Superb Super Bowl Commercials

Super Bowl 50 was played on Sunday, February 7, 2016, ending with a 24-10 win of the Denver Broncos against the Carolina Panthers. With superstar Lady Gaga acing the National Anthem, and Coldplay, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé rocking halftime, over 114.4 million people watched this historic game. While many watched the football game for the game itself, many others watched solely for headline-making, exclusive Super Bowl commercials. With many companies devoting millions of dollars for a thirty second ad, they are always sure to please.

Although this year there weren’t any heartwarming ads about lost puppies or puppy/clydesdale love, there was an ad featuring lots and lots of puppies. Heinz Ketchup’s Super Bowl commercial featured many Dachshunds, adults and puppies alike, dressed as hot dogs. These dogs proceeded to run towards a family of Heinz ketchup, mustard and other condiments, jumping on and licking them and having fun. Heinz celebrated this ad with the hashtag #MeettheKetchups.

#MeettheKetchups. Photo courtesy of Google Images. 

Another favorite commercial of mine was the NFL’s “Super Bowl Babies” music video. The NFL isn’t a regular sponsor of the Super Bowl commercial-wise, but in honor of Super Bowl 50, it created a cute music video. It starts with Super Bowl Babies born in 2008 wearing New York Giants hats, scarves and coats and the words “Data suggests 9 months after a Super Bowl victory, winning cities see a rise in births. They’re called Super Bowl Babies.” The video proceeds to show Super Bowl Babies of an assortment of victory years and a few “Super Bowl Parents.” It was a cute little testament to past Super Bowls.

Super Bowl Babies 2008. Photo courtesy of Google Images.

In my third favorite commercial, by Hyundai, actor Kevin Hart acted as a father whose teenage daughter was going on a date. He let her date take his car and tracked them all around town while they were on their date. He followed them to the movies and to the fair, even spying on them from a helicopter. The commercial made me and the entirety of my Super Bowl party attendants, a large portion of whom are parents, laugh very hard.

Kevin Hart, acting as a concerned father, spies on his daughter while she’s on a date. Photo courtesy of Google Images.

Coming in at a very close second, the Doritos “Ultrasound” commercial also made it on the list. In this commercial, a woman is going in for an ultrasound. Her husband stands by her side eating a bag of nacho cheese Doritos. On the monitor, we see the baby reaching for the husband’s Dorito. The husband moves the Dorito around, making the baby chase after it. The mother eventually takes the Dorito from her husband and throws it across the room. The baby proceeds to follow and everyone, the mother, father, and doctor begin to freak out.

My number one favorite commercial was the Mtn. Dew Kickstart commercial entitled “Puppy Monkey Baby.” It featured a hybrid puppy, monkey, and baby that crashes an apartment. All the hybrid says throughout the commercial is “Puppy Monkey Baby” and, at one point, licks the face of one of the men in the apartment between words. It’s a mix of terrifying, strange and cute; and in my opinion, is absolute perfection.

I adored the Super Bowl commercials this year, as I always have. They were a joy to watch and the game would not have been as fun or entertaining without them. From touching, to funny, to creepy, there was certainly a commercial for everyone.

Triple Overtime Triumph

Pictured: KU’s official 2015-2016 team poses for a group photo inside of KU’s home court, Allen Fieldhouse. Photo courtesy of Google Images.

