09/19/08

Volume 41 September 19, 2008Number 6 WWW.PAWPRINTSWEEKLY.COM

Glen A. Wilson High School Hacienda Heights, California 91745

Congratulations to seniors Victor You, Darren Pan, Billy Lin and Carey Leung for qualifiying for the National Merit semifinals.

Cat Tracks

the INSIDE story

Credit checks help seniors ensure graduationBack to School Rally

RAAAWR!!!- Associated Student Body and Willy the Wilcat welcome students to the new school year at the Back to School Rally in the amphitheater last Friday. PHOTO/JENNIFER CHOW

New field show inspires high hopes

Junior Alice Yang questions the defense witness during Tuesday’s Mock Trial tryouts. PHOTO/P. VANGCHAROEN

By YUHUA WANGSTAFF WRITER

While students undoubtedly face many hurdles during their high school career, one of the most daunting would have to be graduation.

All seniors at Wilson are currently meeting with their counselors to discuss their eligibility for graduation. Each counselor is conferencing with groups of six or less seniors for sessions that last around one period.

“Senior credit checks allow counselors to discuss options for students who don’t have enough credits,” said Wilson guidance counselor Megan Jara.

This year’s requirements for graduation are still 230 credits, along with passing Algebra I, Computer Literacy, a lab science class and the California High School Exit Exam.

For convenience, students are divided into groups depending on their postsecondary school choices, such as UC schools, Cal State colleges or community college.

Students who have not met the minimum requirements for graduation will meet with counselors on an individual basis.

“For these students, there are several options which include taking adult school, taking make-up classes at Mt. San Antonio College and online courses,” said Jara.

Some seniors say they have responded positively towards their evaluation.

“Senior credit checks are an advantage since they help students in need of credit. Students get the opportunity to know how they are doing in school,” said senior Elizabeth Choong.

Other students say they remain unconcerned.

“I already have enough credits to graduate,” said senior Arjun Prakash. “I’m not worried at all about senior credit checks.”

Senior credit checks began on September 8 and will continue until approximately the last week of September.

By MELODY WANGSTAFF WRITER

The “Luck of the Irish” will be with the band this year when they perform their field shows.

This year, the Royal Wilson Marching Alliance (RWMA) will continue on with the tradition of performing band field shows during half-time at football games. Different from last year’s performance, the RWMA will not be performing at away games.

“We have around 50 shows to perform this year. I needed to find a way not to burn out myself and the students,” said band director Jonathan Chang.

Last year’s field show music was inspired by Disney, but this year, the theme will be “Celtic Dream.”

They will be performing music based on the contemporary Irish musical group, Anúna.

“This year’s theme is a lot more exciting than last year’s theme because the Disney theme is typical for a field show,” said sophomore Nicholas Alba.

The field show consists of the songs Cloudsong, Song of Oisin, The Blue Bird and Incantations.

“We have four songs to perform this semester. We learned three so far,” said freshman Michael Mckay.

The music was chosen by Chang after a suggestion from a staff member of the Wilson faculty.

Some students say they appreciate the change in music.“Since we usually play classical music, it’s nice to hear a new sound,” said junior

Stephen Chang. The first showing of the field show was at the football game last week. They will

play again at the next home game on September 26.

September 19, 20082 News

Cats confident tryout will ‘light’ way to DisneylandFreshmen Tailgate PartyBy CAROL CIRIACO

STAFF WRITER

Instead of waking up to the sound of the radio, Wilson’s choir is waking up to the sound of their own voices as they get ready for an audition.

For the past two years, Wilson’s Jazz Cats choir has auditioned and performed at Disneyland’s annual Candlelight Festival. Disneyland screens choirs each year before allowing on the best to participate.

Although the festival takes place in December to celebrate Christmas, the Jazz Cats say they are already working hard to make it into the program.

“We’re rehearsing every day and trying hard to make a good audition tape. The choir

is recording the tape soon, so we have to hurry,” said sophomore Jeffrey Tankersly.

Choir adviser Claudia Turner says the Jazz Cats are well on their way to passing the audition.

“The choir has additional rehearsals, practices and sectionals to practice singing ‘Love is here to Stay’ and ‘The First Noel’ for the audition,” said Turner.

Members of the Jazz Cats believe that the choir is doing its job to prepare for the audition tape.

