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Winter Olympics Recap

Emmry Alldredge

Student Art Gallery

Morgan Insider Staff

There are many incredible artists at Morgan. Here are a few recent pieces of artwork submitted by students.

Top 4 Artists

Maycee Bangert & Greta Smith

Rugby Player Spotlights 

October- High School 

Q. Why do you play rugby?

“I play rugby because I love the physicality and the teamwork, especially as a forward. There’s something powerful about doing the tough, gritty work for your team and knowing every phase matters. Rugby has pushed me to be mentally strong, disciplined, and resilient. It’s shaped who I am both on and off the field.” 

Q.  What is the best part of playing rugby?

“The best part is the team bond and the opportunities it’s given me. I’ve been able to travel to California and Florida for nationally selected tournaments, and now I’m traveling to Ireland with my home team for a tour. Rugby has taken me places I never imagined and allowed me to compete at a high level while building friendships that feel like family.” 

Q. How long have you been playing rugby?

“I’ve been playing rugby for seven years. Over that time, I’ve grown a lot as a forward and as a leader. The sport has helped build my confidence, work ethic, and toughness, and I’m proud of how much I’ve developed since I first started.” 

Upcoming Softball Season Prep & Info

Blake Peek

Here, you’ll find mine and others’ recommendations for softball players who are interested in advancing this season and curious about which products to get. Remember, putting in the practice and work will always be noticed, and these are only recommendations; so if you don’t have these products, that’s okay! Good luck to those playing, and I hope you find this article helpful!

DeMarini Vizion Fastpitch Bat

This bat is scheduled to be released on March 4, 2026, and feedback from pros and collegiate athletes is already coming in. If you're looking for a consistent and lasting cold-weather bat, read on! 

According to SPCSPORTS.com, although the Vizion is a one-piece bat, and they can be known for being stiff and having a negative response towards mishits, many mentioned that it felt powerful and explosive, all while not causing sting in the hands.

Others announced that it was easy to swing out of the wrapper, simple to adjust to, and high in ability to control it through the zone.  Which is always a good sign when it comes to trying out a new bat during the season.  It provides a balanced and calm feel that is essential to being comfortable in the box.

Another thing players brought up was the pop and sound at contact. Lots of hitters look for a consistent and clean feel off the barrel that will offer consistent and repetitive hits. Feedback on mishits was easy to recover and adjust to, a key component at the end of the day, so that hitters’ bats can be dependable.

As a softball player, looking into finding a more long-lasting bat that will get me through the start of the season without breaking, the Vizion is an outstanding pick. It has also been said that DeMarini bats are great to last through early, cold tournaments that often present difficulties in bats that break in cold weather. I also had the opportunity to swing the Vizion, and I agree with a lot of the other positive feedback. Power hitters look for explosive and responsive bats, and the Vizion was just that. Easy to control through the zone, consistent in hitting feedback, and comfortable considering it’s a one-piece.

All in all, the 2026 Vizion Fastpitch Bat is a considerable bat to purchase for hitters who are ideally interested in being dynamic and influential, yet consistent and comfortable. 

Easton Ghost OG’s Fastpitch Bat

Any of Easton/Rawlings' gear and bats are great options for any player out there. Their bats have great pop out of the wrapper and are wide in variety and style. Though most power hitters notice Easton bats have a higher tendency to break or crack, (It’s true, been there done that). They are constantly upgrading and releasing new products that quickly fill up bat bags and games. Also, if you're just starting or looking for a bat for contact hitters, they are a great choice! As I mentioned earlier, Easton bats offer many colors and styles, so the OG’s (a common find in the softball world) are a great kind of bat to consider for hitters who like an even balance between contact and power. 

