SMILE! - Seniors Arjun Prakash and Vivienne Lee pose proudly in their emoticon t-shirts, which they both wore to pose as twins, yesterday.

Red Cross technicians help out senior Arthur Martinez as he donates blood in the gym, Wednesday. The Wilson chapter collected approximately 136 units of blood, exceeding ther goal.

Volume 41 November 7, 2008Number 13 WWW.PAWPRINTSWEEKLY.COM

Glen A. Wilson High School Hacienda Heights, California 91745

the INSIDE story

Wildcats give thanks through campus can drive

Students to ‘mix’ up status quo through social event

EDITORIAL | While everyone had different views regarding the presidential elections on Tuesday night, now that it’s over we need to set those differences aside and unite as a nation to brace for the many challenges ahead. pg 3

PHOTO/FION LING

Twin DayBy CAROL CIRIACOSTAFF WRITER

“Gobble, gobble, gobble.” With Thanksgiving approaching fast, Wilson’s Associated Student Body (ASB) is preparing for their annual canned food drive.

This project was started by retired teacher Jeorgia Moore many years ago as a club effort. Since then, ASB has centralized their efforts with a school-wide canned food drive, hoping to increase the amount of cans received in order to maximize the aid that the food will provide to others.

“For the canned food drive, ASB will be collecting cans that students will turn into their fourth period,” said ASB adviser Liz Orth. “The cans of food will go to St. John Vianney’s food pantry to help out people in our community who need supplies for Thanksgiving. By working together, we can all benefit our community.”

All cans donated to ASB must be labeled and free of dents. Also, the food in the cans should be edible and common around Thanksgiving. This means that the food should mainly be meat or vegetables. Boxes of mashed potatoes and stuffing will also be accepted, as long as they follow the same guidelines required for the cans.

ASB says they are hoping for a successful canned food drive to rival those of past years.

“I remember how one year we had to get extra trucks to take the food to St. John Vianney’s food pantry,” said Orth. “Seeing as how we have about 1,800 students in our school, we should be successful this year, even if everyone only brings one can. Hopefully we’ll do just as well, or better than before.”

Being so close to the holidays, some students say they feel obligated to donate to ASB’s canned food drive.

“I really think that students should participate because the less fortunate deserve Thanksgiving dinner too,” said senior Cody Davidson. “We should help these people out because we have the resources to do so.”

Each can of food will count as a class point towards a fourth period class’ total. The class with the most points by the end of the semester will win a party.

“Students should donate cans because they want to help others from the bottom of their hearts,” said junior Rachel Choi. “The class point that each can gives your fourth period class is just an added bonus.”

Any student who wishes to participate in the canned food drive can give their cans to their fourth period teacher from Nov. 17th to Nov. 21st.

By LUBINA KIMSTAFF WRITER

Tolerance.org, a magazine dedicated to spreading the message of accepting students with different backgrounds says that 70% of high school students named the cafeteria as the school setting where social boundaries are most clearly drawn. ASB and Renaissance are hoping to break down these borders by hosting Mix-It-Up Day, as a part of a nationwide event.

Mix-It-Up Day is a call to action to sit with someone new and mingle with people different from the norm.

“There are 1800 different personalities in this campus, and this is a great opportunity to meet new people. The person sitting under the other tree might be your next prom date or your next best friend,” said

temporary Renaissance adviser Jason Fukao.

Samantha Briggs, the creator of Mix-It-Up Day created this event six years ago, believing that this occasion will foster students to step out of their box and develop communication skills.

Some students say don’t see the point of this event.

“I doubt students will participate in this event. I already have people to eat lunch with and I’m not going to go out of my way to meet new people,” said junior Carlos Palomo.

Others say they will go out of their way to eliminate the boundaries.

“Mix-It-Up Day’s idea is what I do everyday. I try to sit with new people during lunch. I don’t want to belong to a certain group and neither do

my friends,” said junior Krunal Lad.

Various activities will be arranged at the event for students to intermingle, although these have yet to be decided.

“We’re looking for new tactics to get students to get more involved in school. I no longer want to see our school as cliques but instead as a congregational family,” said Renaissance president senior Dianuh Kim.

