Lady Spartans Set High Goals for the Season Ahead

By Ashleigh Forrest

The Lady Spartans and Coach Matt Koeppel will kick off their season on Monday, February 29, hoping to bring home a regional win for the first time in Olympia history.

“I think we are going to be better than we were last year and go farther in regionals. We have a lot of new athletic talent added to the team this year that will add to our offense and defense,” said Bekah Bauersfeld, senior and returning captain.

“My number one goal is to have fun and to keep a good attitude whether we win or lose. I always expect to have a better record than last season, of course, and this year we have a very good chance to do so,” said Coach Koeppel

The girls had their first practice as a team on February 29 and their first game is on March 15 against Peoria Manual. Koeppel has very high hopes for the girls this season.

The rumors are true. Business teacher, Mr. Josh Klokkenga will be a volunteer assistant coach for the team this season. He will mostly be sticking to coaching the JV team, but he will still help a little bit with the varsity team as well. Mr. Ivan Hernandez will also be helping out with coaching.

Assistant Coach Klokkenga said, “I expect regional title this year. Koeppel and I have discussed this thoroughly and we both agree that it is a very reasonable goal. It would also be really cool to bring home the first title.”

The new freshmen seem to be very excited about joining the team this year, according to Koeppel. Freshman Jessie Beachy said, “I can’t wait to get the whole high school soccer experience but I’m also a little nervous because the last time I actually played soccer was in third grade.”

Sophomore Jaci Terrel said, “I want to make new friends and branch out to people I don't usually talk to. I only have a few friends that are playing with me this year so I think it will be really fun.”

Olympia Wrestlers Battle Their Way To State

By Jake Short, Olympia Torch Reporter

Olympia High School wrestlers battled in the high school gym, February 12-13th,   to see if they had what it took to qualify for state; three Olympia wrestlers accomplished their goal.

Pete Cleary, Olympia wrestling coach, said, “I am proud of Lane Litwiller, Bo Bauer, and Keaton Fogler for pushing it hard these past few days.”

During the weekend, over thirty-six teams were at Olympia. Competition put wrestlers to the test and emotions arose while Olympia battled their way to the top.

Lane Litwiller, junior Olympia wrestler, said, “I overcame a tough challenge but it’s all thanks to my team for pushing me to this point.”

“Everything in my body wanted me to make it to this point, everything I learned over the years came down to this,” said, Bo Bauer, Senior Olympia wrestler.

The wrestlers are all very well recognized athletes being ranked either top ten in the state or honorably mentioned. They worked to this point making sectionals a stepping stone to the big picture, State.

Keaton Fogler, Olympia wrestler, said, “I worked hard inseason and postseason to get to this point and it all payed off.”

These three Olympia wrestlers battled their way to the top throughout the year leading to the final moments of their season. They endured a long three day journey, and the whole season came down to these final few matches.  

Baby Simulators Teach Lessons at Olympia

by Tricia Petersen, OHS Torch reporter

Mrs. Goff’s Child Care class recently  took on the caring for the baby simulators for a weekend; the students faced responsibilities similar to caring for a real baby 24 hours a day.

Daulton Finchum, senior at Olympia High school, said that it is similar to caring for a real baby because he had to plan around it. While the simulators do offer quite a bit practice in caring for a baby, Mrs. Goff said, “ It’s not the same as caring for a real child because it is an inanimate object and it doesn’t interact or give positive feedback.”

Mrs. Goff has been teaching this lesson for six years and the teacher before taught it for four years. She hopes that this simulator teaches students that it is very stressful caring for a baby.

According to Daulton, Mrs. Goff’s goals for this lesson came true. He stated that it was stressful when it woke up in the middle of the night.

Although it seems to be stressful for the teacher also. “ Yes, it is stressful because you never know how serious the student will be about the assignment,” said Mrs. Goff.

“Typically a weekend caring for a simulator impacts the understanding of how much time, care, and patience is required,” Mrs. Goff said.   Daulton agrees with his statement that he is  “not ready for a baby now, but in the future.”

