Fighting Prodigy Jon Jones set to Fight “Shogun” at UFC 128

By Spencer Barnett-

Don’t blink.

In a split-second you could miss one of the most explosive UFC fights to date.

Jonny “Bones” Jones will be making UFC history March 19th, fighting Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in a five-round bout for the Light-Heavyweight belt. Along with the title shot, former WEC Featherweight champion Urijah Faber will make his UFC debut fighting Eddie Wineland.

Any predictions on the fight?

Trevor Troop, a senior at Penn Manor, believes Rua will retain the title.

“Shogun is gonna win,” said Troop,”by a submission in the third round.”

“Rua’s got this,” said Kyle White. “I’m predicting an arm-bar submission win.”

“Shogun will win with a TKO (Technical Knockout) in the third round,” said Josh Carle.

Jon Jones throwing a head kick against Ryan Bader in UFC 126. Photo by UFC.com

Some other students like Jessen Smith, Daltyn Willard, and Casey Wells would beg to differ.

“Jon Jones looks like a young (Anderson) Silva,” said Smith. “and he’s extremely athletic, good frame and fast.”

Smith loves watching his unique style of fighting with tricky spinning back-fists and flying knees. He believes the fight will not make it passed the third round.

“I see Jones knocking Shogun out with an elbow,” Williard said. “It won’t make it past the second round.”

A lot of controversy surrounds the event due to Jones receiving the offer only six weeks before the day of the fight.

The original line-up was supposed to be Rashad Evans fighting Rua, but because of a knee injury, Evans was forced to drop out, which opened up a spot for the title.

Even after that, Jones was still not next in line.

Quentin “Rampage” Jackson was next, but turned down the offer, leaving his fans in a rage.

“I don’t care who the opponent is,” said Jackson in an interview with mmajunkie.com. “I’m not taking a fight on four weeks’ notice. It’s not enough time to get ready for a five-round fight.”

Is Jackson scared because of his last loss to Rua where he had to be carried out of the ring? Or is it what he believes is his weight?

“I’m 250 pounds, and I would have to lose 45 pounds in, what, three or four weeks? The first time I fought ‘Shogun,’ I was injured going into that fight, and it’s haunted me all the way up to now. I always believed the second time I fight ‘Shogun’ that I’m going to be close to 100 percent as possible.”

"Shogun" Rua landing a punch against Lyoto Machida at UFC 113 to take the Light Heavyweight belt. Photo by Zuffa Inc.

Dana White, President of the UFC, decided that since Jackson would not take the fight, the winner of the Ryan Bader and John Jones fight at UFC 126 would fill in the spot. Jones of course went on to win.

“We did the deal literally next to the Octagon,” said White. “We told Shogun ‘hey, listen if this kid wins, we want to put him in there for the fight. Right before Jones and Bader walked out, (Rua) and his team accepted it.”

How did Jones react to this?

“I had no clue my title shot was coming,” Jones said during the UFC 126 post-fight press conference. “Would I have asked for it? Sure, you know my goal is to be considered the best fighter in the Light Heavyweight division. “I feel as if it’s my time. My confidence is very high. I’m already in shape and I’ve got six weeks to make myself even better. That’s what I’m excited about. It should be great.”

So everyone: save your money, get together, order UFC 128 on Pay-Per-View, and getcha’ popcorn ready.

Back at it again, Dylan Tremellen on the Road to Nationals.

By Blake Wales –

Dylan Tremellen, a 16 year old student at Penn Manor is really talented at a sport but he won’t win a varsity letter for it.  He races ATVs and he’s good.

It all started five years ago when his dad bought Tremellen his first ATV – an All Terrain Vehicle – a quad and he has progressed ever since.

In 2008 he placed second in the District 6 Championship, but then came back the following year and won. During the same year he placed second in the PAMX, and placed eighth in two national classes. In 2010 he won it all including the two national classes which made him number one in his division in the United States.

Dylan jumping his ATV

Dylan Tremellen and his 2010 National Championship Trophy

But then he just seemed to disappear from racing.  Turns out racing motor vehicles is one of the most expensive sports for a young person.

Now he is back for 2011 and he’s picked up some new sponsors like ERC (Environmental Recovery Corporation)  who will be paying for all of his travel expenses for this season.

