Class of 2011 says goodbye

Written by: Alisa Bennet '11

After four long years at ERHS, the class of 2011 says its final goodbye and begins on their journey into life.

Although the class of 2011 is just another alumni class that will be associated with the school, there are many characteristics that set them apart from classes past. The class of 2011 was the first class to have its educational landmark requirements changed. Math classes, for the first time, were a requirement for this graduating class to take all four years. However, despite this upset, many say that they are proud to be a part of the class of 2011.

“I am proud to be a part of the class of 2011 because I have grown up with everybody and I am glad to see all of us moving on to the next chapters of our lives,” said senior Courtney Wood.

In addition to the senior students being affected by the class of 2011’s departure, the younger classes also have feelings toward it.

“I’m going to miss the kids that I know but I am excited to be the new class of seniors for next year,” said junior Molly Salisbury.

“I think the seniors leaving is really sad because I have all senior friends and it’s going to be lonely once they are gone,” said another junior student, Carly Darrow.

Even though the last day of high school is an emotion filled day mixed with excitement, the seniors still have a lot to look forward to after that point. Graduation commencement ceremonies are June 5^th at3:00pm at the football stadium and many people are looking forward to wearing their maroon and white caps and gowns that they only got to see on other people prior to this point in time. In addition to commencement, many people have chosen to have a graduation open house to celebrate their achievements in high school and anticipate their futures at the college of their choice.

“I am having an open house because my mom is making me have one,” said senior Brenin Richardson. In Brenin’s case, his parents want to celebrate his graduation because he doesn’t like to throw parties for himself.

“I was excited about my open house because my uncle “the hot dog man” was making me hot dogs and I got a lot of money,” said Daniel Carter who already had his open house celebration.

Senior year is an amazing time in a teenager’s life and it’s definitely a memory that the students and their families will remember forever.

Are you ready for a zombie attack?

Written by: Ryan Hayward '13   

        

            Published in 2003, this book has helped many average people worldwide obtain knowledge of zombies and how to survive if they ever were to take over your community, country, or even planet.

            This book, making it onto the New York Times Best Seller List, has sold over one million copies and has received rave reviews from readers and critics.

            It has everything you would ever want to know about a zombie takeover or “apocalypse.” It teaches you how to escape grapples, how to temporarily disable a zombie, and what kinds of weapons are best used for killing them. The crowbar is the best weapon, according to the book, to carry with you as a weapon. This is mostly because of its durability and its ability to be used in many different situations.

            This book also gives you all details about how to prepare for a zombie takeover such as how to prepare your home, what vehicles are best suited and best places to avoid when on the run. It just so happens that the best vehicle to drive would be the dirt bike because of its ability to go off road, agility, and gas mileage.

            I personally love books and movies about zombies and in my opinion, this is the best book for a lover of zombies to own. If I were to give it a rating from one to ten, I would give it a nine.

            This book is available for purchase at several stores such as Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, and Shuler Book store.

Becca Waters

Written by: Izzy Bellville '11

           Today is the class of 2011’s second to last day here at Eaton Rapids High School. I’ll dearly miss many of them, especially a select few.

            I’d like to focus on Rebecca Anne Waters. Becca sat next to me in Newspaper this last trimester. I’m not sure how I will get through next year in Newspaper without her. Becca made Newspaper fun for me, with her small talk and antics. I’ve become accustomed to being smacked in the head with paper each morning, and I don’t know any other way that might get me ready for the day.

            I’ve never needed an Ipod in that class, because Becca was incredibly good at singing “Pocketful of Sunshine”, and she showed that off during class. I was never bored, only having to wait for Becca to tell a story about her “Baby Hunter”. I was also treated to darling pictures of the puppy.

            Becca was an expert at keeping me on task. Every time I started to dawdle, or talk about irrelevant subjects, she’d remind me to get back to work with her gentle and kind phrase: “Izzy, do you want to get punched in the head?” Who else will be so selfless and willing to remind me in such a polite in friendly way to keep to my work?

            Becca wasn’t perfect, of course -Edit- But she was close (according to her). She may have been short with me at times, or taken extra time to belittle me, but I don’t think she ever really thought small of me, I think it was just one of the little things we shared.