Swimming to Succeed at OHS

By Abigail Jackson, OHS Torch reporter

Thursday February 11th, in the OHS natatorium, juniors Johann Meyer and Hunter Sherman shared some of the joys and trials of having a swim team with only four boys competing.

“Can’t win anything ever. When people are sick,we can’t do any relays, so we just have to do individual events,” said Hunter when asked how the small size of the team effects the boys.

Hunter, who has swam on the boy’s swim team since he was a freshman said, that he’s dropped a lot of time from last year, and that he’s getting close to breaking one minute in the 100 freestyle. His personal goal now is to drop as much time as he can in all of his events and drop to under a minute in the 100 freestyle.

First time swimmer Johann got a couple first place finishes under his belt this season. Those wins include one in the 50 freestyle as well as in the 100 freestyle. He also beat his competitors to the wall while he was swimming backstroke in the medley relay.

Johann said that he has no personal goals for this season other than to finish it out. Johann also said that he likes swimming and that it’s fun.

Hunter said that his best events are the 100 freestyle and the 100 backstroke, but the backstroke depends on how good the swim is. Johann’s favorites also include the 100 freestyle, but unlike Hunter, his other favorite event is the 50 freestyle, not the 100 backstroke.

The boys are preparing for their upcoming sectionals on Saturday, February 20th. They have been swimming anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 yards a day in anticipation to the competition.

Their coach Adrienne Cornejo, when asked about how the boy’s personal records, said, “Good, they’re all getting best times, like at every meet.”

High School Students Strive To Be Nurses

By Kelby Coggins, Torch Reporter

Everyday many OHS students get on the bus and travel to BHS for the afternoon to attend classes at the Bloomington Area Career center with one class offer a CNA, where students about becoming a nurse.

In the Certified Nursing Assistant class, students spend two days a week at a local nursing home the rest of the days; in class, students learn nursing techniques. They learn how to properly take care of the residents, work efficiently, and how to work as a team. Students also can take the CNA exam in May, which means they will leave high school with a CNA certification and 8 college credits.

In class right, CNA students are learning about hearing, speech and vision problems and  how to take care of a resident with these types of problems.

The students have to do a series of hands on tasks while working in the nursing home. This class is very hands on, so it makes it easy for students to get the tasks right and be comfortable with them.

There are many benefits to taking this class. Students meet people from many different schools, work with amazing nurses and take care of amazing people. It’s a great foot in the door for people that want to go into healthcare careers.

Aayliah Nickum, OHS junior, said, “I’ve met a lot of people which have become really good friends.” Her favorite topic to learn about was the Dementia and AD because that’s the field she would like to go into after high school.

Jamie Hamblin, OHS senior, said taking Bloomington Area Career Center classes is beneficial to anyone. Many of them have college credits, it something different to take then normal high school classes, and you get to meet new people.

This class also helps students decide what they want to do after high school. Many take this class knowing they want to go into the medical field, but they aren’t sure what they want to do exactly, so this class helps them focus on a particular specialty.  

Olympia Agriculture Class Ventures to Gordyville Farm Show

By Clay Bachman, OHS Torch reporter

           On Thursday, January 28, the biological science applications in agriculture and horticulture classes took a day long field trip to the Gordyville farm show in Southern Illinois.

           Monsanto had put up online applications for grants a few months before the farm show. Mrs. Cindy Nafziger applied for the grant and won, donating the $2500 to the Olympia FFA chapter.

           The classes went down to the farm show to get a look at all the farm equipment and stands and to take a picture receiving the check. The picture included both the classes, Cindy Nafziger, Bryce Hoffman, and a Monsanto representative.

           Olympia FFA advisor, Bryce Hoffman, said, “We will be using the money donated for new welders that are smaller in size, but produce more power. They will be an excellent addition to our ag shop.”

           There were many agriculture related businesses there with information to hand out and some had free handouts.