“I know that the whole choir has had extra practices, but as a soprano, I’ve had other additional rehearsals,” said senior Jenny Choi. “We’ve been practicing at lunch in the choir’s practice room and having sectionals

whenever we can find the time to do so.”

Since the school’s Jazz Cats have already made it to the festival for two years in a row, the choir says they are optimistic that they will make it again.

“I think they’re going to do extremely well,” said Turner. “So far, they’ve been great.”

Some choir members share the enthusiasm expressed by their advisor.

“We really want to make it to Disneyland so that we can perform,” said Choi. “We want to be the best that we can be, and that means making it to Disneyland.”

Jazz Cats will be recording their audition tape next Monday, September 22. The tape will be turned in to Disney before October 3.

Rachel’s Challenge

CATCH THAT KID - Freshmen and Link Leaders enjoy a game during the Freshmen Tailgate Party before the football game last Friday. PHOTO/VIRGINIA TANG

DARE TO BE KIND - (bottom left) Erin Lackey, a friend of Rachel Joy Scott’s family, spreads the message of acceptance and compassion first started by Rachel in her essay, Monday. (left) During lunch, hordes of students gather to sign a banner pledging to accept the challenge to start a chain reaction of kindness. (bottom right) Parents also get the chance to listen to Rachel’s story during an extended presentation Tuesday night in the gym.

PHOTOS/JENNIFER CHOW, VIRGINIA TANG AND PAULLA VANGCHAROEN

Editorial 3September 19, 2008

Accelerator machine incites hysteria

Number 6©Volume 41

Glen A. Wilson High School16455 E. Wedgeworth DriveHacienda Heights, CA 91745www.pawprintsweekly.com

Alyssa RobertsAdviser

Double EaglePrinting

An open forum, Paw Prints encourages the written opinion of its readers in the form of signed letters to the editor or longer commentaries on topical subjects.

While we recognize the individuality of all forms of expression we reserve the right to edit and / or censor that which we feel necessary in accordance with California Education Code 48907 and standards of good taste.

All communications must be signed. It should also be understood that the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of individual Paw Prints staff members or the policy of Glen A. Wilson.

Billy LinCharles Tsuei Editors-in-Chief

wordon the

STREET

Paw Prints asks:What are your thoughts on LHC simulating the Big

Bang’s effects?

NICOLAS OUEIJAN (10) - I think they should not have spent so much money when they don’t know what will happen during experiment.

TRENT TRIMBORN - If you have billions of dollars, then go ahead and stare at crashing nuclear particles on a computer screen.

CARLA LOMELI (9) -It would be beneficial to us because if scientists succeed, we’ll find out what goes on in the universe.

TRACY CHOU (11) -We’ll learn about the universe. Hearing about the possibility of black holes forming still scares me though.

PHYLLIS LIANG (12) - Wouldn’t we die if the Big Bang was recreated? Maybe a new universe would be formed.

IRVING LAI - Any time we can further our knowledge about the world we live in should be a happy moment.

COMPILED BY/ STEPHANIE CHANG, LAURIE ALLRED, PAULLA VANGCHAROEN, VANESSA HO

Cat TracksPSAT sign-ups begin next week. Juniors can register

on Tuesday, Sept. 23; sophomores and freshmen sign-up on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Make-up for all grades are on Thursday, Sept. 25

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) particle accelerator officially fired on September 10, and with it came pangs of paranoia. Word of mouth and written articles spread fear that the new machine would create miniature black holes that would slowly consume all of humanity. Reactions escalated to the point where lawsuits were filed, researchers threatened and a teenage girl committed suicide.

The multibillion dollar project by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) plans to fire protons or atoms in opposite directions around a 27 kilometer ring-shaped machine. Pairs of tiny particles smash with enormous energy and create phenomena similar to conditions after the Big Bang. As a result, research will hopefully reveal the secrets of the universe’s behavior. Panic generated from claims that such experiments would crush the mass of protons in such a small volume that black holes would be formed.

Even though particle accelerators have existed for decades, each time a new one is built, concern about the end of the world resurfaces. CERN maintains that malignant black holes will not form. A majority of physicists agree that high-energy colliding particles do not have the potential for danger, and any microscopic black holes that do will disintegrate into harmlessness.

These claims are not just unsupported reassurances; they are actually corroborated by concrete evidence. CERN refers to the behavior of cosmic ray as their most convincing argument against the fatalism. These high energy particles from space strike other particles of matter on Earth with far greater energy than the LHC does, and yet no planet-engulfing black holes have formed. And even if any small black holes ever did form, the movement of the planet and black hole would launch most of the deadly wormholes into space and away from the Earth.