            Next year will feel a little emptier, without her pink and coral fleece walking in the door and yelling at me for some imagined crime. Also, she threatened me that if I didn’t put something about her boyfriend, he would come home and… (She trailed off there). Eric is an outstanding Marine and an even better boyfriend, from what I’ve heard. He’s built like a German tank, and I’ve been threatened many a time with “Eric is coming home in only___ days!”

ERHS students win competition

Written by: Ryan Hayward '13



Photo by: Elisha Savage

       As anyone that has seen Transformers knows, the Decepticons want the All Spark. But who would ever guess it would be in our own high school? That’s right; the All Spark is now here.

       Created by Gage Morris '13 and Trent Hurd '13, they built it with raw metal and their own blood and sweat. It took them from the beginning of Febuary to late last month to create this work of art. They had got the idea from making a paper box in art class and began to think, “What if…?”

       “The most challenging part of the project would probably have to be welding all the pieces,” says Gage.

        “This was an awesome project, it was fun to built just because of how big it was,” says Trent.

        It is about 300 pounds of mean steel and measuring an amazing six and a half feet tall and 5 feet wide. It was entered in Mike’s Competition and won first place in both regional’s and state.

        “Its great to see today’s youth using new machines and computer technology to create this art. The project is also very creative and interesting,” says Eaton Rapids Superintendant Bill DeFrance.

        There is no certainty yet, but there has been talk by DeFrance and ERHS Principal Dave Johnson that it will be displayed outside in the courtyard next to the auditorium.

There's no business like show business

Written by: Mason Villanueva '13

A ballet is a type of show just like a musical or a play. It's very different from a recital, in a ballet you are given parts, a character, to portray to an audience. In most ways ballet's are much harder than a recital. In a recital usually there are breaks or at least quick moments of down time. Enough time to get a drink, or change for the next piece without being to rushed, and you only have to carry out a character for a couple of minutes.

In a ballet you must portray a character for a longer period of time and usually there is only intermission for down time. And during my show Thanksgiving weekend I didn't even have intermission and I had one quick change that had to be done in twenty seconds. But the show I just finished last week, Decades Moving Moments choreographed by Gregory M. George, was a lot of fun and not too much stress mentally at least. The hardest part of this show was that I still had school and lots of homework to juggle as well.

            Every night we go through the same routines. Dancer call (when everyone has to be there) is two hours before the show, there is a half hour to prep for the show and then we have a forty five minute warm-up. Warm-up is all about focusing on yourself and how you are feeling, stretching out tight muscles, working on extensions, getting on balance, and preparing mentally for the task ahead.
           After warm-up all of us hold hands and make a circle, Greg says something motivational and then we close our eyes. Greg squeezes the hand of a person next to him and they pass it on, the point of this exercise is to feel the passing of energy flow between all the members of the company, to help create a sense of unity.

There as a special feeling right before walking on stage. It is an addicting sensation. As your passing through the stage wings (the curtains on the side of the stage) walking on to the stage preparing to dance there is a nervous inspiration. You can hear your pulse as your heart rate speeds up, your head throbs; and yet, with this feeling there is a sensation of such adrenaline, power, and motivation to attempt the impossible, to flawlessly dance.

            Then it is time to perform. I love performing and there are simply no words to describe the feeling of letting your body tell a story and the energy and thought a dancer puts into every lift of a finger every point of a toe. I do not perform for the audience I perform for myself.

The show is always done to soon and yet not soon enough. The hardest parts of a show is the in between moments when your not dancing when you notice the aching of your body, the ache of a parched throat, and the sweat dripping down your back. But for the most part the adrenaline can get you through those tough moments, and if it cannot you use the last thing you have sheer willpower.

            Whoever said ballet dancers do not eat was not all mentally there. What did we dancers do during the intermission? Ate delicious chocolate chip cookies. We weren't worried about our bleeding blistered toes or soar tight muscles and in one case a broken thumb. We just wanted to sit down and eat a bunch of cookies and that is exactly what we did!
            Though all the pain, sweat, and tears, there isn't a place on earth we would rather be than simply dancing. We all discussed one day how if we had to die tomorrow how we would want to die. Every single one of us, wanted to die dancing to the last beats of our hearts.

