On July 31, former JHS employee Michael Ehringer passed away. He was 69 years old.
Ehringer was known for being an assistant principal, boys track coach, boys cross country coach, math teacher and athletic director at Jeff High. He was also the principal of Parkview Middle School at one time, too.
“In the words of Mick Hennegan, former JHS principal, ‘Mike taught not only the material, but more importantly, he taught the student.’ When he retired, he planned on fishing every day. But in reality, he rarely had time to fish. His days seemed to always be filled helping other people,” said former JHS assistant principal and athletic director Ralph Scales.
Ehringer would always have the crowd puzzled as he announced track trivia during track meets after his years of coaching the team. Many people that knew him would say he always knew how to make someone smile: from his trivia, to his singing in the Louisville Thoroughbred Chorus.
“He was a true Renaissance man in that he loved athletics, academics, and the arts,” said former JHS teacher Mark Lambertus. “He will be missed mightily by his friends and family and friends from Greater Clark Schools,”
Twenty-one Jeffersonville High School students will have the opportunity this year to gain insight into teaching, and potentially begin their careers, in education. Cadet Teaching, or F200, is a program designed to steer students to pursue a degree of education at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany.
Not only is this a dual-credit class, but the students will be able to establish relationships with professors and college students majoring in education at IUS.
Part of this course is about building relationships, according to assistant principal Ginger Whitis. The students will have a faculty member at Jeff High, as well as college students in the education program at IUS, serving as mentors to them.
“The students will have these mentors to aid in the bridge from Jeff High to IUS when they graduate,” Whitis said.
One other goal this program is striving for is to attract minority students to the education department at IUS.
“I think part of the focus truly is to bring minority students to IUS because they are so underrepresented in the education department,” Whitis said.
For the program’s first year back at JHS, Scott Hawkins will take the lead. Hawkins has taught social studies at Jeff High for over 15 years.
When asked about what he needed to do to be the instructor for Cadet Teaching, Hawkins said, “I need to have a Masters degree in education. This summer also I went to training courses at IU Bloomington.”
Andrew Gustafson, a senior at Jeff, is a member of the Cadet Teaching class. In taking the class, Gustafson strives to be a physics professor at a university in the future.
“My schedule worked out so that I had a free period this year,” Gustafson said. “I figured taking Cadet Teaching would be able to help me in the future.”
Gustafson is pleased that a class like Cadet Teaching is offered at JHS.
“I think Mr. Hawkins will be a great teacher for us,” Gustafson said. “It’s not super challenging, but it is for people that are committed to trying to learn about education.”
Jeff has strived to produce many great improvements around the school these past two years, such as the new Radio/TV station, new basketball court and bleachers, and getting the approval for a new auditorium.
These improvements have made JHS students and visitors interested to see what everything looks like, which should help bring out more people to the games. The additions draw more attention to Jeff High as a whole, including the basketball program.
But despite living in a basketball hotbed, Jeff High has more than one sport that could bring in a lot of fans, not to mention money, for the athletic department.
Something I think that would help build Jeff High’s overall fan base is turf fields for the football, soccer and baseball teams. (I’d say softball, too, but most of the infield is all dirt.)
The turf product would give a new look to the fields, and maybe even be the first of many to come in the future if other schools in our area, or around the state, like the idea.
“Turf has better traction and would keep our jerseys cleaner,” senior football player Ian Francisco said. “I think it would look really good, and we all want it. Some of the schools we play have them and I love playing on it.”
So why turf?
According to FieldTurf.com, the world leader in artificial turf, the total cost of a having an artificial field put in would be around $750,000. For that price, the field would last between eight and 10 years, or roughly $75,000 every year.
Yes, this is a lot of money. However in the long run, the price tag would be worth it. Turf fields are easier to take care of and the grounds crew would rarely, if ever, cut the actual turf.
“I think it would be a great idea,” junior baseball player Gabe Bierman said. “I’ve played on many turf baseball fields across the country, so I’m very used to it. Plus it’s nice.”
Many would say that they do not need turf because of the cost, or because it could interfere with the season. In my opinion, it would look so much better, especially during our unpredictable weather patterns.
With the new East End Bridge set to open in December, students from high schools in Kentucky may decide to explore high schools in southern Indiana. If we got turf for our football, soccer, and baseball teams, we could also potentially attract more student athletes because of our facilities.
