Sept 15, 2022

This year, Norris is offering an esports league for 7-12th graders, coached by Mr. Jason Gault, Mr. Colton Gronewold and Mr. Mark Hausner. Students will have the opportunity to play video games on PCs and Nintendo Switches. The team has three competitive seasons, spanning across the whole school year, with one state tournament each season.

“We aspire to create an atmosphere and environment that welcomes all, yet challenges each player to get better at their craft every day,” Coach Gault said. “Working as a team, our players will learn valuable skills relating to sportsmanship, humility, and grit.”

The league will have two teams: Varsity and JV, which will vary in size depending on which game it is for. Players will have ample opportunity to make their way up and into the teams for competitive play. Each of the three seasons will consist of regular competition, play-offs, and then potentially a state tournament.

“I’m really hoping we can show kids how to compete, how to be good winners and how to be good losers,” Coach Gronewold said. “A lot of the practice is simply getting into the game and playing. We have to learn how to do it as we go because it is such a new program.”

Practice is after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays for two hours in the high school’s mega lab. The team is providing 12 gaming PCs, 2 Switches, projectors, wired internet connection and headsets for players that make it on the competitive team.

“It’s a really great opportunity for Norris as a whole to get some kids involved that maybe wouldn’t participate in traditional sports,” Coach Gronewold said. “There are a lot of kids that are really good at the games they play, it’s a pretty cool opportunity for them to showcase their talents.”

For the fall season, players will be able to compete in “Valorant” in a team of five, “Rocket League” in a team of three and one-verus-one in “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.” The winter season will include “Mario Kart 8” and “Clash Royale.” And finally, the year will end in spring with “League of Legends,” “Starcraft” and two-verus-two “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”

“We hold the esports players to the exact same standards that any traditional sport would have,” Coach Gronewold said. “It’s a lot like those traditional sports, we have practices and training. Instead of doing things with an actual ball, we use a controller and a screen.”

Similar to other school-sponsored activities, like football or band, students participating in the esports league must adhere to attendance and grade policies. In order to be allowed to compete, students must not have an F in any class or 2 D’s. Furthermore, students must show up to school regularly and have no missing assignments.

“As we get closer to competitions, we “scrim” with other schools,” Coach Gault said. “This is a great way for our players to evaluate talent, and strategize gameplay and technique.”

Many other local schools have an esports team, but starting a team at Norris was a long process, first initiated with research done by the technology department. When the logistics of getting equipment and having a location was figured out, a proposal was brought to school administration. Then a final draft was presented to the school board, where it got quickly passed.

“Coaching the team is a great opportunity to lead a dedicated group of students who have a passion for gaming while representing Norris with class and dignity,” Coach Gault said. “I’m most looking forward to the connections our players will make with their fellow teammates and watching this team improve throughout the season.”

Biweekly practices started August 30. The team is preparing for the regular season games by playing both in-house scrimmages as well as weekly scrimmages against other schools, such as Waverly and Minden. If students wish to join for the winter season, they can reach out to any of the three coaches.

The Sound of Music is a classic story of romance, family, and of course, a love for music. The Norris Vocal Music Program once again is putting together a show that will warm the hearts of the audience. Senior Katelyn Glinsmann stars as the upbeat and lovable, Maria, beside Junior Spencer Brightman as the stoic and stern Captain. Directed by Jill Elswick and Wes Hansmeyer, The Sound of Music will be performed on September 27th, 29th, and October 1st at 7pm as well as a matinée Sunday, October 2nd at 2pm. Some of the community might be feeling a bit of déjà vu, because this is not the first time Norris has performed this beloved musical.

Although they could have easily reused plenty of ideas and props, Mrs. Elswick and Mr. Hansmeyer chose to breathe new life in the musical. A new set, a new cast, and a new choreographer. Instead of playing the young Rolf, assistant choir director, Hunter Boe, helps curate a bright and lively environment for the chorus filled party scene. For this version, Rolf is played by senior Grayson Palermo. He proudly exclaims, “I can’t wait to perform 16 going on 17! I love having the opportunity to be a part of this musical with such an incredible and talented cast”.

To fill the VonTrapp family, Norris has brought in children to play the beloved Gretl/Warner, Marta, Kurt, and Briggita/Finn. These kids definitely bring an exciting energy to each scene. The entire cast cannot get enough of them, and the audience is sure to feel the same. Katelyn Glinsmann (Maria) writes, “Working with the younger kids has been an absolute blast. They always bring a lot of fun to every rehearsal, and I love being able to be a role model to all of them. It is super cool to see them grow in their acting and singing talents”. The Sound of Music cast has been working hard to give the audience the best performance possible. Making a complete one eighty from last year's musical, this one is sure to be a doozy. Tickets are on sale right now at www.showtix4u.com and search for Norris. Go experience the hills come alive with The Sound of Music.

If you’ve been out to Norris High School and have went through the west en-

trance doors, you have probably seen the new bench that was donated earlier this

year. Macy Stimple and Alaina Clowera raised $2,135 for a bench in Ryan’s name.

Colleen Lovett said, “Their love for Ryan has really been felt even five years later”.

The money that was raised was not only used for the bench but also $500 was do-

nated to the Ryan Margaret Cheer Scholarship and $702 went to Live on Nebraska.