Last year, students were assorted by their birthdays and interests.

“I got to make a lot of new friends with other July birthdays. The activities were really effective and I felt at ease with everyone else,” said sophomore Matt Hernandez.

Mix-It-Up Day is set to take place in the amphitheater on Nov. 13 at lunch. Anyone interested may participate.

PHOTO/FION LING

I WON!!! - Sophomore Nick Oueijan, dressed as Borat, won the most original costume in the Halloween competition last Friday in the ampitheater.

November 7, 20082 News

Link Leaders offer freshmen academic help

PHOTOS/MICHELLE GOR

Halloween contest competition

DANCE WITH ME - Former dance student, Ryan Hatanaka, teaches dance members a new routine, Monday in the den. PHOTO/VIRGINA TANG

Team alumni contributes dance experience

Fall Rally to pump up club for year of service

By MELODY WANGSTAFF WRITER

Students usually gain skills from their classes but one student is returning to teach the school instead.

Former Wilson student Ryan Hatanaka ’08 returned to campus as the new choreographer for the intermediate dance group.

After Teresa Avine, the previous choreographer, left the teaching position, dance instructor Nina Chang said she had thoughts to invite Hatanaka to lead the group.

“Ryan came to visit us several times this year and my assistant and I have kept in contact with him. He just came to visit on the day I was going to give him a call asking if he could take the job,” said Chang.

Hatanaka says that he accepted the position to help continue his dancing career.

“I’m taking a dance class for fun. With this job I’ll be able get more practice dancing. I want to have a studio on the side because there’s not a lot of dance classes people go to in Hacienda Heights,” said Hatanaka.

Chang said that Hatanaka was the only person she would have asked to teach.

“Ryan is a capable dancer and he was available because of his school and living location. Other choreographers live out of the area,” said Chang.

By YUHUA WANGSTAFF WRITER

This year’s Thanksgiving, relatives won’t be the only ones brought together by the holidays.

KIWIN’S members from all over Southern California will once again be gathering together at their annual Fall Rally, a major charity fundraiser. As part of the event, each school will be divided into divisions based on their location.

One way that KIWIN’S raises money during Fall Rally is a pie throwing auction.

By ELINA OLIFEROVSKIYSTAFF WRITER

Cocoa is usually drunk before sleeping, but there will be no sleeping here.

Link Crew will be hosting Cocoa & Cram, a session in which Link Crew leaders and selected teachers will help freshmen study for tests and complete homework assignments. Hot cocoa and snacks will be provided free of charge.

Link Crew had hosted a previous session last year, named Study & Soda, in which soda and snacks were served and homework and test help were given to participants. This year, the organization thinks the event will attract a larger turnout.

“Last year’s study session was a success,” said Link Crew member senior Chris Chin. “But we have higher expectations of this year’s.”

Students remember a day when such help was not available.

“When I was a freshman, I often needed help on homework and tests,” said senior Jessica Park. “I wish we had events like Cocoa & Cram back then. At least now I have the opportunity to help out those who were like me.”

Students can also take advantage of opportunities beyond just tutoring.

“Some teachers involved in the program will be passing out study guides to the freshmen, as well as offering extra credit for those who participate,” said senior Tiffany Woo, student manager of Cocoa & Cram.

Link Crew members encourage all freshmen to participate.

“It’s a chance everyone should be willing to take—a chance to improve your grades and learn new things,” said Woo.

Cocoa & Cram is set for Nov. 18 and 19 in teacher Mark Thompson’s room, D-5. The opportunity is open to any freshman during lunch or after school.

Some of his former teammates say they are excited for his return.

“We’re glad to have him back. Ryan is a really good choreographer. He is really creative and will do a good

job teaching. He has a lot to offer,” said dance team co-captain senior Katrina Duarte.

As the new choreographer, Hatanaka will teach the dance group various styles, such as jazz, lyrical and hip-hop.

“Teaching the dance is his responsibility. From here on, he will attend competitions with us and coach the intermediate group in particular, getting them ready for their dance,” said Chang.

Some intermediate dance members say they look forward to dancing to Hatanaka’s choreographies.