Instead of relying on word of mouth and wild conversations, those fearing doom should seek articles and evidence from reliable sources. An honest search of scientific data would show that the wild theories about the LHC ending the world are refutable. Possibilities are not absolutes, and we should utilize concrete evidence to weigh the arguments ourselves and determine whether the LHC is truly a doomsday device. The most respectable nuclear research group and thousands of the most intelligent scientists have considered the arguments, as should we.

We should not accept the sensational terror of doomsday headlines and civilian gossip so quickly. Instead of buying into hearsay, everyone should use their own logic and intuition. We should collect evidence and determine the merits of possibilities ourselves; otherwise, only meaningless panic ensues. People will be uneasy whenever humankind explores new territories of science, but allowing their nervousness to elevate into hysteria will take progress nowhere.

NEWSCarey Leung

Brandie Wong

EDITORIALStephanie Chang

FEATUREPERSPECTIVES

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS VISUALS

Renee TangSabrina Dea

Allison Ko Howard Li

Charles TsueiChris Chiang

Jennifer ChowMichelle GorSonia Tellis

EDITORS

Charles TsueiBilly Lin

Carey LeungHoward Li

Chris ChiangSonia Tellis

Jennifer ChowAllison Ko

Brandie WongMichelle Gor

Renee TangSabrina Dea

P. VangcharoenMichael ZubiaCarol CiriacoVanessa Ho

Virginia TangHanny KishawiMelody WangE. Oliferovskiy

EDITORIAL BOARD

ART/ VANESSA HO

Perspectives4 September 19, 2008

Are all men truly created equal?

By ALEX CHAOSTAFF WRITER

Prejudice has been a hotly discussed topic since the creation of this nation. The idea of people being superior to others has not faded, but has only flourished throughout history. Affirmative action, a program designed to stop discrimination against minorities, is borderline prejudice.

UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) has been accused of using other factors, including race, for college admissions. They have begun using a more ‘holistic’ approach to admissions, and although affirmative action programs claim to make up for the discriminatory practices done to minority groups, nothing could be farther from the truth.

On the surface, this idea of advancing diversity and eliminating

discrimination appears to work. However, affirmative action is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Imagine an employer of a large, predominantly white company. In order to promote diversity and rid any presuppositions that the company discriminates against others, the employer uses affirmative action to bring in multi-cultural employees and places too much emphasis on race instead of actual skill.

In spite of this effort to rid discrimination, this company is instead guilty of creating more.

Webster’s dictionary defines discrimination as “to make a difference in treatment or favor on a basis other than individual merit; categorically rather than individually.”

Clearly the company has already judged the minority races as a whole instead of as individuals. Instead of choosing employees based on their abilities, affirmative action prioritizes race or socio-economic factors.

These timeless words from the Declaration of Independence epitomize American foundations: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

In essence, affirmative action degrades the fundamental principle of equality by placing categorical factors above aptitude.

If blacks, whites, other ethnicities, men and women are truly equal, they all deserve the same objective treatment.

The notion of affirmative action has also influenced education.When universities accept students, they do not just look at the transcripts,

but also consider ethnicity, socio-economic factors, and even gender. By using this system of favoritism, universities admit under-qualified

students as long as he or she is a minority. This program of defeating discrimination actually creates more partiality.

When people choose a doctor, they want the person most qualified for the job. Would they be willing to leave their lives in the hands of a physician who did not know what he was doing, despite race, gender, or social backgrounds?

Although people seek to reach equality through affirmative action, the program only turns the minority into the elite and leaves behind the people who have worked tirelessly throughout their lives.

People not in the minority have worked relentlessly to reach their goals, and people must recognize these merits. Not doing so is pure injustice.

C O N

The debate over affirmative action has been taking place for years. Recently, UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) has been accused of discrimination due to its practice of affirmative action, sparking another discussion over whether socio-politically non-dominant groups should receive special treatment. Affirmative action supporters believe it is perfectly acceptable while opposing parties find it to promote favoritism. Does affirmative action truly give everybody an equal chance or is it merely another form of discrimination?

P R OBy S.CHANGEDITORIAL EDITOR

America has gone through its share of civil rights ups and downs.

The issue of race has always been a sensitive one within our nation. Americans shudder at the mere mention of “prejudice” and “race.”

