusing on team chemistry and continuing to get better,” forward junior Dakota Pierce said.

The team has started the preseason 6–2. After such a strong start, Thousand Oaks played in the Arroyo Grande Tournament and lost to Mission Prep 53–58 and Atascadaro 69–72 in a double overtime thriller. The team came out victorious against both Bakers-field Christian, 69–46 and Arroyo Grande 70–55 on Dec. 10.

“We have a young team this year that mainly con-sist of all juniors and a few seniors. We are a fast break team and shoot the ball very well,” head coach Rich Endres said.

The Lancers began league yesterday against Agoura but scores were not available at press time. Tomorrow the Lancers face rival Westlake, the first home game.

“[We] have been running and conditioning to be a fast-paced team,” point guard junior Adam Espinoza said. “[We] want to tire them out by third quarter.”

SPORTS page 14 issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

JV girls basketball is on its way to a successful season after competing in two tournaments, where they have set their record at 5–2. In the fi rst tournament, Buena-Kiwanis on Dec. 3-6, the girls beat Valencia in a nail-biter with a score of 46–45, but then lost to Ventura on Dec. 5, 28–35.

The team attributes its success to the cohesion in the group as well as the ability of every player to pull her own weight.

“We are getting excellent contri-butions from everybody on the team; all the girls are scoring points, get-

ting rebounds, and making our team better,” freshman Missy Frakes said.

In the Newbury Park tournament, on Dec. 7–10, the team beat both Agoura and Royal with scores of 47–36 and 55–23 respectively. Bue-na narrowly defeated Thousand Oaks 40–41 in a game on Dec. 8. The girls rebounded with a win against rival Westlake 49–31 on Dec. 10.

Girls JV played Dec. 13 against Agoura, but scores were not avail-able at press time.

-Lee McPherson

girls JV basketball

UNDERCLASSMAN CORNER

ETHAN LYONS » THE LANCER

GRAPPLING—Senior Matt Guido and freshman Cameron Gassert wrestle in practice. The teams’ next league match is at home today against Ago-ura High School. Guido injured his shoulder at the Camarillo tournament and could be out for the season.

DILLON WHINERY Sta� Writer

Wrestling started off the season with high hopes. The Lancers had their fi rst match against Westlake on Dec. 8, and, despite the loss, the team still felt good about their performance.

“We did well. I took fi fth, [senior Austin] Welty took third, and a few others placed,” junior Josh Cor-tes said.

With the fi nal score at 35–40, the meet came down to the last match with junior Ethan Heathcote.

“It was a clutch match. If I won we won, if I lost the team lost,” Heathcote said.

Not only was the match unsuccessful, but Heath-cote broke his wrist during the match. His status is now pending for the rest of the season.

Wrestling competed in the Camarillo Tournament on Dec. 9–10.

They came in fi fth and went 8–3 overall. Thousand Oaks triumphed over all teams except West Covina, Lakewood and Pacifi ca.

”It was a heartbreak to lose to Westlake, but the Ca-marillo Tournament has really brought up our hopes,” varsity wrestler junior Tylor Gonzales said.

Two injuries occured at the Camarillo Tournament. Junior Nick Miller suffered a knee injury during the match when his knee popped out while senior Matt Guido injured his shoulder and could be out for the season. According to the team, these wrestlers are key for the Lancers’ success during the season.

Wrestling battles injuries

Cutting weight to make weightDILLON WHINERY Sta� Writer

Wrestlers these days walk around spitting into bottles and fasting themselves for one simple thing: a weigh-in. Throughout a wrestler’s career, the day before ev-ery match, or even hours before, he has to go through a weigh-in.

According to junior Tylor Gonzales, cutting weight can sometimes be a very stressful experience because wrestlers have to go through the process extremely quickly. If a wrestler weighs in three pounds over, then he must lose those three pounds anywhere from two to seven hours before his match begins.

Spitting is a popular way to cut weight among heavyweights and lightweights. Some prefer using sweatpants and a jacket to try and sweat off the weight in a hot room.

“Before I start to cut weight, I’m hating it. During the process it feels like I’m going crazy. I’m very dehy-

drated and it’s kind of like hell,” Gonzales said. “After I cut weight, I can put some of it back on.”

As unorthodox as the methods are, cutting weight is a necessary part of a wrestler’s career and success.

“Sometimes you cut because the team needs you at a certain weight for a dual meet,” junior Josh Cortes said. “Some kids’ dads make them cut and some kids drop a weight class after losing a challenge match at a higher weight.”

The wrestlers can gain an edge over the competition by dropping a weight class but maintaining the same technique and skill level.

“When other kids are cutting 10, 15, 20 pounds, to get down to your weight class, it gives you a good rea-son to cut fi ve pounds or so to the weight class below,” Cortes said.

