The Tattler

Volume 93, Issue 6

March 14, 2016

Sectionals

Dance

Science

Olympiad

1

Rachel’s

Legacy

Prom Preview

2-3

Sectionals Dance

Pictorial

4-5

Teacher of the

Year: Mr. Nichols

Meet the King

and Queen

6-7

Senior Trip

Preview

News Briefs

Boys Basketball

8-9

Meet the Coaches 10

Inside this issue:

Inside next issue:

‘The Trouble with

Angels’ Review

Science Olympiad

Results

Spring Sports

Class of 2018 hosts ‘City Lights’

On Saturday, February 20,

Whiting High School stu-

dents had the chance to

dance under the City Lights

at the annual sectional dance

held in the Memorial Gym-

nasium. With the beautiful

decorations created by the

class of 2018 and Co-

Sponsors Ms. Stephanie An-

drade and Ms. Kassie Marko-

vich, it was a marvelous ex-

perience for all who attend-

ed.

The Sectional Court includ-

ed freshman attendants Julia

Ramirez and John Bock;

sophomore attendants Kelsey

Kovacik and TJ Lowe; junior

attendants Kayla Medina and

Julian Gonzales; and senior

attendants Ashley Johnson

and Damien Resa, Alondra

Diaz and Guillermo Perez,

and Tristen Meyers escorted

by Bianca Sotelo.

Near the end of the even-

ing, Damien Resa and Ash-

ley Johnson were selected

king and queen by their peers

in attendance.

“Winning sectionals queen

was a very memorable expe-

rience. It was a great way to

spend my last sectionals

dance. It’s honestly some-

thing that I will always re-

member because ever since I

was younger I always wanted

to win queen for a school

dance,” said Johnson.

“It was really cool to win

sectionals king especially

because it was my senior

year. It was also nice to win

with Ashley because I’ve

known her almost my whole

life,” said Resa.

More than 200 hundred

students attended event.

“Sectionals this year was a

big success for our class,”

said Class of 2018 Co-

Sponsor Ms. Stephanie An-

drade. “Our President, De-

siree Vega, did a great job

spreading the word, and we

had a really good turnout. The

kids put a lot of time and ef-

fort into the decorations and

once the gym was all lit up, it

looked amazing. The process

was stressful at times, but we

had a good core group of kids

who worked really hard to

make sure the dance was per-

fect,” Ms. Andrade continued.

Class of 2018 Co-Sponsor

Ms. Kassie Markovich feels

the dance was not just a suc-

(See Science Olympiad , p. 3)

On Saturday, January 23,

the Science Olympiad team

headed to the Niles West

Invitational in Illinois. The A

team placed fourth overall

against 14 teams and the B

team placed second overall

against 13 teams.

Students on A team placed in the top three for nine

events: Will Ramos and

Science Olympiad readies for state Hector Cossyleon for Air Tra-

jectory; Ramos, Oscar

Figueroa, and Samanta Zapien

for Protein Modeling; Maggie

Mills-Groninger and David

Gormley for Geologic Map-

ping; Zapien and Lilly Ruiz

for Write It/Do It; Lizbeth

Villaseñor and Ruiz for

Bridge Building; Mills-

Groninger and Ruiz for Dy-

namic Planet; Michael Kolavo

(See Class, p. 2)

Leilani Bigott

Reporter

Above, The Science Olympiad plac-es second overall at the regional

competition at Purdue Calumet.

Guadalupe Ruiz

Reporter

Above, Seniors Damien Resa and

Ashley Johnson were crowned sec-

tionals king and queen.

Page 2 The Tattler

NEWS

well. It looked nice and I felt like every-

one had fun,” said Vega. “We started

planning towards the beginning of the

year and started making decorations

over Christmas break. With the sugges-

tions from (art teacher) Mrs. Mindas and

the cooperation of our class, the dance

turned out as expected. It got really

stressful about the week before the

dance. Everyone involved with organiz-

ing it, especially our sponsors, were

shuffling around and tying up loose ends

and getting last details done. All of the

time and effort put into the dance was

worth it. Everyone looked like they were

enjoying themselves. I’m glad that every-

thing turned out as expected,” Vega add-

ed.

