Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Opinion 2-5
World News 6-8
Local News 9 - 16
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/ Entertainment 17 - 18
Malden High School Our 96th Year Sports 19 - 24
Volume 96 Edition 7 April 2011
Middle East Updates - page 6 Blue & Gold Art Gallery - pages 14 & 15 Outdoor Track - page 22
2
The Blue and Gold
Editorials April 2011
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/
Above: Rebels blow up a tank abandoned by loyalist forces as the rebels retreat from Port
Brega, Libya, on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT)
March 29, 2011. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT) Right: Rebel fighters gather at
the front lines near Port Brega, Libya, on Saturday, April 2, 2011. (Luis Sinco/Los Ange-
les Times/MCT). Rebel fighters swarm around a vehicle ridden by General Abdul Fatah
Yunis, who made an unannounced visit to the front lines near Port Brega, Libya, on
Friday, April 1, 2011. (Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times/MCT)
Catherine Poirier one who opposed or posed a threat enforcing an arms embargo and
Copy Editor to his rule. ships are
Despite these actions, Libya s t a -
F irst an earthquake. Then a tsuna- 25 years ago, the the worst atomic power plants. According to ABC work fields.
mi. And finally, a nuclear crisis power disaster in history. News Markey stated that “We On Friday, April 9, 2011, Demo-
This disaster struck Japan on March Without the reactors being should not wait for an American crats, Republicans, and Obama were
11, 2011, about a month ago, yet it cooled a nuclear explosion would meltdown to beef up American able to get a federal budget deal
continues to be a top news story. occur which is why millions of tons nuclear safety measures. We must approved, averting a government
One may ask, why is this? of water must be manually poured heed the lessons to be learned from shutdown. The plan is to cut about
This is due to the earthquake in to keep the nuclear rods cool. the nuclear meltdown in Japan 38 and a half billion dollars in budget
and tsunami causing serious dam- There have been explosions within and ensure nuclear safety here in cuts; these cuts target government
age to the Fukushima I Nuclear reactors one, two, and three. These America.” Along with the bill, he is activities like highway funding, and
Power Plant which is one of the explosions, just like a nuclear weap- encouraging the Obama adminis- agriculture spending.
most highly depended upon energy on, send off deadly radiation which tration to provide potassium iodide However, the Democratic
sources in Japan, as well as one of can be harmful to humans within for children within a 20 mile radius Party, believes that by cutting back
the largest nuclear power plants in the area. Many Japanese citizens radius of the Fukushima plant. This on spending, is unfair. They believe
the world. Because nuclear energy had to be evacuated who live near will help prevent radiation cancer that it is mostly unfair to the poor,
must be kept cool at all times, the Fukishima, due to the risk. and other future sicknesses. and it will cause problems on the
power plants must be stationed on The international reaction has Despite the tragic happenings discretionary programs which in-
the coastal lines so that the pipes can caused many countries to rethink in Japan, the Obama administration cludes military spending. However
be kept underwater. Unfortunately whether using nuclear energy is still supports nuclear energy growth this is just for the fiscal year which
Japan is an island located in a high safe and worth it. Anti-nuclear en- in the United States, as long as the ends on September 30, 2011. On
risk tsunami and earthquake region. ergy organizations have existed for new safety precautions are taken. Wednesday, April 13, 2011, Presi-
These two natural disasters caused years, and the Fukushima disaster But the public currently possesses a dent, Barrack Obama will start to lay
high radiation water to leak into the is an example of why they believe different view. According to a poll out his plan for long term deficit re-
ocean as well as the automatic shut- that nuclear energy come available taken by the New York Times, only duction, which has been demanded
down of three of the reactors. Usual- with too many risks. Nuclear en- 43% of Americans would approve by the conservative party.