After all, the better our facilities are, the more highly people will think of Jeff High as a whole when it comes to athletics.
If other local schools can support turf fields, such as New Albany and Seymour, who says we can’t? And these schools are our rivals — we can’t fall behind any more.
Jeffersonville High School alumni Evan Stoner and others worked day and night to mark a large historical milestone this summer.
On June 25, Jeffersonville officially hosted its first ever gay pride festival, which took place at the Big Four Station at the base of the Big Four Bridge. With parades and live performances, the Jeffersonville community came together to celebrate something all people, no matter sexuality, can relate to: being proud to love.
Although successful, like all events, this was not just an overnight job. Evan, and Jeffersonville Pride organizer Nicholas Moore, managed to get it started with larger than expected support of both queer and straight Jeffersonville locals. Approximately 2000 people showed up to the event.
The festival included the larger parade with individuals and non-profits in the morning. Approximately 40 different vendors and businesses, including food trucks, provided the refreshments, while live entertainment, like Jake Parker Band and a Cabaret LaCage Drag Show, took place that evening.
With the Pride celebration becoming an all-day affair, the entire area was secured by the Jeffersonville Police Department.
Even in light of some of the tragedies targeting LGBTQ this year, Jeffersonville, as a community, could still progress in the celebration of equality.
It is a place that has seen a visit from U.S. Olympian Ryan Lochte, a swimmer that has racked up 12 total medals in his three Summer Games. It has helped train Ben Hesen, a 2004 JHS graduate, to become an NCAA champion and three-time All-American.
Now, the Jeffersonville High School swimming pool is undergoing a major renovation for the first time in the pool’s storied history.
A big part of any school renovation that is commonly overlooked is the preparation beforehand. Maintenance man Jim Dodds took part in the strategic preparation process, which included repainting, updated record board, new utilities installed and improving the air quality of the facility.
Dodds and plumber Paul Berry were responsible for draining the pool. Due to the design of the pool, the last three feet of water had to be manually pumped out and completely dried so that it could be repainted.
“It took three days and 240,00 gallons of water to refill the pool,” Dodds said.
He also stated it took 12 gallons of chlorine to get the pool back to swimming conditions.
“Once finished, it’s really going to enhance the facility, making it look more professional,” Dodds said.
Jeff High swimmer Caroline Elliot (Junior) feels it was time for a renovation to be done and that her and her teammates really deserve it.
“I believe that the pool renovation was 100-percent necessary. It hasn’t been renovated since it was built, ” Elliot said.
She stated that it was time to show the pool some TLC, even though it left her JHS swim team members without an indoor pool for the last couple of months to practice in.
She added that she can’t wait for their first home meet to show off the hard work that has been put into the renovation.
Swim coach Michael Pepa was thrilled when he first heard about the renovation.
“Yes, (the update) was needed from the standpoint of improving the air quality,” Pepa said. “Certainly improving the aesthetics allows us to house a facility that the school and community can be proud of.”
With the renovations, Pepa said the swimmers will be able to train under better conditions thanks to the installation of new, large ceiling fans. In the past, high chlorine levels caused swimmers to have “ chlorine cough” and warm conditions made it difficult for swimmers to breathe.
The bottom of the pool has been painted with new black lane lines and a new “records” wall will be utilized to give the facility an updated look.
The completion date that Pepa is hoping for is in Fall 2016.
From the moment that water started spurting out of the firehose, Gabi Knittle’s face exploded with uncontrollable joy and excitement. Knittle, who is a member of Angela Kern’s Careers Exploration class, accompanies a handful of classmates as they take a field trip to see their buddy, Sergeant Justin Ames, every Friday at the firehouse.
This weekly field trip is made possible through the C.H.O.I.C.E program, which is an acronym that stands for ‘Community Helping Our Youth In Career Education.’ In this case, the youth is a group of eight special needs students known as the D-crew. (The Fire Department is split into A, B, and C crews.)
Special education teacher Angela Kern loves the program, especially Sergeant Ames’ connection with the students.
“I love that Sergeant Ames communicates with every kid,” Kern said. She said that Ames makes sure that the students are comfortable when they’re at the firehouse, and teaches them about communicating and working with others around the community.
“The activities that he does with the students help teach them soft skills they will need for later in life,” Kern said.
Before each lesson, Ames takes note of what the students are learning in the classroom so he can further apply it in their D-crew activities.