Through any means, citizens of the U.S strive to establish equal treatment for every individual, no matter their orientation, sex, religious beliefs, etc.

We all agree that we should treat each group of individuals with fairness, yet people clash when it comes to agreeing on the right way to go about establishing equal treatment.

Recently, at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) professor’s resignation sparked debate over the use of affirmative action versus Proposition 209. The instructor left in protest of the admission process at UCLA, arguing that the new holistic policy placed unnecessary emphasis on race. His resignation has revived the sensitive issue of whether factors such as race should be considered during acceptance processes at institutions like colleges.

Affirmative action is a policy that has been employed and debated in many establishments—college campuses, workplaces, etc. The policy represents different groups and minorities and puts into play race and other factors in the process of acceptance at different institutions.

The immediate response of certain individuals was to go up-in-arms against the policy.Such individuals have distorted the goal of fair and equal treatment to such an

extent that they have come to forget that people are individual entities.In order to prevent mistreatment based on differences, anti-affirmative action

advocates are content to believe that all humans are completely identical—carbon copies of each other with no discernible differences.

That kind of thinking does not apply to the real world. But that’s the impractical mindset that officers making decisions about acceptance will have to use if affirmative action is done away with.

Without affirmative action, authorities cannot consider factors that shape individual identities—gender, race, religious beliefs, orientation, and social status. For example, for college admissions officers, what’s left to consider about applicants are grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities.

While these factors are undeniably worthy of acknowledgement, these are not the only traits that represent a person.

Colleges and other establishments accept whole individuals, not just the academic part of them. Personal values, morals, and beliefs—all important components of an individual—are shaped just as much by scholastic learning as they are by a person’s race, culture, religion, and so on.

Affirmative action takes into consideration that we are all different and lead unique lives. Each individual has a distinctive upbringing. Every person faces different challenge because of who they are. They are given different opportunities also because of their identity.

Because of these distinctions, we are not always on the same playing field with each other when it comes to college admissions or employment.

Taking into consideration race, gender, socioeconomic and other factors standing will adjust this playing field so that it becomes fair.

And that, to me, is equal treatment. GRAPHIC/ JENNIFER CHOW

Feature 5September 19, 2008

Wildcats inspired by Columbine victim’s legacy

wordon thePaw Prints asks:

What were your reactions to Rachel’s Challenge? How do you plan on taking up her challenge?

COMPILED BY ALLISON KO, VIRGINIA TANG AND

ALICE WEN

STREET

ANGEL SALAZAR (12) - Everyone needs to be more considerate of other people’s feelings, well-being, and personal space. I will be more understanding of everyone, even if it means being tolerant of the intolerable.

BEN WEBSTER - It was extremely powerful and worth the time. I hope people are challenged not only to take up Rachel’s Challenge this week, but also in the future.

ARJUN PRAKASH (12) - It taught about the importance of being nice to other people. I will aim for the goals that I write down and be nicer to others.

M O N I C A SANCHEZ (10) - It taught us to be more open and to not be judgmental of other people. I would try to meet new people and try to not be shy around others.

CANVIS VILLANUEVA (11) - It made me sad. Rachel was just sitting with her friends and she suddenly got shot. I will take up her challenge by helping other people, going up to new students, befriending them and showing concern to those who are hurt.

JERELYN LOPEZ - I think it was very informative and eye opening. It made people realize that we can change. I was literally crying because my son was in school at the same time of the shooting and it gave me such a horrible feeling. I would definitely take up her challenges. I would tell at least five people that I love them, would dare to dream, and be kind to other people.

JUNE LEE (9) - The assembly was inspirational. I will take on the challenge by trying to get to know everyone and to not judge people because no one is perfect.

PHOTO/RACHELSCHALLENGE.COMGRAPHIC/ JENNIFER CHOW

ChallengesRachel’s

1. Eliminate prejudice by looking for the best in others.

2. Dare to dream: Set goals, Keep a journal.

3. Choose your influences: Input determines output.4. Kind words: Small Acts of Kindness equals HUGE impact.5. Start a chain reaction with

your family and friends.

By ALICE WENSTAFF WRITER

Hearing the phrase “international secret agent” might immediately strike a mental image of Lara Croft or Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but these words had a whole other meaning last Sunday.

