JV baseball wins double-header over Bonner Springs
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
April 23, 2013
Playing the league rival, Bonner Springs High School, the JV baseball team knew they had a leg up. The teams met in a double-header on Friday, April 19. “We gave them respect,” junior catcher Alex Rounds said. “But we were definitely ready to play.” The Jaguars won both of the games,... (more...)
Many teachers assign unnecessary busywork
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
April 17, 2013
I don’t mind when a teacher assigns homework. When an English class has to read a chapter of a book over the weekend, it’s understandable; it would be nearly impossible to read the entirety of “To Kill a Mockingbird” during a few 83-minute classes. But what I can’t stand is generalized... (more...)
Senior plans to pitch at Baker University
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
April 3, 2013
Planning to play next year at Baker University, senior Jason Younger pitches for the Jaguar baseball team. He remembers being nervous before trying out for the team freshman year. “That was the earliest I’ve ever had to wake up and play baseball because we had morning tryouts,” Younger... (more...)
Girls place second at state tournament
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
March 9, 2013
It was exciting, heartbreaking and hard to watch. After the girls basketball team lost to St. Thomas Aquinas by one point, 23-22, in the state championship game on Saturday, March 9, everyone was crying with their faces buried in their hands. The second-place trophy was forgotten on the court... (more...)
Girls basketball advances to state title game
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
March 8, 2013
After standing for almost four hours, the crowd was getting bored. The girls basketball team had a solid lead at 27-20 at the beginning of the fourth quarter during the state semifinals on Friday, March 8. Some students were sitting, others making comments about how ‘slow’ girls basketball... (more...)
Boys basketball advances to state tournament
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
March 4, 2013
After beating the Washington High School Wildcats 65-50 on Saturday, March 2, the boys basketball team qualified for the state tournament for the first time in nine years. The high scorer of the night was senior forward Nathan Stacy, who finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. “I... (more...)
District rivalry continues despite uneven competition
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
February 7, 2013
Often the most anticipated and well-attended basketball game of the year is against Bonner Springs High School, the Jaguars’ district rival. This season, the teams met at Bonner on Friday, Jan. 11, the Jaguar boys winning 64 – 42 and girls winning 47 – 21. The teams will meet... (more...)
Schools should consider needs
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
February 7, 2013
Over the past two years, our school has been bombarded with pleas to vote for one of the district elementary schools in a technology grant of some kind. Last year, Mize Elementary won a $50,000 grant for technology through the Pepsi Refresh Project, and Prairie Ridge recently won $25,000 in... (more...)
JV girls basketball defeats De Soto High School, 39-35
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
January 25, 2013
Playing in De Soto High School’s new gym, the JV girls basketball team competed against the Wildcats for the first time since the team left the Kaw Valley League. The Jaguars won 39-35 on Wednesday, Jan. 23, despite not playing to their full potential. “Last night wasn’t our best night,”... (more...)
Girls basketball team improves defense to beat Indians 47-21
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
January 17, 2013
After scoring 26 points in the first quarter, going 9-9 from the field with six three-point shots, the varsity girls basketball team defeated Bonner Springs High School 47-21 on Friday, Jan. 11. With the win over the Indians, the Jaguars advanced to 6-0 in league and 7-1 overall. The Jaguar... (more...)
Military family deals with distance
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
December 17, 2012
Many teenagers will go through a phase of wanting to spend as much time away from their family as possible. Juniors Jack and Jordan Townsend, however, know not to take time with their family for granted. John Townsend, Jack and Jordan’s father, retired from 25 years of active military duty... (more...)
Scrimmage helps both JV and varsity teams prepare for season
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
November 28, 2012
After tryouts and the beginning of practices, the varsity and JV girls basketball teams scrimmaged on Monday, Nov. 28. “It’s good to practice with live officials,” varsity head coach John McFall said. “It’s also good to scrimmage and whole game. We use it for learning.” Senior forward... (more...)
Football captures league title
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
October 10, 2012
Improving its record to 5-1, 5-0 in conference play, the Jaguar football team defeated Piper High School on Friday, Oct. 5. The team became Kaw Valley League champions with the 56-18 victory over the Pirates. Senior running back Kendall Short was pleased with the team’s performance. “[My... (more...)