Bruce Bolt or Easton Batting Gloves

Lots of softball players prefer using batting gloves, as they provide control and comfort when you step into the box. Many brands that render batting gloves contain great options for their customers, whether you’re looking for a certain color, length, style, or design. Two trustworthy brands where batting gloves can be found are Bruce Bolt or Easton. Previously, I recommended Easton bats, but they also offer batting gloves, mitts, training gear, and catchers' gear!  Some kinds of their gloves even match their bats, but all in all, they are affordable and comfortable, while having control and stability.

Bruce Bolts can often be seen on the field, too. Originating in Texas and being founded by 16-year old Bear Mayer, they rapidly spread into a brand known for their quality batting gloves, protective gear, and apparel. Bear’s goal was to create quality batting gloves (He also needed money for a ‘93 Landcruiser named Jennifer, his soon-to-be first truck). As someone who uses Bruce Bolts, they’re really comfortable, and I appreciate the colors and designs they offer; that way, people can have diversity and different gloves from everyone else! Find out more about their story and products on the Bruce Bolt Website.

Rawling’s Fielding & Catching Gloves/Mitts

If you're looking for a long-lasting mitt that will guarantee comfortable movement and smooth transfers, this might be what you're looking for. Rawlings (a joint company with Easton) clearly showcases a WIDE range of gloves and mitts for any player. Whether you get yours custom or find one from their many series, they're all great and very customizable to any fielding position. As someone who has a custom catcher's mitt from Rawlings, they are exceptional quality and a noticeable brand throughout the field.

Step 2. 

Take out all the clothes from your drawers/closet. Make a pile of things that are too small with the things that you don't like, a pile of things you still want, and last but not least, a pile of things that are out of season. 

Step 2 ½.

Put the clothes that you like back in your drawers/closet, put the clothes that are too small or you don’t like in a donate bin, and put the clothes that are out of season in a storage tote.

Stage 2. Cleaning

Grab cleaning wipes, a mop, and a vacuum. Trust me, you’ll want them all!

Step 3.

Remove everything from your desk, dresser, and/or nightstand. Grab the cleaning wipes and wipe down all the surfaces. When you're done with that, only put back on the things that you know you need and use all the time. With the things you don't put back on, put them in the trash or the donation box, depending on what shape they're in.

Step 4.

Take everything out that's under your bed, and do the same thing. Make three piles of trash, donate, and keep. If it makes it easier, maybe get storage bins for those things. I don’t know about you, but I don't like to have a bunch of messy things under my bed. Before you put things back under your bed, vacuum it so that all the dust is gone.

Step 5. (Optional)

If you want to, you can dust all of the shelves, the fan, and the light switches. Once you're done with that, wipe down the headboard on your bed.

Step 6.

Wipe down the mirrors and the window(s). If it’s possible, also wipe down the outside of your window. Completely power off all devices and clean the screens with screen-cleaning spray or wipes to remove fingerprints and dust.

Step 7.

Take all of your sheets, comforter, blankets, and pillowcases off your bed and put them in the laundry. If you have extra pillow covers or decorative pillowcases, toss those in too. While your bedding is in the wash, vacuum your mattress slowly and thoroughly. If you have a mattress-freshening spray or baking soda, lightly sprinkle or spray the surface, let it sit for a bit, and then vacuum again. This will help remove dust, odors, and crumbs so your whole bed feels extra clean when you put your fresh sheets back on.

Stage 3. Enjoyment!

Once you’ve made it through these steps, your room will feel like a totally different place. You will actually be able to see stuff! You’ll finally have a chill space to relax in, and that feels like you! Feel free to print this out as a step-by-step checklist, and watch your room have the glow up it’s been waiting for!

If you need more help or inspiration, check out these links:

• Link 1: Spring Cleaning

• Link 2: Spring Cleaning

• Link 3: Spring Cleaning

100 Days and 100 Fun Facts!

Bridger Thompson

By the time this article comes out, we will be about the 110-day mark, but the 100th day of school calls for 100 of something, right?. Please sit back and enjoy, as we dive into 100 random and outlandish facts.

