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The Deerfield football team finished last season with a 19-3 home loss to Choate on Choate Day. Ending the season with a record of 3-5, while also gradu­ating a core group of seniors, the team had little to smile about. But, beginning the 2010 sea­son with 31 first-half points be­hind quarterback Steve Sousa ’11 in its 31-0 rout of NMH has lift­ed the heads of the Big Green. In fact, looking forward to the year, Sousa believes there is much to be excited about. “We have a great group of athletes that gives us the potential for a great year,” he said. Sousa, a PG from Marshfield, MA, is used to great talent and knows it when he sees it. In high school, Sousa led the team to three consecutive DI State Championships, before moving into D2, a more difficult football division for his senior year. Despite the new competi­tion, Sousa finished his senior year hoisting a fourth straight Massachusetts State Champion­ship trophy, at the Patriots’ Gil­lette Stadium. For the Deerfield football team, the talent does not end with Sousa, but spreads across the field. Senior captains Yianni Grupen, Mac Roy Jackson, and Andrew Sutphin all return with valuable experience from last year, and the difficulties they faced last year only make their desire for victory stronger. “There is nothing fun about losing, especially when you lose the majority of your games, and against Choate,” said running back Jackson. “But now we know that we need to work, run, and hit harder than we did last year so that we can set Deerfield football back on track.” Also stepping into major roles this season will be seniors Alex Chapin at center, Will Swindell at receiver, and a handful of PGs, including Kyle Brenner, Blake Burkhart, Jerome Froelich, and Gabe Salzer. All will need to play crucial roles to get the team back on track. To achieve this, Deerfield football will turn to Coach Mike Silipo, who has coached the Big Green through other difficult times during his 15-year tenure. When asked what needs to be done differently this year, Coach Silipo returned to his often-re­peated adage, “Pay attention to detail; every play is important; and play every play like it’s 4 th down.” With rising talent and experi­enced seniors, the team should certainly get back on the right track. And, according to Silipo, it all comes back to Sousa. “His ability to maneuver in the pocket feeds his playmaking abilities. He has the resources in speed, size, strength, and football intelligence.” And, as four previ­ous state championships show, he truly knows how to win.

The new system of table assignments seems to assume that day students will not be attending sit-down dinners. Tables 63 through 69 operate during lunch only, so boarders at those tables have separate assignments for sit-down dinners. Day stu­dents assigned to those last few tables are not given a sit-down table for dinner. While some day students choose to leave campus before dinner, many stay to attend club meetings, rehearse in music ensembles, or go to extra help sessions. Dean of Students Toby Emerson announced at school meeting that students who arrive at full tables must seek out another table up­stairs. However, students can feel awkward approaching table heads they don’t know. Students who take the trouble to shower and don class dress after co-curriculars should have the comfort of enjoying a meal at their own table. The school website states: “[Day students] often remain on cam­pus until late evening to study and socialize with friends. [They] are welcome at all evening meals.” But are they really?

Gus Wellin ’11 and Colten McCormick ’12 head the gluten-free club, which is dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for students who face the challenges of eating a completely gluten-free diet. The club has grown to 50 members and hosts activities such as welcoming a guest chef to campus to bake gluten-free treats. Their latest guest chef was Pamela Wellin who, after her son was diagnosed, began a small gluten-free cookie business. The cookies can be purchased in the Koch Café and the Greer Store. Celiac disease, nicknamed “the great pretender,” and gluten intolerance are currently two of the most under-diagnosed conditions. They prevent nearly three million Americans from digesting wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. Most symptoms are mild and can range from stomach aches to vitamin deficiencies to fatigue. Ignoring the disease can result in stunted growth or extreme weight loss. Eight students on campus have been diagnosed with either Celiac disease or gluten intolerance and regularly take advantage of the dining hall’s gluten-free options. “Statistically, that number should be higher,” said Director of Food Services Florrie Paige. For two years the dining hall has strived to provide comparable and tasty gluten-free substitutes for every meal. “The dining hall does a really fabulous job of letting us know what we can eat and providing it for us,” said Elyse Curtis ’12. Dining Hall Production Manager Roger Doiron has spent the past two years experimenting with more and more gluten free options as they become available. Both Mr. Doiron and Mrs. Paige would like to encourage students with these dietary challenges to feel comfortable taking advantage of the options available here.