The Lancers have been successful in cutting weight this season and everyone on the team has been able to compete in the matches.

»Cross Country»»Boys: The boys ended their regular season with a second-place fi nish in league and a 5–2 record. The team also advanced to CIF prelims on Nov. 12, but failed to place in CIF fi nals.»»Girls: The girls fi nished in second place with a 6–1 record to end their regular season in league and then advanced through CIF prelims. The Lancers made it all the way to CIF fi nals on Nov. 19. where they fi nished fi fth.

»FootballThe Lancers had a rematch of last year’s CIF playo� in the fi rst round against Quartz Hill on Nov. 18 and won 20–7. Next they triumphed over Moorpark on Nov. 25, with a score of 21–14. After a 23-year drought, the team made the CIF semifi nals, but had a loss to Westlake on Dec. 2, 62–0, which ended a season fi lled with tragedy and triumph.

»Girls GolfThe team made history in multiple ways as ju-nior Sophia Chen ended the season in the fi rst round of state playo� s and the team reached the Regional Qualifi er to come in 10th.

»Girls TennisThe Lancers routed Notre Dame on Nov. 10, 15–3 and Troy on Nov. 14, 11–7. The team ended its season in the CIF semifi nals, where it lost to University High School 19–1.

»Girls VolleyballThe Lancers fi nished their season with a perfect record of 14–0 and proceeded to beat Capist-rano on Nov. 8 and Long Beach Wilson on Nov. 10 in CIF playo� s. The team made it to the quar-terfi nals on Nov. 12 but lost in three sets to Los Alamitos, 21–25, 17–25 and 15–25.

»Boys Water PoloThe Lancers ended their season with a record of 22–9. The team faced Alta Loma on Nov. 8 and prevailed with a score of 21–8. They then advanced to face Buena Park on Nov. 10, de-feating them 19–9. The team made it to CIF semifi nals, but lost to Righetti on Nov. 12 with a score of 18–8.

*Compiled by Sports Editors

Fall playo� wrap-ups

JV wrestlingJV wrestling squared off against

rival Westlake on Dec. 8 in its fi rst league match of the season. The boys dominated the match, winning 66-6.

On Dec. 10, the team participated in the Westlake tournament, where it fi nished fourth overall but lost to

tournament champion Ventura.“Ventura was great, they beat ev-

erybody by a substantial margin,” senior Sam Taylor said.

The Lancers wrestle today against Agoura.

-Ian Doherty

With the injury of two key wrestlers, the Lancers’ future is uncertain

sports page 15issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

Megan Bowser Sports Editor

Last season, boys soccer tied for the top spot in Marmonte. This year the team looks to have another successful season.

The Lancers began the preseason against the Chan-nel Island Raiders on Nov. 30, after a 2–2 scrimmage against Buena on Nov. 22. The team lost 3–4 with goals scored by forward seniors Michael Coles, JJ Davis and defender sophomore Will Garcia.

“We put forth our best effort, but it was only our second game and we are still getting to know each other,” junior Kevin Perez said.

The team then went on to play Ventura (9–0–2), but was defeated 2–3.

“Our team played well,” senior Greg Faust said. “We equalized quickly after they scored their first goal, but then they controlled the game up until the last 15 minutes where we regained control.”

This week the team kicked off its regular season at Agoura. Last year, the Chargers and Lancers tied for first in the Marmonte.

“This year we want to win the Marmonte, not tie,” junior Luis Garcia said.

The Lancers take on Westlake tomorrow here in the Lancer stadium.

“We expect a win against Westlake,” Perez said, “[we expect] to win the rest of our league games.”

Boys soccer aims to repeat top spot

Michael Spencer » The lancer

practice makes perfect– Junior ever rivas practices his skills in preparation for the season. The lancers lost both preseason games by one goal. The team kicked off their season yesterday at agoura but scores were not available at press time.

Girls soccer kicks off new season DuSTin kowell Staff Writer

The Lancers moved past the offseason and started on their regular season, hoping to improve from last year. The girls faced Hart on Nov. 29 and tied 0–0, then took on Valencia and lost in a close game 2–1.

“The preseason games have gone really well. We have had a huge improvement and everyone works re-ally hard together. We have a good team this year,” captain senior Desi McBride said.

Next on the schedule was Oak Park. The Lancers came out strong as they defeated the Eagles 4–0. The Lancers have a record so far of 1–1–3 and is looking to improve from last year, when the team was 2–12.

“Every player is individually very strong and our de-fense is solid. We are working hard on communicating and moving the ball together in order to play as one amazing team,” McBride said.

The team faced an undefeated Dos Pueblos on Dec. 9. The Lancers were up 2–0 but during the last 10 min-utes Dos Pueblos tied the game. The final score was 2–2.