1. Giraffes are 30 times more likely to get hit by lightning than humans.

2. Wearing a tie can cause blood flow to your brain to be cut off by 7%.

3. The minerals on comets make them smell like rotten eggs and almonds.

4. People have actually died from laughing, which caused them to suffocate.

5. Chainsaws were first invented for making childbirth safer.

6. Wind turbines in the UK kill between 10,000 and 100,000 birds each year.

7. A horse normally has more than 1 horsepower.

8. Finland is the world's happiest country, according to the World Happiness Report.

9. There is a condition in which bacteria and yeast in your gut form ethanal.

10.  Some animals can be allergic to humans.

11. Platipuses sweat milk.

12. Lego bricks can support compression better than concrete.

13. Rainbows appear on Venus.

14. All mammals get goosebumps.

15. Some animals might actually have been autistic.

16. A lightning bolt is 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun.

17. Flamingos are born a white-grey and grow pink from the shrimp they eat.

18. Saturn's largest moon, Titan, rains methane.

19. Some smells can pass through liquid.

20. Laughter came before people could speak languages.

21.  No number before 1000 contains the letter A.

22. The pope can’t be an organ donor.

23. Lobster's blood is blue.

24. It takes about 500 peanuts to make a jar of peanut butter.

25. 90% of Earth's population lives in the northern hemisphere.

26. Honey never spoils.

27. Over 60% of the world's lakes are in Canada.

28. Allodoxaphobia is the fear of other people's opinions.

29. Competitive art used to be an Olympic sport.

30. It would take about 20 minutes to fall to the center of the Earth.

31. The Venus flytrap is considered carnivorous.

32. The actual term for a hashtag is an octothorpe.

33. Neil Armstrong's hair sold for $3,000.

34. Africa is the only continent in all 4 hemispheres.

35. It is illegal to own only 1 guiny pig in Switzerland.

36. The first animals in space were fruit flies.

37. German chocolate was invented in Texas.

38. Astronauts say that space smells like hot metal or burning steak.

39. 4 is the only number that has the same number of letters as its value.

40. J was the last letter to be added to the alphabet.

41. Newborns are colorblind.

42. A jar of Nutella is sold every 2.5 seconds.

43. Armadillos are bulletproof.

44. In ancient Egypt, the word for cat was pronounced ‘mew’ or ‘meow.’

45. Over 90% of Earth's money is digital.

46. 0.5 percent of the 2023 male population is a decendent from Ganghas Khan.