Since her freshman year, She­nae Lundberg ’11 has established herself as an accomplished goal­tender on the ice. Now, behind the same dis­tinctive green, white, and gold facemask that serves her on the ice, Lundberg looks out at an un­familiar scene-the field hockey turf. Last year, Lundberg was ap­proached by field hockey coach Kimberly Wright and asked if she would be interested in bring­ing her goaltending talents to the girls’ varsity field hockey team. “I just wanted to contribute to Deerfield where I could,” said Lundberg. And with her deci­sion to join the team, she has done just that. In the opening four games of the season, Lundberg has only relinquished five goals, support­ed the team to a 2-2 record, and made history in the process. In a 2-0 loss to Hotchkiss and only her third game as a field hockey goalie, Lundberg tied a Deerfield record with a 21-save performance. Although her strong perfor­mances so far may suggest oth­erwise, Lundberg is still adjusting to the new sport. “The only real similarity be­tween ice hockey and field hock­ey,” Lundberg joked, “is the word ‘hockey.’ ” A fundamental difference that Lundberg admits to have initially struggled with is the fact that field hockey goalies can’t drop to the ground and slide-an integral part of the ice hockey goalie’s arsenal. Dr. Wright said, “Adjusting to the difference in pads and kickers instead of skates was a bit chal­lenging.” Despite these differences, Lundberg has managed to gener­ate plenty of success from a few sources. “I feel that I’ve been able to figure out my angles well and get good positioning on shooters,” she explained. Dr. Wright believes Lund­berg’s athletic experience has been beneficial. “In elite level hockey, espe­cially internationally, the best ath­letes play goalkeeper. Shenae’s innate athleticism and uncanny timing have played a major part in her success so far,” explained Dr. Wright. Lundberg feels that the team has played a crucial role in her adjustment. “The team has been really supportive so far,” said Lund­berg. “Both the players and the coaches have been great in giv­ing me tips and being patient as I learn the rules.” Lundberg has been essential to the spirit of the team. Dr. Wright said, “Shenae is a wonderful team player who com­petes every day in every drill to make herself and her teammates stronger.” From her athletic ability to her hard work, Lundberg has been able to contribute significantly to a completely new sport in just a short amount of time. “I only wish,” reflected Dr. Wright, “I had the opportunity to have her on my team for more than just one season.”