Hosted by film producers Wong Fu Productions and hip-hop group Far*East Movement, the International Secret Agents (ISA) Concert showcased Asian-American talent. The event’s Facebook page boasts

By SABRINA DEAFEATURE EDITOR

As I glance through my planner, the list of homework assignments and projects allotted for the day seems to be endless: a lab report for chemistry, a ton of reading for English and another grueling hour of trying to understand the new pre-calculus section.

Although the task “watch Gossip Girl tonight” is not written down, it has already been implanted in my mind—a duty that I will definitely remember to accomplish.

Ironically, watching television—not completing homework—is the one task that I commit to finishing by tuning out all distractions and providing my undivided attention.

EntertainmentSeptember 19, 20086

‘Secret Agents’ showcase Eastern talent

Television challenges student prioritiesAs I watch my essential shows, I

ensure that there are no disturbances to interrupt my evening dose of entertainment.

Though it’s already an undeniable fact, I must admit that I put my favorite television shows before my schoolwork.Television is the number-one distraction that hinders the completion of critical homework assignments.

Shows such as 90210 and One Tree Hill are top priorities when it comes to my list of errands to fulfill.

But despite my acknowledgement of how vital my assignments are to my grades, I fail to realize that school comes before television.

No matter how heavy my workload seems to be on a school night, I always manage to have enough time to watch

the newest airing of The Hills or The Secret Life of the American Teenager.

By constantly reminding myself that I must watch a television show at 8:00 p.m., I speed through my math and chemistry homework problems.

Happily tucking my botched—but nevertheless completed—homework assignments into my backpack, I know that I can now watch my favorite shows.

However, by rushing through my homework, I fail to learn the information that I need to. At times, I work so quickly that nothing becomes embedded in my mind except the fact that I will soon view the drama between Serena and Blair from Gossip Girl.

It’s sad but true; I would rather concentrate on a fictional television

character’s life than on my own. It’s partially the need to make the next newspaper deadline but mostly the disgust I feel at my own twisted priorities that drives me to type these words.

I must stop and recognize that there are more important things to do than to waste hours on simple shows that are entertaining but unbeneficial.

I must learn to rearrange my priorities and to move my television set down to a lower level of importance.

I must forego those petty half-hours of T.V. and pursue a richer, fuller educational experience.

And yet it will probably happen time and time again—dropping paper and pencil and tossing textbooks to the side, I forget about my academic woes and turn on the television set.

Can Dance. Hok and Lydia Paek, the only girl in the group, stole the show.

Next up was R&B trio Tatum Jones, better known as At Last from NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

I had not listened to their music before, but what I saw far exceeded my expectations of mainstream R&B covers. As members Hans Cho, Justin Fong and Michael Lee beatboxed to a’ capella versions of Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Omarion’s “Icebox,” I found myself singing along. Tatum Jones finished the last song in their set before the show closed for intermission.

hearts of millions. Their most recent accomplishment was the official selection of their short “At Musing’s End” for the 2008 Cannes Music Festival.

Their presence did not disappoint. Catching one of the “Nice Guy” t-shirts they threw to the crowd was icing on the cake.

Last but not least was the set we had all been waiting for: Far*East Movement (FM), who recently collaborated with Power 106’s DJ Virman.

As soon as FM took the stage, the audience went wild and within several seconds, everyone in the first

SECRET AGENT MEN - R&B trio Tatum Jones performs at the International Secret Agents Concert in the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, last Sunday. PHOTO/FAREASTMOVEMENT.COM

its cultural mission: “we are ‘Secret Agents’ because breaking into mainstream media is no easy task for Asian-Americans.”

Armed with the VIP tickets we purchased just two days before, my friends and I eagerly waited outside the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse.

We made our way into the sold-out 1200 seat venue and were lucky enough to get second row seats. I couldn’t help but notice, though it was no surprise, that the audience was predominately Asian.

Emcees Tom Ngo and Amber Nimedez immediately began pumping up the crowd before introducing hip-hop duo Magnetic North.

An avid fan, I was immediately drawn in as members Direct and Theresa Vu entered the stage, rapping their hearts out to singles “Drift Away” and “We Will Not Be Moved.”

After the upbeat performance by Magnetic North, the crowd mellowed down as acoustic singer/songwriter Jennifer Chung gave a simple yet praiseworthy performance. I could only sit in silence with a smile on my face as I listened to the lightness and sincerity of her voice.

The show switched gears from singing to dancing with its next act: Quest Dance Crew.

