Water
Water.
It covers nearly three-fourths of the entire planet and is vital to all life on Earth. Although it may seem too vast and uncontrollable to be impacted, it is not in actuality an indestructible force. In the last couple of centuries, industrialization has had a significant effect on the oceans, arctic ice caps, and freshwater reservoirs.
Climate change has brought arctic ice down, creating a surplus of water in the oceans that rises up to swallow small islands and shoreline cities. Not only that, but air pollution, nitrogen pollution, and wildfire smoke have lowered drinkable water supply and quality. According to NASA scientists, the potential changes in the earth’s water cycle due to climate change are among the most serious policy issues.
An imbalance in the water cycle and weather patterns leads directly to climate change-induced natural disasters. Among these, wildfires stand out as highly destructive to both the global and residential water supply and quality. The annual California Wildfires specifically have had a detrimental impact on the water quality for thousands of Americans.
As the wildfire season hits California forests and wild reserves, the lakes and reservoirs in these areas become exposed to high levels of build-up ash, soil erosion, and fire debris. The smoke created by the blaze changes the concentration of chemicals in the water and turns the drinking water into a cloudy grey.
“The material toxins and pollutants that get burned end up in the ash, and it moves around through an atmospheric flow from location to location. Eventually, the ash can wind up in our drinking water, making it harder to process and purify,” Stanford hydrologist Newsha Ajami said in an interview with reporter Rob Jordan.
Many restaurants and homes are all full of electronics, appliances, solar panels, and industrial chemicals, which release harmful particles into the air when they are burned. If there is rain after a fire, Ajami warns that it can sweep the dangerous ash into waterways and rivers. Ajami also references the way hazardous smoke can impact soil and agriculture.
“Plants can absorb these pollutants directly through their leaves and roots, potentially affecting their growth or making them unsafe for consumption,” Ajami said.
Not only is the ash created by the wildfires a threat, but the leftover debris can be harmful to water irrigation systems as well. After a fire takes place, the first move in many parts of California is to clean up large pieces of debris and wreckage.
“Disaster debris must be removed and properly managed to reduce threats to public health and safety, protect the environment, and help communities recover and rebuild,” said CalRecycle, a company focused on organizing, managing, and overseeing debris removal operations in California.
Although it requires plenty of work and heavy equipment, this cleanup strategy effectively keeps water reservoirs clean and unclogged. The importance of cleaning water from dangerous chemicals cannot be stressed enough. The negative impacts from wildfire debris and smoke are evident during each fire season in California and will continue to be for many years to come.
It covers nearly three-fourths of the entire planet and is vital to all life on Earth. Although it may seem too vast and uncontrollable to be impacted, it is not in actuality an indestructible force. In the last couple of centuries, industrialization has had a significant effect on the oceans, arctic ice caps, and freshwater reservoirs.
Climate change has brought arctic ice down, creating a surplus of water in the oceans that rises up to swallow small islands and shoreline cities. Not only that, but air pollution, nitrogen pollution, and wildfire smoke have lowered drinkable water supply and quality. According to NASA scientists, the potential changes in the earth’s water cycle due to climate change are among the most serious policy issues.
An imbalance in the water cycle and weather patterns leads directly to climate change-induced natural disasters. Among these, wildfires stand out as highly destructive to both the global and residential water supply and quality. The annual California Wildfires specifically have had a detrimental impact on the water quality for thousands of Americans.
As the wildfire season hits California forests and wild reserves, the lakes and reservoirs in these areas become exposed to high levels of build-up ash, soil erosion, and fire debris. The smoke created by the blaze changes the concentration of chemicals in the water and turns the drinking water into a cloudy grey.
“The material toxins and pollutants that get burned end up in the ash, and it moves around through an atmospheric flow from location to location. Eventually, the ash can wind up in our drinking water, making it harder to process and purify,” Stanford hydrologist Newsha Ajami said in an interview with reporter Rob Jordan.
Many restaurants and homes are all full of electronics, appliances, solar panels, and industrial chemicals, which release harmful particles into the air when they are burned. If there is rain after a fire, Ajami warns that it can sweep the dangerous ash into waterways and rivers. Ajami also references the way hazardous smoke can impact soil and agriculture.
“Plants can absorb these pollutants directly through their leaves and roots, potentially affecting their growth or making them unsafe for consumption,” Ajami said.