Negative side affects of high tech communication

Written by: Jessica Allen '13

Some people say that texting is for the youth, but as it becomes increasingly popular, more of the “older” generation has been picking up the trend.

            Students use texting to communicate with their parents, friends, coaches, and peers. Adults use it to keep track of their child, talk with friends, and talk with other parents about work and events. Even children middle school-aged and younger have cell phones now.

Most cell phone providers will not sell a plan without some form of text messaging package included. We pay the high fees and penalties for text messaging because the cell phone companies say we have to. 

             Texting is everywhere we look. People text message while walking across the street, sitting at a stoplight, waiting for their meal at a restaurant, and even while driving down the highway. What happened to talking on the phone? Not only is text messaging unpersonal, it can be extremely inconvenient at times and can lead to some serious side effects.

Has our society taken it too far? Teenagers send out over 14,000 text messages per month. Studies have shown that the amount of text messaging people do can and probably will lead to carpal tunnel and decreased eyesight from constant screen viewing. Because of the radio-frequency (RF) waves used by mobile phones, there are increased risks of brain tumors. Doctors recommend reducing the amount you use your cell phone for calling and texting, and if that is not possible, to use hands-free devices.

Also, some suggest to keep your cell phone away from your head while you sleep, so RF waves are not coming into contact with you while you sleep.

            Other side effects from cell phone use include acne breakouts from the oil and germs that collect on your cell phone being transferred to the skin on your face when you talk on the phone. It is recommended that you hold the phone away from your skin when you talk on the phone. People with pacemakers should not store their phones in their chest pocket or near the pacemaker. Although there is no conclusive evidence yet, studies are being done to make sure the RF waves do not interfere with pacemakers.

            If not because of the possible medical conditions, cell phones are dangerous in cars. Studies suggest that texting and driving is more dangerous than driving under influence. The driver is distracted and it takes 70 more feet to brake while texting and driving than for the extra four feet it takes for someone legally drunk at .08 to brake.

            Cell phones are a great form of communication as long as they are used appropriately and at appropriate times.

Music Review: Tenacious D

  Written by: Ryan Hayward '13

Tenacious D is a rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1994 by two very eccentric people. Created by Jack Black (JB, Jables) the lead vocalist, and Kyle Gass (KG, Kage) the lead guitarist. They have released two albums and a rock opera movie. The albums include the self-named Tenacious D (2001) and Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny (2006).
     Their music is described as vulgar, and innapropriate as they sing about drugs and their sexual prowess. Although that is not only thing described in their music, they also describe their unbreakable friendship and their battle against demons and even Satan himself. Almost all of their songs are short stories about something they have done or has happened to them or people they know.
     "Tenacious D" was not their first and only band name idea, they had also thought of naming the band "Pets or Meat," "Balbo

a's Biblical Theatre", and "The Axe Lords Featuring Gorgazon’s Mischief"(supposedly Gass' favorite). While performing at a bar they had people vote on possible band names. "Tenacious D" did not win but was pushed through by JB and KG.
     Unique as Tenacious D may be, they have been ifluenced by a few very popular bands including Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Tony Robbins. Tenacious D themselves, have influenced people such as All Shall Perish, The Lonely Island, and Kanye West.
        If you would like to experience this unique band live, they will be performing this year in December at The Masonic Temple in Detroit.

   

Student of the Month: Andrew Verstraete

Written by: Chanel Baldwin '11

            You may have seen him on television or on our very own Auditorium stage, but none the less, Andrew Verstraete was selected by the staff of Eaton Rapids High School to be Student of the Month.  Verstraete was specifically chosen for his responsibility with the qualities of homework being done, classroom promptness, completes assignments, works to ability level, and participates in class and many more. 

Old Mr. Smith, who nominated Verstraete, says “I see him doing a lot of nice things. He’s very caring and empathetic.”  The staff obviously agreed.  “I like how he smiles while walking through the school,” Smith explained.

            Verstraete’s most influential teachers are Mr. Baker, Mr. Gellis, and Mr. Rupp.  “They deserve my best because they give me their best”, Verstraete .  Most students would agree that the quickest way to work hard is have someone helping you and pushing you along. 