Not your average fan
Hanna Torline, Editor-in-chief
September 26, 2012
Q) What is it you like about baseball? A) I just fell in love with baseball in 2003 when the Royals were in first place for most of the season, and I just kind of got sucked into it. Q) What has been your most exciting moment as a Royals fan? A) Even though it didn’t really have anything... (more...)
Crossing paths
Hanna Torline, JagWire editor-in-chief
September 26, 2012
Shawnee resident Edward Vance smiles and waves to a bus driver as she passes under the stop light. He never imagined he would be spending his mornings and afternoons as a crossing guard at the age of 85. But when he retired from working for 56 years as a minister at Argentine Assembly of God... (more...)
Largest class in school history arrives for orientation
Hanna Torline, editor-in-chief
August 23, 2012
Arriving one day earlier than the rest of the school, the class of 2016 participated in freshman orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 22. Freshman Paige Wiebe thought the pep assembly started the year off well. “I really liked the welcoming,” Wiebe said. “Everybody was really excited and it... (more...)
JV tennis player goes undefeated in singles matches
Hanna Torline
May 4, 2012
After going undefeated in singles matches all season, freshman JV tennis player Spencer Adams has realized his “competitive” nature. “I played in gym,” Adams said. “That’s when I knew I was pretty good…[This season] I liked going undefeated. [When I win a match] I feel relieved... (more...)
Golf team places third at Spring Hill Invitational
Hanna Torline, sports editor
April 20, 2012
The boys golf team placed third at the Spring Hill Invitational on Thursday, April 19. Freshman Jack Casburn finished in third place individually after shooting a 78 at the Sycamore Ridge Golf Course. “Jack did really good,” freshman Ben Hadden said. “As a team, we are doing... (more...)
Tennis member looks to take on leadership role
Hanna Torline
April 17, 2012
Junior Aaron Akin considers swimming to be his main sport, as he has participated in it for eight years. However, he has also been a member of the boys tennis team since his freshman year. “Swimming combines both trying to do better than others with the opportunity to just improve yourself,”... (more...)
Athletes sign to play at Emporia State
Hanna Torline, sports editor
April 12, 2012
Three senior athletes signed to Emporia State University during seminar on Thursday, April 12. Senior Wade Hanna signed to the baseball team, and seniors Kati Strickland and Ashton Proctor committed to the track and field team. The first to sign was Hanna, who has competed on the school baseball... (more...)
Prom king and queen candidates announced at assembly
Hanna Torline, sports editor
April 12, 2012
The Prom king and queen candidates were announced at the last pep assembly of the year on Thursday, April 11. Seniors Drew Smith, Austin Ross, Austin Gebhardt, Brayton Young and Greg Mason were nominated as the king candidates, and seniors Carly Granato, Emily Johnson, Haley Grigsby, Morgan... (more...)
“Hunger Games” fans need to seek deeper meaning in story
Hanna Torline, sports editor
April 5, 2012
It’s hard to ignore the hype and attention connected to the best-selling trilogy and movie “The Hunger Games.” Its complicated underlying themes create a story that has attracted millions of fans, and rightfully so. The ideals presented in the series dig deep into the essence... (more...)
Tennis team competes in first home meet
Hanna Torline, sports editor
March 30, 2012
The first home tennis meet of the season took place on Wednesday, March 28. The doubles team of sophomores Parker Hunt and Nathan Tolle was the only to place for the Jaguars. Senior Tyler Owsley was pleased with the team’s effort. “We did pretty well,” Owsley said. “It’s... (more...)
Wrestlers place seventh at state tournament
Hanna Torline, sports editor
March 1, 2012
After bringing a record number of 12 competitors to the state tournament, the wrestling team finished in seventh place, its best state placement. Senior Zach Callahan was especially successful, placing second in the 285-pound weight class. “I think I did really well,” Callahan said.... (more...)
Wrestlers place second at League
Hanna Torline, sports editor
February 16, 2012
The varsity wrestling team finished in second place at the home League wrestling tournament Saturday, Feb. 11. Head coach Travis Keal was pleased with the team’s performance at League. “We wrestled hard and the kids competed well and did a lot of things we work on in practice,”... (more...)