Not only is the ash created by the wildfires a threat, but the leftover debris can be harmful to water irrigation systems as well. After a fire takes place, the first move in many parts of California is to clean up large pieces of debris and wreckage.
“Disaster debris must be removed and properly managed to reduce threats to public health and safety, protect the environment, and help communities recover and rebuild,” said CalRecycle, a company focused on organizing, managing, and overseeing debris removal operations in California.
Although it requires plenty of work and heavy equipment, this cleanup strategy effectively keeps water reservoirs clean and unclogged. The importance of cleaning water from dangerous chemicals cannot be stressed enough. The negative impacts from wildfire debris and smoke are evident during each fire season in California and will continue to be for many years to come.
Earth
As we delve deeper into a state of climate disaster, the best way to see the ramifications is simple - just look around. Our Earth is struggling, and it’s evident in everything from the dry forests to the spread of disease.
Although COVID-19 isn’t a direct result of climate change, many of the root causes of climate change also increase the risk of pandemics.As the planet continues to heat up, animals of all different shapes and sizes head to the poles to escape the heat. This results in animals coming into contact with other animals that they normally wouldn't. The collision of different species creates an opportunity for pathogens to infect new hosts.Additionally, deforestation remains the leading cause of habitat loss worldwide. Loss of habitat forces animals to migrate and come into contact with other animals or people, sharing germs.
Natural disasters are ruinous for society. They can cause up to billions of dollars in damage, leaving millions of people in dire situations, and cause numerous deaths. They are hard enough to navigate alone, but now there’s a new element added to the devastation. The spread of COVID-19 has changed society at an unprecedented level, resulting in new safety measures and procedures that have affected millions. Masks now cover previously visible faces. Glass walls shield workers from customers, and temperature checks are common entry requirements.
These changes affect everyday life in numerous ways, but perhaps where it hurts the most is during times of environmental disasters. At the most basic level, the health of workers can be put at risk as environmental hazards, and COVID-19 procedures clash. In the past couple of months, fires have raged over Northern California, causing evacuations, destruction, and poor air quality.
Although COVID-19 isn’t a direct result of climate change, many of the root causes of climate change also increase the risk of pandemics.As the planet continues to heat up, animals of all different shapes and sizes head to the poles to escape the heat. This results in animals coming into contact with other animals that they normally wouldn't. The collision of different species creates an opportunity for pathogens to infect new hosts.Additionally, deforestation remains the leading cause of habitat loss worldwide. Loss of habitat forces animals to migrate and come into contact with other animals or people, sharing germs.
Natural disasters are ruinous for society. They can cause up to billions of dollars in damage, leaving millions of people in dire situations, and cause numerous deaths. They are hard enough to navigate alone, but now there’s a new element added to the devastation. The spread of COVID-19 has changed society at an unprecedented level, resulting in new safety measures and procedures that have affected millions. Masks now cover previously visible faces. Glass walls shield workers from customers, and temperature checks are common entry requirements.
These changes affect everyday life in numerous ways, but perhaps where it hurts the most is during times of environmental disasters. At the most basic level, the health of workers can be put at risk as environmental hazards, and COVID-19 procedures clash. In the past couple of months, fires have raged over Northern California, causing evacuations, destruction, and poor air quality.
Meet the presidential candidates
Joe BidenAfter 43 years in politics and three attempts, Joe Biden finally progressed to be the democratic party’s nominee in the 2020 presidential election.
Biden initially began his political career in 1970 when he won a seat on the New Castle County council in Delaware, where he stayed for two years.
In 1972, Biden decided to run for senator. Going into the election, his Republican opponent, Senator J. Caleb Boggs, was heavily favored as he had served the previous two terms. Biden, on the other hand, only had city council experience and was viewed as a Democratic candidate with no money and no influence. One month into his first term as Senator, Biden’s wife, Neilia, and year-old daughter, Naomi, got killed in a car accident. Despite the tragedy, Biden continued his political career and ultimately became the state’s longest-serving senator.
As a senator, Biden spent most of his time focusing on foreign relations, criminal justice, and drug policy. In 1984, he became a Democratic floor manager of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act. At the time, this was his most significant piece of legislation.
Biden initially began his political career in 1970 when he won a seat on the New Castle County council in Delaware, where he stayed for two years.