47. By age 70, the average person will have shed over 100 pounds of skin.

48. The oldest goldfish lived to be 43 years old.

49. Scotland's national animal is a unicorn.

50. In Sweden, “Cool Ranch” Doritos are called “cool american”.

51. Scientists can turn peanut butter into Diamonds.

52. New Zealand has more sheep than people.

53. Because of Benjamin Franklin, the first US coins said, “mind your own business.”

54. Humans are the only animals that blush.

55. Shrimp have their hearts in their head.

56. Sloths can hold their breath longer than dolphins.

57. Cat urine glows under black light.

58. An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.

59. President Theodore Roosevelt had a pet hyena.

60. Because of the way scientists define wetness, water might not actually be wet.

61. Nutmeg contains hallucinogens, so if you eat enough of it, you could hallucinate.

62. All of the loops in Fruit Loops are actually all the same flavor.

63. Vatican City is the smallest country, coming in at just 0.17 square miles.

64. Sudan is the country with the most pyramids.

65. There are more than 200 Kit-Kat flavors is japan.

66. The first oranges were green.

67. Each year, Hawaii gets 3 feet closer to Alaska.

68. Oxford university s older than the Aztec empire.

69. Dragonflies have a 97% chance of catching your prey, vs a tiger's meager 10%.

70. Alaska is the only state that can be typed through one row of keyboards.

71. Missouri has caves that store 1.4 pounds of government-owned cheese.

72. It is illegal to kill a Bigfoot in Washington.

73. Peanuts are used to make dynamite.

74. Australia is wider than the moon.

75. Iceland was mosquito-free until 2025.

76. Horned lizards can squirt blood out of their eyes to startle predators.

77. Crows can recognize human faces.

78. The Australian military lost a war to emus.

79. Einstein was offered to be the second president of Israel but turned it down.

80. The man who made the Pringles can was cremated and buried in one.

81. The last guillotine execution happened the same year Star Wars was released.

82. Vikings reached North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

83. Owls have eye-tubes, not eyeballs. This is why they have to turn their head to see.

84. If you had a big enough bathtub, Saturn would float in it.

85. If you search “askew” on Google, the page will tilt to the side ever so slightly.

86. Barnicles can hijack a crab's nervous system, forcing them to house their larvae.

87. Some species of ants in South America can “self-destruct.”

88. Humans glow in the dark, but it's just 1000 times weaker than what humans see.

89. Scientists have invested hair based toothpaste.

90. A rare mutation can cause people to have hair on their tongue.

91. Wombat butts are reinforced with cartilage.

92. Your earwax is a kind of “sweat.”

93. Winnie the Pooh is banned in parts of Poland.

94. People invented a smoke alarm that you could turn off…

95. In the 1800’s, a pineapple cost about $8,000 today.

96. Its illigal to buy or sell chewing gum in Singapore.

97. In the 1300’s, how long people's shoes were was a sign of social status.

98. Isaac Newton tried to use “secret codes” in the bible to predict the apocalypse.

99. Cashew shells are toxic.

100. The guy who made the Pythagorean theorem started a cult that forbade people from eating beans, as he believed they contained the souls of the dead.

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed some of the weirdest facts this strange planet has to offer us.

Sources

• Sciencefocus.com

• Cosmopolitan.com

• Colledgetransition.com

Spring Sports

Sofia Ruvalcaba, Luna Godinez, & Aiyanah Escalante

There are so many things happening for Morgan Sports. Next spring sports, including baseball, girls' soccer, and track. 

Tryouts start the Monday after spring break. Currently, the girls' soccer coach is Austin Smith, the baseball coach is Brian Alexander, and the coach for track is Mike Nollan.

ALL players need to have a blue slip approved by the office on the day of tryouts; if not, the player will not be able to join in games and have limited practice.

Track 

Track has many different sports in one sport. Track has the shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw. For the running events, there are relay races (4x100 and 4x200), 100m, 200 m, 400m, 800 m, and 1600m (a whole mile). There are also high jumps, long jumps, and hurdles. Coach Mike Nollan has decided to return this year. Let's hope that he does well this year, too! Here are some things you might need for the track:

• good running shoes

• good sports wear

• water bootle 

• sun protection 

Baseball

 The baseball season is very close, and soon the time will fly till then! The team will take a bus to Rodery Park, and here’s a list of supplies you might need:

• Baseball glove/ Mitt

• Baseball bat

• Cleats

• Baseballs

• Batting helmet

Girls soccer 

The girls' soccer coach is Austin Smith and Jim Engeland. The girls' soccer practice will start after school and end around 4:30. The team will walk to Mt. View Park and practice. Players will need:

• Cleats

• Socks

• hair tie 

• water bottle

• Shin guards

• sports clothing shorts/shirt

Looking for fun ways to enjoy this newfound warm weather?

Maxine Beam

Well, guess what - I've got you. Here are some ways to make this march a fun and exciting experience. You can go on hikes, have picnics, sleepovers, and so many more fun activities.

Places you can hike:

• Umptanum Creek Falls

• Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trailhead

• Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park

• Palouse to Cascades state park trail

• Lake Clara Trailhead

• Yakima Skyline Trail

Places to visit for stunning photos:

• Mount Rainer National Park

• North Cascades National Park

• Palouse Falls State Park

• Roozengaarde flower field

• Cedar Flats Flower Field

• Diablo Lake

• Hurricane ridge

• Columbia River Gorge