Thanks to the class of 2018 and its

sponsors for hosting a memorable evening

for all those who attended.

(From Class, p. 1)

cess, but a great opportunity that showed

the class of 2018’s dedication to their

event and school.

“It really tested their leadership skills and

teamwork abilities. With their great dedi-

cation, the dance came to a tremendous

success,” said Ms. Markovich. She is also

really grateful for Vega who went above

and beyond to ensure that the students

would have a dance to remember.

“Overall I feel that the dance turned out

Macie Plavec

Reporter

welcomed presenter Keyona Williams

who gave a heartfelt presentation about

Rachel and the way she lived her life,

her thoughts which were recorded in her

diary and the continuation of her legacy.

Her touching presentation left many

motivated to make a difference.

"It inspired me to be nicer and to think

about other people’s feelings. If every-

one would take something out of this,

the world would be a much better

place," said junior Brian Flores.

"After participating in the Rachel's

Challenge assembly last year and her

Legacy this year, I hope students will

view themselves and others in a more

positive light,” said WHS Counselor

Ms. Selene Giron. “I hope students will

realize they are the key players who can

shape our school into a safe and wel-

coming environment through kindness

and compassion."

Students were encouraged to imple-

ment Rachel’s Legacy in their own lives

in the form of five challenges. These

challenges remind students to 1) Leave

a Legacy of Kindness, 2) Show Com-

passion, 3) Practice Pre-Acceptance, 4)

Learn from Your Mistakes and 5) For-

give Yourself and Others.

"Going to the assembly was really in-

spiring and it makes you stop and think

about all of the things the speaker talked

about,” said junior Isabelle Waszak.

“Towards the end, I almost cried be-

cause it just makes you appreciate the

life you have so much more and to not

take anything for granted. I'm really

glad Whiting has the opportunity to

On February 18, Keyona Williams

came to speak to the Whiting Middle and

High School students about Rachel’s

Challenge, a series of programs and strat-

egies that equip students and adults to

maintain the safe, caring and supporting

learning environment essential for aca-

demic achievement. These programs are

based on the life and writings of 17 year-

old Rachel Scott who was the first stu-

dent killed at Columbine High school on

April 20, 1999.

Rachel’s legacy of deliberately reach-

ing out to those who were different, new

at school, or picked on by others is the

basis for strategies that helps schools

promote a positive learning environment.

The program consists of two presenta-

tions: Rachel's Challenge and Rachel's

Legacy. Last year students were intro-

duced to Rachel’s Challenge, and this

year’s program focused on her legacy.

At the assembly, Whiting High School

Above, Speaker Keyona Williams inspires the stu-

dents to ‘Leave a Legacy of Kindness.’

experience Rachel’s Challenge," contin-

ued Waszak.

In addition to the assembly, students

were selected to participate in FOR Club

training. The FOR (Friends of Rachel)

Club and STAND (Students Together

Against Negative Decisions) work hand

in hand to fulfill Rachel’s Challenges by

starting their own chain reaction. It is

designed to help students practice

Rachel's ideals while spreading kindness.

The FOR Club has already made an im-

pact by leaving positive affirmations on

every student’s locker in the high school,

and they have plans to end each week

with high fives. The FOR Club has per-

sonally accepted Rachel’s Challenge and

is actively helping to spread the legacy of

kindness. The group is for anyone and

everyone who wishes to make a simple

but huge impact in others’ lives, all in-

spired by Rachel Scott who put it best

when she said, “People will never know

how far a little act of kindness can go.”

Rachel’s Legacy inspires students

Above, Williams motivates students to use social

media to make someone’s day.

Page 3

FEATURE

ward to seeing everyone," said Ms.

Aviance Cobb, the co-sponsor for the

class of 2017.