In 1972, Biden decided to run for senator. Going into the election, his Republican opponent, Senator J. Caleb Boggs, was heavily favored as he had served the previous two terms. Biden, on the other hand, only had city council experience and was viewed as a Democratic candidate with no money and no influence. One month into his first term as Senator, Biden’s wife, Neilia, and year-old daughter, Naomi, got killed in a car accident. Despite the tragedy, Biden continued his political career and ultimately became the state’s longest-serving senator.
As a senator, Biden spent most of his time focusing on foreign relations, criminal justice, and drug policy. In 1984, he became a Democratic floor manager of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act. At the time, this was his most significant piece of legislation.
Chaos in Cleveland: Biden and Trump quarrel in the presidential debate
President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden faced off in Cleveland, Ohio, on Tuesday in their first of three presidential debates ahead of the 2020 election. Moderated by Fox News’ Chris Wallace, the two candidates spent 90 minutes discussing eight topics: the appointment of the next Supreme Court justice, Obamacare, COVID-19, climate change, racism in America, law and order, foreign affairs, as well as the integrity of the election.
Next SCOTUS Justice & Amy Coney Barret:
The first topic presented by the moderator, Wallace, was the candidates’ perspectives on Trump’s nomination for the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett, and the effect she would have on the court.
Given two minutes of uninterrupted speaking, Trump expressed that the Republican control of the Senate and the White House gave him the right to appoint Barrett to the Court before the election. He said Barett is a “phenomenal nominee […] respected by all, top academically, and good in every way” and that she would “be as good as anybody who has ever served on that Court.”
Next SCOTUS Justice & Amy Coney Barret:
The first topic presented by the moderator, Wallace, was the candidates’ perspectives on Trump’s nomination for the Supreme Court, Amy Coney Barrett, and the effect she would have on the court.
Given two minutes of uninterrupted speaking, Trump expressed that the Republican control of the Senate and the White House gave him the right to appoint Barrett to the Court before the election. He said Barett is a “phenomenal nominee […] respected by all, top academically, and good in every way” and that she would “be as good as anybody who has ever served on that Court.”
May Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s memory be her legacy
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was buried Friday at the U.S. Capitol Hill – the first woman to receive this honor. Now, as Americans mourn her passing, they simultaneously embrace her legacy.
Bader was born to Jewish parents in 1933 in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated first in her class from Cornell University in 1954 and married her husband, Martin D. Ginsburg, the same year. Because she was a woman, Bader was not chosen as Justice Felix Frankfurter’s clerk in 1960. Thirty-three years later, she was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton. As the second woman to serve on the highest court, Ginsburg was a warrior for gender equality. Ginsburg’s appeals had both political and societal influence, empowering women legally and morally. “She made me and women all over the country believe in themselves and inspired them to be whatever they wanted to be, while also giving them the rights to do so,” saidMorgan Hawes, a human rights activist, and a senior.
Bader was born to Jewish parents in 1933 in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated first in her class from Cornell University in 1954 and married her husband, Martin D. Ginsburg, the same year. Because she was a woman, Bader was not chosen as Justice Felix Frankfurter’s clerk in 1960. Thirty-three years later, she was nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton. As the second woman to serve on the highest court, Ginsburg was a warrior for gender equality. Ginsburg’s appeals had both political and societal influence, empowering women legally and morally. “She made me and women all over the country believe in themselves and inspired them to be whatever they wanted to be, while also giving them the rights to do so,” saidMorgan Hawes, a human rights activist, and a senior.
A recap from a highly unconventional Republican National Convention
Preface:
Many of the sentiments expressed in the Republican National Convention stand in stark contrast to past political conventions and elections. With a highly divided, bipartisan, political atmosphere, this year saw an abundance of cross-aisle attacks. Experts have alleged that while Americans have always had differences in opinion regarding politics, this year displays one of the worst and most drastic divides. They have also explained that while America has never been entirely unified – in terms of political outlook – politicians have maintained a level of respect witnessed less in this election. For example, in 2008, John McCain, the Republican Presidential nominee, defended Democratic Presidential nominee (and future President), Barack Obama, from racist accusations at a rally. “I can’t trust Obama. I have read about him, and he is an Arab,” said a supporter. “No ma’am,” McCain responded. “He is a decent, family man, and citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is about.” This demonstration of unity and respect is seen less during this 2020 convention.