Baker states “it is very satisfying to know that students appreciate your efforts.” Not only do the activities that Andrew participates in are hard, but they also take a lot of brain power. “Verstraete has always had a clear goal for his studies,” Baker says.   

Memorizing musical notes and places to step for Marching Band, lines to the latest school production, and of course, all of the answers to the Quiz Bowl questions. 

            Attending Western Michigan University in the fall of 2011, Verstraete plans to study Aerospace Engineering, which, you guessed it, is the designing of aircrafts and spacecrafts.  Most would say that planning to have a job anywhere near that of an astronaut or the spaceship it lives in while in space, is ridiculous; but Verstraete plans to expand ‘the skies the limit’ and prove many wrong.   

If Verstraete could give any fellow students information it would be “It only ends once, everything before that is just progress.”

Head2Head - Senior goodbye

Written by: Desiree Dunn '11
            What is a senior? Some would say, a person heading to college, one with more experience, someone with higher rank, someone much older (also known as a senior citizen).

Our senior year has been full of fun, stress, and even some senioritis. We’ve grown together as the class of 2011, grown as individuals and as a graduating class. In four years we have grown up as young adults entering this new life ahead of us. In four years we have become close, leaned on one another, cried together, had happy times together, and even some of us grew apart. As our graduating date becomes closer and more real, I start feeling more anxious to see what life has in store for me and other fellow classmates. Where am I going in life? What’s my purpose in this world? What will be the difference I make? All of these big decisions lie before all the graduating seniors as big life changes, whether it’s going into the military, what college to attend, where to find a job, or what other decisions to be made. Entering adulthood has become a reality most of us look forward to all of our life. However, this new life will be filled with new jobs, new classes, new friends, and a new lifestyle. These big changes will change us; they will make us stronger, better people.

High school has taught me to be an individual in this world, not just another person, just you. As an individual, it is up to you to be the change, to make a difference in your own life. High school is a beginning, not an end. It’s the beginning of a new journey, one that will lead you places you have never been, teach you life’s lessons, and mold you into a new individual, full of new life. Goodbyes are hard, but must be said, a new school is also hard, but must be attended, and new teachers will be hard, but have to be liked, or tolerated in most cases. New people will be scary to meet, but may end up becoming your new best friends soon after. College will become a new life for most of us and a new challenge to overcome.

We will all be freshmen again, imagine that. Become the “new kids” in school, just like when we were entering the ninth grade. Now we’re leaving on top of the world, the Seniors of Eaton Rapids High School, everything in front of us. Our whole life and future is now up to us, not our teachers, not our parents, not even our friends, just us. We have to become these scary adults we never wanted to be and step up to the plate. Now it’s our turn to show off our wonderful selves and become everything we’d hope to be. Now, your mom might drive you to school to drop you off, maybe even pack a lunch for your first day, but now it’s on you. You are the future, you will make a difference.

Head2Head - Senior goodbye

Written by: Sam Morrison '11

           How do I feel when I hear the words “senior year”? I, like most students in my position, get mixed feelings about those words. I know we are all counting down the days until our LAST day of high school and until the day we are handed our diplomas and we never have to look back at this place again, if we chose. But it’s more than that, we aren’t just saying goodbye to the classes and homework, we are saying goodbye to the building where we have made so many memories and choices in for the past 4 years of our life, goodbye to our friends, and goodbye to our teachers. As we walk out with our diplomas it’s going to force us to say those goodbyes we have secretly been dreading during our senior year.

            I am ready to leave these halls and begin my new journey. People say “this is not the end, it’s the beginning,” but for me, this is the end, the end of something old, and next year will be the beginning of something new. Unfortunately, I am kind of scared and intimidated of what’s coming next. I’m going to push myself to do my very best, but what if I fail? I won’t have teachers there to let me turn in my assignment if it’s late and I won’t have my mom there breathing down my neck, telling me to do my homework. And I hated when my parents did it, but knowing it’s about to be gone, I’m kind of sad that they won’t be there pushing me to better every day. It’s time to grow up and start being fully responsible of myself.