"At this point in time, we've been exe-

cuting our plans and everything has

been falling into place," said Will Ra-

mos, the president of the class of 2017.

"We're really paying attention to what

we feel will make this a memorable

experience for everyone. Anyone who

attends prom will have a good time; it's

guaranteed," added Ramos.

"It has been an emotional process be-

cause the staff and committee members

would like for this event to be forever

etched in the memories of every at-

tendee," Ms. Cobb said. "Great food,

awesome music and longtime friends,"

responded Ms. Cobb when asked what

students should expect to experience.

If you are attending prom, it is recom-

mended you bring your dancing shoes;

the music is expected to be great.

"The DJ we booked for prom has been

at some really big events, so be ready to

dance and listen to what he'll be playing

for us. Expect to dance for the whole

night," said Ramos.

Aside from dancing, you can expect

delicious food and other fun traditional

prom activities, such as taking memorable

pictures of the night in the photo booth.

Prom tickets will go on sale on March 21

for $80.00 per couple. The class of 2017

hopes to see you there!

For most students, prom is one of the

high points of their high school career: a

magical night filled with music, food,

dancing and fun. The class of 2017 is

sponsoring prom this year and have cho-

sen "The Crystal Ball" as the theme for

the event which will take place on Satur-

day, April 30, at The Center for Visual

and Performing Arts in Munster. From

creating the invitations to picking out the

party gifts, the committee wants this to be

a perfect night for everyone, and the jun-

iors have worked diligently to make this

happen for those attending.

"Planning is on track and we look for-

Juniors prepare for Prom 2016: ‘The Crystal Ball’

Tara Gomez

Reporter

and Gormley for Electric Vehicle; Pablo

Moore, Zapien, and Ramos for Experi-

mental Design; and Ramos and Carlos

Quinones for Robot Arm.

“We still have room for improvement

and always learn from our mistakes. Our

team definitely has potential to play

against the top in the state,” said Cossyle-

on.

The B team students placed in the top

three for nine events: Jeremy Maldonado

and Joe Lowry for Electric Vehicle; Mal-

donaldo, Ethan Harbin and Gabby Ortega

for Experimental Design; Ortega, Lowry,

and Carlos Gomez for Protein Modeling;

Colton Willoughby and Alex Torres for

Wind Power; Melchor and Willoughby

for Wright Stuff; TJ Lowe and Joseman-

uel Alcantar for Air Trajectory; Ortega

and Jose Alcantar for Disease Detectives;

and Ortega and Gomez for Fossils.

The A team placed then placed fif-

teenth overall against thirty-five teams at

Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio

on Saturday, February 6.

Students on A team placed in the top

eight for six events: Cossyleon and Kola-

vo for Game On; Kolavo and Moore for

Electric Vehicle; Ramos, Ortega, and

Kelsey Kovacik for Protein Modeling;

Ramos and Cossyleon for Air Trajectory;

Julianna Scivinsky and Melchor for

Wright Stuff; and Moore, Ortega and

Ramos for Experimental Design.

“I think the team has shown that they

have the potential to be a great team.

Despite not always having our best day,

we continue to place well at competi-

tions. It’s exciting to think about what

the team could do if everyone has the

day that they could have,” said Science

Olympiad Co-Sponsor Mr. Long.

On Saturday, February 20, the Science

Olympiad team attended the Huntley

Invitational in Illinois. A team placed

seventh overall, and B team placed

twenty-fourth overall.

Students on A team placed in the top

three for four events: Ramos and

Cossyleon for Air Trajectory; Cossyleon

and Will Stricker for Game On; Kolavo

and Quinones for Wind Power; and Ra-

mos, Figueroa and Zapien for Protein

Modeling.

“Huntley was a really great experi-

ence; we competed against some of the

top teams in Illinois and even beat some

teams we've never beaten before. I think

it shows that we can go to nationals if

we keep working and we can show that

we deserve to be one of the top schools

in Indiana,” said Mills-Groninger.