Night One:
The Republican National Convention kicked off Monday, Aug. 24, with a speech from Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk opened with a warning to the American people. “This election is a decision between preserving America as we know it and eliminating everything we love,” Kirk said. He continued to defy Trump’s promise of a positive convention saying, “The American way of life is being dismantled by a group of bitter, deceitful, vengeful activists.” RNC Chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, carried this anti-democrat sentiment into her speech with a focus on challenging Joe Biden. “Unlike Joe Biden, President Trump did not choose me because I am a woman,” McDaniel said. “And ‘nice guys’ like Joe care more about other countries like Iran and China than The United States of America,” she concluded.
After a video defending their actions, the McCloskey’s – the infamous armed couple photographed aiming rifles at protesters in St. Louis – spoke in advocacy of the incumbent president and the Second Amendment. “President Trump will defend the god-given right of every American to protect their homes and their families,” Mark McCloskey said. They also detailed their condemnation for Joe Biden and the Democrats, calling them “Marxist Liberal activists,” who are taking over and aiming to disband suburban America. “They [the Democratic Party] are not satisfied with spreading the chaos and violence into our communities. They want to abolish the suburbs altogether(1) by ending single-family home zoning. This zoning would bring crime, lawlessness, and low-quality apartments into now thriving suburban neighborhoods. President Trump smartly ended this government overreach, but Joe Biden wants to bring it back,” Patrica said. Mark continued, saying, “It seems as if the Democrats no longer view the government’s job as protecting honest citizens from criminals, but rather, protecting criminals from honest citizens.”
The night concluded with speeches from Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Donald Trump Junior. Trump Junior spoke exaggeratedly about the economy and then blamed the Chinese Communist party for the outbreak of COVID-19. “Then, courtesy of the Chinese Communist party, the virus struck,” Trump Jr. said before calling Vice President Biden “Beijing Biden” and claiming that “Biden is basically the loch ness monster.” Trump Junior concluded his speech, maintaining the overarching theme of the night. “The other [Democratic] party is attacking the very principles on which our nation was founded: freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the rule of law(2),” he said.
Many of the sentiments expressed in the Republican National Convention stand in stark contrast to past political conventions and elections. With a highly divided, bipartisan, political atmosphere, this year saw an abundance of cross-aisle attacks. Experts have alleged that while Americans have always had differences in opinion regarding politics, this year displays one of the worst and most drastic divides. They have also explained that while America has never been entirely unified – in terms of political outlook – politicians have maintained a level of respect witnessed less in this election. For example, in 2008, John McCain, the Republican Presidential nominee, defended Democratic Presidential nominee (and future President), Barack Obama, from racist accusations at a rally. “I can’t trust Obama. I have read about him, and he is an Arab,” said a supporter. “No ma’am,” McCain responded. “He is a decent, family man, and citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues, and that’s what this campaign is about.” This demonstration of unity and respect is seen less during this 2020 convention.
Night One:
The Republican National Convention kicked off Monday, Aug. 24, with a speech from Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk opened with a warning to the American people. “This election is a decision between preserving America as we know it and eliminating everything we love,” Kirk said. He continued to defy Trump’s promise of a positive convention saying, “The American way of life is being dismantled by a group of bitter, deceitful, vengeful activists.” RNC Chairwoman, Ronna McDaniel, carried this anti-democrat sentiment into her speech with a focus on challenging Joe Biden. “Unlike Joe Biden, President Trump did not choose me because I am a woman,” McDaniel said. “And ‘nice guys’ like Joe care more about other countries like Iran and China than The United States of America,” she concluded.
After a video defending their actions, the McCloskey’s – the infamous armed couple photographed aiming rifles at protesters in St. Louis – spoke in advocacy of the incumbent president and the Second Amendment. “President Trump will defend the god-given right of every American to protect their homes and their families,” Mark McCloskey said. They also detailed their condemnation for Joe Biden and the Democrats, calling them “Marxist Liberal activists,” who are taking over and aiming to disband suburban America. “They [the Democratic Party] are not satisfied with spreading the chaos and violence into our communities. They want to abolish the suburbs altogether(1) by ending single-family home zoning. This zoning would bring crime, lawlessness, and low-quality apartments into now thriving suburban neighborhoods. President Trump smartly ended this government overreach, but Joe Biden wants to bring it back,” Patrica said. Mark continued, saying, “It seems as if the Democrats no longer view the government’s job as protecting honest citizens from criminals, but rather, protecting criminals from honest citizens.”