He was also signed to a racing team called “Media Allstars.” He is being sponsored by over 10 different companies such as Maxxis Tires and Fox Shocks, who will all be contributing to help him race for free.

But Tremellen credits his dad most of all for his success, saying he is really the one who inspires him to do well in his races.

Tremellen’s hard work seems to be paying off. He started his 2011 season by practicing in Maryland last weekend and so far he is looking good.

“Hopefully I can win two more this year,” Tremellen said referring to his two national championship victories last year.

He will be trying to jump his Honda TRX-450R to victory in 2011.

“I feel strong in my bike and my sponsors and myself to make this year a winning one!” Tremellen said.

Tremellen will be competing this year in the Production B and 4-Stroke B classes. He will be racing at tracks i

n states like Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, Tennessee, and many others.

He is looking to come out ahead in all of his races so that he can go for that National Championship in the 2011 season.

Students Sacrifice for Six Weeks

By Laura Revelt-

Sacrificing everyday pleasures for 40 days. Who can do it?

People face the challenge of giving up their favorite habits as the season of Lent returns. Some use it as an opportunity to start up that diet that they failed to follow after New Years or to abandon time-wasting hobbies.

Faschnauts. Photo credit Google Images

The beginning of Lent is marked with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter. This year the dates are Wednesday March 9 to Sunday April 24.

Some Christian families now give up their everyday vices and do not eat meat on Fridays. According to catholiceducation.org,”Lent is a special time of prayer, penance, sacrifice and good works in preparation of the celebration of Easter.”

But Lent is becoming more a cultural tradition and not just a religious practice anymore. Faschnt Day, Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday is used as a day of participating in festivities to experience the last of those guilty pleasures before Lent. It is often used as an excuse to party or eat donuts.

Stef Friedman and Natasha Fletcher sitting together. Photo by Laura Revelt

Here at Penn Manor students are partaking in Lent, not necessarily for religious reasons.

“I want to try it to see if I have enough discipline to give up sweets,” said Elsie Huber.

“I acknowledge the religious aspect, but that’s not exactly why I’m doing it,” said Stef Friedman.

“It’s(participating in Lent) self-satisfaction,” said Natasha Fletcher.

“Last year I gave up dairy, so I was vegan,” said senior Mikah Farbo who is a vegetarian. “It’s (participating in Lent) knowing that you can live without something.”

“I am giving up sweets,” said Haley Blazer.

Mikah Farbo at Lunch. Photo by Laura Revelt

“I won’t be eating meat on Fridays,” said Erica Coakley.

“I sort of do a little of everything. I don’t just give up one thing,” said senior Dan Elliot. “I try to cut back on swearing and junk food.”

So it seems healthy eating is a popular goal during Lent, but it can be a struggle.

“One year I attempted to participate in Lent by giving up candy, like chocolate, everything,” said Friedman. “It honestly probably lasted like three days.”

“I think it depends on what you give up,” said Alicia Burns about the difficulties of Lent.

“It’s really hard and I always try to give up things I really like,” said Kate Maisel.

So if you see students passing up the big cookie or ice cream bar at lunch, now you know why. Good luck to all who are participating in Lent. Only 38  more days to go!

Contest for Obama to Speak at High School Graduation Needs more Entries

By Alex Blythe-

The White House is holding a nationwide contest to select one high school to win a graduation speech by President Barack Obama. The contest is based on the readiness of students for college and future careers. Last year’s contest winner was Kalamazoo Central High School.

Senior Josh Carle thought it would be cool to have the President speak at Penn Manor’s 2010-2011 graduation.

Another senior, Eric Clark had a different opinion. “I don’t care, if it was him rather than the valedictorian or the salutatorian, then yes.”

President Obama speaking at Kalamazoos graduation. Photo courtesy of mychinaconnection.com

This year there is a shortage of applicants for the competition and the deadline is quickly approaching. The deadline was moved from February 25 until Friday, March 11. As of February 28 only 68 applications were received out of more than 1,000 schools around the country.

“I wouldn’t submit an application myself but it would be inspiring if he did come,” stated Carle.

The officials are not sure why the applications haven’t been pouring in, maybe it’s a lack of interest in the idea or just plain procrastination.