“I predict that we will continue to im-

prove and show that we can be one of

the best teams in the state,” said Mr.

(From Science Olympiad, p. 1) Long.

On Saturday, March 5, Purdue Calumet

hosted the regional competition where the

A team placed second overall.

The A team placed in the top three for

fourteen events: Ramos and Cossyleon

for Air Trajectory; Cossyleon and Mills-

Groninger for Game On; Ramos, Ortega

and Zapien for Protein Modeling; Kolavo

and Quinones for Wind Power; Moore

and Ramos for Chemistry Lab; Kolavo

and Gormley for Electric Vehicle; Orte-

ga, Zapien and Ramos for Experimental

Design; Mills-Groninger and Gormley for

Geologic Mapping; Scivinsky and Moore

for Wright Stuff; Figueroa and Quinones

for Astronomy; Villaseñor and Ruiz for

Bridge Building; Mills-Groninger and

Moore for Dynamic Planet and Hydroge-

ology; and Ramos and Cossyleon for Ro-

bot Arm.

The B team placed in the top three for

two events: Maldonado and Lowry for

Electric Vehicle; and Maldonado, Harbin

and Gomez for Experimental Design.

“We were very good at regionals, and

we were just a few events short of being

great. We are so close to becoming that

great team that we know the potential is

there to be, we just have to want it more

than the other teams. We are looking to

take it to the next level for the state tour-

nament,” said Mr. Long.

Sectionals Dance Page 4 The Tattler

Page 5

City Lights

Page 6 The Tattler

FEATURE

Mireya Huizar

Reporter

Mr. Dan Nichols: Teacher of the Year

A great poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson,

once said, “The great teacher is not the

man who supplies the most facts, but the

one in whose presence we become differ-

ent people.” One teacher to whom this

quote can easily apply is 2016 Teacher of

the Year Mr. Dan Nichols who was

awarded this honor at a dinner hosted by

the Whiting Robertsdale Chamber of

Commerce on January 30.

Despite teaching being his passion, Mr.

Nichols did not always know he was go-

ing to go into the profession. He was ini-

tially a biology/chemistry major in hopes

of going to medical school.

“After my junior year of college, I de-

cided that the medical profession was not

the right choice for me because I’m a

very emotional person,” said Mr. Nichols,

and he changed his major to history.

“I have always wanted to help other peo-

ple and teaching is a great way to help

students in so many ways that I decided

to make it my career,” Mr. Nichols add-

ed.

Little did he know that one decision

would open doors to an accomplished

career at Whiting High School.

“I have been very fortunate to teach

here at Whiting and my students have

given me so much to be proud of. I have

had successes as a sports coach, took the

Science Academic team to state and

helped start the Science Olympiad team

here,” said Mr. Nichols.

Of all of his accomplishments, Mr.

Nichols is most proud of attending the

National Tournament in Orlando, Florida,

with the 2014 Science Olympiad team,

which was also an honor for the City of

Whiting.

In addition to Mr. Nichols helping his

athletes and students in extracurricular

activities achieve success, Mr. Nichols

helps his students in his classes achieve

on a daily basis. A great teacher under-

stands his students and understands that

everyone learns in different ways, and

us to do our best. He plans our days so

that we manage our time. His class (AP

Biology) is no joke, but he is always there

to help us in any way he can. He really is

a great teacher.”

But Mr. Nichols not only teaches the

curricula; he also touches the lives of

many of his students as well.

“Mr. Nichols has made a major impact

in my life; he has taught me about hard

work and dedication and how you can do

anything that you set your mind to,” sen-

ior Lilly Ruiz said. “Over the four years

of high school, I've spent most of my time

with Mr. Nichols because he has always

been there for the team (Science Olympi-

ad) and me. He goes above and beyond to

help the team. Overall, Mr. Nichols has

made high school a great and memorable

experience that I will cherish forever be-

cause he helped make something as scary

as high school, a very exciting and happy

experience,” Ruiz added.

Besides his impact on his present stu-

dents, Mr. Nichols has left a life-long

impact on many WHS alumni.