The night concluded with speeches from Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Donald Trump Junior. Trump Junior spoke exaggeratedly about the economy and then blamed the Chinese Communist party for the outbreak of COVID-19. “Then, courtesy of the Chinese Communist party, the virus struck,” Trump Jr. said before calling Vice President Biden “Beijing Biden” and claiming that “Biden is basically the loch ness monster.” Trump Junior concluded his speech, maintaining the overarching theme of the night. “The other [Democratic] party is attacking the very principles on which our nation was founded: freedom of thought, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the rule of law(2),” he said.
Heritage Fair recognizes cultures at Carlmont
The roar of the crowd echoes in her ears as the spotlight beams, highlighting her still figure. All eyes are on her, and yet, she doesn’t falter as she explodes into movement, the tapping of her shoes against the floor dominating the gym.
Cheers fill the air as she pauses, but her performance isn’t over yet. Her hands reach up and begin to clap, and soon, the crowd is clapping along too as the music comes on, a backdrop for the star onstage. Chelsea Plunkett is only a freshman, but her performance captured both the heart of Carlmont’s student body and the essence of the Heritage Fair.
Every year, Heritage Fair welcomes clubs to celebrate their culture and raise awareness through the assembly, and this year was no exception.
Cheers fill the air as she pauses, but her performance isn’t over yet. Her hands reach up and begin to clap, and soon, the crowd is clapping along too as the music comes on, a backdrop for the star onstage. Chelsea Plunkett is only a freshman, but her performance captured both the heart of Carlmont’s student body and the essence of the Heritage Fair.
Every year, Heritage Fair welcomes clubs to celebrate their culture and raise awareness through the assembly, and this year was no exception.
Nobody is above the law
Protesters gather near Hillsdale Mall to impel Congress to remove President Trump
“This is what democracy looks like!” chanted a crowd of over 500 protestors.
On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the evening before the House of Representatives would vote on the impeachment President Donald Trump; people took to the streets in over 600 locations nationwide. In San Mateo, across the street from Hillsdale Mall, peaceful protestors of all ages and ethnicities gathered to urge Congress to impeach and remove Trump.
“It was inevitable that his criminal ways would come to light. It was just a matter of time,” said Wendy Rose, an event organizer.
The Nobody is Above the Law event had been orchestrated by MoveOn, an organization founded in 1998 in response to Bill Clinton’s impeachment. The organization uses the impact of the internet to connect like-minded people to push a progressive agenda. One of their primary goals over the past couple of years is to oust Trump from office. In response to the two articles of impeachment drafted by Congress, thousands of Americans participated in the Nobody is Above the Law event.
“This is what democracy looks like!” chanted a crowd of over 500 protestors.
On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the evening before the House of Representatives would vote on the impeachment President Donald Trump; people took to the streets in over 600 locations nationwide. In San Mateo, across the street from Hillsdale Mall, peaceful protestors of all ages and ethnicities gathered to urge Congress to impeach and remove Trump.
“It was inevitable that his criminal ways would come to light. It was just a matter of time,” said Wendy Rose, an event organizer.
The Nobody is Above the Law event had been orchestrated by MoveOn, an organization founded in 1998 in response to Bill Clinton’s impeachment. The organization uses the impact of the internet to connect like-minded people to push a progressive agenda. One of their primary goals over the past couple of years is to oust Trump from office. In response to the two articles of impeachment drafted by Congress, thousands of Americans participated in the Nobody is Above the Law event.
Lady Scots varsity soccer triumphs over Menlo Knights
After withstanding some pressure from Menlo for the first 20 minutes of the game, Carlmont’s girls’ varsity soccer got the spark it needed as Jenna Reinhardt set up Maddie Cunningham for the game’s opening goal.
Momentum shifted to the Lady Scots from there, with Cunningham scoring twice and senior Sam Phan dishing out two assists in a 5-0 rivalry game victory on Tuesday.
“We came into the game with a lot of confidence after beating Sacred Heart, and we really came out swinging,” said Izzy Lynagh, a junior.
The critical moment came in the 30th minute after Menlo, who had looked like the team most likely to get on the score sheet, first turned over the ball for the sixth consecutive time. Rachael Summers forced the turnover and passed the ball far down the pitch, from the right-wing to Reinhardt, who one-touched it past Menlo’s defense right into Cunningham’s path.