I moved into Harold Smith a bewildered new sophomore in September of 2008. Almost exactly two years ago today I met a girl who has shaped my entire growth as a Deerfield stu­dent. After the first dorm meeting I sat awkwardly on the common room couch not wanting to go back to my room alone when I was approached by a wavy-haired girl with glasses, blue polka-dot pajamas, and rain­bow socks. “Hi, I’m Izzy,” she said, and stuck out her hand to shake mine in a very official manner. “I’m Charlotte,” I said. “Where are you from?” she asked, and when I said New York she gave me what I call “the look.” Now if you ever had a conversation with Izzy, you know what “the look” is. The “seriously?” look – a flat, emotionless glare through her glasses: not un­kind, just Izzy. Her response was universally understood, without needing any expla­nation. “Oh god, you’re one of those,” she said, and proceeded to fill me in for a good half hour on the social hierarchy of Deerfield; about kids from New York City and Greenwich and blonde hair and side parts and preppy clothing. About how the tables separated in the dining hall. I’d never met someone like Izzy – honest, opinionated, gutsy, rebellious, and individual. But most of all, she was persua­sive. From her first question to me, she questioned me and made me question myself. In that moment I felt translucent, like any excuse I made for being from New York wasn’t enough to undo the unwelcomeness she had already felt and which she assured me I would become a part of. I was an impressionable new kid. She made me want to promise I would never be one of those, whoever they were. As the year progressed I be­came familiar with how Deer­field worked: where I could sit, and where I was not welcome. I was always welcome at Izzy’s table. Our friendship sprang up around our common dislike of exclusiveness. I think I always needed her more than she needed me, out of a necessity for a con­stant friendship when I had no friends, for an explanation, for a hug. I would lie on her fuzzy carpeted floor to lament getting a bad grade, how smelly the Karbon’s dog was, and how I wished I knew how to golf. And sometimes I would yell at her about her stupid red alarm clock after she hit snooze eight times, and how I could hear it in my room. But she would peek at me from un­der her sheets and just give me the look: just a constant, evenly keeled Izzy. What she said to me on that first night changed the way I approached social interaction at Deerfield. She made me cautious; she encouraged me to be different and stand up for what I care about, even if sometimes it meant getting the look. In the two years since I met Izzy, I’ve changed. But I have never forgotten the honest ad­mission of pain from my first real friend at Deerfield. Because of her persuasive­ness, her wisdom, and her fear­less honesty, I avoided step­ping into the trap of becoming someone who only had to do with where I’m from. Deer­field has lost someone great. A pusher, a boundary-breaker, a questioner, a constant. But I can still promise you, Izzy, I will never be one of those. *This was Charlotte McLaughry’s speech for Izzy at the memorial ser­vice. *Rachel Gibson ’11 and Becky Levy ’11 encourage peers and faculty to sign a book they will send to Izzy’s family, containing a recording of the memorial service. For more informa­tion, email rgibson@deerfield.edu or rlevy@deerfield.edu .

Congratulations to the winners of the Caricatures and Drawing contests at the Dorm Olympics! Below are the top 4 pieces in each category, drawings in the top row and caricatures below. (Simply click the thumbnail to view image; they’re very large files.)

Running cross country has been a long-standing tradition at Deerfield, and as the academy witnesses the beginning of its many fall athletic programs, no excitement or confidence across the fields is paralleled to that of the boys cross country team. “I’ve coached here at DA for fourteen years and this is the most focused and hard-working team that I’ve ever trained,” said head coach Steve Anderson, “and one of the deepest teams in terms of talent.” Each member worked extremely hard this summer, and each runner averaged about 65 miles of training per week. The members of the team reflect on the thousands of strides they have collectively accumulated, and look at the season ahead with confidence; “Each practice just gives us a lot of opportunities to build off the strong base-mileage we’ve already built up,” said experienced returner Hayden Moreau ’11. Each week of practice yields a variety of work-outs that include distance training and speed exercises. Every runner averages about forty to fifty miles a week, and often they are pushed beyond their limits to succeed a higher level of mental and physical endurance. As each week increases in difficulty, the endurance and pain thresholds for each member rise commensurately. The toil of establishing such quick but controlled rhythms are seen when Saturday -race day- arrives. Although cross country is an extremely taxing sport on one’s body, Fred Quesada ’12 claims, “Racing is all a mental game, and it’s all about how hard you can push yourself before you give up.” In order to feel the fiery adrenaline as they pass other contenders and finally the sweet relief at the end, the runners focus their energy and speed at the most painful and critical parts of the race. “The biggest pay-off in a race is when you’ve passed a lot of the other teams and you’ve proved it to yourself that you could do it, and you’ve finished with a really good time,” said senior co-captain Aaron Cyr-Mutty ’11. Looking at the season ahead, the runners plan on tackling both individual and team goals. Sam Belcher, co-captain and holder of DA’s 16:25 home course record, put into perspective how close being the number one school in New England really is. “With this team, Steve [Anderson] wants to create a dynasty. We’re already beating teams that were really ahead of us last year.” DA’s number 5 runner is just behind Exeter’s number 1 and 2 and the team is really evenly matched up with their New England’s-dominant rival, Andover. Andover is the only other team to return its top seven runners, and is the closest competition that Deerfield faces all season. Three members of the team are specifically gearing up for their last battle to win New England’s their senior year on their home course when Deerfield hosts the event November 15 th . As a whole, DA’s top seven plan on winning the team title, and individually, the runners are focusing on crossing the finish line with or before the event’s other top 15. “Many of the teams could be evenly matched this year,” said Mr. Anderson, “But when it comes down to it, the true test between runners is not only who is the strongest, but who can withstand the most pain. At the end of the season all we can expect to be is at our fastest.”