ly there would be external electrical ergy was initially created in order building new power plants in the Senior Robert Egan, comment-
supply to power cooling and control to cause destruction. Ironically, the US after the Fukushima incident. ing on the newly passed federal
systems, but the earthquake caused first nuclear attack took place in Ja- Another poll taken by Fox News re- budget, claims that “With the Re-
damage to the main power grid and pan during WW2, when the United veals that 83% of Americans believe publicans wanting to save more
the backup generators as well. States dropped two atomic bombs that a nuclear disaster similar to money, from cutting back on man-
Apparently the 9.0 earthquake on the cities of Hiroshima and Na- the one in Japan could occur in the datory spending, this should help us
that struck the coast of Japan on gasaki. Because of these past events, US. Because of the Japan disaster, get out of dept, and help us out with
March 11, 2011 was not enough. On the people are well aware of the several countries all over the world owing money to China.” Overall,
April 11, 2011, the Japanese coast ex- damage nuclear energy can cause. have been hesitant about their fu- Egan believes this budget is the first
perienced another aftershock struck The debate over the use of nuclear ture with nuclear energy. Currently step forward in getting the United
the island with a magnitude of 7.4. energy has even reached Malden, Asia, including Japan and China States on the right fiscal path.
This aftershock took place a month MA. Nowadays, they are not only are in the process of building more Still, the fight over the federal
after the earthquake and experts say used in weapons but for electricity. reactors and may these may soon budget is not over. Now, the debate
that serious aftershocks like this one, There are currently 104 nuclear reac- outnumber the reactors in the US. has shifted towards other spending
could continue for several months. tors spread out across the coasts of Many hope that they will take the battles, including determining the
Monday’s earthquake is only one of the United States and 55 in Japan. same precautions as the US, when it fiscal budget for the year after this
hundreds that have occurred since House of Representative comes to safety, because in the end, one, raising the current debt ceiling,
March 11. It caused more damage Edward Markey of Malden was one a nuclear disaster on the other side planning tax increase increase, and
to the Fukushima plant, including a of many taken aback by the Japan of the world, in the long run, can tackling entitlement programs like
fire that almost reached reactor six, crisis and who is taking action to harm everyone. Medicare.
which could have ended severely if make sure nothing similar can hap-
The Blue and Gold
April 2011 Local News 9
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/
S
tradition, and resume the fashion show in the
about futuristic literature pieces, this class is for creams: That is what you would remember
auditorium as it use to be. We figured it would
them. from that March 31st night. The Malden
be nice to be the first class to have the fashion
In addition to all these new English classes, High School’s Jenkins auditorium seemed to
show in the newly renovated auditorium since
Advanced Prep (AP) Literature and AP Language be screaming. No, Justin Bieber did not make
we were also the first class to do so with junior
will still be available. The additions are electives a surprise appearance for Malden’s tween
varieties. Also, by having it in the auditorium
open to seniors, and “these classes are ways to keep girl population. These screams were of pure
we figured we could charge less and attract
seniors engaged and prepared for college,” stated excitement over Malden High School’s an-
more of an audience.”
English teacher Jennifer Clapp. Alternate English nual Senior Fashion show, which of course
The night began with hosts Jennifer Cu-
Language Art (ELA) elective courses including but starred the class’s fashion
artas and Dayana Donisca who introduced
not limited to technical theatre and stage produc- styles and Ber-
models from “Working for the Weekend.”
tion, media classes, and of course, Play production nardo’s hair
The two read brief descriptions on each of the
will also be available. flip. Mal-
models, who unveiled their fashions under a
According to MHS principal Dana Brown den High
blue and gold balloon arch on the stage in the
and Head of the Guidance Department Manjula Schools’ se-
Jenkins auditorium. Seniors Brithney Joseph,
Karamcheti, these classes offer “New Opportuni- nior
Alisha Hines, Shanshan Chen, Moline Lau-
ties for students based on their interests.” rent, Nirmala Lochmenar, Cera Nolan, Gabby
“By trying at least one AP class in high class
Melo-Moore, Natalie Clerger, Saraphinah
school,” stated Karamcheti, “students get a taste of 2011
Charles, and Andrea Depina all took turns
of college before college with this exposure to it in present-
strolling down the aisles and up a small plat-
High school.” ed an
form to the stage. The female styles consisted
Some classes which were previously limited exquisite
of black blazers, cardigans, pencil skirts, flats,
to Virtual High School (VHS) classes, such as Psy- Senior
knee-high boots, tights, and stylish earrings.