“I’m excited for the dance because after seeing the Spring Show last year, I think he is a really good choreographer. I think he should have something really fun planned for us this year,” said sophomore Eva Hsia.

Hatanaka said if he is needed to continue teaching at Wilson after this year, he will accept the offer.

“It’s always good to go back and help the school out because they’ve done a lot,” said Hatanaka.

Hatanaka officially started teaching last Monday, Oct. 27.

During this event, various divisions will bid on chances to smash pies into the faces of the members of the District Board, which represents all KIWIN’S clubs in California, Nevada and Hawaii.

Other sources of revenue include the sale of Knott’s Berry Farm tickets and Fall Rally t-shirts, as well as donations in divisional collection boxes which will be passed around during the event.

Proceeds will go to the organization of Pediatric Trauma Prevention, which

raises funds to prevent psychological injury in children resulting from factors such as physical abuse or car accident.

KIWIN’S says that Fall Rally will also serve as a gathering.

“The social purpose of Fall Rally is to attract more members and pump up the club spirit, as well as meet KIWIN’S members from all over Southern California,” said co-president senior Arial Chen.

All members are encouraged to attend the event, although other

students are also allowed to join in.

Some participants show enthusiasm towards the upcoming event.

“Senior year, I want to have fun. I’ve been in KIWINS for a long time and I know that Fall Rally is something I wouldn’t want to miss. Many people go there and I want to meet them,” said secretary senior Jessica Park.

Others say they are less enthusiastic.

“I probably won’t be attending this event. The pie throwing auction does sound fun, but I really don’t have the

time to go,” said sophomore Nicholas Alba.

The fall rally will be held at Independence Hall across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm on Nov. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Anyone interested in attending can speak to either of the presidents or the adviser Daniel Mackey in room C-1.

If needed, transportation problems will be worked out.

Admission is $10 and can either be purchased during KIWIN’S meetings or at the event.

The mock election results were 74.1% for Barack Obama, 23.5% for John McCain, and 2.4% other.

Cat Tracks

Editorial 3November 7, 2008

After election, unity will guide country

NEWSCarey Leung

Brandie Wong

EDITORIALStephanie Chang

FEATUREPERSPECTIVES

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS VISUALS

Renee TangSabrina Dea

Allison Ko Howard Li

Charles TsueiChris Chiang

Jennifer ChowMichelle GorSonia Tellis

EDITORS

Alyssa RobertsAdviser

Double EaglePrinting

Glen A. Wilson High School16455 E. Wedgeworth DriveHacienda Heights, CA 91745

www.pawprintsweekly.com

An open forum, Paw Prints encourages the written opinion of its readers in the form of signed letters to the editor or longer commentaries on topical subjects.

While we recognize the individuality of all forms of expression we reserve the right to edit and / or censor that which we feel necessary in accordance with California Education Code 48907 and standards of good taste.

All communications must be signed. It should also be understood that the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of individual Paw Prints staff members or the policy of Glen A. Wilson.

Number 13©Volume 41

Billy LinCharles Tsuei Editors-in-Chief

STAFF

Laurie AllredAlex ChaoIrene Chou

Carol CiriacoJacob EwaldStanley HoVanessa HoJeriel HuangLubina Kim

Hanny KishawiJon Jon Lew

Fion Ling

Elina OliferovskiyMelannie Polidano

Peter SuhVictoria SunVirginia TangHarrison Toy

Paulla VangcharoenMelody WangYuhua WangAlice Wen

Michael Zubia

Millions of Americans waited with bated breath on Tuesday night after standing in long lines at voting booths or mailing ballots. On that night, citizens witnessed the election of Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States and the man who will lead the nation through the next four years.

Many celebrated Barack Obama’s victory, while others expressed disappointment that their choice candidates had not won. The varied emotional reactions across the country reflected the increased participation of all voting groups, as indicated by statistics. During this election, teenagers and other first-time voters defied stereotypical perceptions of apathy and passivity by voting in record numbers.

Considering our nation’s past challenges with racial segregation and prejudice, there is no doubt that Obama’s presidency represents a historic and significant time for minorities in America. His victory proves that success for different demographic groups in America is possible. This message is apparent in the euphoria and optimism that has swept most of America.