Senior wrestler feels confident despite injuries
Hanna Torline
February 10, 2012
Despite previous season-ending injuries, senior wrestler Devin Ellison feels that he is ready to compete at the League wrestling tournament on Saturday, Feb. 11. “I don’t think anything differently about this tournament,” Ellison said. “It’s just a different competition... (more...)
Dedicated football player excels in wrestling
Hanna Torline
February 3, 2012
Last season, senior Zach Callahan was named a National All-American for wrestling, a sport he had only been participating in for three years. In fact, the only reason he became involved in wrestling in the first place was to improve his football skills. “[The coaches] told me wrestling would... (more...)
Wrestlers prepare for meet behind-the-scenes
Hanna Torline, sports editor
February 2, 2012
Although students may hear wrestling results, many have no idea what actually goes into preparing for and participating in a wrestling tournament. The home meet against Shawnee Heights High School on Wednesday, Jan. 18 provided a chance to find out. At 5 p.m. before the meet started, warm-ups... (more...)
Sophomore wrestler aspires to be like role model
Hanna Torline
January 27, 2012
Ever since he was six years old, sophomore Tyler Dickman has been wrestling competitively. “Everyone in my family has wrestled but my dad most encouraged me to start wrestling,” Dickman said. “Both of my parents support me and come to all of my meets. I think I wrestle better... (more...)
Wrestling team beats Shawnee Heights High School 43-36
Hanna Torline, sports editor
January 19, 2012
Competing at home for the first time this season, the varsity wrestling team beat Shawnee Heights High School 43-36 on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The first seven matches were won by the Jaguars. Freshman Bryan Burnett, sophomores Landon Scott, CJ Beran, Daniel Gray, Tyler Dickman and Jake Ellis, and... (more...)
Wrestling success at Derby
Hanna Torline, sports editor
January 13, 2012
Traveling over three hours to the Derby Wrestling Tournament on Friday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan 7, the varsity wrestling team finished in seventh place out of 16 teams. Five wrestlers placed in the tournament. Senior Zach Callahan and sophomore Tyler Dickman earned second place in their divisions,... (more...)
Sophomore wrestler Jake Ellis has high expectations for the season
Hanna Torline
January 5, 2012
As a third grader, sophomore Jake Ellis began wrestling, an activity he has carried through into his high school career. His freshman year, Ellis wrestled on varsity and qualified for state, earning a record of 25-12. “One of my best friends wrestled when I was in third grade,” Ellis... (more...)
Junior wrestler prepares for the season after recovering from pneumonia
Hanna Torline
December 1, 2011
Junior Zach Stinnett has always seen himself as a baseball player. It’s the sport that he identifies the most with and the one he would prefer to play over any other. But in the past year, wrestling has had more and more of a role in his life. Making varsity sophomore year, his first year... (more...)
Staff members participate in the Salvation Army’s Adopt-A-Family
Hanna Torline, sports editor
November 17, 2011
After realizing the difference a few people can make, JAGS sponsor Jodi Ellis decided to participate in the Adopt-A-Family program on behalf of the teachers and staff. Adopt-A-Family, through the Salvation Army, gives individuals or groups a Christmas wish list of a family in need and asks... (more...)
Players and coaches discuss the pros and cons of different athletic leagues
Hanna Torline, sports editor
November 15, 2011
With the student population continuously growing each year, the idea of joining a new athletic league is on the minds of players, coaches and parents. “People are talking about it a lot,” athletic director Matt Fedde said. “But we have not formally started anything.” Junior... (more...)
Football team remains eligible for state playoffs with 49-15 win over Harmon High School
Hanna Torline, sports editor
October 24, 2011
In the game determining state playoff eligibility, the Jaguar football team pulled off a 49-15 win over the J.C. Harmon High School Hawks on Friday, Oct. 21. The first of Harmon’s two touchdowns came less than three minutes into the game. The Jaguars went three and out and then the Jag defense... (more...)
Jaguars beat Bishop Ward High School 53-7 for a fourth straight win
Hanna Torline, sports editor
September 26, 2011
Coming out on top of the Bishop Ward High School Cyclones 53-7, the Jaguars clinched their fourth win of the season. After the Jaguars won the toss and deferred to Bishop Ward, a few changes of possession occurred and the Cyclones scored their first and only touchdown of the night with 5:21... (more...)