An intense night full of anticipation and team spirit occurred during the Kansas vs. Oklahoma college basketball game on January 4 2016. This basketball game was not like any other.
Both teams were competing to be number one in the nation. The competitive attitudes obtained that night led the game into triple overtime. The final score was 109-106 with Kansas for the win.
The epic basketball game occurred at Allen Fieldhouse, the official home court for the Jayhawks. In fact, the Oklahoma Sooners haven’t won a game at Allen Fieldhouse since 1993.
In the first half, Oklahoma pulled ahead thanks to shooting guard Buddy Hield who lead the Sooners 22 points ahead with three assists. The Sooners were looking at a victory until KU guard Wayne Selden obtained a steal, following with a dunk and three-pointer. Selden began to lead the Jayhawks to victory with the score now at 65-51.
“Sports Illustrated” writer Brian Hamilton tweeted, “I could be good with clearing the floor and just letting Buddy Hield and Wayne Selden just play to 21, win by two.”
Oklahoma then began to pull ahead; however, this did not stop Kansas, who gained eight points pushing the game into a tie with only six minutes left.
KU player Devonte Graham obtained a great defensive play that lead the game in another tie with 72 points each, following a timeout. The night was only getting started.
The Sooners tried to break their losing streak at Allen Fieldhouse, but by the end of the game KU and Oklahoma were tied once again due to Hield shooting two free throws, leaving the score at 86 points, entering the first round of overtime.
The first round of overtime was in the Sooners favor, leading the game by five points. Sam Vecenie of CBSSports.com tweeted, “Buddy is unstoppable. He is not human. He has become a machine.”
KU redeemed themselves when Graham scored and KU senior player Perry Ellis shot a three-pointer, leading the game into another tie. This called for a second overtime.
At the start of the second overtime, both teams defensive players traded out due to extreme exhaustion. Selden and another KU player Frank Mason III missed a shot running into another tie, and another overtime.
The Jayhawks began triple overtime leading 102-98, until Hield shot a three-pointer, then Selden shot to obtain a winning score of 106-104.
The Kansas Jayhawks won 109-106, thanks to three overtimes, moving the game 55 minutes longer than planned and Mason shooting two winning free throws. The Oklahoma losing streak at Allen Fieldhouse has yet to be broken.

Every Hour Counts

It’s January, so that means the NCAA Football finals are in full swing. As the teams start to prepare and practice the NCAA has threatened to limit the amount of time the

Clemson Tigers are allowed to practice. This was a crucial time for the Tigers due to the big game against Alabama.

Many fans of college football often forget that the athletes are not full-time players, but also students. According to the NCAA website, “In Division I, student-athletes must complete 40 percent of the coursework required for a degree by the end of their second year. They must complete 60 percent by the end of their third year and 80 percent by the end of their fourth year. All Division I student-athletes must earn at least six credit hours each term to be eligible for the following term and must meet minimum grade-point average requirements that are related to an institution’s own GPA standards for graduation.” The athletes are given five years to complete all of the above while still being eligible to receive sports related financial aid.

In addition to having to keep up with the eligibility requirements, there are also

restrictions set on all teams. Each player is allowed to practice everyday for a maximum of four hours in season and out of season. Weekly, players are allowed to practice 20 hours per week in season, and eight hours per week out of season. However, during the season each player must have one day off every week. Out of season each player must have two days off every week.

The problem that arose between Alabama and Clemson is that Alabama’s spring semester didn’t start until January 13th, when Clemson’s Spring semester started on January 6th. This caused them to have different restrictions on practice times giving Alabama an advantage.

However, recently the NCAA has granted a practice waiver to the Clemson Tigers allowing them to exceed the 20 hour per week practice limit therefore, attempting to level the playing field between Alabama and Clemson. “We’re appreciative of the NCAA working with us in granting this waiver to assist in our preparations for next Monday’s game while maintaining our commitment to student-welfare,” said Clemson AD Dan Radakovich in a statement to CBS sports. “As Coach Swinney pointed out, this was not going to be a big difference-maker in our team’s schedule, but it’s great they’ve reached a solution that prioritizes the wellbeing  of our student-athletes while allowing them to adequately prepare for the National Championship.”

Even with the longer practice hours, Clemson still was not able to overtake Alabama. Clemson started out on top with 14 points at the end of the first quarter, but during the second quarter Alabama was able to tie the score. From there, Alabama would take, and keep the lead. The game was a close one, with an ending score of 40-45 making Alabama the National College Football Champions.

Pommin’ Up the Party At City

As the new year starts to roll in, and the second semester of school kicks into full gear, most students look forward to the annual Basketball City Tournament was held on January 21-23. This was an extremely exciting time for any student at SHG because they were able to show off their school spirit and cheer on their fellow Cyclones as they played their hearts out in hopes of  achieving the first place spot in the city. Besides the basketball games, students always look forward to the much anticipated Golden Angel Poms big halftime performance.