But while different individuals reflect upon the varying implications of the election’s results, citizens have to realize that even with their differences—gender, orientation, race, age and political affiliations—we still belong to one collective United States of America. While voting choices varied, each individual was ultimately doing what he believed would have helped the country. Americans must unite to ease the national difficulties, even if the candidate elected was not their preference.

Amidst the reactions to the election, there are many immediate troubles America still has to face. Among these challenges are a troubled economy, terrorist threats and issues with environmental preservation.

On Tuesday, each person stood as an individual, but now, after the election, those individuals must become one unified entity, preparing themselves for national developments of the next four years. No one knows what successes or troubles the next four years will bring, but voters have already contributed to the future of our nation.

For high school students who participated indirectly by staying informed, developing political beliefs and partaking in mock elections, what they witnessed on Tuesday night and will witness in the next years should remain in their minds when they cast their own votes in the next presidential election. After all, the beauty of America is in the opportunity for individuals to stand as one nation while voicing their own beliefs, in hopes of making a home better for themselves and for future generations.

ADRIAN WANG (11)- I personally did not find the elections memorable. I don’t think it had anything to do with me.

KIMBERLY MARQUEZ (12) - I liked the vice presidential debates. I felt that McCain’s last speech showed that he lost with pride.

COMPILED BY STEPHANIE CHANG, FION LING, PAULLA

VANGCHAROEN

Paw Prints asks:What was most memorable about the

election of 2008?

wordon the

STREETMARTIN RONQUILLO (10) - It was one of the first times that a large majority of the young people voted.

JENNIFER FAN (9) - I am usually not political, but I went online just to look up Obama’s speech.

NICK NAKAMURA - I was surprised that the energy propositions didn’t go through. I knew that Proposition 8 was going to be a close battle.

ART/ SONIA TELLIS

Advertisement4 November 7, 2008

Feature 5November 7, 2008

Students find delight and distress in large families

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By MICHAEL ZUBIASTAFF WRITER

No matter the ups and downs, students have learned that when it comes to family, it’s “the more the merrier.”

While the conventional family houses about four members, some students on campus explain what life is like to live with a much larger family.

Most find that they’re happy with having so many people around in one household.

“I like the fact that its family and fun,” said junior Diana Gonzalez, who has eight people currently living at home.

However, others believe that such a large family can have its drawbacks.

J u n i o r S a n d y W a n g , who is one of 11 s i b l i n g s , explains that it becomes overwhelming when so many people are cluttered in one home.

“It often gets loud and unorganized,” she said.

Because of this, frustration often finds its way into the minds of students who simply want to relax.

“It gets really stressful when I’m trying to do homework or watch TV,” explained senior Lilliana Arandia, who has nine family members currently living at home.

IMAGES/GEOCITIES.COM, PEOPLE.COM, STARPULSE.COM, TVGUIDE.COM, WIKIPEDIA.COM

GRAPHIC/JENNIFER CHOW

“It’s even more stressful when we’re trying to sleep and people at home keep being disruptive.”

When it comes to family time, students in big families have different experiences than those of smaller ones.

Gathering together for dinner or a family party is something that m a n y

students find troublesome.

“There are so many constant fights about where to go, what to do and when to do it that sometimes it’s just embarrassing —especially when it’s in the eye of the public,” explained junior Elliana Martinez.

Others say they don’t leave the boundaries of their homes because there are too many conflicts, such as dealing with how much money will be spent on family outings.

“There are just so many people at home that we can’t afford to be going out every weekend,” explained freshmen Amber Zarate. “Usually, we just resort to inviting people to our house.”

However, if there’s one thing that most students can agree

on it’s that there is little or no

2

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privacy at home—

whether it involves a personal phone

conversation or some peaceful quiet time.

“I can never use the phone in peace at home because of the fact that so many people are going in and out of my room,” said Zarate. “I usual ly end up going outside to take care of private conversat ions.”

Another issue that appears in a large family seems to take place at the dinner table.

“It’s just really irritating to see that the good food is all gone,” explained senior Ploy Anchernkunargon, who has six people currently living at home. “What’s more annoying is that vegetables are usually the only things left around.”

This situation is similar to that involving the use of popular appliances around the home.