            This year I have befriended a lot of underclassmen and I’m leaving them back here in this place, and it makes me sad that I won’t be able to see their faces everyday while I’m off being an “adult”. I promised them that I will come visit as often as I can but I’m worried that I will be too busy with work and college to make the time to do so. My best friends will continue to be in high school for one to two years longer after I graduate, then they could possibly go off to a different college than me. So I have unfortunately realized that some friendships may be lost, but hopefully new ones will be made.

            Senior year has been filled with many emotions. I’ve been angry with people and their drama, happy to hang out with new friends and begin a new relationship, sad knowing I’m leaving my friends soon, and excited for my new beginning. When I was little I always wanted to grow up, I remember playing “house” with friends and pretending that we were in college, could drive, and we would eat candy as if it were “aspirin”. But now, I am going to college, I can drive, and sadly I have to take pills for my back problems. It all used to be a fantasy for me and now it’s becoming real life to me, and that’s kind of scary. Some days I wish I could just go back to that young girl just “pretending to be grown-up” because the future can be so uncertain and intimidating. But none of us can go back in time, so Class of 2011, let’s say those unwanted and wanted goodbyes, and move forward and embrace our  somewhat grown- up lives! 

ERHS students travel to Costa Rica

Written by: Jessica Allen '13

In the summer of 2012, future AP Biology students and their families will be taking a trip to Costa Rica. ERHS science teachers, Mrs. Julie Brantley and Mrs. Pam Nutt, will be traveling with the students to chaperone their trip and make it a memorable one.

The idea of going on an Education First (EF) educational tour came up last year when Mrs. Brantley while talking to her Advanced Biology class. She was sharing with the class about her trip to Costa Rica with former Spanish teacher, Mrs. Ausel and a group of Spanish students. The students stayed with families living in the area. Mrs. Brantley’s Biology students thought it was a great idea and said, “We should go.” Since then, she has been working with the Education First Company to iron out details, and finally was able to get the trip scheduled. So far, 20 ERHS students, parents, and teachers have signed up for the life-changing experience.

Students will embark on a jam-packed 11-day trip on which they will see cloud forests, look into a volcano, visit hot springs, spend a day on a Biological Reserve, walk through the rain forest and plant a tree in it, visit a local school, go horseback riding, kayaking, and attend cultural events. Many of the students continue to convince Mrs. Brantley and Mrs. Nutt to set up a zip-line excursion.

Parents and family members are welcome to join in the learning experience and fun. They will be able to participate in all of the excursions the students do and will be able to discover new things as their children do. The trip will be a bonding experience for families, students, and teachers.

Mrs. Brantley hopes that students attending this trip will do better in the advance placement (AP) and advanced science courses. They will be expanding the classroom to another country in order to see the diversity in ecosystems and compare Costa Rica’s to our own ecosystem.

Senior AP Biology student Courtney Wood said, “I wish I had the opportunity to go on this trip when I was a freshman or sophomore. I would have gotten a hands-on experience and tangible information that would have been extremely useful for this class.”

Senior AP Bio student Samantha Schaeffer also wishes she got the chance and said, “I would have learned about diversity in species and I would have learned first-hand about environmental issues.”

Diversity, environmental issues, and biological concepts are just what Mrs. Brantley and Mrs. Nutt are hoping the kids will discover on the trip.

Mrs. Brantley wants the students to, “experience a totally different culture, practice their Spanish or at least be exposed to a foreign language, get better prepared for their future science courses, and make memories to last a lifetime!”

Osama bin Laden killed by U.S. forces in Pakistan

Written by: Alisa Bennett '11

       On September 11^th 2001, the United States faced its largest and most devastating tragedy since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. An act of terrorism, formulated by Al Qaeda’s leader Osama bin Laden, in which nearly 3,000 American citizens were killed unjustly and soon became known as the largest terrorism assault ever experienced on American soil. On May 1^st 2011, the United States of America reestablished their pride and reclaimed the title as the world’s most powerful nation. Osama bin Laden was found, and killed, by American military personnel after ten years of searching relentlessly.

       "Justice has been done," said President Barak Obama during a late night video announcement to the nation.