“I think this was one of our best dances this year and it was so much fun to perform.” Said Senior Pom Allie Moffett. The routine was performed on the last night of the city tournament, Saturday. They danced to songs such as “Hustlin’”, “DJ Turn It Up,” and “LA Love.”  The performance went down without any issues…that weren’t planned at least.

The biggest surprise of the night was when during the middle of the dance, the music started to cut out. All the Poms looked worried and devastated, as did the student section. The whole student section was beyond worried during this small amount of time. Then suddenly, the music came back on and the Poms made a great recovery.

The student section stood up and cheered, but there was still a bit of confusion as to whether the malfunction was planned or not. After the dance everyone learned that the accident was indeed planned, making this dance even more different than any other City dance.

“I was so nervous that people would know we were faking or I would start laughing in the middle of the dance and give it away,” Said Senior Pom Clara Young about the planned mess up. “I’m so glad that everyone was genuinely surprised and it went so well.” Young said.

Overall the dance was a roller coaster of emotions for anyone watching. It went from having high spirits, to being surprised and worried, then back up to the high energy that they started with. This year’s Golden Angel Poms performance was one that will never be forgotten.

What a Team!

On Saturday, November 14, Sacred Heart-Griffin played Crete Monee for a chance to play in the semifinals. However, SHG’s hopes fell short when, in the quarter final game, Crete Monee beat them 38 to 35. The close defeat was the only game the football team lost in three years. This SHG football team played phenomenally

Sophomore Cole Taylor holds the football as senior Austin Sommer kicks. Photo courtesy of Yearbook Staff.

throughout their years at SHG.

In the past three seasons, the Cyclones were unstoppable, defeating every opponent that stood in their way. In 2013, SHG won the State championship defeating Lombard Montini High School 38 to 28. In 2014, they beat Montini again for the state title 29 to 14.

This year, the Cyclones held their ground and ultimately won conference. Even though they played in Class 6A, they still triumphed. Senior Sam Bonansinga, an SHG receiver, shared his favorite game of the 2015 season. “Every game is fun, but playing Rochester was one of the most fun of my senior season. I was able to make a couple meaningful catches that had an impact on the game. Defense was also a big part of it, getting some big stops at key times from the entire squad.”

During the playoffs, the Cyclones moved forward. SHG easily beat Shephard High School 53 to 6.

The game against Peoria Notre Dame on Saturday, November 7, was a

Senior Avery Andrews makes a fantastic catch during the game against Peoria Notre Dame. Photo courtesy of Yearbook Staff.

stunning victory for the Cyclones with 61 to 38 as the final score. Peoria Notre Dame was up 14 to 13 in the first half of the game. Coach John Allison said, “What impressed me the most was the team’s ability not to get phased when we went down by a score in the second quarter. The players did not panic, they came back and answered.” SHG’s come
back resulted in its victory.

After the loss to Crete Monee, players and fans alike were sad to see the season over so soon. However, the memories of this season and past seasons will stay in the minds of the SHG football team for years to come. “I cannot say I have a favorite memory,” says Sam Bonansinga. “But the memories that I have gained throughout being an SHG football player with all of my friends is something that I would not trade for the world. I would do anything for any of them, and the relationships that I was able to make are going to last a lifetime. Going down to Georgia and competing, playoff games, two state championships and countless hours of blood, sweat and tears with my team has created an experience that I cannot even come close to explaining to anyone who has not done it for themselves. I’m truly blessed to have done it.”

I personally hope – and expect – that with the amazing coaching that we have here, the Cyclone football team can lead the school to future victories. Sam Bonansinga leaves the younger SHG football players some advice: “It goes by so fast. Because of this, take advantage of every opportunity to work, make a difference or better the team in any way. Nothing lasts forever, but while this blessing lasts, do everything you can to make it worthwhile, since once it’s done you won’t be able to play with this group of guys ever again.”

University of Missouri President Resigns

On November 9th, University of Missouri President Tim Wolfe turned in his letter of resignation, due to allegations of racial injustice on sports teams and around campus. Wolfe says he takes “full responsibility for the inaction that has occurred.”