“I have known Mr. Nichols for almost

20 years. He was my volleyball coach,

teacher, class co-sponsor (along with Mr.

Long), cooperating teacher (during stu-

dent teaching), and is now my colleague,

and friend,” said biology teacher Mrs.

Kelly Morando. “Mr. Nichols has shaped

my life in many different ways. The big-

gest impact he has had on my life has

been since I’ve become a teacher. His

willingness to help and guide me when I

first began teaching and his experience

and knowledge inside the classroom are

things that continue to help me every day.

I am sincerely thankful to have him as a

mentor,” Mrs. Morando continued.

Mr. Nichols looks forward to complet-

ing the year on a strong note and making

sure that his students learn as much as

possible.

He approaches teaching like life, with

authenticity and passion. Congratulations

to Mr. Nichols on this well-deserved hon-

or.

Mr. Nichols definitely exemplifies that.

“Mr. Nichols makes learning difficult

concepts really easy. He breaks large

complicated concepts into concepts that

we as teenagers can relate to,” said AP

Biology student Tara Gomez.

“Although sometimes tedious, the

projects he makes us do for units help

get the main point across in a way that

is understandable,” Gomez continued.

Mr. Nichols sees himself as a stu-

dent’s tool in their educational endeav-

ors, which defines his philosophy in

education:

“I am a guide that helps students un-

derstand the material they are learning.

I provide them with examples, experi-

ences and explanations to make sure

that they are understanding the course-

work. I am a motivator, a cheerleader

and a friend for students along their

educational pathway,” Mr. Nichols

said.

Senior Tara Gomez added, “He also

has a sense of humor that can turn bor-

ing concepts and days into something

really fun and interesting. You can tell

he cares about our education and wants

Above, Mr. Nichols was selected Teacher of the

Year by the Whiting Robertsdale Chamber of

Commerce.

Page 7

FEATURE

Damien Resa

Why did you want to run for

sectionals king?

Ashley wanted me to run with her.

What were your thoughts when

you won?

I get a cool hat.

What are your plans after grad-

uation?

Go to college

What’s your favorite movie?

She’s Out of My League

If you had three wishes, what

would you wish for?

A dog that can live forever, to win

sectionals for basketball, and to be

wealthy.

What’s your dream vacation?

California

What can’t you live without?

Music

If you could meet anyone fa-

mous, who would it be?

Allen Iverson because he’s one

of my favorite basketball play-

ers.

Ashley Johnson

Why did you want to run for sec-

tionals queen?

I thought it would a fun experi-

ence, plus I’m always a queen.

What were your thoughts when

you won?

I was surprised and really happy.

What are your plans after grad-

uation?

Go to IUN and study radiology

What’s your favorite movie?

Divergent

If you had three wishes, what

would you wish for?

Unlimited pizza, cats and Bri

What’s your dream vacation?

Paris

What can’t you live without?

Bri

If you could meet anyone fa-

mous, who would it be?

Theo James because he’s so cute

and he’s in my favorite movie.

Queen

Leilani Bigott

Reporter

Meet the King and Queen

King

Page 8 The Tattler

FEATURE

Penny War Results

1st Place: Mr. Hopps

2nd Place: Mrs. Lovasko

3rd Place: Mr. Cain

Seniors in for a fun-filled trip

As the final semester of high school

begins to wrap up for the seniors, many of

them are anxiously awaiting the long held

tradition of the senior trip, among other

things. The senior trip is to Florida this

year. After all the stress that senior year

brings, students will be able to wind

down for a weekend of relaxation and

fun. The four day trip will be held April 14

-17. This year there are 42 students at-

tending the trip and four chaperones who

include class of 2016 co-sponsors Mrs.

Lisa Mendoza and Mrs. Daniela Caste-

lan, and teachers Mr. Tim Hopps and

Mr. Brett Jennings. The group has a very busy itinerary.