“We’ve spent a lot of practicing these scenarios,” Summers said. “We have drilled that long pass over and over, so when I saw the opportunity, I knew exactly what to do.”
Cunningham just had to beat the keeper. She did so by gently chipping the ball over the goalie from the right post for a 1-0 lead.
Momentum shifted to the Lady Scots from there, with Cunningham scoring twice and senior Sam Phan dishing out two assists in a 5-0 rivalry game victory on Tuesday.
“We came into the game with a lot of confidence after beating Sacred Heart, and we really came out swinging,” said Izzy Lynagh, a junior.
The critical moment came in the 30th minute after Menlo, who had looked like the team most likely to get on the score sheet, first turned over the ball for the sixth consecutive time. Rachael Summers forced the turnover and passed the ball far down the pitch, from the right-wing to Reinhardt, who one-touched it past Menlo’s defense right into Cunningham’s path.
“We’ve spent a lot of practicing these scenarios,” Summers said. “We have drilled that long pass over and over, so when I saw the opportunity, I knew exactly what to do.”
Cunningham just had to beat the keeper. She did so by gently chipping the ball over the goalie from the right post for a 1-0 lead.
Varsity tennis shuts-out Ravens in anticipation of CCS
On Wednesday, in a playoff make or break match, Carlmont’s varsity girls tennis team competed against Sequoia High School for the first time this season.
All season long, the Carlmont’s girl’s tennis team has prided themselves on maintaining a high level of team spirit. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Lady Scots worked together in order to beat the Ravens, winning seven shutout matches brutally.
Winning all seven matches has boosted Carlmont’s confidence in anticipation of playing Burlingame High on Thursday, as the Scots look towards making the Central Coast Section (CCS) finals.
Carlmont’s singles one player, Annika Lin, won both sets 6-0 against her opponent, Sarah Stampleman. Lin took an early lead, blowing by game one and two without losing a single point. Lin lost a couple of points towards the beginning of game three but regained control to pull out a third win. From there on, she began to assert her complete dominance as she beat Stapleman for the next nine consecutive games.
“It’s like she never gets tired,” said Simone Beilin, a teammate.
All season long, the Carlmont’s girl’s tennis team has prided themselves on maintaining a high level of team spirit. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Lady Scots worked together in order to beat the Ravens, winning seven shutout matches brutally.
Winning all seven matches has boosted Carlmont’s confidence in anticipation of playing Burlingame High on Thursday, as the Scots look towards making the Central Coast Section (CCS) finals.
Carlmont’s singles one player, Annika Lin, won both sets 6-0 against her opponent, Sarah Stampleman. Lin took an early lead, blowing by game one and two without losing a single point. Lin lost a couple of points towards the beginning of game three but regained control to pull out a third win. From there on, she began to assert her complete dominance as she beat Stapleman for the next nine consecutive games.
“It’s like she never gets tired,” said Simone Beilin, a teammate.
Bernice Orwig is not your average coach
Bernice Orwig is not your average girls varsity high school water polo coach. What sets her apart are her two silver medals.
She had always loved the water, but high school was when Orwig first picked up a water polo ball.
“I started playing water polo when I was a freshman in high school,” said Orwig. “I signed up for a 6th-period swim, and the water polo coach called all of the incoming freshmen who signed up for the class, to come to try water polo. I grew up playing basketball and loved swimming although I had never swum on a team before. Water polo had both aspects, so I figured I would try it for the first year.”
Orwig worked hard throughout high school, and the hard work paid off. In 1995, She was offered an athletic scholarship to USC. While men’s Water polo made its first Olympic appearance back in 1900, Women’s water polo was not an Olympic sport until the year 2000. In 1998, Orwig was invited to the first women’s water polo Olympic tryout camp.
She had always loved the water, but high school was when Orwig first picked up a water polo ball.
“I started playing water polo when I was a freshman in high school,” said Orwig. “I signed up for a 6th-period swim, and the water polo coach called all of the incoming freshmen who signed up for the class, to come to try water polo. I grew up playing basketball and loved swimming although I had never swum on a team before. Water polo had both aspects, so I figured I would try it for the first year.”
Orwig worked hard throughout high school, and the hard work paid off. In 1995, She was offered an athletic scholarship to USC. While men’s Water polo made its first Olympic appearance back in 1900, Women’s water polo was not an Olympic sport until the year 2000. In 1998, Orwig was invited to the first women’s water polo Olympic tryout camp.