The crowd was enthusiastic—voices cheering, heads bobbing as the dancers took the stage and gave a more than satisfying performance.

I was especially excited to see Hok Konishi and Dominic Sandoval work it out on stage after watching them chase their dreams on FOX’s So You Think You

We headed outside to the merchandise booths, and after purchasing a few t-shirts, were excited to see that Magnetic North, Tatum Jones and Wesley Chan of Wong Fu Productions were already there for autographs. I even managed to get a shout-out from Chan: “Hey Wilson, Wong Fu loves you!”

Hanging around outside too long cost me, however. As I returned to my seat, hip-hop violinist and YouTube phenom Paul Dateh was already finishing up his performance.

Next in the line-up was a must see: Wesley Chan, Ted Fu and Philip Wang, the founders of Wong Fu Productions, took the stage for an exclusive screening of unreleased work.

Known for their charming plotlines in short films such as “Yellow Fever” and a feature-length movie “A Moment With You,” this production team touched the

few rows deserted their seats and rushed to the front. It was too bad that an orchestra pit separated us from the stage.

They immediately pumped up the crowd and we all threw up FM’s trademark “three fingers” as they rocked out to “Fetish.”

Quest Dance Crew returned to the stage while FM performed their newest single “Dance Like Michael Jackson” from their upcoming album “Animal.” Watching the performance from a mere ten feet away far exceeded the already remarkable music video by Wong Fu Productions.

Next was my favorite song, “You’ve Got A Friend.” As the audience sang along and waved their hands in the air, I was thrilled to discover that Tatum Jones would join them for this piece.

Stage lights dimmed as we prepared for FM’s closing performance of “Lowridin,” which has been spun on such radio stations as Power 106. With the entire theater resonating with beats and voices, the boys rapped and the audience danced along to the music.

After the show, we raced outside to get in line for autographs and pictures with all the performers.

Despite the fact that the concert was held for only the first time, it was amazing and I definitely cannot wait for next year.

ISA exposed the rawness of underground hip-hop culture, and all I can say is, fellow secret agents: mission accomplished.

September 19, 2008 7Sports

By STANLEY HOSTAFF WRITER

Two days ago, Wilson’s runners faced a fierce competition against Ganesha at Schabarum Park on Wednesday.

The results varied at this meet; boys were only twelve points from winning, but the girls dominated with a lead of 35 points.

In the girl’s division, runners Angela Tu (12), Laurie Allred (11), and Lauren Holguin (12) all placed in the top ten.

Angela Tu came in first at 21.34 minutes.

“I feel great about winning. I practiced long and hard for this meet,” she stated.

Meanwhile, the boy’s say that their loss was a wake up call for the team.

“I thought I could do better. But Ganesha is a tough school. However, we are doing better as a team, so that’s a plus,” said Albert Lee (11).

Although the boy’s loss had been discouraging, there was a rise of a new runner, Mike Corona (12).

“I did alright. But they were a great team full of good runners. We just need to improve better as a team,” said Corona.

He placed first at the meet with a time of 17.16, followed Lee coming in at seventh with 19.10.

“Ganesha is a very strong school. They are a good test to show our team’s progress,” said Coach John Dobrenen.

Despite the loss, the cross country team is more worried about the official meets.

“We have a great team this year, but we need to improve on grouping,” mentioned Dobrenen

With returning runners such as Ernest Reyes (12), Albert Lee (11), their hopes of getting to CIF are high.

“Even though we lost a good number of runners this year, we still have good returnees to take their place,” says Reyes. “We can make it this year if we put enough dedication and time into it.”

As for the girls, their hopes are even greater.

“We are doing pretty well so far. We are putting a lot of emphasis in getting to state this year,” said Tu.

But winning is not all on the runner’s mind.

“We need to improve individually and as a team. This way we can get far this season,” says Joseph Arizmendi (10). “But it’s also important to have fun and enjoy the sport.”

Their first official league meet is on October 1st at Danali park at 3:00 PM. PHOTO/PAULLA VANGCHAROEN

Golf swings into 3-1 record

Looking for the play

Wilson routed by Brahmas

By JON JON LEWSTAFF WRITER

The girls golf season is in full swing and with a stroke of luck, our girls will win league.

Yesterday, their match against La Serna added another victory to what already has been a phenomenal season.

“We’ve been winning a lot of our recent games. We just need to beat Troy or Ayala,” explains Captain Gina Lee (12).

