Always a Pleasure Seeing You

An article by: Lexi Clary

As cliché as it sounds, 2016 was one for the books. But all good things must come to an end.

(Photo owned by: Paramount Pictures)

We all knew him as the King of Sweets, with his famous brown top hat, big blue eyes, a big smile and purple suite. Gene Wilder, better known as Willy Wonka, passed away on August 29^th. Hopefully we were all fortunate enough to grow up envying Charlie as he got his golden ticket in a chocolate bar that would take him to a magical place with oompa-

loompas.  

One of the most surprising beloved wizards, Professor Snape, played by Alan Rickman passed away January 14^th. Alan Rickman was also famous for his roles in Sweeney Todd and Alice and Wonderland Through the Looking Glass.

(Photo by: Lie Heung)

A very influential R&B Artist by the name of Prince, passed away in early April. His number one song was “When Doves Cry”. The t.v. show New Girl did a special dedication to Prince and reran the video on the week of his death.

King of pop may widely be associated with singer songwriter Michael Jackson, but needless to say, David Bowie, who passed away on January 16^th was a huge contributor to the arts and an influential singer to many other artists. He played in a few movies, his most famous was The Labyrinth

(Photo By: John Rooney)

Let’s not forget about one of the most talked about sports figures and boxer, Muhammad Ali, who passed away on June 3^rd.

These legends will continue to give in spirit as their legacy lives on without them.

https://youtu.be/IwrXu8s4c_4

Gone But Never Forgotten

An article by: Lexi Clary 

2016 has been a strange year. And even stranger now that a few all time legends in the sports world have called it quits.

A three-time MLB MVP and 14 time all star by the name of Alex Rodriguez or A-Rod, who is 41 and plays fro the New York Yankees, announced that he would retire August 7, 2016.  During his career, he played the position of shortstop, third baseman and designated hitter. According to Sport illustrated, Rodriguez represented both the worst and the best of Major League Baseball. He has been compared to Cal Ripken Jr, who has a record of playing the most consecutive games.

Photo by: Will Brinson
(Manning at retirement speech)

Arguably one of the greatest QB's of all time, Payton Manning who played for the Denver Broncos retired march 21^st. Manning is considered on having a well put together NFL. He has two super bowl rings, he received one while playing for the Indianapolis Colts and one while Playing for the Broncos. According to an article by Sports Illustrated He holds multiple passing records, including career yards and touchdowns

Kobe Bryant retired for the Los Angeles Lakers earning his title of one of the greatest NBA players of all time, he was named all star 18 times and according to sports illustrated is currently third on the NBA scoring list. The question in consideration is what number he will retire. More than likely, no other Lakers player will wear no. 8 or no. 24 again.

(Photo by: Gary A. Vasquez)

Vincent Lecavalier, who played 17 seasons in the NHL and won a Stanley Cup in 2004 where he spent 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightening announced his retirement with the Las Angeles Kings earlier in April. Lecavalier was the number one draft pick 1998, According to the NHL website “He won the Rocket Richard Trophy as the leagues top goal scorer with 52 goals in 2006”

Olympic gold medalist, McKayla Maroney announced her retirement as an elite gymnast on February 24^th. She says that now she has accomplished her goals of being a gold medalist that she feels she can put her time and energy into better things. In an interview posted by SI, she states “I'm just ready to put my worth and value into something else,” Maroney added. “I'm just ready to be excited about something else. I just got so bored with being unhealthy.”

(Photo owned by: USA Today)

Calvin Johnson retired June 25^th and played for the Detroit lions. He said he considered walking away from the NFL long before he announced his retirement. Johnson stated to Fox Sports that his body had gone though too much even though he knows that’s the price when it comes to playing the game, “I put a lot into this game and its taken a lot out of me.” He says he is ready to start his life with his new wife and kids.

https://youtu.be/h8bHPPC7ADc

Champions and the White House

Article by Lexi Clary

Starting on August 30, 1865, President Johnson made it a tradition for championship teams from the four major sports: basketball, baseball, hockey, and football, to visit the White House to honor and celebrate their hard work, dedication, and victory, as well as their volunteer work in their community. Although other people in different professional sports are invited to the White House as well, these are the four sports that people normally hear about. White house visits are not only limited to professional athletes. While George W Bush was in his term, he started the tradition of honoring each NCAA Division I Champions. Thankfully Barack Obama has continued to carry on what Bush started.

According to an article by Greg Bates, another tradition has sprung from the players visiting the White House.  Teams now make it a point to bring the president of the time, a gift, to show their gratitude for welcoming them into the house.

Photo taken by: Pablo Martinez Menials
Obama parades his costume jersey in front of the press

We all remember the fantastic season the Royals played last year, claiming their well deserved title of World Champions in 2016. That win got them a ticket to meet the president himself, Barack Obama, and in return the Royals gave Obama and several other Politian’s a signed team jersey with all of the team members signatures on it.

The college team that has visited the White House the most is the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team, the Huskies. They have visited the house nine times. That’s the most any team has visited.

Another college team that has visited the White House four times within seven years of Barack Obama’s two terms, is the Alabama football team, Crimson Tide.

As anyone would imagine, being invited to the White House is a great honor. Although through the years, there have been a few teams  who have the title of champion and did not make the the trip

Photo taken by: Paul Berswill
Tim Thomas

Tim Thomas, An NHL goal tender for the Boston Bruins, decided to pass up the invitation to the White House. Thomas’ explains on his Facebook page that he “believes the federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.” He also said that “this is being done at the executive, legislative and judicial level.” And because he has the right of a free citizen, he “exercised that right, and did not visit the white house. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country.” And that was his choice as an individual to make.

Matt Brick, a player for the Ravens did not go to the White House in 2013 because he disagreed with Obama’s support for planned Parent Hood.

Photo Taken by: Charles Dharapak
Obama welcomes the 1885 champions, Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears of 1985 wear invited by Obama in 2011 to celebrate their victory of the time. The team could not make the trip in 1985 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.

Although politics and beliefs do play a role in some of the players attending the invitation, it is still quit an honor to make that special trip and to be recognized by the leader of the U.S.

https://youtu.be/f5HnIR1kemE