Football team to focus on spirit
Hanna Torline, sports editor
August 25, 2011
In an effort to maintain a spirited school atmosphere during football games, a few changes have been made by the team, and students are being encouraged to be more involved in the games. Senior defensive lineman Zach Callahan wants to see just as much student involvement at games this season... (more...)
jagPRIDE hosts DUI checkpoint
Hanna Torline, reporter
May 2, 2011
In an effort to make students aware of the effects of driving under the influence, jagPRIDE set up a DUI Checkpoint simulation in the parking lot. Students and teachers were invited to participate in the event, where they could drive a golf cart through an obstacle course with drunk driving... (more...)
Track team makes gains despite low numbers
Hanna Torline, reporter
April 20, 2011
With a large number of point-producing athletes not returning to the track team due to graduation, moving and some not coming out for the team, it was unclear if the returning athletes would be able to fill the shoes of those who didn’t return. Head boys coach Chris Dunback was apprehensive... (more...)
Motivational speaker inspires through laughs
Hanna Torline, reporter
March 22, 2011
Internationally recognized motivational speaker Mark Scharenbroich visited on Wednesday, Feb. 23 to speak to students during seminar. Scharenbroich is an Emmy award winner, has been inducted into the National Speakers’ Association Hall of Fame and has been featured in many films including... (more...)
District expands security through video survellance system
Hanna Torline, reporter
January 18, 2011
After discussions and negotiations that started back in February, and an official decision made by the school board in May, a video surveillance system is in the process of being installed throughout the district. The school was the first to receive the new cameras, with a total of 103 around... (more...)
New video surveillance system is being added to district facilities
Hanna Torline, reporter
December 16, 2010
After discussions and negotiations that started back in February, and an official decision made by the school board in May, a video surveillance system is in the process of being installed throughout the district. The school was the first to receive the new cameras, with a total of 103 around... (more...)
District boasts high graduation rate
Hanna Torline, reporter
November 16, 2010
The school district’s 2009-2010 graduation rate of 97.6 percent is the highest in Johnson County. The district was compared to five other schools including Blue Valley, Spring Hill, Olathe, Shawnee Mission and Gardner-Edgerton. Associate principal Marilyn Chrisler feels that having a high... (more...)
K-7 project update
Hanna Torline, reporter
November 16, 2010
K-7 and Johnson Drive construction has been going on for eight months now, with the goal of making K-7 a highway with no signaled intersections. The $21.4 million project will be underway until Oct. 28, 2011. According to Paul Lindstrom, City of Shawnee Senior Project Engineer, detours are... (more...)
Coaches add their own touches to new district policy
Hanna Torline, reporter
November 16, 2010
It’s a common stereotype that athletes are just that: athletes. People sometimes think they put sports above academics, which in some cases may be true. However, the district is trying to change that reputation. In order to hold athletes to higher standards, halfway through last year a change... (more...)
Trunk-or-Treat brings community together
Hanna Torline, reporter
October 31, 2010
The school’s second Trunk-or-Treat was held by Diversity Club and UNICEF on October 30 with 10 different student clubs participating. The goal of Trunk-or-Treat, was to bring a variety of people together for a community event. “It is a safe way to unify the school and serve the community... (more...)
New director for “Hello, Dolly!” one of changes to musical
Hanna Torline, reporter
October 25, 2010
The traditional story of a young woman falling unexpectedly in love is the theme of this year’s musical, “Hello, Dolly!”. Senior Kelsie Schuman, who played the role of Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”, will be playing the lead role of Dolly Levi. “[I found out I got the role of Dolly... (more...)
Health teacher McClure wins national title
Hanna Torline, reporter
September 23, 2010
Health teacher Amy McClure was recently named the 2010 National Health Educator of the Year. When she heard that she had been chosen for the award, she was both surprised and honored. “I feel like my job impacts other’s lives,” McClure said. She has been teaching health education... (more...)
Social worker Gudenkauf wins state title
Hanna Torline, reporter
September 23, 2010
Sitting at her desk towards the end of the school year in May, social worker Debbie Gudenkauf received a phone call telling her she had been selected as the Kansas State School Social Worker of the Year. “I got tears in my eyes. It means so much to know that people really value what you... (more...)