Running 26.2 miles is more than most students run in a week, or even a month. But on October 10, Muriel Solberg ’12 will do just that: run the Chicago Marathon. A native of Rockford, Illinois, Solberg has been around athletic events of this caliber for her en­tire life. She has many times been a spectator at the Chicago Mara­thon, cheering on her father. The Reverend J. Michael Solberg has not only run numerous mara­thons, but has also completed two Ironman triathlons. Training for a marathon is no small task, so Solberg has a fall athletic exemption to help her train. Since June, Solberg has been running two or three times during the week, usually follow­ing a schedule of four miles, eight on the next run, then four for the final run of the week. On off days, she bikes, swims, or ergs for extra cardiovascular work. The weekends, however, are when Solberg puts in her real work. Every other Saturday, she runs for a longer distance. Ear­ly in her training, the long runs were six miles. Now, as the race day approaches, her long runs have been as long as 22 miles. Solberg seems to be taking the challenge in stride, not letting the marathon stress her out or inter­fere with her daily life. However, when asked if she had any fears about the marathon, she simply replied, “dying,” while chuckling. Although minor hamstring strains have troubled her from the start, Solberg seems calm. “I’m really not that worried. My dad will be running with me, and my only goal is to finish, even if it takes forever.” Race day is October 10, but Solberg does not intend to stop after the race is completed. Af­terwards, she plans to stay in shape for swimming and crew seasons. Muriel’s father’s accomplish­ments have not only impressed her, but they have also sparked a particular motivation looking ahead. “I want to do all that he’s done, only at a younger age,” said Solberg. By running her first marathon at 16, she is off to a strong start. Her next major endeavor will be an Ironman triathlon, which entails a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full mara­thon, all in immediate succession. When Solberg does turn 18 and becomes eligible for the Ironman, nothing will stop her from taking on her next chal­lenge.

Turning down the second dirt road on the left, I listened to the slow roll of the car over mountain gravel and watched the land­scape unfold before me, feeling with every subsequent turn that we were driving over the edge of the Earth. Jordan is a palimpsest: memories of an­cient times seep through the layers of his­tory, melting into the modern era. Exploring the ruins of the Roman capital city Jerash, scrambling up the stone steps of the Ampi­theater in downtown Amman, and wander­ing through the well-worn stalls of veg­etables and spices in the souq are powerful testaments to the cultures and traditions of the people who have come before us. My internship at King’s Academy as a ju­nior fellow follows a similar pattern. Days are spent in the Academic Support Center helping students to develop skills in time-management, note-taking, test-taking, and general organization, in order to help them discover their best learning styles. But when the class bell rings for the end of the day and I head off to assistant coach, act as a table head during sit-down meals, or offer home­work help in the dorm, my understanding of this school only deepens. However, what I love most about Jordan is being able to appreciate the small plea­sures of life while also feeling like a part of the larger picture. During Ramadan, we abstained from eating or drinking in public out of respect for those fasting, and each evening we all celebrated the end of the day together, partaking in the traditional iftar meal after sunset. Sometimes a dinner will last several hours, spanning all kinds of conversations spoken in both Arabic and English, serving as opportunities that have already allowed me to form new and meaningful friendships. When the entire school gathered last weekend during orientation for the KA Jam, students and faculty sang, danced, acted, and competed against the junior fellows in a “Chubby Bunny” marshmal­low-eating contest. The energy of the KA Jam was yet another reminder of why I have chosen to spend my year here. I felt drawn to King’s because of its new­ness as a school, and I love the idea that students, fellows, and teachers alike ma­ture and develop personally as the schoolgrows and cultivates its own traditions. Watching events like the KA Jam play out successfully makes me proud to participate in that process. Jordan has whet my appetite for travel, adventure, and learning more so than ever. I am excited that the year is just beginning: I have no doubts that the coming months will be equally as rewarding and surprising as this past one has been. The possibilities of what this school can achieve seem to stretch on towards the horizon just as the landscape around it does. So, too, do the opportunities in front of you: take advantage of the wonders that our world has to offer. They’re only waiting to be discovered. *Contact kcorcoran@kingsacademy.edu.jo .

