Cross Country at the Finish Line

As the end of the Cross Country season, the team reflected on its success. There were some challenges that created barriers for good performance. One was described by Coach William Gunderson, “I wish we didn’t lose some of the runners, that hurt the team.” Even after that, the team didn’t lose hope or focus; they just kept trying and improving their times.

It was a good overall season for the runners, many of whom won medals for their hard work and determination. When asked if the season could have gone better, Senior Kenny Myatt said, “I think that there is always room for improvement, but the team did well.” There were times when the team felt that things didn’t go exactly as planned, but they always kept their heads up and worked as hard as they could.

You could tell that the team always supported each other and gave each other advice. Sophomore Anthony Williams said, “I was greatly impressed by the effort and execution of the 2011 team!” Next season, Coach Gunderson is hoping to see returning runners and off season training.

Messmer Day at Marquette U

Approximately 50 students spent the day at Marquette University recently to check out the Communications Department and get a feel for college life. The field trip included hands-on activities for the students. One of the highlights was the Broadcast TV Studio. Messmer students took over the jobs of director, camera operator, on air reporter, switcher operator, floor director, and teleprompter operator. 

These were new experiences for many of the students, and a potential career path for some. Sophomore Precious Medley was enthusiastic about the field trip and said, "I enjoyed being behind the camera." 

The tour included the Journalism Department where the college students saw firsthand how the MU newspaper is put together. It was interesting to hear about all the job responsibilities, and how many times an article is read, edited, and rewritten before it makes it to print. Messmer students practiced being journalists by interviewing each other with tips from the MU students. Sophomore Itzia Gutierrez remarked, "We had learned how to interview in Broadcast Media class, but it was nice to learn more and interact with the college students."

The third activity was provided by the Theater Department. Drama exercises, games, and improvisation made for much creativity and fun. Senior Robert Thompson said, "It made me very energetic." 

Messmer alumni who attend Marquette answered questions about college life, and gave good advice about admissions, preparation for college, and how to make the transition from high school. Jeffrey Cross, Justine Shorter, and Amelia Mitcham were great role models for the current high schoolers, and showed just how well Messmer prepares students for college. 

The day ended with brief presentations on admissions, financial aid, and other support programs MU offers. When Senior Kaila Griffin "high-fived" Messmer Teacher Ms. Maripat Wilkinson on the bus ride home, it was clear the field trip to Marquette was a success. See the slide show at top left for more images from the day.

Judge Rules Messwood is Playoff Eligible

http://shorewood.patch.com/articles/judge-rules-messmer-shorewood-is-playoff-eligible

Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti Delivers

Messmer High School was very fortunate to have the Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti perform for the school community recently. The dance company consisted of young men plucked  from the streets of Haiti, rescued from sleeping on cardboard boxes and severe abuse. To see these young men dance with so much enthusiasm and spirit was amazing. During the introduction the audience was told that due to the conditions of the country, the average age in Haiti is fifteen. This fact was shocking to the audience and made the students look at their own lives in comparison. 

Sophomore Timothy McCollum described how the performance affected him, "It showed me how people can go through things and still have faith in God, and it's amazing how they can still give back to others." Sophomore Travess Stone learned "Not to complain about what I don't have and just be thankful." Three fantastic drummers accompanied the dancers, and the youngest dancer, DiDi, 13, was featured in a number about life on the streets of Haiti. Senior Tierra Watson was brought up on stage to be a part of this performance. She said, "I had a good time up there protecting DiDi. I've never been pulled up on stage before--it was fun!" 

DiDi was asked how he got to be such a good dancer. He said, "Hard work and more hard work." The entire performance was outstanding and received a standing ovation. Messmer is grateful to have had the Resurrection Dance Theater of Haiti perform, inform, and entertain. See the video at top left of DiDi in action.

Girls of the Gridiron

"Anything you can do I can do better" is a popular phrase. However, when speaking about the new editions to the Messmer/Shorewood football team, it might be more appropriate to say, “Anything you can do, I can do also.” 

Messmer/Shorewood Varsity Football, also known as Messwood, is proud to have female Seniors Aereana Grandberry and Montyera Hale on the team. Their experience with the team is new, but they show the same dedication as the boys. Grandberry mentioned how they often hear comments from opposing teams, such as “Oh my God, that’s a girl!” “Are they serious?” and “Is she playing for real?” Grandberry feels the experience has been positive and said, “The [Messwood] boys encourage us and help us out a lot." 