For example, utilization of the computer or restroom is often a problem for many households.

“If I leave the computer alone for even a second, someone else

will take over my spot,” said Arandia.

In addition, some say that another problem

involves angry family feuding.

“Sometimes we take our anger and

vent on one another,” said Wang.

Having many family members can involve anything from bickering to demanding the use of the restroom, but in the end many students seem to agree that the support and relationships at home remain strong.

“Everyone has those days or moments when we just don’t get along,” explained Gonzalez. “But in the end, we’re still a family.”

3

By JACOB EWALDSTAFF WRITER

As the dust settles after last Tuesday’s historic election, one has to wonder how different the outcome would be if the new technologies implemented since Bush-Kerry election had never taken effect.

Electronic voting systems aside, the most influential technologies in this election were advancements in communication via the media.

For years, the media has been the main way for voters to stay informed. Political information spreads quickly across the nation, and through it Americans begin to choose their candidates to support.

EntertainmentNovember 7, 20086

Mass communication skews election results

‘There is a fine line between political humor

and political influence.’

Jennifer Hudson pays the ‘price of publicity’By JENNIFER CHOW GRAPHICS EDITOR

On October 24, 2008, news of a mother and son gunned down in a Chicago home shocked millions of people around the world.

While incidents like this are common in our troubled world today, these victims were none other than the mother and brother of American Idol runner-up, notable actress and Oscar-winning singer Jennifer Hudson.

Normally during an emotional time such as this, people would be best left alone to cope with their loss. However, with the media flashing their names all over breaking news and the paparazzi reporting every minute of their lives, celebrities have a difficult time acquiring this much-needed privacy.

As Hudson cancelled all planned engagements for the day, including a premiere for her newly released movie The Secret Life of Bees, people all over the world were talking about her family’s tragedy. Although she isolated herself and rejected interviews, the tabloids

TRAGEDY STRIKES - Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson must endure the deaths of her mother, brother and nephew.

PHOTO/JENNIFERHUDSONONLINE.COM

PHOTO/TVGUIDE.COM

YOU BETCHA! - Sarah Palin and Lorne Michaels laugh at Tina Fey’s impression of the Alaskan governor on the set of Saturday Night Live.

were determined to get their scoop on the Hudson family slayings.

Dissecting past events and digging into her family’s private affairs, the press coverage exposed personal details to the public.

In the midst of heartbreak, Hudson has to put up a strong front—not

only for herself, but also for her fans, her image and her career.

But at the same time, she has managed to use her publicity as a helpful resource.

Five days f o l l o w i n g the murder, Hudson posted a blog entry on her Myspace page thanking her fans for their support and understanding

Live. They were able to express their views freely in the casual atmosphere of these shows. When the candidates themselves were not present, actors were sure to satirize them with hilarious impersonations.

Poking fun at candidates is a fun and entertaining way to inform the public, but only if the shows use moderation in their exaggerated portrayals. Any bias should be provided by the candidates themselves so the viewer can see both sides of the issue in an unrestrained, comedic way.

However, this is not likely to happen, as satire generally displays a candidate in a degrading manner.

While parodies are a lighthearted form of entertainment, they hold too much influence over the voting population.

There is a fine line between political humor and political influence.

YouTube was also a powerful political force during the election. Not only did it provide candidates with a form of cheap but widely-viewed advertising, many users also

viewed the presidential and vice-presidential debates through the popular site, and bloggers then posted their own ideas and political views online.

In addition to speeding communication, such technologies give individuals the power to speak their mind and be heard across the Internet. But while these new media systems seem like revolutionary concepts, they may do more harm than good.

When dirty politics of past elections enter the new frontiers of political strategy that technology offers, the voters themselves can manipulate others through free, albeit uneducated and misleading, speech.

Touchy subjects and scandals are bound to occur in

fuss about Obama’s middle name, posts suggesting that he is a terrorist or even the Antichrist have gathered a ridiculous amount of popularity.

Now imagine if every average Joe had the power to passionately display their political opinions before the Internet’s infinitely wide audience and thus were able to skew public opinion and election results. For the most part, this is beneficial—voters have the opportunity

to make their voices heard. But we live in an imperfect

world: stupid people really do exist. They will post stupid illogical arguments, and equally stupid people will listen.