“I wouldn’t (submit an application), unless I thought we deserved it,” said senior Ally Emmert.

According to CBS News, the White House is asking staff members, “friendly congressional, gubernatorial and mayoral offices,” to urge schools and students to apply.

A junior at Penn Manor, Brian Geer, didn’t have much of an opinion on the contest.

“It might just be weird,” he joked.

Mascots Need to Toughen up their Image

By Cody Straub –

There are so many great things about college athletics…the competitiveness, the passion, the school pride, but one thing I’m not too sure about is the school mascots.

I know it brings out the school pride and gives the students something to rally around, but is it really necessary to pay some college kid money to dress up in a ridiculous costume for every sports event and do things they would never do if they didn’t have the costume on to cover their face?

Don’t get me wrong I’m all for the different school names, I think it really gives the students a sense of pride. Plus being able to say “I’m a Tiger, or Gator, or Panther” or whatever, is something people hold onto their whole lives. But schools are getting so desperate that they have to have an Orangeman, like Syracuse,  or a Blue Hen at Delaware as a mascot.

Don’t even get me started with pro mascots. Really, who even knows about those mascots? The only one I can think of off the top of my head is the Phillie Phanatic. I think the marketing groups of the teams think that having some guy in a ridiculous suit running around the stadium will boost sales. Not so, it’s just embarrassing and it scares little kids.

Here’s a look at the five most ridiculous, un-intimidating mascots from major college sports:

Photo from divinecaroline.com

5) Maryland Terrapin: A Turtle really? “Yea we are going to beat you guys on the field, just wait a second to let us catch up, we’re a little slow.” A turtle is really making their opponents feel intimidated.

4) Alabama Crimson Tide: Their mascot is an elephant! What does that have to do with anything? Pretty sure their are no elephants down south in Alabama. I also don’t understand how a elephant fits into their name Crimson Tide.

3) Syracuse Orange: If a little Orange Man was running around my home court I would be a embarrassed. This falls under both the ridiculous, and not intimidating category. The picture really speaks for itself.

The Stanford Tree Photo by gostanford.com

2) TCU Horned Frog: A frog, what an intimidating mascot. With it’s big googly eyes, and little horns it’s more ridiculous than intimidating. It’s too bad their stifling defense is represented by a frog.

1) Stanford Cardinal Tree: A tree? That’s the best they could come up with? I expected more from one of the most prestigious academic schools in the nation. Come on, Andrew Luck didn’t come to school to have a tree as his cheering section.

Apple’s iPad 2 – a Thumbs up from Penn Manor Students

By Eli Marcelino and Cheyenne Weber –

The iPad 2 was released today and is thinner than ever.

Should you get one?

“I think it’s awesome. I like it because it is thinner than the iPhone 4,” said Erin Patterson, a Penn Manor sophomore, who also added, “I really want one.”

The New Realease of Apple: iPad 2. Photo courtesy of http://www.devicemag.com

Nearly $5 billion worth of iPads have been sold  since its launch, and a quick glance at the history of the iPhone, which launches a new model every year, suggests that we should expect to see the iPad 2 right around the first anniversary of it’s predecessor’s launch.

According to published reviews,  the new features the regular iPad doesn’t have are…

1) Longer battery life

2) Thinner and lighter though not a major consideration since iPad as it is is already quite light.

3) Faster processor – Run applications at lightning speed.

4) Camera – Great for taking videos and pictures. Why carry another camera or video recorder when you have your iPad 2.

5) Video Conferencing – Using a tablet for video conferencing would be an awesome experience. The right user experience would probably demand 2 cameras – one front and the other back.

6) HDTV connection – Connect the iPad 2 to your TV and project what is on the iPad 2 on the screen there.

“I think it will have more technology than the first one, and I also hope that it could have Broadband Internet,” said Roxana Perez, a Junior.

The original iPad came in six different variations and the new iPad 2 comes in 18 different variations.

The good news is that the iPad 2 costs just what the original iPad did.

“The base-model Wi-Fi editions cost $499 (16GB), $599 (32GB), and $699 (64GB). Both sets of Wi-Fi/3G models cost $130 more than their Wi-Fi counterparts,” said Snell.

There’s no price difference for white or black models.