“We were playing fantastic the whole game and it just happened in the last two minutes we got some bad luck. But we learned from it and the season is definite-ly looking good for us this year,” outside midfielder sophomore Kelly McReynolds said.

The Lancers started the league season vs. Agoura yesterday. Scores were not available at press time.

Michael Spencer » The lancer

finding the open man– Sophomore allison neuve dribbles while looking for a teammate against la reina, the lancers tied 1–1. The team played Tuesday vs. agoura.

ScoreboarD

league overall

w l t pct. pct.w l t

girls basketball......................................

girls Water polo...................................

Wrestling...................................................

boys Soccer............................................

girls Soccer.............................................

0 0

0

0

--

0

--

0 --0

1

0

0

--

4 3

0

0

--

1

--

2 --

3

3

1

1

2

--

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.57

0.0

0.6

0.2

0.0

winter SportS

boys basketball..................................... 0 0 -- 0.0 6 2 -- 0.75

* scores through Monday, December 12 lee mcpherson Staff Writer

Girls water polo began its preseason with the Mis-tletoe Classic, a tournament hosted by Newbury Park, on Dec. 2–3. The Lancers left with a record of 3–1.

Many of the players attribute the team’s victories to training that in the weeks leading up to the games.

“[Offseason] has helped us by getting us prepared and ready to experience all of the unique plays we are going to be doing this season,” junior Brenna Hicks said.

Due to the strength exerted in a match, proper preparation is needed to ensure that players are in top shape and won’t lag behind the competition.

“We are working a lot on being able to take the press,

and we do lots of conditioning so that we can keep up with all the fast teams,” junior Katie Chiapuzio said.

During the season though the team practices two hours a day, five days a week, to ensure that the team will remain in top physichal and mental condition.

“We are also focusing a lot on just being able to work as a team and know each others strengths and weaknesses,” Chiapuzio said.

Scoring is key to success and the teams prides itself on offense, which is why the team has scored a mini-mum of five goals in each of their games.

It played Calabasas yesterday but, scores were not released as of press time. The Lancers play tomorrow at home against West-lake at 3:15.

Girls water polo looks for promising season

what to look for this season from boys soccer...»Strengths—Speed up top, good communication »Weaknesses—Slow start»captains—Seniors Michael coles, JJ Davis, Daniel Trautman, luke hoffmann

all league»football

first team all–leagueWide receiver– blake howell (12)running back– nathan Debeikes (11)

offensive line–Tom Mcnutt (11)utility– lJ Wiley (12)Defensive line– Dane griffin (12)linebacker–Matt Singleton (11)Defensive back–Michael greeley (12)

»first team all–countynathan Debeikes (11)blake howell (12)Dane griffin (12)

Michael greeley (12)

»second team all–countyWide receiver–lJ Wiley (12)offensive line–Tom Mcnutt (11)

linebacker–Matt Singleton (11)

»golf

first team all–leagueSophia chen (11)esther cho (12)

Sarena Doyle (11)

»first team all–countySophia chen (11)

»Volleyballfirst team all–leagueKaris Schneider (12)Kendall Frisoli (11)

second team all–league Jillian Johnson (12)

erin Foley (12)

»water polofirst team all–leagueben rogers (12)Josh andersen (12)Dominic Valentino (12)

first team all–countyben rogers (12)

second team all–countyJosh andersen (12)

cif team 1st ben rogers (12)2nd Josh andersen (12)

3rd Dominic Valentino (12)

» girls tennisfirst team all–league

Kristina eisenbrand (12)

Melissa baker (11)second team all–leagueKaty Scheck (12)Kaitlyn ackerman (11)rosey eisenbrand (9)

photo essaypage 16 issue 5december 14, 2011 }{

Music in

otion:As the year draws to a close, the Lancer band and dance classes bring jazz rhythms swinging through the air and dancers cavorting across the stage to end it—with a bang.

loud and proud—(left) While out caroling to raise funds for band on Dec. 9, senior Daniel Luo finishes off his group’s impromptu carol for some classmates with a blaring solo on his soprano saxophone. (above) Junior Roman Curiel dances to “Aequor Oris” in advanced dance class’s bows, the group’s closing number in the winter concert, which ran Dec. 1–3.

focusa—(above) Flute section leader junior Anna Martone performs during the jazz band’s winter concert on Dec. 8.

poised and ready—The coed dance team’s girl members hold a pose at the beginning of their Asian Folk Dance, set to “Pop, Drop and Roll” by Chonique Sneed.

ALex Chen » The LAnCeR

eThAn LyOnS » The LAnCeR

JOhn ROuTh » The LAnCeR

MiChAeL SPenCeR » The LAnCeR

eThAn LyOnS » The LAnCeR

cheer and good will—Senior Miguel Ramos gives a bear hug to sophomore Claudia Gonzalez, decked out as a Christmas tree in coed dance team’s bows.