It is because of these issues that voters need to be careful where they obtain their information.

Comedic shows may be entertaining, but they can easily drift from the truth. The internet, while providing an open forum for free speech, can be a dangerous place to receive information.

For now, it is probably better for voters to stick to news articles, speeches and debates—the more time-honored and legitimate forms of media.

every election. These subjects are usually the focal points of an election, and this is where faulty logic has the most influence. This faulty reasoning was abused by the candidates in past elections.

While candidates are guaranteed to tell at least the partial truth, voters now use harsher tactics on YouTube to deceive the population on a much greater scale.

Online speakers have no limits with the content that they post online. They can lie about every issue, yet it is legal because we as Americans have free speech.

In addition, they have no obligation to omit racist feelings and downright stupid arguments from their blogs. Along with all the

But more than ever, the media has been influencing elections through new means of communication on TV and the Internet.

These publications mold public opinion in ways that are not always acceptable.

For example, presidential and vice-presidential candidates, especially the controversial Sarah Palin, have appeared on shows such as Saturday Night

in the midst of this awful tragedy. In addition, she asked for any

information regarding the whereabouts of her missing nephew, offering a reward of $100,000 for his safe return.

More than 2000 fans responded to the post with prayers and condolences for Hudson and her family.

And when her nephew’s dead body was discovered a few days later, Hudson’s fan base offered even more thoughts of condolence and comfort.

The responses to Hudson’s tragedy reveal a softer side of a normally more critical, more insensitive audience.

It was arguably the fans who drove Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan to into the train wrecks they are today.

However, they are also the ones who are now helping and supporting these celebrities as they try to maintain control of their lives—the same fans who are consoling Hudson in her time of need.

One must remember that behind the fervent outcries of Chris Crocker and jeering criticism of Perez Hilton lies the backbone of every celebrity’s stardom: the fans.

The Hudson family incident reminds us the price of publicity is really the choice of celebrities to live at the mercy of the public. In the lives of celebrities, fans are a force, capable of both great and horrible things.

November 7, 2008 7Sports

By ALICE WENSTAFF WRITER

After ending a thirteen-year winless streak by defeating cross-town rival Los Altos HS, the boys water polo team closed the regular season with a 8-6 loss against an undefeated Bonita team yesterday.

Although the Cats could not pull together for a win, the boys say they played well.

“We started out slow but picked it up afterwards. It was the best game we have played all season,” said Eric Chang (11).

On Monday, the boys came out with a historic win against the Conquerors, 10-8.

The Cats were down early and left the score at 4-3 by the first quarter.

However, during the second quarter, the tide turned in favor of Wilson.

Cats conquer Los Altos, squeaked by Bonita

PHOTO/PAULLA VANGCHAROEN

OUT OF MY WAY! - Captains Eugene Chang (12) (top right) and Greg Yokomizo (above) help their team end a 13 and six year long losing streaks in Monday’s victory over the Conquerors. Despite losing yesterday the team may still move on to CIF.

“We really stepped it up after losing the lead. We played with more intensity; we wanted it more,” stated Chang.

With one second remaining in the first half, goalie and captain Eugene Chang (12) threw the first of two full-court shots, giving Wilson the lead at 5-4.

Football suffer loss from Bonita air attack

The second half proved to be close as well.

In the third quarter, Harrison Toy (12) scored a fast-break shot and Eugene Chang made his second shot from the goal.

The Cats gained a man-up advantage when one of the Conquerors’ starters, Nick Wiltz (11), received three

ejections and was out of the water for the rest of the afternoon.

With the game coming to a close, Eric Chang sealed the Cats’ victory by scoring his second goal with fifteen seconds left on the clock.

“It was a very exciting and well-balanced game,” said Coach Billy Cavezza. “The

great effort by the entire team is evident in the numbers: six players scored.”

This victory marks the boys water polo team’s first league win in six years.

The 2002 team, who beat Cathedral HS and Charter Oak, included current freshman boys basketball head coach Jason Fukao.

“It feels great that I was able to experience this feat as both a player and as a fan,” commented Fukao.