       The mission that was sought to capture and assassinate bin Laden took merely minutes to carry out and fortunately involved no American casualties. Although there was Pakistani involvement in the search for bin Laden, President Obama made it very clear on multiple occasions that the death of bin Laden was caused by American hands and efforts. Obama did make a point however to contact the president of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, and tell him that it was "important to note that [the United States’] counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding."

       As the news of bin Laden’s death spread throughout the nation, there were few silent and unhappy voices to be heard. College campuses around the nation, including Michigan State University, were loudly chanting "USA! USA! USA!" in proud voices as more and more people filed into the streets to celebrate this momentous occasion. The White House also experienced its wave of chanters at close to midnight, and people were seen waving American flags and showing their appreciation to the nation’s president. However, the largest crowd of people could be found in New York City as people cried with joy and relief with the fact that the man who destroyed their city and families was no longer alive.

       Even though there was much joy revolving around his death, many are concerned as to what may happen as far as retaliation by those who were in cahoots with bin Laden. Though many believe that the death of bin Laden will lead to an alleviation of troops overseas, Obama claims that American forces will still remain in Afghanistan, and various Middle Eastern countries, until the job that was started has come to a complete end. As CIA director Leon Panetta says, "bin Laden is dead, [but] Al Qaeda is not." Panetta was the head of the mission, which began on Friday, that finally put an end to Osama’s life and when word came back to headquarters that his team had succeeded, cheers broke out around the conference room.

       Whatever the global consequences may be, the death of Osama bin Laden marks the end of a decade of the search for American justice and the beginning of the upward climb toward regaining strength as a nation.

Greyhounds attend MYLead

Written by: Carly Darrow '12

          Michigan Youth Leadership conference, or MYLead for short, is a non-profit organization that does its best to instill leadership skills in Michigan’s youth today. Eaton Rapids High School has now participated in this program for 5 years.

            MYLead takes part over three days; students arrive on May 13^th in the early morning, and depart on May 15^th Sunday evening. MYLead includes over 400 high school sophomores from Michigan that come to the MSU campus for a weekend of life lessons that they won’t soon forget.

Past participants have been Lizzie Masteller ’10, Heather Lauck ’11, and Carly Darrow ’12; and attending MYLead this year will be Jessica Allen ’13.

Upon arriving at MYLead students walk to the dorm that they will be staying at for the weekend and are welcomed by MYLead alumni and Group Facilitators who are outstandingly exuberant. It comes as a very big surprise to some conference attendees as the staff comes running up screaming with noise makers. At MYLead, that’s what you would call a proper welcome.

One thing that kids learn at MYLead right away is using the word “stupendous!”  to answer any questions about how you are doing. All other answers are not accepted by the staff because they try to keep a positive attitude throughout the whole weekend. As well as being exceptionally animated, those attending MYLead sing songs throughout the conference when waiting for a speaker to arrive or taking breaks. To some it may seem childish, but at MYLead it’s hard not to participate in the catchy camp-like songs.

This is not a place for the shy or soft spoken. MYLead’s main mission is developing future leaders. Participants also have the opportunity to interact an exchange dialogue with community and civic leaders throughout Michigan.

“I’m really excited to attend the conference and I hope to learn how to be a better leader,” says Jessica Allen ’13 who will be attending MYLead this year. “I’m planning on having a lot of fun and I want to meet new people and establish new friendships.”

MYLead is an experience that will not be soon forgotten, those 3 days spent on MSU builds the best of friendships and has and extremely positive impact on the sophomores that attend it. MYLead is motivating and enabling the youth of Michigan to make a positive impact on their communities through their leadership and service.

Girls Soccer

Written by: Mason Villanueva '13

Though many sports cancel their games due to poor weather, but the Girls Varsity Soccer does not. Through the rain, wind, and storms the girls have persevered and have enjoyed a decent start to the season.

The Greyhounds’ Girls Varsity Soccer Team currently has a record of 3-4-1. So far not a bad season the girls won against East Lansing (1- 0), Portland (3 - 1), and Corunna (2 – 1). The girls lost to Holt, Mason, and Dewitt twice. They also tied with Jackson Northwest.

Annie Ford feels that, “The season has been going ok, we have gotten a lot better and have been working very hard. Lots of conditioning!” She laughs, she believes that to have an even more successful season that, “We just need to work on being a team and working together now.”