           Many students got to look at possible career options such as crop insurance, diesel mechanics, and irrigation. There were many new tractors there for students to climb in and try out

           Olympia FFA president, Ellie Schmidgall, said, “This is the third farm show this year that the Olympia FFA chapter has had the honor of attending. Overall it was a great day getting to talk to businesses and receiving a check from Monsanto.”

           As the school year nears an end, Olympia Ag and FFA have only a few more events. Next week, Olympia will be celebrating FFA week and Ag day is April 28.

OHS Students Take it to the Slopes

By Blake Dehn, OHS Torch reporter

On February 15th,OHS students recently took a trip to Cascade Mountain for a one day ski trip; many students went on the trip and they really enjoyed the trip.

The Outdoor Adventure Club sponsored the event. The club was created by Mr Klokkenga, Mrs. King, and Mr. Rackauskas. The club was created to give give students something to get a chance to do something beside sports.

The ski trip was an all day event, with students leaving the school at 6:00 AM and not returning until about 9:00 PM. They traveled to Cascade Mountains in Wisconsin.

Collin Miller, OHS senior, said, “It was a very fun trip and I would recommend to all students to go on the trip.” He has attended the last two years and has really enjoyed it.

During the trip they spent most the time skiing. Some of the kids that went on the trip said it was a little packed, but they said they still got to go skiing as much as they wanted just had to wait just a couple minutes longer.

Johan Meyer, OHS Junior, said, “That this was a fun thing to do with my friends and, for being my first time, I didn’t really know what to expect, but I really enjoyed it and I would recommend it to other people to.”

According to Mr Klokkenga, he wants to do some more trips to places like Matheson State Park, Starved Rock, paintballing, and Upper limits. If you like these places why not give it try.

The Outdoor Adventure Club will have many more opportunities for people to do things. They plan on doing some more events once it gets warm out.

Olympia FFA Week Quickly Approaching

By Collin Loeffler, OHS Torch reporter

           Olympia will be celebrating National FFA week starting Monday, February 22  until Friday, February 26. The week  will involve theme days, games, and a final assembly on Thursday morning, February 25.

           OHS celebrates National FFA week every year. Traditions such as tractor day and truck day will be continued.

           The theme for Monday is camo and hat day. Students must pay a dollar to wear a hat and the money earned goes to the local Minier food pantry.

           Tuesday is America and truck day. Students can sign up to drive a truck to school that will be judged. Wednesday is similar, except the theme is Carhartt and tractor day.

           Thursday is blue and gold day which are the National FFA colors. Friday is flannel day.“An assembly will be held on Thursday morning. Games will be played and winners of truck and tractor day will be announced.”

           OHS FFA president, Ellie Schmidgall, said, “Olympia’s FFA chapter is really looking forward to FFA week. There will be games at lunch and an all week bags tournament. I hope to see everyone participating and enjoying the week!”

Genna VanWye, active senior said,”FFA week is the week we focus on teaching students and even teachers about agriculture and how pertinent it is to our everyday lives.”

           National FFA week is celebrated throughout the United States by many different high schools with agriculture programs. It has been going on for many years.

OHS Senior Night Held Recently

by Ellie Schmidgall, OHS Torch reporter

On Friday, February 19th, at 7 pm, Olympia High School hosted their annual senior night where each graduating senior from winter sports will be announced along with their parents.

Seniors from the basketball, cheer, dance, swim, and pep band were announced. Everyone was welcome to come out and see the seniors before they perform at their final home game.

OHS graduating senior and varsity basketball player, Justin Slager, said, “It is going to be a very bittersweet game. I’m anxious to be done, but I will miss all the memories made. Whether it be us getting third place at the State Farm Holiday Tournament this year or us fighting to be regional winners my sophomore year, it was a great time.”

Announcements were made at 7 pm before the game. Senior cheerleaders and dancers performed a special dance during halftime.

Head OHS Varsity Coach Yoder said that he has been with these 10 graduating seniors since their freshman year. He moved up when they did and has seen them advance in the sport.