Wilson’s win is also the first against the Conquerors since 1995.

“I hate Los Altos,” said Fukao. “This win is off the record; I’m very proud of all the boys and I hope the girls will keep it up.”

The seniors say they are satisfied with their last game in the home pool.

“[I am glad to be a part of ] this turning point in the history of Wilson’s water polo program,” said captain Greg Yokomizo (12).

Losing to league champion Bonita by a small margin, the Cats’ CIF hopes are still alive as they are currently being considered for the wild card spot.

“Of all [schools], we beat Los Altos,” said Patrick Liang (12).

By CHARLES TSUEISPORTS EDITOR

After allowing Charter Oak QB Chris Allen (12) to complete four TD passes in the previous week, the football team saw Bonita’s quarterback lead the Bearcats in handing Wilson its biggest loss of the year, 54-14.

Having given up at least 40 points in the last four contests, the Cats saw their opponent jump to an early 21-0 lead.

“They were coached really well,” said Tim Gilmore (12). “They simply made more plays than we did.”

Terry Paredez (12) threw for all three touchdowns in the first and finished the game with five. One of which occurred

within the opening minute of the game when receiver Derrick Price (12) caught a 48 yard pass.

In response to fullback Doug Griffith’s (12) 11 yard TD catch, the Cats immediately scored on the first play of the drive when Tim Gilmore (12) ran for 80 yards.

“It was a simple side sweep to the right side,” said Gilmore. “It was disappointing we let the game get out of hand.”

For the rest of the first half, Bonita scored three more times, two coming from their running game.

After the Bearcats recovered a fumble to open the third, penalties forced Bonita to turn the ball over.

However, Wilson was stopped on a fourth down and one situation that most players say was a decision that “had to be made.”

For the rest of the game, the Bearcats continued their dominance on the ground, accumulating 247 rushing yards.

Their last touchdown occured in the fourth as Kenneth Calvin (11) ran for 60 yard run.

Despite Moses Vega’s (10) 97 yard kick off return TD in the fourth, it was too little too late.

Gilmore explained that execution, or the lack thereof, was the main factor in Wilson’s eighth loss of the season.

“We were at the right place at the right time, but we didn’t do what we had to do,” explained the running back.

Despite a winless record, the Cats still possess a chance to make the postseason if they win their final two games.

Tonight, Wilson hosts Diamond Ranch who holds the final playoff spot.

“This is a very big game. We need to come together to bring back a win to Wilson,” said Gilmore.

Next Thursday, the Cats will take on Los Altos. Last year the team defeated the Conquerors 42-36, taking back the prized Wheel for the first time in nine years.

November 7, 20088

Volleyball blows early lead against LA

PHOTO/P. VANGCHAROEN

League foes pose no challenge to girls tennis

By VICTORIA SUNSTAFF WRITER

Yesterday the Cats ran in League Finals. The competition took place at Mt. San Antonio College.

The Wilson cross country team finished last and placed fourth in league.

“We lost because our top runner, Mike Corona, didn’t run,” said senior Garfield Kwan, who clocked in at 19 minutes and 40 seconds.

Coach Scott Fesseden takes a more positive viewpoint on the team’s loss on Thursday.

“We did not do badly—we ran against some really good teams,” said Fesseden. “The team did well and I think we have a really good shot at the CIF final. The important thing is that we’re going [to CIF].”

Girls that will be moving on to CIF are juniors Laurie Allred and Jenny Rosete and seniors Angela Tu, Melissa Lopez, Vanessa Placentia, Lauren

GO BACK! - Jessica Davis (11) bumps towards the net in yesterday’s loss to Los Altos.

BY ALEX CHAOSTAFF WRITER

Volleyball missed the mark as it closed off the season with a loss against Los Altos and finished the year with a

Holguin, and Lara Gooseman. The boys’ cross country team will not

be going to CIF.Fesseden continued on to point out

that the day was marked with plenty of new personal records and successes.

Tu and Allred both made All-League, with Allred smashing her personal best by one minute and two seconds and clocking in at 20 minutes and 13 seconds.