Movies are often so unrealistic they can only occur in dreams. However this summer, a movie not only dreamlike, but about dreams within dreams, grossed $60 million by its first weekend and is still the most discussed movie of the summer: Inception . “A confusing yet mind-blowing movie,” as described by Blair Scott ’11, Inception is a film about the inability to differentiate dreams from reality, also suggesting that dreams are a representation of our deepest thoughts and feelings. Many who watched Inception were amazed by the astounding visual effects of cities folding up like sheets of paper and of characters floating in the air as if in zero gravity. But most of all, viewers were intrigued by the concept of dreams as our second world, our other reality, and our own inability to discern what reality is. Some believe the entire movie is a dream, although it seems like reality, posing the question: is our perception of reality only a dream? But what really happens in the end? Has Cobb, the main character played by Leonardo DiCaprio, awakened, or is he still dreaming as he runs towards his children, the talisman still spinning on the table top as the screen blacks out? Michael Caine, who plays Cobb’s father-in-law, offered his interpretation of the ending in relation to his role in the movie; the spinning top “drops at the end, that’s when I come back on. If I’m there it’s real, because I’m never in the dream. I’m the guy who invented the dream,” explained Caine. Critics have complained that there are too many confusing and unexplained mysteries. Discovery News declared, “Cobb is an international fugitive being sought on murder charges for the death of his wife. But this doesn’t make any sense as she commited suicide by jumping out of a window and forensic detectives can easily tell the difference between a suicide jumper and one who was pushed, therefore there’s no way Cobb would or could ever have been charged for murder.” These critics can challenge it as they wish, but the reality remains that Inception has proved a national phenomena, encouraging audiences to question the meaning of their own lives, and has initiated widespread, meaningful debate.

Poc 222 is unlike any other female double on campus. The fight for this spacious room (with multiple windows) during the last housing lottery was fierce. Victors Elizabeth Eastman ’13 and Maggie Morse ’13 have creat­ed their own paradise. Formerly a faculty apartment, Poc 222 was converted into a triple last year. Eastman and Morse love their shared life. “We were so excited last year when we got the double! We had so much fun decorating the space to be our own,” said Morse. The main room is color-coor­dinated in neon green, blue, and white. A white flower lamp hangs over Morse’s bed on the right, and the wood floors are covered by a beige rug. Their furniture frames the room, so there is ample floor space for dance parties and sleepovers. A monitor faces the girls’ beds in prime position for late night movies. Their bed­ding matches the color scheme, as do the massive white lanterns around the room. What makes Poc 222 unique is the attached bathroom. East­man and Morse have given that a theme too. “We Dr. Seuss-ified our bath­room!” said Morse. A special blue One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish themed shower curtain masks the beige liner. A colorful bath mat covers most of the tile floor. In addition to the bathroom, there are Dr. Seuss mugs around their room. This bathroom is also con­nected to sophomore Emma De­Camp’s single. DeCamp signed up with the pair and joined them next door. “I’ve really enjoyed my new job as fight breaker-upper,” said DeCamp. Green monkey hooks lie over every door and every piece of molding, adding to the whimsical feel of the double. “Our double is like a nice little house. We love it!” said Morse. As for the double lifestyle, Eastman and Morse are adjusting to different sleep schedules and homework issues, but they enjoy it all the same. Morse and DeCamp have also reported a ghost haunting the old apartment. The phantom is known to turn on the sinks and disturb trash cans. However, this does not deter the trio from hav­ing a good time! This Poc 2 double is known as one of the best-decorated and well-designed rooms on campus. The girls are open about their space, and always welcome visitors.