“Friday will be tough. It’s been a good four years. As for the team next year, we’re losing 10 talented boys, but I’m up for the new team and new challenges. The younger boys will have to step up,” Yoder said.

Many of the graduating seniors have participated in their sport for four years. Only a few will be continuing their sport after high school.

Senior night is a night for seniors to be appreciated for the work they have put in throughout high school. It is also a thank you to parents who have put effort into taking their children to practices and supporting them.

Bachman Signs to Play at Lincoln Land College

By Sara Rathbun, OHS Torch reporter

On Friday, January 22, Olympia High School Senior Clay Bachman signed his letter of intent with Lincoln Land Community College to continue his baseball career for the next two years.

Clay will start his senior season in late February, and has been a 3-year starting catcher. Bachman, along with his fellow senior teammates have high hopes for this season.

All of the fellow seniors have a bittersweet feeling towards their last upcoming season. Bachman said, “I will miss playing with the teammates that he has played with since grade school.”

Although this is his last high school season, Clay has big hopes for a great two years at Lincoln Land. “The campus was very inviting, and the coaches were very honest and straight up with everything. The staff was also very friendly. Overall, I’m super excited to go there in the fall,” said Bachman.

“Over my whole baseball career, I have been supported more than I could have ever imagined, and I am so grateful for my friends, family, and teammates that came to the games rain or shine. I would not be where I am today without all of them,” said Bachman reminiscing on his baseball career.

Last season, the Lincoln Land Loggers had a really successful year going 42-16. Clay has high hopes of contributing to the Loggers’ success in the upcoming 2017 season.

According to Clay, he is not sure yet what he plans to do after Lincoln; although he hopes to go on to continue to play another two years, but he is unsure of where at the moment. He plans on studying Ag Business throughout his college.

OHS varsity baseball coach, Ron Smith, said, “ Clay is a great catcher. He has continued to develop as I’ve coached him throughout the years and he will continue to develop at the college level, and hopefully he will develop to be more of a team leader as well.”

OHS Varsity Basketball Coming To End

By Collin Miller, OHS Torch reporter

           On Friday, February 19 at 7 pm, the Olympia varsity basketball team will be playing their final home game at Olympia High School against Prairie Central for the 2015-2016 season.

           Olympia varsity basketball has a 14-11 record. The season started out with losses at their opening tournament, but they later won 6 games in a row.

           Senior basketball player, Karl Fasse, said, “We’ve had a good season together. It will be very bittersweet to play our final home game this Friday.”

           The basketball team played in the State Farm Holiday Classic in December. The team received third place.

           Later in the season, the Olympia basketball team went on a losing streak of 5 games. However, they won their most recent game against IVC to break the streak.

           Sophomore basketball player, Mason Marquis, said, “I’ve had a really fun season. I’m going to miss all the senior boys, but I’m excited to play for two more years.”

           The varsity team practices every day with occasional Saturday practices. The team has games on Tuesdays and Fridays with the exception of tournaments.

          “I am very excited for regionals this year, I believe we have good group of men to win a Regional title,” said Coach yoder Head Basketball Coach. Boys’ basketball regionals start next week. Olympia plays Monday at Athens High School against Havana.

Coming Soon to Olympia - Music Appreciation Dual Credit To Be Offered

By Jon Crawford, OHS Torch Reporter

This coming fall, Olympia will offer a Music Appreciation class, if enough students register; this class will help students understand different cultures by getting in the minds of great music composers.

“I am hoping this class will help kids feel what it felt like to live during these different time periods,” said Mrs. Debbie Aurelius-Muir.

Mrs. AM, the soon to be teacher of this class, said she hopes this class will help students to “travel through time.” She hopes this class will open up new perspective of music for her students.

This course is designed to provide familiarity with the elements of music and with various music forms so students can listen and appreciate music from different time periods.

This class will mainly look at Western European classical music. For this class the only homework students will have is to listen to music.

“You’ll find out the history and become more open-minded about music,” is what potential student of this class, Josh Kaminski, an OHS junior, had to say about this class.