Sports participation down for the first time in decades
The National Federation of State High School Association (NFHSA) released their annual participation survey last Monday, showing a decline in sports participation for the first time in 30 years for the 2018-19 season.
Another drop in football participation for the fifth consecutive year lead to the decline. The decrease in football participation is mainly due to the safety concerns and allegations arguing that the football community is not doing enough to protect its young players.
“Parents, myself included, are afraid of head injuries. That is the problem,” said Jarrod Harrison, a history teacher.
Medical research has increased awareness of the link between repeated concussions and the degenerative brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
A medical study based article published in 2017 analyzed the brains of 202 football players; the study uncovered that “110 of 111 National Football League players had sustained CTE, while 88 percent of the brains — 177 of the total — also had the neurological disease.”
Another drop in football participation for the fifth consecutive year lead to the decline. The decrease in football participation is mainly due to the safety concerns and allegations arguing that the football community is not doing enough to protect its young players.
“Parents, myself included, are afraid of head injuries. That is the problem,” said Jarrod Harrison, a history teacher.
Medical research has increased awareness of the link between repeated concussions and the degenerative brain condition chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
A medical study based article published in 2017 analyzed the brains of 202 football players; the study uncovered that “110 of 111 National Football League players had sustained CTE, while 88 percent of the brains — 177 of the total — also had the neurological disease.”
New coach, new header approach
The ball flys cross-field with an accelerating velocity as the wind carries it just left. As you box out your opponent, the ball rockets toward you. You leap, and your unprotected head makes contact with the ball. Your human brain, being completely disconnected from the human skull, bashes against the side of your head with immense force; similar to a marble in a mason jar.
Headers are a part of soccer. Many parents and athletes, however, are beginning to worry about the long term and short term effects headers have on the human body. Max Carothers, a high school student, and star forward on Albany Academy’s basketball team, decided to play basketball instead of soccer at age eleven after suffering from a major concussion. He was rushed to the E.R after being knocked unconscious during his last weekly AYSO game.
“All I remember was being confused and scared, and looking around the E.R having no idea why I was there and how I got there,” said Carothers.
Headers are a part of soccer. Many parents and athletes, however, are beginning to worry about the long term and short term effects headers have on the human body. Max Carothers, a high school student, and star forward on Albany Academy’s basketball team, decided to play basketball instead of soccer at age eleven after suffering from a major concussion. He was rushed to the E.R after being knocked unconscious during his last weekly AYSO game.
“All I remember was being confused and scared, and looking around the E.R having no idea why I was there and how I got there,” said Carothers.
V boys lacrosse settles the score with their rivals
The Carlmont Scots could not have crafted a more dramatic game for themselves in their JV boys lacrosse battle with Sequoia on a rainy Tuesday night. They had every element of the perfect story-line: a deficit, a struggle, heavy rain, and a hero.
Last season, the boys had raced out to an early lead against Sequoia but could not maintain it. The host Ravens gradually chipped away at the deficit and ultimately pulled out a thrilling victory. This year, the Scots turned the tables.
Attackers Matt Gattey and Spencer Kelly joined forces with midfielders Justin Luke and Mathew Shnap to lead a spirited comeback that lifted Carlmont to a thrilling 10-9 upset of rival Sequoia. These four players scored eight goals in total to close the contest as the Scots overcame a five-goal deficit midway through the second half.
The game began with large pillows of clouds forming in the sky and a splatter of rain here and there. By the time the first timeout was called two minutes later, the rainfall was much more intense. So much rain was falling that the sound blurred into one long, whirring noise, like the rotor blades on a helicopter.
The storming skies were not a problem for the Ravens early on as Eli Goulden, a sophomore, capitalized following an array of strong ball movement and keen passes, putting Sequoia up 1-0.
Last season, the boys had raced out to an early lead against Sequoia but could not maintain it. The host Ravens gradually chipped away at the deficit and ultimately pulled out a thrilling victory. This year, the Scots turned the tables.
Attackers Matt Gattey and Spencer Kelly joined forces with midfielders Justin Luke and Mathew Shnap to lead a spirited comeback that lifted Carlmont to a thrilling 10-9 upset of rival Sequoia. These four players scored eight goals in total to close the contest as the Scots overcame a five-goal deficit midway through the second half.
