THE BEAR FACTS

March 6, 2021


Good morning! I’m Riley Rosenmeyer!

I’m Maryanne Capesius!

And I’m Veronica Capesius! You’re listening to the “Bear Facts”, where it’s been a crazy but fun week here at Bishop Garrigan High School.

The Golden Bear girls have had the best basketball season in school history. The Bears play in Class 1-A, the smallest class for girls basketball, and during the regular season the only team that beat them was one of the largest schools in the state—Class 5-A contender West Des Moines Valley. The Bears then breezed through regionals to advance to the state tournament.

The Bears had their opener at state last Wednesday vs. Springville, a small town just east of Cedar Rapids. Springville gave the Bears one of their closest games all year long, and it was back and forth even halfway through the fourth quarter. The Bears hung on, though, and they made key free throws when it really mattered to advance to the state semi-finals.

We had to record this week’s show before Friday’s semi-final game was played. We know that—like they do in every game they play—the Bears gave it their all, though, and we’re hoping they advance to tonight’s state championship.

Depth has been key to the Bears all season long. While the top scorers in almost every game have been sophomores Audi Crooks and Molly Joyce, senior Kaylyn Meyers is also a top player; and Gracie Elsbecker, Reese Rosenmeyer, Anna Berke, Abbie Capesius and Emma Grandgenett have all contributed heavily, both on offense and defense. Kelly Baade, Gracie Rosenmeyer, Meredith Tigges, Ashlyn Hovey, and Reagan Murphy have also been important players off the bench. As the cheer goes—we’re proud of our Bears!

Last weekend the district individual speech entries were judged virtually. Bishop Garrigan had an outstanding day, earning 16 Division I ratings. Senior Joey Trainer earned a I in Storytelling, while Abbi Heying received top marks in Reviewing, Noah Bronk in Improvisation, and Jack Snyder in Radio News Announcing.

Among the juniors, Marguerite Fakler earned I’s in both Solo Musical Theatre and Prose, while Ava Eisenbarth was rated “I” in both Prose and Acting. Meredith Tigges received a I in Radio News Announcing, Riley Rosenmeyer got a I in Prose, and Meredith Illg got a I on her Poetry entry. Sophomore Eva Snyder earned I’s in both Literary Program and Radio News Announcing, and Savannah Waechter got a I in Storytelling.

The other Division I ratings went to freshman Sam Plathe, who earned them in both Improvisation and Spontaneous Speaking. All these students will turn around and record their speeches again for the state contest, which will be judged virtually next weekend. Congratulations to Coaches David Burrow and Ashley Meyer and the speech team!

 It’s just over a month until Garrigan’s 32nd annual Gala celebration. The theme for 2021 is “Reflections”, which is appropriate as we look back on this most unusual year. While most of the event will be virtual, there will still be a number of socially distanced in-person events. Guests can even get a drive-through Gala-quality meal. The deadline to register for a meal is next Friday, March 12, and Gala will be Saturday, April 10. Be sure to mark your calendar and be part of the fun.

The Golden Bear quiz bowl team is hoping to follow up their success in the recent Knowledge Master competition with another event this coming week. Wednesday afternoon they’ll be competing in the spring 3—2—1 contest, and online event with 240 questions that go in groups of three. The team is likely to compete in two other virtual contests later this spring. Good luck, quiz bowl!

Our Senior Spotlight this week shines on Noah Bronk and Bailey Meister. Here to tell you about them is Ella Muller.

Noah Bronk comes from west of Algona. His biggest activities at Garrigan have been band and choir, but he’s also been active in quiz bowl, track, and trapshooting. Speech is also a big activity for Noah, and he earned a I in Improvisation last weekend.

Bailey Meister has been busy this winter as a manager and stat-keeper for the girls basketball team. She also works the light and sound booths for plays and music events. She’s probably best known as an athlete, though, and she’s been very successful in both softball and volleyball. Both Noah and Bailey will be off to college next year, and we wish them good luck.

On this week’s Golden Bear calendar, the 1-A girls basketball championship will be tonight at 6:30. The game will also be broadcast on Iowa Public Television.

Next week is comparatively quiet at Garrigan. We’ll have mass Wednesday morning and an early dismissal for teacher inservice that afternoon. Also on Wednesday the quiz bowl team will participate in the spring 3—2—1 contest.

Next Friday we’ll have an out-of-uniform day for prom, and then next Saturday the state individual speech entries will be judged.

And that’s the “Bear Facts” for this week. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to catch the show again next week for more news from Bishop Garrigan High School.