Josh hopes this class cover the history of the evolution of music. He also said he hopes this class covers more recent popular artists.

Music Appreciation is a dual - credit class and fulfills 3 of the 9 semester hours of credit in Humanities/ Fine Arts required of the A.A. and A.S. degree which should be transferable to any college. This class is for students not planning on taking a music major.

New Coach Brings Out New Attitudes On OHS Dance Team

By Jamie Hamblin, OHS Torch Reporter

Shelby Maurer, new OHS dance coach for the 2015 season, has brought the dance team different varieties of dancing, new friendships, and many laughs as the season comes to end.

There are twelve members of the dance team: Seniors, Savannah King, Lauren Hostetter, Jeris Eilts, Kenzie Helfrich, Anna Adams, Emily Risinger, and Jamie Hamblin. Junior,  Vittoria Cira, sophomore, Addie Ewalt. Freshman Hannah Thomas, Jordan Cummings, and Sydney Ledbetter. Jamie Hamblin, Emily Risinger, and Addie Ewalt are the captains.

Shelby Maurer, dance coach, said, “The group of girls I had were beyond exceptional. I really enjoyed collaborating with different groups to create such crowd pleasing performances. The guy/girl, teacher cheer, OMS dance team, and mini clinic dances were all fun, and some hilarious to watch during practices. I would not change one moment of this season.”

The Dance team performs for boy’s basketball for every home game during varsity half time. Plus, the Dance team performs at homecoming assemblies and other big assemblies.

Emily, dance team captain, said, “My favorite part about this season was performing the boy-girl routine. It was so much fun to make up, and I’ve never seen the audience laugh and smile so much in my entire dance career.I would have liked to have more girls on the team and more team bonding. “

OHS Dance Team participates in a Yankee Candle fundraiser at the beginning of the season to raise money for uniforms, tshirts throughout the year, and extras needed throughout the season. This year Olympia Dance Team added a new fundraiser to the mix by selling glow sticks at the OHS football games in the fall.

Addie Ewalt, sophomore captain, said, “I hope that we can get more people to come out and learn technique next season so that we can compete next year. If we don’t compete just keep taking steps until the team can compete.”

Team tryouts are still waiting to be announced, but captain tryouts begin on March 8. Dancers interested in being a captain have to choreograph their own routine, have teacher recommendations, and write an essay about what they can bring to the team.  

Sending Love in a Can--- Key Club Holds Fundraiser

by Ellie Martin, OHS Torch reporter

OHS’s Key Club sold Crush sodas during Valentine’s Day week as a fundraiser for a charity; students could send Crush soda to their friends for $1 and over 100 were sold.

Every year OHS celebrates Valentine’s Day week with Key Club’s signature Crush sale. Students can write a message on cans and deliver it to their friends at the end of the week.

Although the sale transpires around Valentine’s Day, it’s not exclusive to couples. Each soda flavor has its own meaning: orange signifies friendship, purple means crush, and pink represents sweetheart.

Many students look forward to the annual crush sale. Senior Sarah Marsiglio said, “I love the crush sale, it’s the next best thing to Key Club’s famous Oreo balls! It’s a really fun surprise when you get a soda delivered to you in class, even if most of mine have been orange.”

The funds raised from the event will be donated to help a selected Key Club charity. OHS’s club advisor Connie Schroeder said, “The success of the Crush sale has allowed us to accumulate enough money to help another service organization. The members will vote on the charity of choice at the March meeting.”

Key Club’s president Bekah Bauersfeld said, “We try to keep it affordable for high schoolers so students will be able to support service work through different organizations and have fun sending them to their friends at the same time. So far our plan has been very successful!”

This year’s Crush sales proved to be another success. Over $100 was raised to help support service within a charity organization that is yet to be decided.  

Key Club has also been involved in many other activities throughout the year. Members painted socks for children in St. Jude’s hospital so patients can run without slipping on the tile floors. In December, they volunteered their time by ringing bells for the Salvation Army, helping with the Minier Christmas Parade, and selling candy grams.