The game began with large pillows of clouds forming in the sky and a splatter of rain here and there. By the time the first timeout was called two minutes later, the rainfall was much more intense. So much rain was falling that the sound blurred into one long, whirring noise, like the rotor blades on a helicopter.
The storming skies were not a problem for the Ravens early on as Eli Goulden, a sophomore, capitalized following an array of strong ball movement and keen passes, putting Sequoia up 1-0.
Scots fall short against undefeated Vikings
In an average high school basketball game, each team fouls 11 times. Carlmont, however, fouled a season-high 23 times, while the Vikings used their zone defense to rattle the JV Scots. Mills High School’s Vikings remain undefeated after a physical 58-51 battle on Tuesday night.
When asked about the high foul count, the head official said, “It was a clean game even though it was physical, but what can you expect? It’s high school boys basketball; it’s bound to get physical.”
Shining in that light, Carlmont came out swinging with an aggressive man-to-man defense. The Scots forced three consecutive turnovers, giving them a 10-4 lead. Sophomores Miles Ozorio and Kyler DeBorde scored eight of the first 10 points. Mills quickly bounced back, scoring six-out-of-six points from the line, finishing the quarter 14-14. Both teams were already in foul trouble.
Tej Tummala, Carlmont’s sophomore forward, anticipated a rough game.
“They are a big team with a lot of talent and we had to play physical and aggressive for a chance against them,” Tummala said.
Alas, the second and third quarters were played mostly from the free throw line, which led to the Scots’ to start falling behind. In the third quarter, Scots were trailing 43-33.
“It was a battle of speed and endurance, and in the third [quarter] we got tired and made a couple sloppy passes, but what really hurt us were the free throws,” said guard Matthew Rutter, a sophomore.
When asked about the high foul count, the head official said, “It was a clean game even though it was physical, but what can you expect? It’s high school boys basketball; it’s bound to get physical.”
Shining in that light, Carlmont came out swinging with an aggressive man-to-man defense. The Scots forced three consecutive turnovers, giving them a 10-4 lead. Sophomores Miles Ozorio and Kyler DeBorde scored eight of the first 10 points. Mills quickly bounced back, scoring six-out-of-six points from the line, finishing the quarter 14-14. Both teams were already in foul trouble.
Tej Tummala, Carlmont’s sophomore forward, anticipated a rough game.
“They are a big team with a lot of talent and we had to play physical and aggressive for a chance against them,” Tummala said.
Alas, the second and third quarters were played mostly from the free throw line, which led to the Scots’ to start falling behind. In the third quarter, Scots were trailing 43-33.
“It was a battle of speed and endurance, and in the third [quarter] we got tired and made a couple sloppy passes, but what really hurt us were the free throws,” said guard Matthew Rutter, a sophomore.
Boys varsity water polo thrown into double-overtime
An athlete’s rush of adrenaline in a dire situation is next to impossible to describe, but for the Carlmont boys varsity water polo team, this inexpressible feeling lasted a full one hour, seventeen minutes, and 34-second reality on their senior night this past week.
Outlined against a blue-gray October sky, the Carlmont boys varsity water polo team scarcely pulled off their most nail-biting game of the season. As water polo gold medalist Samantha Hill said, “Before you can win, you have to believe you are worthy,” and yesterday at five o’clock, they believed.
They hardly beat Half Moon Bay in a 12-11 victory in double overtime with outstanding performances by Luke Adams, the starting goalie who had 17 blocks (6 of which occurred in the first few minutes of the game) giving him some new personal records, and Tyler Rachal, the starting right wing player who scored three times, had two assists, and one block.
Carlmont’s Head Coach Justine Hedlund described the intense victory. She said, “With each play, I felt like I was gonna have a heart attack.”
Outlined against a blue-gray October sky, the Carlmont boys varsity water polo team scarcely pulled off their most nail-biting game of the season. As water polo gold medalist Samantha Hill said, “Before you can win, you have to believe you are worthy,” and yesterday at five o’clock, they believed.
They hardly beat Half Moon Bay in a 12-11 victory in double overtime with outstanding performances by Luke Adams, the starting goalie who had 17 blocks (6 of which occurred in the first few minutes of the game) giving him some new personal records, and Tyler Rachal, the starting right wing player who scored three times, had two assists, and one block.
Carlmont’s Head Coach Justine Hedlund described the intense victory. She said, “With each play, I felt like I was gonna have a heart attack.”