As many can guess, Grandberry and Hale are under a lot of pressure as the only two girls on the team--and in the league. Hale said,  “Yes, it was [at first] intimidating, but we [girls] have to stick together. In the end the boys have really helped us fit in and feel a part of the team.”  The girls are really making a statement this year. They are working with their teammates to grow and achieve success this season under new Head Coach Mr. Drake Zortman and Defensive Coach Mr. Chad Hofmann. There are no female coaches--yet.

New Kids on the Block

Every year Messmer welcomes incoming freshman and transfer students into our family. Freshman Isioma Osademe said, “[Messmer] is a very different environment. I was nervous at first but I am OK now." These students learn that we are a family and stick together. One way we show our unity is through the Wednesday prayer services when we come together to worship God. 

Many of our students come from Messmer Prep and Sts. Rose/Leo's, others from several local schools and a few come from out of town. Senior transfer student Pamela Moore said, “Messmer is way different from my old school. I came from Indiana and at Messmer I am being challenged more."

Freshman Brianna Nash said, “My experience at Messmer is good so far because everyone is really nice and helpful and very respectful.

 

Welcome to Messmer!

Meet the Coach

Mr. Drake Zortman is the new head football coach for the Messmer/Shorewood football team. People may know him as the fourth coach of the program, but he has a larger background that may go unnoticed. Coach Zortman has more than 20 years of coaching experience under his belt. He has coached at his Alma Mater Carroll University, as well as Waukesha West, Whitefish Bay, Nicolet, and Homestead high schools. He has also been recognized by CNI newspapers with an honorable mention for coach of the year in 2003.

Mr. Zortman has his Masters in Education from National Louis University. He uses his teaching skills as a math teacher at both Messmer and Shorewood high schools. When asked what he admires most about coaching, he said he likes “watching the athletes grow into young adults and I like to think that I’m doing it the right way.” He, along with the coaching staff, takes pride in building character and teaching discipline. Coach Zortman also admires “seeing kids not just be successful on the athletic field but seeing them be successful in the classroom.” He likes to see the success of the students in the community and to watch them grow into good parents themselves. 

For the team, his goal has been first to have more wins than losses. He wants the team to make the playoffs. He also wants to make sure that the players understand that “they need to be on time and they need to be there every day so that they may play and win the game.” Senior Jamaal Hayes said, “Coach [Zortman] is making the right choices in order for us to succeed.” Messmer HIgh School Athletic Director Ms. Joy Bretsch remarked, "Coach Zortman brings a wealth of football knowledge and coaching experience to our program. We are excited to have such a quality leader in our effort to rebuild the football program here at Messmer/Shorewood." 

The team now has a record of 3 wins and 1 loss in conference play and is taking the right steps towards an historic season.

Soccer Fan Bus!

Come out and support the soccer team when it faces University School at Uihlein Field this Wednesday October 5th. There will be a fan bus leaving Messmer High at 4:00 and returning at approximately 6:30. Students, get your permission slips from Ms. Bretsch by 10/4.

Support a Good Cause: Dig Pink!

The volleyball teams are hosting a Breast Cancer Fundraiser on October 6th at 3:45, 4:30 and 6:00 at Messmer High School. The Freshman, JV and Varsity teams will be playing games with a special pink volleyball. There will be many activities the fans can participate in such as face painting, raffles,and games. They will also be able to buy pink shirts, bracelets, cupcakes and much more.The money raised will be donated to a local Breast Cancer foundation. Come and support families of breast cancers survivors and loved ones who have passed away from breast cancer.

It's An Honors Seminar

Messmer High honor students recently attended a seminar at Marquette University. The Honors Seminar was two days of tours, lectures, networking, and growth. Messmer Seniors Rosaelena Fetes and Lillian Rodezno have been to the seminar many times. Lilly said, "[The Honors Seminar] sets you up for the upcoming challenges in college." Rosy said, "It gets you recognized. It shows that you took harder classes and still balanced [your grades] enough to keep at least a 3.2 average. It [also] helps with your future."

Both students said they loved the lecture presented by Messmer English Teacher Mr. Tim Gallagher, the tour [of Marquette], and the food. Mr. Gallagher wants the students to know the sole purpose of the seminar is to help them think about things differently, engage, and approach events from a higher level of thinking. This year the sophomore class has 35 students in the honors program, the largest number ever for Messmer. These students are setting the bar high for the rest of the school and setting themselves up for success.

See Slide Show at left for more pictures.