Wolfe explained himself saying, “My motivation in making this decision comes from love. I love M.U. Columbia, where I grew up, and state of Missouri. I have thought and prayed about this decision. It’s the right thing to do.”

A student group called the ConcernedStudent1950  released a list of demands on October 20 which included the removal of Tim Wolfe as part of a protest on how the university handles racial issues on campus. The ConcernedStudent1950 is a protest group that claims it has represented every black student since the first black student was admitted to the school in 1950.

Wolfe gave an emotional and much-needed speech when he announced his resignation saying, “Why did we get to this very difficult situation? It is my belief we stopped listening to each other. We didn’t respond or react.”

“Change comes from listening, learning, caring, and conversation.” Wolfe adds. He claims the way to help prevent situations like this in the future is to have patience and genuine care for one another as humans. Once everyone on campus can be cooperative and helpful towards one another, there will be much less of an issue with equality.

“I’d ask everybody from students to faculty, staff to my friends, everybody, use my resignation to heal and start talking again to make the changes necessary and let’s focus on changing what we can change today and in the future, not what we can’t change which is what happened in the past,” Wolfe professed. Wolfe’s resignation brought an end to black graduate student Jonathan Butler’s week-long hunger strike, which advocated for Wolfe’s removal. “This is only the first step! More change is to come!!” Butler tweeted.

A few other requirements on the list of the demands that the ConcernedStudent1950 group wrote included comprehensive racial awareness and inclusion classes.

Fall in Love with Fall Sports

Second quarter has started, and with that comes the end of the fall sports season. From football to golf, the SHG sports program continues to shine, and this year was no exception. Although no state championships were earned, many students made it to regionals, sectionals, and a few exceptional athletes made it to State.

Our two-time defending State Football Champions led an undefeated season, winning the Central State Eight Conference. Crete-Monee, however, defeated SHG in a tight competition, taking away SHG’s hopes at a “three-peat”. 

Girls’ Swimming and Diving also had a good season. Sophomore diver Hannah Ketchum got third at Conference and talked about her experiences. “It was a lot of work but it was all worth it. Everyone worked really hard.” Seniors Izzy Garcia and Kailey Johannes, junior Bella Giacomini, sophomores Abby Fierstos, Madison Johannes, and Anne Mosley, and freshmen Cami Blair and Megan Rupnik, all moved on to sectionals.

Girls’ Tennis had a strong season. The girls played all over the Central Illinois Area, with individuals senior Isabel Cross, and juniors Claire Nachtwey and Hannah Abrahamson advancing to state.

Girls’ Golf, newly coached by Elena Holler, ended up winning their Regional. They, however, lost at the sectional, losing their chance at a state appearance.

Volleyball had an overall good season, with a winning record. The varsity girls, while advancing through regionals to Sectionals, however, lost to Quincy Notre Dame in the supersectional.

Boys’ Cross Country had a strong season. The team was successful this year, with senior Nate Fierstos advancing to the state meet. The team as a whole advanced to Sectionals from Regionals, in third place. They got 12th place at the Sectional.

Girls’ Cross Country also has a young, strong team. Sophomore Hannah van Houten qualified for state, with a 15th place finish. The team advanced from Regionals at fourth place, ending the season with a 10th place Sectional finish.

Boys’ Soccer, while at a better overall conference record than last year, they unfortunately lost their regional. This was the first time in school history that the boys lost to Springfield Southeast High School.

First quarter is packed with SHG sports. As winter approaches, we anticipate the beginning of new sports and new chances at glory. SHG athletics have always been strong, and they are bound to continue to succeed in the future.

It’s Go Time

As the days start to get shorter, the temperature starts to get cooler, and football season winds down, a much anticipated hockey season approaches.

The SHG Cyclones Hockey team is much more than a team, they consider each other family. When senior hockey player Jake Melton was asked what he will miss most about playing Hockey for SHG he said, “I’ll miss my teammates the most, they’re all great people and I loved being able to play alongside them.” It is important to have a strong bond between teammates, so they are able to lift each other up and benefit from one another.

Because the team is a close knit group of friends, their performance improves in the rink. “I’m expecting a championship from us this year.” Melton stated. Recalling last year, the team came very close to winning championship. The title came down to one very close game.