chology AP, will soon be available for a student to Fashion
Paired with a few select females were Kevin
take as a regular class in school. The choice, is up S h o w
Joyce, Jeff Blanc, Jeff Duong, and Joshua Je-
to the student. VHS classes may not be for every- held in
rome who modeled classy jeans, dress shoes,
body, but for students who are interested, these M H S ’
and loafers. Jerome stated “Modeling for the
classes are entirely technologically based classes Jenkins
casual section also gave [him] the opportunity
online. These classes can be in addition to, or built auditori-
to demonstrate that a blazer and loafers are in
into the students’ schedule, and offer a different um. The
fact casual, in spite of the fact that many people
flexibility, but give the same credits. n i g h t
have come to denote them with ‘dressing up’”.
A list of all courses that can be taken, includ- included
After the business attire was presented,
ing new courses, can be found on the Malden several
co-hosts Portia Johnson and Melo-Moore took
website, www.malden.mec.edu by clicking on the types of
the stage to introduce several athletic models
Malden High School page link. The link can also fashion
in “The Sporting Life.” First up was Jessica Lo-
be found on the Blue and Gold website, www.mal- from busi-
pez and senior class President Kerri Shuman,
denblueandgold.com ness, casu-
who sported soccer outfits. The pair stretched
al, sports
and warmed up walking down the aisles while
wear,
tossing a soccer ball back in forth. After came
The Blue and Gold
April 2011 LOCAL news 11
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/
JUNIOR
VARIETIES
LIVE Reginah Sanyu
Head Entertainment Writer
video was a great way to begin the
traditional show.
The junior class president and
black swan, but a black duck!” The
humours skit had the audience
laughing and cheering as she danced
vice-president, Nina Ho and Harris and pranced around the stage bois-
Brittany McFeeley Zhao, then spoke about what was terously. Other acts included a per-
to come, leaving audience members formance of the song “Hero” origi-
Head Copy Editor excited for the acts that followed. nally performed by Mariah Carey,
The first set of host and hostesses sung by junior Quennie Jean, and a
consisted of juniors Kiara Amos, performance of Frankie J’s hit song
continued from front page Roxana Chavez and Andres Torres, “Don’t Want to Try” by senior Jackie
who were constantly cracking jokes Tran who was escorted by his fellow
and subtly using the title of the next senior friends, Tuan Phan and junior
awkward because we had school the act in their script. At some point, it Andy Fang (Pok).
next day,” senior Donald Ha stated. seemed like a debate was going on. A memorable solo act was
Seager commented, “The switch in It focused on such topics such as performed by junior Carli Bellmer,
dates was a last minute change that why boys decide not to call or text who sang Katy Perry’s popular
occurred due to the advancement back, as well as problems within a song “Firework”. With the help of
of the Play Production class in their relationship such as that between Paul Famiglietti and the new tech-
Drama Fest competition, affecting Chavez and Torres, who portrayed nology recently established in the
the Junior Variety timing because al- a couple which kept on breaking up auditorium, her performance lit up
most half of the cast was in the Play and getting back together. This was the stage behind her as projected
Production class. a clever idea because it kept the au- fireworks exploded and filled the
Yet in the end, Thursday dience engaged and on the edge of stage. “It was fun and I benefited a
worked out great.” Sophomore their seats for the next performance, lot,” Bellmer stated.