The iPad 2 also has 512MB of RAM—twice that of the original iPad—and a 200MHz bus speed, likewise twice that of the original.

Is it worth getting?

“The iPad 2 is an improvement on the original iPad in numerous ways, it’s still an evolutionary product, not a revolutionary one. If you’re happy with your current iPad, there’s no reason to dump it just because there’s a shinier, newer one. (This is not to say that millions of people won’t do just that. I mean: shiny!) If you’ve invested in iPad accessories such as a dock or case, keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to use them with the new iPad,” said Macworld’s editorial director Jason Snell.

Championship-Caliber Players Being Traded

By Hayden Gonzalez –

Trading spaces, trading places, the NBA is getting a mix-up on its teams.

So far this year  in the NBA, there has been several trades that have affected the teams on the East coast.  With the New York knicks acquiring Carmelo Anthony, a former Denver Nugget, there are many teams stacked with superstars. Then, there’s the Miami Heat with Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade. The New York Nicks have acquired Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups in the trade with the Denver Nuggets. Also, former Utah Jazz, all-star point guard, Deron Williams was traded to the New Jersey Nets.

With so many new faces on new teams, how do their fans feel about it?  Will people continue to follow their dominant team or will their loyalty to one player make them become fans of a new an improved establishment?

Some Penn Manor NBA fans think teams nowadays need a superstar lineup in order to dominate.

Spike Lee shows his Knicks pride. Photo Courtesy of http://contactanycelebrity.com/cac/celebrities-heat-knicks-game/

“Its funny how good players can’t win on their own, ” said sophomore Daulton Parmer.  “Michael Jordan didn’t do that, he just wanted to win and he did by himself.”

Parmer also stated that the Los Angeles Lakers are going to be the most effected team in the NBA because, “Lakers are an experienced championship team, and they are all around good.”

The Lakers have what is considered a “stacked” team with Lamar Odom, Kobe Bryant, Derrik Fisher, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, and Andrew Bynum, when he’s  healthy

With the trade of Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks, the East is becoming stacked with players. Although there was speculations of Anthony going to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Denver Nuggets weren’t willing to trade a superstar on a championship team that will have Anthony for the next couple of years. Trading him to the Lakers, that would mean they will be visiting him during in-conference play.

There are some Penn Manor students carefully watching the trades to some of their favorite teams.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for the Nuggets [to trade Anthony] to the Nicks,” said freshman Austin Cline.

With all of these star players stacked on the East and West coast teams the second half of the NBA season will leave various Penn Manor students cheering for joy and others sobbing with losses.

Penn Manor Boys Baseball Swinging for the Fences this Season

By Corbin Gillichbauer –

Facing expectations and capitalizing.

Coming back from a great year, Penn Manor boys baseball has a lot to live up to. Losing eight out of the nine starters last season, the baseball team has a lot of inexperience and will face some challenges this season.

Jim Zander coaching Penn Manor varsity baseball for 16 years now says he has great expectations from his players to step up and fill the places of those seniors who left.

Coach Zander has led his team to districts seven times in the past eight years coaching.

“Some kids show the desire to play baseball some do not. I expect everyone to be first class in practice and working hard in everything and have pride in their work effort,” said Zander

The high school team started out with 32 kids at morning weight room, now since the season is about to start it has dwindled down to 22 kids, according to Zander.

This shows the dedication to the baseball program with players getting up and lifting before school even starts.

A moment when the ball is still. Photo by Corbin Gillichbauer

“We are going to be a gap power alley team this year,” Zander predicted.

Hitting the baseball, between two of the outfielders, is a hit in the gap.  Zander expects his players to do it over and over again this season.

“Some guys can hit home runs but some guys can’t, we just have to work on eye on the ball,” said Zander.

Streeter Stuart, the Penn Manor baseball pitching coach for 14 years, is expecting an uneasy season with his pitchers.

“We have nice pitchers but not a single one of them is a varsity pitcher that gets those strike outs deep in the count. The pitchers need to be accurate,” said Stuart.

Zach Buterbaugh the starter right fielder last year for Penn Manor, gives information that provides great wisdom for those playing baseball.

“Not sure on how the team is going to fare, since there is only one to two players that have had the varsity experience. What I think my ace is this year doesn’t even show up for weight room and open gyms,” complained Buterbaugh.