As the November elections approach and Republican candi­dates sense the possibility of re­gaining the majority in Congress, discourse has taken an extreme tone. It is normal for parties to po­larize as candidates seek to de­fine what it is they stand for and how they differ from their op­ponents in policy. However, as a result of President Obama’s pro­gressive policies, and Republican efforts that have frustrated their enactment into law, the tone building up to the elections has been particularly bitter. Adding to the mix is the Tea Party’s pop­ulist challenge to the Republican establishment. As we hurdle to­wards the November finish line, the American public is left with a political landscape littered with candidates on both sides touting particularly zealous rhetoric. Meet Paul Ryan. A Republi­can congressman representing Wisconsin’s 1st district, Ryan is an increasingly rare breed of leg­islator – one that has separated himself from the partisan bick­ering and absolutism. In con­trast with his party’s standard, which has drifted farther right under Tea Party influence, Ryan is moderate (if not left of cen­ter) on key domestic issues such as the environment, energy, and education. Meanwhile, his fiscal policy is decidedly conservative. However, two characteris­tics most set Ryan apart from the toxicity of today’s congress. First is his insistence upon hold­ing what he calls an “adult con­versation” on the budget, debt, and entitlement reform. It only takes a glance at daily headlines to understand why he thinks the “adult” factor is lacking in to­day’s “conversation.” On the right is Christine O’Donnell, the Republican sen­atorial nominee for Delaware, who has on record claimed the rise of AIDS in America is linked directly to the removal of Bibles from our public schools. On the left is Alan Grayson, a Democratic congressman run­ning for reelection in the 8th dis­trict of Florida, who called his opponent Daniel Webster “Tal­iban Dan” in an attack ad, us­ing out-of-context quotes from a speech Webster gave to paint him as a chauvinistic Christian fundamentalist. In contrast, Ryan’s own rhetoric, whether it is on Chris Matthews’ Hardball debating fiscal policy or on the campaign trail this fall, has re­mained focused on policy. He has proven immune to what can be described as an epidemic of political immaturity pervading campaign trails and afflicting the likes of O’Donnell and Grayson. The second quality mak­ing Paul Ryan a standout poli­tician, especially amongst his own party, is his belief in ideas. While the Republicans col­lectively have been criticized as the “Party of No,” denying Democratic legislation passage while producing none of their own, Ryan is exempt. His plan to balance the budget and rein in what he considers unsustain­able entitlements, labeled “A Roadmap for America’s Future,” is exhaustingly comprehensive. The question is then, why is Paul Ryan, a sound speaker, mature policy-maker, and producer of substantial legislation, not at the forefront of the Republi­can Party – instead of Christine O’Donnell? This gap between Ryan and his Republican brethren was em­phasized when the party released their “Pledge to America,” promising what would be done if they were granted control of congress. While it covered many of the issues Ryan is invested in, it did not mention his Roadmap, a surprise to many political com­mentators. This decision was a manifestation of the increas­ingly extreme Republican base. If the right wing does want to approach the issues facing the United States today, it is im­portant that they take the more moderate of the two paths. If Ryan is to be slighted in favor of Tea Party candidates who have little understanding of the issues, then it would be safe to expect an indefinite continu­ation of the inertia-strangling congress. If any progress is to be made by the right, it lies in the likes of Ryan, whose legisla­tion and comprehension of the issues at hand combine for an uncommonly able politician and statesman. *For sources, please contact the writer.