Christy Ringdahl captured the senti- as many of the students in the crowd Junior Jeffriel Litchenburg
ments of the cast best when she said, felt as though they could relate. brought some of his rapping talents
“[We] expected less people to come Some of the acts in the first to the stage with his version of “Col-
because it was on a Thursday but half of the show included Airbound lide” by Howie Day. “I loved the
the audience was a big crowd.” which featured juniors Valentine experience; I am a teen rapper so
The show opened with a hu- Banor, Michelle Le, Justin Pham, my songs should relate to how I am
morous video clip made by junior Andrew Phu and Kieshwan Rot- feeling.” He also added that “[he]
Kiara Amos, who was inspired by tana and a dual performance of the connected reality with the beat and
the idea by introducing all of the popular song “Hey Soul Siister” by the words just flew to [his] head.”
Junior Variety members just as that Train sung by sophomores Crystal Bellmer and Litchenburg
of the cast of SNL. Ranging from Araiza and Christy Ringdahl. Fol- brought their talents together with
cute smiles for the camera to suspi- lowing this was a skit inspired by a dual performance of “Love the
ciously fishing for props, with small the film Black Swan. Way You Lie Part 2” by Rihanna and
humorous scenes such as principle In this skit, junior Nesline Exil Eminem. “Working with Carli was
Dana Brown catching junior Sher- was dressed in all black and clearly great,” Litchenburg said. The first
ley Jules riding in the elevator, the emphasized that she was “Not the half of the show ended with one of
The Blue and Gold
April 2011 LOCAL news 13
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/
the most powerful acts of the night, DiLeo mentioned that the ending of Junior Matteo Pocobene also
as the famous single “Imagine” the group is “sad, but growing up is enjoyed this performance stating
by John Lennon was spectacularly a part of life” and that they “had fun that, “It was a really innovative
performed by sophomore Hannah while [they] could and took advan- act and it brought attention to the
Calderone, bringing together all of tage of every minute.” flaws of mainstream music today.”
the members of the cast around her Similarly, it was also possibly Sophisticated Fly Steppers, or SFS,
on stage. “ It was really powerful,” the last show of Replay, a dance was a group of girls who performed
stated senior class president Kerri group consisting of seniors Patricia a self-choreographed step routine.
Shuman. Aguinaldo, Ivy Bui, Andrew Chen, “[We] got together because [we]
After a short fifteen minute in- Jonathan Sit, Donald Ha, and Jackie love to step and in the process, made
termission, the crowd rushed back to Tran along with junior Danielle strong bonds and relationships with
their seats to see the rest of the acts. Aguinaldo. Another act consisted one another just because of the com-
The second part of the show was of siblings freshman Cori Malone mon interest that we all had,” senior
hosted by juniors Tamisha Claude, and senior Patrick Malone who per- Britney Joseph stated. She also
Nesline Exil, and Jules. The local formed “Fifteen” by Taylor Swift. added that “the name was a group
MHS band Super Fast Jellyfish, SFJF, Patrick Malone commented, “Being effort, [as it showed] characteristics
returned after having performed in on stage was really fun; I enjoyed and qualities that we all carry.”
the show last year, and opened as it because I liked entertaining the As the weekend winded down
the first performance of the second crowd,” adding that “[he] would and students of all grades continued
part of the show. love to do it again.” to talk within the halls, it was clear
They performed their version Shuman,after watching the that the junior class had delivered
of “Umbrella” by Rihanna, adding performance stated, “Patrick and a great show, keeping the tradition
a rock edge to the hit single. The his sister were so cute. She really did of Junior Varieties being a night of
band consists of juniors Dylan Sad- look like Taylor Swift.” Some of the great performances.