John Elliot (11) finished with a new personal best as well and finished in 18

minutes and 32 seconds. Earnest Reyes (12) beat his personal best of 18 minutes and 22 seconds by twenty seconds.

For some runners, the meet was their last.

“I’m happy because I beat my personal record by 36 seconds,” says Kwan, who notes the good and bad sides of the season’s final meet. “This was also my first time breaking 20 minutes. What’s sad is that, because I’m a senior, this is the last race [of my high school career].”

1-7 league record and a 5-15 overall record.

The Cats lost all 3 games 25-22, 25-8 and 25-13. The team started off well and was ahead 19-11 in the first match.

However, Los Altos got back into their rhythm and pushed it to 21-21 before taking the win.

Wilson also lost against Diamond Ranch on Tuesday 0-3.

Wilson sends girls to CIF after Finals loss

By CHRIS CHIANGSPORTS EDITOR

To most people the last game marks the end of the season and the end of competition. But for the girls tennis team, the close of the season just means tougher games are headed their way.

The Cats participated in the preliminaries Tuesday and semi-finals and finals Wednesday. The two events were held to determine who will represent the Miramonte League in CIF.

Much like any other tournament, the losers of each match will be dropped, while winners will continue to play until they lose or become league champion.

The girls competed until three sets of doubles and singles were left.

These remaining players will then go on to CIF, with the third player acting as a wildcard in case the first two girls are unable to play.

Single players, Renee Tang (11) and Meagan Zamilpa (9) blew by their opponents in prelims and advanced to league semi-finals.

Head coach Jerelyn Lopez was especially impressed with the way Tang played.

“I was really proud of Renee for beating Amanda Alverez (12),” said Lopez. “She has lost to Amanda for three years, and she finally beat her. Renee really shifted into gear.”

In addition to beating her longtime rival, Tang was also voted to CIF First Team All-League.

Tang and Zamilpa continued their dominant streak as they finished second and first respectively in league finals.

Zamilpa became league champion and will represent the Miramonte League singles for CIF.

Apart from winning first place, Zamilpa also received the title league MVP.

Unfortunately, the doubles were not as successful as the singles. Only one team, Jessica Chin (12) and

Elaine Wang (12), managed to make it past prelims and on to league semi-finals.

However, the duo lost in the semis finishing in fourth place. On a brighter note, they were voted to Second Team All-League.

Even though the two lost, they are nonetheless content with their performance.

“We really did not expect us to get this far,” said Chin. “It was a nice surprise.”

The other double players were not as happy though.“It’s a little bit disappointing, but there’s always team CIF,

so we’re going to try our best,” said Jennifer Chang (11). The Cats will play in team CIF November 14. Bonita

will also represent the Miramonte League for CIF.Zamilpa and Tang will participate in individuals

CIF November 22.“It’s pretty tough. We see girls form all over

southern California, but I think Meagan can go as far as the third round and Renee too if she plays as hard as she did Wednesday,” said Lopez.

The team could not pull away with a win as they faltered in the second half.

“We weren’t ready to play. We just didn’t practice enough,” said Davidson.

Despite a good start, the Cats fell as the game continued.

“We had momentum in the beginning because of great plays but lost it in the end,” said Chavarria.

According to players, the loss of energy exposed the team’s lack of communication.

“We need to come with a lot more c o n c e n t r a t i o n and effort as well as work on our communication on and off the court in order to win,” said Stephanie Sanchez (12).

In spite of the lackluster season, the Cats have high expectations for next year.

“Our goals for next year are to work hard, to keep improving, to play as a team and hopefully to make it to CIF. We figured out what we needed to improve on for next year to be a better team,” said Chavarria.

Burdine also hopes to succeed in the upcoming season.

“We will do better next year. We have a good group of young athletes. There were only four seniors and seven juniors, so next year we will have a more experienced team,” said Burdine.

However, Coach Paul Burdine says that the team still has to make more adjustments if they want to improve.

“They need to be more focused. The girls didn’t come ready to play. Tuesday was probably their worst performance of the year. We are way behind the varsity level,” said Burdine.

He summed up the season by thanking and acknowledging the seniors as well as the younger athletes.

“I wish the seniors well in all of their future endeavors and look forward to working with the upcoming teams,” said Burdine.