“He (Sergeant Ames) takes as much pride in this program as we do,” Kern said.
At the firehouse, the D-crew does a variety of activities, with one in particular called “Rescuing Randy.” During the activity, two students wrap ropes around a dummy (nicknamed Randy) and work together to maneuver him to safety. The activity teaches the students about the importance of teamwork.
“Without one, then the other cannot do their job,” Ames tells the class.
Ames also lets the students spray the fire hose. Two students hold the hose in place as one works the nozzle. This also allows students to work together, as they alternate roles so that each member of D-Crew gets a chance to spray.
“They love using the hose,” Kern said. “Some of them get crazy when it comes to the spraying part, though.”
During these activities, the students get to learn valuable lessons, whether they realize it or not.
“We’re proud to be involved in this great program, which allows us to help (the students) be successful later in life,” Ames said.
When asked what their favorite part of the trip is, the D-crew students’ responses were joyfilled: “The hose!” Justin Keith and TreVeon Polk said.
Sergeant Ames attempts to connect with all of the crew, even Deija Franklin, who is deaf. He signs her name to her to get her attention.
When asked what she thinks of Ames, she responded with a smile.
5: Perrin Park, 414 Perrin Ln, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Although there aren’t many Pokéstops nearby, Perrin Park offers lots of space to walk and hatch eggs.
4: River Ridge, north of Jeffersonville
River Ridge is an area that will soon become busy with business. With tons of new buildings being planned, there are bound to be more Pokéstops being added in there. There is also a large variety of landmarks, such as ponds, forests and fields, which can draw different types of Pokémon.
3: Downtown New Albany
Being downtown in a city area almost always guarantees more/rarer Pokémon spawns, greater number of Pokéstops and other trainers to greet. Like many highly concentrated downtown cities, there are plenty of Pokémon Gyms and stops.
So go downtown with some friends, defeat a gym or two, and catch ‘em all.
2: Vissing Park, 2728 Vissing Park Rd, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Vissing Park offers open air, plenty of space and masses of Pokémon to add to your Pokédex. Pokéstops are not as concentrated here, but it grants a lot of walking space to hatch those 2km, 5km, and rare 10km eggs.
1: Riverstage and Walking Bridge, downtown Jeffersonville
The epitome of Jeffersonville culture is an obvious destination for Pokémon Go trainers. With plenty of space to walk, a plethora of restaurants and coffee shops, and lots of friendly faces, the riverstage in downtown Jeff is an ideal place to be around friends, stay entertained and be safe. There are also Pokéstops on nearly every corner, which typically have glowing lures on them.
Tips:
Be safe
One of the biggest complaints people have about the game is the dangerous aspect of it. The best precautions to take are to always be around friends (training with friends is more fun anyway) and stay near public places. When hunting at night, stay in well lit areas and always know where you are and where you are going. Also, when more people are condensed in a smaller area playing, the chances of better that more rare Pokémon spawning will increase.
Bring a charger
The most frustrating thing that can happen is when you finally find that long-sought after Pokémon, and your phone dies. A good investment is a portable charger, which can save your battery while you play. Another way to save battery is to enable the “low power” setting on your phone by going to Settings < Battery < Low Power Mode. The game itself also has a “low power” setting, which is found in the main menu.
Jeffersonville senior offensive tackle/defensive end Dayna Overton has been catching the attention of some of the country’s most prestigious football programs.
Dayna Overton using a punching bag during training day for the University of Louisville
Overton has been part of the Jeff High football team all four years, and has spent one year as a member of the Jeff track and field team.
The returning Red Devil made a huge impression on his coaches and teammates his junior year. Last season, Overton became an offensive Varsity starter among an offensive line full of seniors. He quickly earned the respect of his fellow teammates, and his opponents on the other side of the ball.
His time on the track also benefited him in football.
“I believe track helped me as a competitor,” Overton said. “It really helped me get rid of the nervousness when under pressure to perform at a high level. Now after track season, I don’t get nervous in the spotlight like I used to.”
A big reason for his success was his self motivation, and the support from his family, friends, and teammates. Overton’s mother, Amanda Kinnaird, played volleyball in her time at Jeff. The former Red Devil knows what sports mean to the community, and only wants to help him gain a competitive edge on his opponents.
“We’ve seen the success he’s been having and we’re behind him 100-percent,” Kinnaird said. “He’s always been a talented athlete — people are just now starting to notice.”