owski and Franky Miranda playing other acts in the second half includ- “They had a good show, [and]
the guitar, junior Mathew Weldai, ed: “I Need You Bad” by Jazmine the hosts were great, as they were
playing the keyboard, senior Bruce Sullivan performed by senior Ke- funny,” proudly stated MHS princi-
Palmer playing the drums, and lead mira Jones and “For Good” from the pal Dana Brown. “Despite the sched-
singer senior Nick DiLeo, who all famous musical Wicked, performed uling and snow days, the show was
put on a great performance as even by sophomores Elizabeth Fitzgerald amazing. MHS kids got grit!” Sea-
the crowd sang along. and Marissa Wofsey. Another act ger commented joyously. The Junior
“The song was better than the included sophomores Crystal Ara- Varieties show each year, either on a
original idea we had, [which was] iza, Jonathan Drapinski, and junior school night or a weekend, is a guar-
to sing ‘Tik Tok’ by Woe is Me,” Weldai who performed a skit called anteed time for students and faculty
DiLeo stated. “I think we did pretty Four Chords which poked fun at the to have fun and unwind during the
well, the crowd seemed to enjoy music industry and how a major- performances, put on by their fellow
it,” commented Sadowski, adding ity of pop hits are created from the peers and students at MHS.
how it was unfortunately their last same four chords. “I found the four
band performance due to DiLeo’s chords act to be very funny,” junior Photos by Catherine Poirier and Lau-
and Palmer’s graduation this year. Edmund Fisher commented. ren Benoit. Collage by Brittany Foley.
14
The Blue and Gold
LOCAL news April 2011
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/
Sweat
over the country, on Mar. 22, 2011. Out. This was
After Vices & Virtues’ single, their most suc-
The Ballad of Mona Lisa, had teased cessful, so far,
fans with an early iTunes debut, on receiving dou-
Feb. 1, 2011, many were left craving ble platinum
more of the gothic, yet vivacious, certification
beats that were bound to bless the by the Record-
rest of the album. The song im- ing Industry
mediately claimed #1 on iTunes’ Association of
“Top Alternative Songs” chart, and America. Its hit
remained in the top 10 for weeks, single, “I Write
afterward. Its music video had re- Sins, Not Trag-
ceived even greater success, retain- edies” reached
ing the #1 title on iTunes’ “Top Alter- #13 on the U.S.
native Music Videos,” and getting Billboard 200.
over 120,000 streams on MTV.com, Along with
within a week. By Mar. 10, 2011, reaching #13 on
the video had been granted around the charts, the
3,000,000 views on the band’s record song remained
label, Fueled By Ramen’s official on the charts
Youtube channel. for six weeks,
perfectly. ativity without the lyrics of fellow
Despite the tease, the album’s an incredible accomplishment in
Although the band has seen its member, Ryan Ross. Although Ross
release was definitely worth the itself.
share of success, their journey is not never returned to the band, Bren-
agonizing wait. The album arrived, One thing the band decided to
easy in any stretch of the word, as don Urie, lead vocalist, and Spencer
surprising audiences with its fresh bring back is the exclamation point
they have faced adversity at many Smith , drummer, were able to find
and animated quality. Following in their name. It was omitted for
different times. For example, July of a creative balance in their song writ-
the band’s second album, Pretty. their Pretty. Odd. album, most likely
2009, the band broke up because of ing, and produce the music that is
Odd., gives Vices & Virtues imme- because the excitement and hyper
artistic differences. After the break- still reaching top charts to this day.
diate props, for that album did not tone that follows said punctuation
up, the band could not produce mu-
receive much attention. It’s organic was irrelevant to that calmer album.
sic of the same caliber, as it was seen Above: Panic! at the Disco mem-
and melodious tone did not catch The beloved exclamation point cer-
by most as generic, and simply not bers Spencer Smith, drummer, and
the ears of many original fans. tainly does Vices & Virtues justice,
the same. This generic style of music Brendon Urie, vocalist.