The Cats have been able to consistently knock down the competition, falling short only against Los Altos. Their record now stands 3-1.

Earlier this week, the golf team had sweeping victory over Charter Oak, winning by a margin of over 80 strokes. They also finished 15th in the Ayala tournament of over twenty seven teams.

“Our team looks really good this season, especially

Hana [Lee] (10) who is the backbone of our team,” says Captain Heidi Tseng (12).

in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), and has been ranked

strokes per game, only one stroke above par.

Despite having this young talent, Coach Mike Manassero also gives credit to his three senior captains G. Lee, Tseng, and Elizabeth Choong (12).

“If Hana [Lee] is the star of the team, then they [G. Lee, Tseng, Choong] are the heart. They have been with the program for four years, and we wouldn’t do it without them,” explains Manassero.

With such a tough league, the girls golf veterans need to be at their best if they wish to achieve victory.

Next Tuesday, they face the league favorites, Los Altos, for the second time.

They have five outstanding players, including the nationally ranked, Tiffany Lua (12).

“Los Altos is really good, but I know we can do better,” says H. Lee.

STOPPED- Sarah Guzman (11) jumps up to block a teammate’s soft tip Wednesday. The Cats hope to bounce back against Covina, Tuesday.

By HANNY KWAIJOBASTAFF WRITER

With the addition of new players, girls volleyball lost to Diamond Bar, 3-0.

The Cats did not have the experience compared to last year’s girls so most were unprepared for the match.

“We only have one returning player and the rest, starters. It wasn’t the kind of difficulty we were expecting to face,” said Marilyn Chavarria (12).

However, some members say that they believe it was simply because of their lack of communication and defense.

“We were not fully focused, and a lot of us were barely keeping up; we didn’t cooperate very well,” said Stephanie Guierterez (11).

Additionally, they also said that they feel that the Brahmas, like other opponents in the league, were beyond their management and were far stronger.

“It’s difficult because we don’t have a good-enough techinque but we’re working on it and helping each other,” said assistant coach Heather Rennie.

Despite the Cat’s team performance, their individual play was better. On the courts, key players Geraldine Chavarria (9), Celena Paredez (12) and Tyler Dorsey (10) represented most of the team’s strength.

“They showed a lot of offense and put a lot of energy and effort in to the game which fueled the competition,” said Guierterez.

Regardless, the Cats accepted their first match as practice and said they are getting ready to take on the real deal.

“We will be speeding our training with longer practices to get our heads up and we’ll be taking the games more seriously with a better attitude,” said Chavarria.

Meanwhile, head coach, Paul Burdine believed that the Cats did not play up to their potential.

“They were lost during the match and didn’t follow up well with their own teammates,” said Burdine.

Although the Cats did not perform to their fullest, they are optimistic for their next game.

“We are hoping for the best when we compete next time, but since we can’t avoid the same mistakes we made in this game, we’ll hopefully learn from what we can in the future,” said Paul Burdine.

Their next game will be held against Covina, Tuesday.

JV lost 2-0.

Cats runs away with fast start

STOPPED- Matt Strand (12) releases the ball as he attempts to pass during yesterday’s game against San Dimas. The Cats won 17-8.

H. Lee is nothing short of a golf phenom. As a sophomore she competes

one-hundred-seventh in the nation. In addition, she averages thirty-seven

PHOTO/PAULLA VANGCHAROEN

September 19, 20088 Sports

By CHRIS CHIANGSPORTS EDITOR

After a slow start against South Hills last Thursday, the girls tennis team bounced back and won their last two games.

The girls defeated Chino Hills Tuesday, 13-5.

“It was a good win for us,” said head coach Jerelyn Lopez. “It felt good and hopefully we can keep it up.”

The Cats took an early lead in the game and never looked back.

“We played really well and since we were leading, all of our subs got the chance to compete,” said Janet Hsiao (12).

Like the Cats, Chino also faced problems dealing with inexperience.

“Chino wasn’t bad, but they weren’t as good as last year,” said Lopez. “They had nine seniors that graduated last year.”

Nevertheless, Lopez said that it was a good game and

By CHARLES TSUEISPORTS EDITOR

Change of momentum and numerous penalties caused the Cats to lose their first game of the year to Sonora, 31-21.

“They had athletes, but it wasn’t anything we couldn’t handle,” said starting quarterback Eric Gonzales (12). “I think we beat ourselves more than anything.”