All the success that the Hockey team achieves does not come without hard work. The team practices frequently. “Since we lost last year, we’re really determined to win the cup this year. So instead of just one practice a week like the past years, we’ve been practicing three times a week and with new co-op players.” Said Junior Zach Hoyle. As one can imagine this practice schedule and the natural talent the team possesses is a recipe for success.

The boys take the ice for the first time this season on December 1, at the Nelson Center. Let’s wish them luck and hope  that this year, the boys bring home a championship!

Maybe This Year

Springfield, Illinois has always loved baseball. After all, it is the American pastime. In Houston, most are Astros fans. In Miami, most are Marlins fans. However, the citizens of Springfield do not have a professional baseball team, so they are forced to choose between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs.

Sophomores Steven Bentley, Elise Antonacci, and Payton Reichensperger show their Cubs spirit.

Even the 1989 movie “Back to the Future II” believes in Chicago this year. In the movie, Marty McFly travels into the “future” to this current year, 2015. The background of the scene in which he arrives in the future shows a baseball stadium with the headline, Cubs win the World Series. The Cubs are closer to this prediction now than ever before.

The fans’ adage “Maybe next year” may actually be coming true. This year, the Cubs have gone further than they have in years. The Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908. They have not made it to the playoffs since 2008 and they have not made it to a World Series game since 1945. The Cubs placed third in the National League Central Division this year, behind the Pittsburgh Pirates at second and the Cardinals at number one. They fought valiantly in a sudden-death Wild Card game against the Pirates and won to earn a spot playing against the Cardinals. In this instrumental series against the Cardinals last week, the Cubs advanced, winning the first, third, and fourth games in a best-of-five series.

But what has led to the Cubs’ success? SHG Sophomore Steven Bentley believes their success stems from first baseman Anthony Rizzo. “I believe the most influential person for their success is Anthony Rizzo because of the good season he has had.” SHG Junior Colleen O’Brien credits second baseman Starlin Castro. “Although he started off rough, [Castro] pulled everything together for the end of the season.”

It has been a successful season for Chicago and for Cubs fans everywhere. Bentley says, “I do believe the prediction in “Back to the Future II” will come true.” All fans can do is hope.

Update: The Cubs were eliminated in a 4-game sweep against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Undefeated They Stand

The boys are back at it. The SHG football team is on a roll once again. The varsity football team remains undefeated and continue to put up running clocks.

The first game played was against Springfield High School on the home turf. By half-time there was a running clock up on the board. SHG took home a win with a finishing score of 51 to 7. “I’m excited about this group. I was concerned because Springfield has some great athletes and we contained them really, really well.” Coach Ken Leonard said.

The next game was also played on the home turf against Decatur Eisenhower. This was a long game lasting around three hours. Quarterback Tim Brenneisen, completed 13 out of 19 throws totaling in 302 yards.

For week three the boys dominated Jacksonville on Jacksonville’s own field. Senior Sam Bonansinga held the spotlight as he made six catches totaling 106 yards. The boys make football look easy by ending the game with a total of 62 points to14.

In week four the boys brought the storm…literally. The game was shortened due to weather but would that stop them from dominating? As if. The Cyclones came home with a 48-0  win just before the game ended early around 8 p.m. Senior Albert Okwuegbunam and junior Vince Mounce both caught touchdown passes during the short game. “He’d been hurt. He had a great summer,” Coach Leonard said referring to Mounce. “Jack Sigourney was hurt, and Mounce is a load. He’s going to be a really good player.”

The week of September 25th was homecoming week and the boys also brought home another win. Lincoln High School was no match for SHG. Keeping the undefeated title, the Cycs won an impressive 70 to 0.

In week six the Cyclones were taken to their south side opponents, the Glenwood Titans. The titans put up a bit more of a fight than Lincoln, but were still no match. Chatham is the only team this season, so far that SHG hasn’t beaten with a running clock. However, just like every other opponent, SHG manages to take home the win.

The cyclones hope the boys are able to keep up the undefeated record and bring home another State championship. Good luck Cycs!