Burris Common Ground

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

"Fat Man" Relay surprise

While the Burris Track team is used to thrilling finishes on the behalf of their guys 4x4 team, it was a different four-man relay that stole the spotlights Friday during the Relay Medley meet at Madison Grant.

The "Fat Man" event is the exciting closer each year. In this event throwers from each team are given the chance to use their legs as a 4x1 team. Burris found their calling, as well as a resounding victory, in this event. With their first leg man, Academy Senior Jacob Reusser, running just under 12 seconds (the second fastest time on the entire boys track team, just

behind Burris Junior Faelon Lipscomp). The throwers managed to finish the 400 only a few

seconds behind the teams regular 4x1 line-up.

Both Reusser and another Academy Senior Stuart Hilsmier had looked forward to this event for some time. They knew they could compete, Hilsmier being an apt alternate sprinter when the team calls upon him.

This was not the only unique event at the 8 team meet. Each year the usual structure of a track meet is tossed aside and the focus is set upon relays. Such as the Distance Medley (consisting of a unique 1200 meter run). The only open races are those for sprinters and mid-distance.

The Burris boys usually finish their meets with their explosive 4x4 team consisting of (depending on the meet) Academy Senior Eric Lechner, Burris Senior Jesse Etsler, Burris Junior Reilly Delk , Sophomore Jack McGee, and last but certainly not least, the

aforementioned Lipscomb.

Although respectable, but less than enthusiastic placements of 6th for the guys and 3rd for the girls, a solid victory was won for the ego of a few. This ending the meet on a lighthearted note, with the Shot Put coach Jeremy Hutchinson exclaiming, "The most important event in the history of Track & Field! You can quote me on that!" as the team was packing up their camp and heading back onto the bus.

Academy Senior Jacob Reusser beginning his leg of the "Fat Man" at Madison Grant.

Academy Senior Stuart Hilsmier finishes the last 100 meters of the "Fat Man"

Coach Hutchinson gleefully watches as his throwers come in well ahead of the other "Fat Man" relay teams

Reusser and Coach Hutchinson share an ecstatic exchange of words after their surprisingly good performance.

Reusser and Hilsmier talk to a few of the teams coaches after their spectacular run

Friday, May 6, 2011

bin Laden Poll

by Derek Packard

This weak I did a survey on whether or not people thought that the US took the right move by flying into Pakistan and capturing/ killing Osama Bin Laden.

My results were swayed severely to one side. That being the side for the US invading Pakistan to capture the mass murder, my results ended up being about 97 percent for and only 3 percent against. Whether or not that three percent were joking, I am not completely sure but this is obviously a one way vote.

One the other hand though it would have been interesting to see how these surveys would have been in middle eastern countries or even European. From an American stand point though it sways extremely for it. While others it may be more of a 50 to 50 in Europe, or even a 20 to 80 in the Middle east.

Lockdowns

Hannah Badger

On Monday May 2 some may say that we were placed on a semi-lockdown. This meaning that two of the three entrances to the school were locked. The way you could get into the school was through the entrance closest to the office.

This “semi-lockdown” was not the only issue concerning lockdowns at schools. Wapahani High School had a threatening message located in a bathroom. Many students did not attend Wapahani on Monday due to the threats.

Also reports of lockdowns at Muncie Central and Southside had been reported. The Muncie Star Press stated the reasons behind the lockdown were because of “rumors of a possible incident”.

“I think the lockdown was kind of pointless because nobody was watching our unlocked entrance,” stated Burris Senior Katie Murphy. Many students agreed with Murphy.

Track season coming to a close

Alex Nancarrow

As with the other spring sports, the track season is quickly coming to an end. The boy’s team has competed in seven meets and has won four so far. The girl’s team has competed in eight meets this season and has won five of those.

For nearly all of the meets the weather has been cold, rainy, or both in some cases. “It really annoys me that is has been so awful outside,” said Burris junior Molly Boylan, “it makes it difficult to be excited for meets and to perform well.”

The only competitions left for the boys and girls are the Madison Grant Relays on May 6, Mid-Eastern Conference on May 10, and finally Sectionals. Sectionals take place on May 17 and May 19 for the girls and boys respectively.

This is not only then end of the season, but also the end of a high school athletic career for seniors. “I’m sad that this is my last track season,” said Burris senior Hannah Clemmons, “I will miss long jump.” Clemmons has helped the team win 3 conference championships, setting a new long jump record for Burris at last years conference at 17 and ¼ inches. She has also gone to regional’s her sophomore and junior years competing in the 4x4, 400 meter dash, and long jump.

Starbucks Frappuccino Happy Hour Returns

Starbucks 'Frappuccino Happy Hour' is back. The popular iced coffee beverages will be half-priced between the hours of 3 and 5 pm from May 6th to the 15th. Starbucks has added a new addition to their wide flavor selection, the latest a Mocha Coconut. In addition to the variety of flavors, the frappuccinos are customizable, allowing customers to chose low fat milk and sugar free syrups. Customers can also add protein powder and whipped topping, along with a plethora of other add ins, to their drinks. The frappunccinos are regularly priced between $3.52 and $4.57. "I'm excited about the return of happy hour," said senior Hannah Clemmons, "Starbucks Frappuccinos are my favorite."