They were more attracted for it fits the original, up-beat music
was largely due to the lack of cre-
The Blue and Gold
April 2011 Sports 19
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/
S o far it does not look like a good ters into the important
season for Red Sox Nation to buy months of September
anything from Jordan’s Furniture, and December.
the way the season is currently go- The team’s fist
ing. With their worst start since road trip of the season
1945, they are currently 2-8, the op- did not go to well, but
posite of what everyone expected at the Sox hope to make
the beginning of the season. an impact when thy
Excitement and eagerness returned home to
gripped Sox fans from the early Fenway. There oppo-
trades of the off season to the start nent on opening day
of Spring Training in Fort Myers. was no other then the
Since early December, Sox fans New York Yankees,
throughout New England have been who they share the
eagerly watching the newest up- most historic rivalry
dates of sports center, seeing which in sports history. The
big name ball club just threw down Yankees and Sox are
twenty million dollars in which big both in the American
name first basemen or high sought League East which is
after rookie. With new additions as considered to be the
well as healthy returning players, toughest division in
the Sox seemed to be in a perfect po- the major leagues due
sition to make a historic run at their to their being so many
first World Series in three years. strong team. Almost
The Sox were one of those always does an AL east
teams, acquiring new players like team achieve the wild-
the well known speedster and left card to make it into the
fielder Carl Crawford, a four time playoffs.
All Star and four time Stolen Base The 99th opening
Champion. With a healthy Jacoby day took place on April
Ellsbury in center field alongside 9, 2011, in the afternoon
Crawford, the entire outfield should with the usual ceremony
be covered from the left field foul including the national
pole to the right. Another new play- anthem, F-16 s zoom-
er, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, ing over the field and
a three time all star and two time Red Sox legend Johnny
golden glove winner hopes to make Pesky announcing,
an impact to the team this season. “Let’s play ball.” There
He is expected to provide strong were the usual boos by boston
defense, as well as a strong bat. fans when unpopular play-
Although the team got off to ers like Alex Rodriguez and
a very shaky start, their worst one Derek Jeter were introduced .
since 2001 to be more precise, there The sox offense hit it up early,
is still very little doubt that the with second basemen Dustin
team will not be major competitors Pedroia hammered a homer
on the American league, and all of over the Green Monster in the
the money the Red Sox dropped on first inning, igniting the spak
high profile players will prove to be the team was in deep need
useful acquisitions. With names like of. Pedroia would go 3-for- 5
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Jon Lester, with three RBIs), Gonzalez
Clay Buchholz, Crawford, and Gon- went 2-for-5 scoring two runs
zalez, let alone the legend knuckle- and David Ortiz went 2-for-4.
baller Tim Wakefield now in the veteran John Lackey started
in the bullpen line-up, it is nearly the game but only lasted 5 in-
nings, not one
his best per-
formances.
He was out-
shined by the The next night was not as suc- striking out powerhouse Mark Tex-
bullpen of Alfredo cessful. Clay Buchholz started the iera in the ninth inning, lifting the
Aceves, Bobby Jen- game, who started and ended shaky. hopes of Boston players and fans
ks, Daniel Bard and Since his no-hitter in 2007, he hasn’t alike.
Jonathan Papelbon made much of an impact during the The Sox hope to change history
who combined to last three seaosns. Red Sox pitching this year since no team to start a sea-
pitch four shutout gave up four homers, losing 9-4 Yan- son 0-6 has ever gone to the World
innings. The Sox kees. Sunday night, the last game of Series. They have a good chance at
came out with a the series, Sox ace Josh Beckett was doing this since they may just be
9-6 victory over the on the mound and pitched eight ”the greatest 0-6 team ever” with a
Yankees, and were impressive shutout innings. Closer lineup and bullpen like theirs.
ecstatic about it. Jonathon Papelbon ended the night
”I’ve never seen a
Top right Dustin Pedroia tags out a Texas player trying to steal a bas. Middle
team so happy to
catecher Jarrod Saltalamacchia dives forward to catch a pop up behind the
be 1-6,” explained
plate. Bottom baserunner Jacoby Ellsbury called out after trying to steal a
manager Terry
base against Texas. Bottom left Jon Lester in his wind up. Photo Courtesy of
Francona, accord-
MCT Campus.
ing to mlb.com.