According to Coach Greg Hoyd, the team responded well to the new style of offense and flexbone formation.

Moses Vega (10) led the Cats scoring two touchdowns, and finished the game with 200 all purpose yards.

His first score occurred in the first quarter when he broke out for a 65 yard run.

“[Vega] has really grown up. Being only a sophomore, he really helped

Football stumbles in preseason opener

will help them prepare for upcoming matches.

Megan Zamilpa (9) and Renee Tang (11) led the singles which

PHOTO/VIRGINIA TANG

Tennis overcome anxiety, win two straight

KICK OFF! - Kicker Carl Howling (12) leads the special teams as he kicks the ball off to Sonora after a Matt Orosco (12) Touchdown in the second quarter. The Cats next home game will be next Friday against Schurr HS, but will face the Eagles tonight at Excelsior HS.

WARMING UP - Dianuh Kim (12) prepares for her match Tuesday as the Cats took on Chino Hills at Wilson.

finished 7-2. Both girls won 3-0 against Chino’s players.

The doubles shared similar success, ending in a 6-3 victory.

In addition to Tuesday’s win, the girls also won Monday against La Serna, 13-5.

“We played very well,” said Jessica Chin (12). “We were much less nervous since we already played a game.”

While the Cats overcame their anxiety, the Lancers caught the jitterbug that bothered the girls last Thursday.

“La Serna’s varsity team is pretty new,” said Audrey Auyang (11). “A lot of their varsity players this year were from JV last year.”

Though both teams faced similar problem of rawness, Wilson emerged as the more

driven group.“We really did not want to

lose again,” said Chin. “We made sure we did not hold back.”

Apart from fear of losing, a speech by Tang also inspired the team to step up.

“Her pep talk really encouraged the team and helped the captains be more motivated,” said Lopez.

Enthused by Tang, the team redoubled their efforts and worked to solve the problems that plagued them before.

“We were winded during the South Hills game, so we began conditioning more,” said Lopez. “We’re buckling down and preparing for league.”

Singles was once again led by Zamilpa and Tang as both swept their opponents 3-0. After all wins were tallied, the singles emerged as the winner, 6-3.

The Cats next game is at home against San Marino.

“I hope we do well,” said Lopez. “We have never seen them before, so we don’t know anything about them. But even so we have to be prepared for them.”

with our key players on offense,” explained Hoyd.

Later in the first, Sonora’s Christian Lewis (12) intercepted a Gonzales pass and returned it for a 99 yard TD.

“That was our fault,” said Hoyd. “It was second and [goal] and we called a pass. We apologized to the team for that one.”

Gonzales finished with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Matt Orosco (12) then scored on a 20 yard pass from Gonzales in the second.

Before the play, Orosco went over to the coaching staff and demanded the ball.

“He just said he knew he could beat the corner on the inside and he told us what route to use,” said Hoyd. “We listened and he did his job.”

Going into the half, the Cats had a 14-7 lead and the defense continued to shutdown Sonora’s passing game, which finished with 22 yards.

“The defense did awesome. I was honestly surprised we held them to only 65 yards through three quarters,” said John Dai who for first time played the full back and defensive back positions.

Even though the Cats claimed a 21-7 lead after a 65 yard touchdown pass to Orosco, penalties and misfortune prevented the Cats from taking a more commanding lead.

Tim Gilmore (12), the star running back of last season, had both his touchdown runs taken away when he unintentionally stepped out of bounds and a holding flag was called against the Wilson.

Missing practices due to personal school business, Gilmore did not start the game but finished with 49 yards.

“The sloppiness of the game really brings down the teams moral, we could be all fired up but then we get an

offiside call or something and that does affect us,” said Dai.

Hoyd agreed, explaining that first games are usually full of emotion and the penalties can slow the team down.

Finally taking advantage of early season mistakes, the Raiders scored 24 points in the fourth on three touchdown runs and a safety.

“With a total of five returning starters, a lot of these guys haven’t experienced these game time situations,” said Hoyd. “They just need to understand that they got to play all four quarters.”

With tonight’s game held at a neutral sight (Excelsior HS), the Cats plan to attack Glen HS using all their weapons and rotate players more on defense.

“We didn’t show our whole offense and in terms of who starts, the best eleven will play,” said Hoyd. “We’re not going to let off the gas this time.”

PHOTO/PAULLA VANGCHAROEN