Each day is packed with fun and adven-

ture. With the exception of the arrival

day, the trip includes a theme park ex-

cursion for every day. Upon arrival, the

students and chaperones will be able to

relax in Downtown Disney and the ho-

tel. On Friday, the attendees will be able

to experience Magic Kingdom and Uni-

versal Studios. On Saturday, the group

will explore Animal Kingdom and Hol-

lywood Studios. On Sunday, the final

day, the group will be having fun at Ty-

phoon Lagoon. Mrs. Mendoza is excited for this group

of students to be given the opportunity to

have fun after four years of hard work.

She is also excited to experience the trip

herself. "I'm most excited to see Mickey, of

course! I'm also excited to experience the

warm, sunny Florida weather," said Mrs.

Mendoza. She is also very impressed with

how many students are going on the trip.

She expects this group to be a lot of fun!

Tara Gomez

Reporter

Congratulations to the following

choir members on their

performance at the

State Solo and Ensemble Com-

petition in Indianapolis on

February 20.

Gold Medalists:

Faith Huss, Hope Huss, Lupe Ruiz,

Julianna Scivinsky, Juliana Serna,

Girls Ensemble (Hope Huss, Faith Huss,

Julianna Scivinsky, Rana Hamad, and

Marissa Baez)

Silver Medalists:

Mckenna Hetzel, Ruby Sanchez and

Jacqueline Zarate

Congratulations to the following

band members who

competed at the

State Solo and Ensemble

Competition in Indianapolis on

February 27.

Gold Medalist:

Matthew Plavec for Tenor Saxophone

solo.

Silver Medalists:

Flute Quartet (Hannah Hetzel, Ana Corne-

jo, Kaylie Callahan and Brianna Irvine)

Trumpet Quartet (Macie Plavec, Tara

Gomez, Isaac Sahagun and Brian Flores)

The National Honor Society sponsored

the “Penny Wars” to raise money for the

Lymphoma and Leukemia Society from

February 8-19. The total amount of mon-

ey raised was $1,535.86. The first place

Choice class received an ice cream social.

The second place Choice class earned a

dress down day.

Photos: Below, NHS; Above Left: Mr. Hopps’

Choice class: Right: Mrs. Lovasko’s Choice class.

News Briefs

Page 9

SPORTS

Guadalupe Ruiz

Lilliana Ruiz

Samanta Zapien

The Tattler Staff Alex Danielides

Tara Gomez

Mireya Huizar

Macie Plavec

Kata Bes

Leilani Bigott

Emily Brooks

Editor-In-Chief Leilani Bigott

Printing Mr. Cain’s Class

Adviser Ms. Hylek

Bishop Noll had taken the lead. The

Oilers had only scored five points the

entire quarter, coming from Dietz and

Petruf. The Oilers lost their lead for the

first time the game with two minutes left

in the third. The quarter ended with Noll

ahead, 33-29.

After a very competitive three quarters,

Noll started to break away during the

fourth. The Oilers trailed the Warriors

by a few points the entire quarter. In a

final attempt to shorten the lead in the

last minute of the game, junior Victor

Quinones hit a 3-pointer, making the

score 56-49, Noll. With a late foul

against the Oilers, and two free throws

by the Warriors, the final score of the

game was 58-49. The Whiting Oilers

ended their season 10-13 overall.

In the first round of the Boone Grove

Sectional on Wednesday, March 2, the

Oilers basketball team faced Bishop Noll.

The Oilers hung tough initially, but even-

tually fell short to the Warriors.

The Oilers jumped out to a great start.

After two turnovers from Noll in the first

minutes of the game, the Oilers went on a

5-0 run. The Warriors came back, but the

Oilers never lost their lead. The Oilers

closed out the first quarter by a score of

15-13.

Both teams were on a shutdown defense

in the second quarter. Neither team was

able to execute offensively. Noll finally

penetrated the Oilers’ defense and scored

in the final four minutes of the half, mak-

ing the score 15-15. Seniors Jon Alonso,

Chris Dietz and Martin Petruf contributed

to the score after this point. After consist-

ently trading baskets with the Warriors,

the Oilers ended the half ahead of the

Warriors, 24-20.