20
The Blue and Gold
Sports April 2011
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/
T ennis is “a physical game of work even harder this season. must keep their feet constantly in “[they are] there for each other,
hitting the ball, rallying, and Prior to their first match against motion. Likewise, Bui has set high [and] I like the fact that we’re able to
serving, but also a mind game of North Reading on April 8, captain expectations for this year, stating bond with each other easily,” stated
figuring out what type of shot to Nguyen stated how she was “a little that she wants “the team to give Ton. Not only do the girls cherish
hit, planning where to hit the ball bit anxious for the first match since all [their effort] and play their best their strong bond but also look for-
to beat your opponent, and over- North Reading is a tough team, [and games. And [I want] my girls to im- ward to the annual double header
coming emotional stress and anger due to] the rainy weather, I am not prove their skills, but [I also want] against Everett where it is the only
during a match,” described senior too sure whether the girls have had them to have fun,” added Ton. match that both the Malden boys
and Captain Alison Nguyen. For enough hitting time.” However, Guiding the team to success, and girls tennis teams get a chance
the Malden High School girls tennis looking on the bright side, she add- Coach Maggie Pettit has reinforced to play together on the same courts.
team, it is life. ed, “hopefully everyone will gain confidence to develop the skills of
Each member of the team con- useful game experience from this many upperclassmen as well as re-
22
The Blue and Gold
Sports April 2011
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/
Chasing Gold
marily about running at more of a risk.” Despite this, the
as best as possible, boys track team will still put all its
with the hope being effort into going for gold.
that the team goes un- All the athletes have dealt with
defeated for an entire the pressure of being on the team.
season. Londino expressed that “To be good
“During indoor at any event, running or otherwise,
we had the talent but takes dedication to learning. Any-
Somerville wanted it one can have speed, endurance, or
more. I think our guys strength, but without understand-
learned a lot from that ing technique and strategy even the
close loss and hopeful- most gifted athlete will fail to excel
ly they’ll apply what in track and field.” The boys track
they learned to every is planning on being the best out
meet this season.” there, taking out the competition,
Unfortunately, these and working as a family to achieve
hopes were dashed on its goals.
their first meet of the
season against Cam-
bridge when the boys
team lost.
For the team,
Sophomore Tyler Williams clears a hurdle at outdoor track practice. Photo by Alexander Gen- the weather often
nigiorgis. becomes an obstacle
Timothee Pierre
years for track and field in MHS during meets
Reporter history. When it comes to practice, and practices.
the athletes work themselves to be According to
T he Malden High School boys and learning how the game works,”
lacrosse team has had a rough senior captain and The Blue and Gold
start of the season, finding disap- member Alfonse Femino praised. The
pointment in its first four games. boys have found good out of the four
The boys have so far played games although they have not been vic-
Cambridge, North Reading, Salem, torious. With the incredible improve-
and Wakefield, leaving them so far ment in the JV team and the varsity
with a record of 0-4. The newly cre- team implementing some of its skills
ated junior varsity team this year has during practice into games, the boys
also been struggling, with a record of remain optimistic and look forward to
0-4 for this season as well. Although a win this season. “We’re just going to
the boys are disappointed with the keep working hard in practice and give
start of the season, they plan to find 100% in games, and let the wins and
success later in the season and make losses take care of themselves,” Femino
a comeback. finished.
The division of the JV and
varsity teams has benefited the
boys, because they are now able
to play with players more at their
skill level, rather than being mixed
together. This allows both teams to
play to their potential without being
held back or too challenged. This also
allows the junior varsity players to
develop their skills before joining the
varsity lacrosse team.
“It’s better to make mistakes
on the field and learn from them
after, than to make the one mistake
of sitting on the sidelines the entire
season,” stated sophomore Paul Ki-
ernan.
The JV players also have the op-
Above: Junior Shaun Carlson in a game against Wakefield. Below: portunity to have more playing time,
Sophomore Corey French prior to a game. Right: Lacrosse team show- which will serve as practice in and of
ing team spirit. itself so that they may improve over
24
The Blue and Gold
Sports April 2011
http://www.maldenblueandgold.com/