The team has several returning Varsity players are Annie Ford ’13, Leah Fast’13, Jessica Reinecke ’12, Michela Dilernia ’12, Brooke Benton ’12, Hannah Gellis ’12, Brittany Parker ’12, Erica Bartley ’12, Molly Salisbury ’12, Sam Gemalsky ’12, and Stephanie Scott ’11. The Team added two freshman, three juniors, and one senior to their team since last year. Erin Stevins ’12 says that throughout the season, “We have gotten better but we could still use some work as a team.”

If you cannot make it out to the soccer games you can review these games on the internet on MHSA.tv/eatonrapids.

Baseball

Written by: Cameron Warner '11

          The 2011 Varsity Baseball Season started with opening day on April 2^nd at Carelton - Airport High School for back to back to back games against Airport, Southgate Anderson, and Pinconning. The greyhounds started the day against Airport where they played very well for their first game of the season it was tied until an inning where mental mistakes and inconsistent pitching took its toll on the team. The final ended up 14-4 Airport winning. The greyhounds would eventually drop 2 more that day but with a lot of positive things coming out of it.

          The following Thursday a game at Alma was canceled and a week later it was time for the home opener against Lansing Eastern. Eaton Rapids won both games in that doubleheader 6-3 and 5-1, with dominant pitching in game one by Tommy Hollandsworth and game two by Zach Laginess.

           In the nine days following three straight doubleheaders were canceled due to rain and cold. The Greyhounds picked it back up in the Jeff Rochester Tournament where the team showed up at 7:30 in the morning to get the flooded field ready by using water pumps and shop vacs to clear water off the field. 3 teams backed out of the tournament due to the conditions but Eaton Rapids was still able to play against Bay City John Glen and Troy, losing both games to the very talented teams.

           The Greyhounds backed up the losses with a sloppy 10-7 win over Everett but a win none the less. The nightcap game of the doubleheader was called due to darkness after the 4^th inning so therefore it didn’t count, E.R was up 2-1 when it got called.

           The Greyhounds are young but very talented and with a little more consistency from their pitching staff they are sure to make a run in districts at the end of the season. “I told myself at the beginning of the season that this was one of the most un-team teams I’ve ever coached” said Coach Zubal. Meaning that this particular group of guys haven’t played a whole lot together over the years.

            Coach Zubal also stated “It’s my job as a coach to bring the guys together as a team and it’s going well so far, This team will go as far as the five seniors will take it.” The five seniors being, Trent Pell, Mitch Smith, Cameron Warner, Matt Althouse, and Andrew Benkovsky.

            Eaton Rapids next home game is May 5^th against Portland High School

Boys Golf

Written by: Matt Krakowiak '11

           This season the Eaton Rapids Boys Golf team is carrying 15 players. There are 6 Varsity, 6 Junior Varsity, and 3 developmental players. In the Lansing State Journal Prep Preview, the Hounds were projected to take 6^th in the Capital Area Activities Conference Gold Division. The golfers and their coaches feel they are capable of doing much better than that, and could take as high as 2^nd.

The returning Varsity players are Matt Krakowiak ‘11, Conner McCreery ‘12, Shane Zimmer ‘12, and Jacob Malcangi ‘13. The team added two first year Varsity players in Ryan Tomlinson ’12 and Gavin Crawford ‘12. This year is the first year that the Hounds are experiencing a lot of depth throughout the entire varsity squad.

The team has been practicing since March 14^th. However, they did not have their first outdoor practice until March 28^th. This was a factor that hurt the Hounds but did not seem to effect them in their first scrimmage against Portland; which they won by 1 stroke. The teams home course; where they practice and play their home meets is Branson Bay, on Columbia Road.

The players are looking forward to a successful season. “I feel that we can have a very good season, we just need to stay strong and play our best,” says Conner McCreery.

The Hounds first league match was played on April 19^th at the Charlotte Country Club. They took 4^th out of 6 teams in the jamboree format of play, and only lost to Charlotte by a single stroke. Impressive scores were shot by both Matt Krakowiak and Ryan Tomlinson, with a pair of 43’s under some tough playing conditions.