The third quarter was close; however,

Oilers end the season against the Warriors

Alex Danielides

Reporter

Above, Junior Jesse Santos plays defense against

Clark.

“A better team beat us by taking ad-

vantage of our mistakes. But there is

nothing more we could’ve done; we

played hard and hit shots,” said Dietz.

“I’m glad we got to end the season

with a great game against our rival. We

had a lot of fun at times, and I’m really

going to miss playing with my broth-

ers,” said Alonso.

The team will be losing four seniors:

Alonso, Dietz, Petruf and Damien Re-

sa, who have been the first group to

have three consecutive 10-win seasons

in the past three decades. Coach Tim

Hopps had only great things to say

about them and the team.

“I am proud of what this group of sen-

iors had accomplished in their careers.

We certainly have had our share of

adversity throughout the year, but the

team continued to work and improve,”

said Coach Hopps. “The chemistry they

share on and off the court is unmatched

with any team I’ve coached. The lead-

ership and mentorship of our seniors

left a tremendous impact on the team,

and their impact will not be forgotten,”

Coach Hopps added.

Above, Senior Chris Dietz attempts to shoot

around a defender during the Whiting Clark game.

Above, Senior Damien Resa takes the ball out of

bounds.

Page 10 The Tattler

SPORTS

Emily Brooks

Reporter

Meet the spring sports coaches

Name: Adam Musielak

Hometown: Highland, IN

Coaching Position: Varsity Baseball

Head Coach

Past experience with sport: Junior

Varsity Coach last season

Reason(s) for coaching: Not only am I

passionate about baseball and a very

competitive person, I love seeing student

athletes succeed both on the field and in

the classroom. The greatest satisfaction

for me is to see a student athlete go out

and achieve something they did not

know was possible for them.

Goal(s) for the season: I would like to

place first or second in conference and

win sectionals.

Name: Marty Furiak

Hometown: Hammond, IN

Coaching Position: Boys Golf Head

Coach

Past experience with sport: Golf

Name: Kelly Morando

Hometown: Whiting, IN

Coaching Position: Varsity Softball

Head Coach

Past experience with sport: I played

softball for 12 years, four of which were

for Whiting High School. During my

high school career, I achieved four sec-

tional titles and one regional title. I

coached six seasons as Mr. Laub's varsity

assistant.

Reason(s) for coaching: I love the

game! Passing on my excitement and

knowledge of the game is another reason

I coach. It's amazing to see players work

hard all season and then finally have that

breakthrough moment when all their hard

work pays off is an awesome feeling as a

coach.

Goal(s) for the season: First and fore-

most, I want to improve upon from last

season which includes having a winning

record. Second, I would like to place in

the top three teams of our conference.

And third, I want to win sectionals.

These are just some general goals that I

have. Once we meet as a team, we will

develop both team and individual season

goals.

Coach for eight years

Reason(s) for coaching: I love the game

of golf and what it can teach to young

people.

Goal(s) for the season: We lost three

solid veteran upperclassmen from last

year. I am hoping to get some underclass-

men to help rebuild our program. I am

hoping to find that my players care about

the program and strive to make it better.

Name: Mark Harnew

Hometown: Griffith, IN

Coaching Position: Girls Tennis Head

Coach

Past experience with sport: I was the

Assistant Girls Tennis Coach at Griffith

High School for two seasons and the

Girls Head Tennis Coach at Griffith High

School for four seasons. I coached Boys

Tennis at Griffith High School for one

season. I gave lessons at a summer camp

outside Philadelphia for one summer.

Reason(s) for coaching: Tennis starts off

with love and ends with a winner. The

game requires a mix of mental toughness

and physical toughness. I love teaching

the ins and outs of the game!

Goal(s) for the season: The goal this

season is to improve our hitting each

match and try to get as far as possible in

the postseason, both individually and as a

team.