“Don’t worry about how strict the coaches are,  just have fun playing baseball and relax,” added  Buterbaugh.

It sounds like it is going to be a hard season for the Penn Manor baseball boys, but with hard work and determination anything can happen.

Music Spirit Week Pulls in Penn Manor’s Attention

By Abby Talbot –

It’s the month of March, which means Music in our Schools month!

Music is always appreciated in the month of March every year. This year Penn Manor’s High School’s Tri-M music honor society organized a music spirit week to raise awareness about the importance of music in our lives. Tri-M is a group that resembles NHS (national honors society) except Tri-M revolves around music.

Music students showed their country day spirit. Photo by Abby Talbot

The second week of March is dedicated to the music spirit week Tri-M put together for Penn Manor. The music spirit week consists of a different genre of music playing through the intercoms and an option to dress appropriately for the genre of music that day.

Sara Ricciardi, music teacher at Penn Manor, Haley Blazer, Tim Duebler junior, and Becca Eckman senior, along with the rest of the members of Tri-M helped put music spirit week together.

Blazer put together a CD March 7 to play over the intercom representing a Disney theme. Then Tuesday Kelly Lenahan made the 80s-themed CD. Wednesday Elsie Huber put a CD together for the country theme. Allison Herr made a Jazz CD for Thursday, and Tim Deubler made a rock and roll CD for Friday.

Jesse Griffith, left, Tim Deubler, right, showing their rock and roll spirit. Photo by Abby Talbot

“The idea for a music spirit week came from my close friend that teaches at Marion Center,” Ricciardi said.  “Marion Center believes in having a music spirit week because it brings awareness to the music in schools.”

Not only does this week make everyone aware of how important music is but on Friday, Tri-M made pins to offer teachers, along with a dress down day that costs $5. The money earned from Friday will go to the “Music for Everyone Organization.”  MFE is a non-profit organization that gives out grants to school districts that are in need of new music equipment.

McCaskey received 50 new electronic pianos and guitars from the MFE organization with a $32,000 grant.

To donate to the Music for Everyone Organization,  visit the website http://www.musicforeveryone.net/

“People like the music playing in the halls. It’s different then the usual music that occasionally plays,” said Deubler.

Many Penn Manor students agree.

The idea to dress up in bright colors for the 80’s themed day, and dress country for Wednesday and dress in “jazz” attire for Thursday brings fun and excitement into the halls of Penn Manor.

Regardless if you participate in this music week or not now most of Penn Manor is aware of music.

Students’ Deepest Fears Revealed

By Lyta Ringo –

In life we all experience many emotions, joy, happiness, grief, and sorrow. But one emotion, one that can cause many other emotions, can be the most complicated to deal with.

That emotion is fear.

Fear can be something that lasts for a short amount of time, for instance someone may have a fear of bridges, but once your over the bridge you’re fine. However some fears, can last a lifetime. That in itself can be an issue.

"My biggest fear is sharks," said Chassidy Sowersby. Photo by Lyta Ringo

“My biggest fear in life is not making something of myself,” said Alexa Jenaskie.

Many people say they fear death the most. Maybe not death itself, but what happens after death, where we go, and what happens to us?

Senior Liz Rivera admitted death is her biggest fear.

“I like my life,” said Rivera, “I don’t want it to end.”

Some fears can have a humorous touch to them. Fears that don’t exactly have people worried, but its just something they’d never want to experience.

Austin Hess, said his biggest fear is getting stabbed or robbed.

“I’d rather get shot then stabbed,” said Hess.

“I mean like taking the trash out at night, it’s the scariest thing,” added Hess, “you never know what’s going down.”

On the other hand, some fears can effect every move you make. The fear of being alone can effect everything you do. One wrong move and you could loose everything and everyone you’ve worked hard to keep.

“My biggest fear is fighting through life alone,” stated Marcos Rivera, “There’s nothing worse then facing everything by yourself.”

Fear is an emotion, sometimes easy to work with, other times fear of it can consume you. Everyone handles things differently, and no one copes with things in the same way. The only way a society can help each other is to understand how each person may feel.  Even though we cannot get rid of their fears, we can be a bystander, and listen.