Overton’s parents have been there every step of the way, cheering him on from home football games, as well as track meets that are as much as four hours away.
“I think that the motivation to push myself to be a better player was always inside of me. I just had to find it with myself,” Overton said. “But also having a great pair of parents behind me, always motivating me to get better everyday.”
Dayna Overton working with other prospective lineman during his training
Teammates, like quarterback Cameron Northern, have noticed the leadership skills he’s developed recently. Aware with the hard work he’s been putting in, they’ve set him to high standards.
“I hope to see him get his first offer and just become the player I know he can be,” Northern said. “I just want to see him dominate, see him being All-Conference, and maybe an All-State performance. He used to be an okay football player, but now he’s one of our best lineman and hardest workers.”
Jeffersonville head coach Alfonzo Browning has seen the way Overton has been growing the past two years. Browning’s star tackle has been an unsung hero on his high-powered offense.
“Dayna’s grown up a lot in the last two years,” Browning said. “His biggest improvement has been mental. He’s realized that he has a ton of untapped potential that he is now getting a grasp of. He’s helping lead a unit that will probably be the strength of our team.”
On July 15, Overton’s hard work paid off, as the tackle was invited to a seniors-only camp at the University of Louisville called Light up the Ville, which was hosted by Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino and his staff.
The camp marked the third time in the past year Overton has been invited to their training facility. Over the past summer, Overton has attended camps at Purdue, Ball State, Louisville and Western Kentucky.
“Being with the coaches again was so great. I loved going up against some of the top recruits in the country,” Overton said. “Going up against good competition just makes you a better athlete.”
Overton’s play stood out to offensive line/run game coordinator coach Chris Klenakis so much that after the camp, Klenakis told Overton he had “made his guys look like fools” when referring to the 1-on-1 drills with the offensive linemen.
“He really stood out and performed well in several drills, and almost every guy in the D-line and O-line were at least three-star recruits,” Kinnaird said. “That camp was absolutely stacked with talent and he shined among them.”
With all the camps and recruiting news, Overton still gets support from school mates and friends. His teammates continue to push him to achieve his goal of getting offered a scholarship.
“Amongst the whole news about recruiting me, I’ve really noticed how much love and support I have from friends, family, and teammates,” Overton said. “I’m truly loving it.”
The most illustrious athlete to come out of Louisville died at the age of 74 on June 3rd. Muhammad Ali had a cocky nature about him in the prime of his career. This caused fans to dislike him for being himself; he was hated for being the greatest.
His death has a lasting effect on both boxing and the Kentuckiana area. Ali represented those communities his entire life, and did it with respect.
A genuine athlete who was unafraid to speak his mind was lost, but his legacy will never be forgotten.
The numbers are staggering: 33 Sectional titles, seven Regional, three semi-state championships, and two final four appearances.
The Red Devil tennis teams have had great success over the past 30 years coached by Mark Reilly. However this past 2015-16 season was the last year with Reilly at the helm after he decided to step down, ending his JHS coaching career.
Since then, Jeff High has hired a new tennis coach for this upcoming season, Curt Roehm.
Roehm has been coaching since he was in college at Indiana University Southeast. He started out coaching tennis at River Valley Middle School, before deciding to take a job as the assistant girls tennis coach at Jeff High towards the end of his college career.
Later, after leaving that position, Roehm took a job at as the girls tennis coach at South Oldham High School, before making his way back to Jeff High to become assistant coach for Reilly with the boys program.
The movement, and ultimate return to JHS, put him in the daily presence of one of the most decorated tennis coaches in the state.
“Working beside Coach Reilly the past few years was a privilege,” Roehm said. “He’s such a student of the game. He picks up on the smallest thing and can build an entire game plan around it.”
Because Roehm has spent so much time at Jeff High in the past, many current players recognize, and have been taught by, Roehm.
“He is a really great coach,” junior Trey Bottorff said. “He knows how to motivate and teach the game. He has some of the same great qualities that Coach Reilly has. I expect us to surprise a lot of teams doubting us and have a great season.”
The team already has big plans, along with a lot of respect, for their new coach this season. Roehm also knows, and understands, the legacy that came before him, and is focused on putting realistic goals on a team that went to the final four last season.
“I think it’s very important to set real and obtainable goals. We are focusing on things we can control,” Roehm said. “You can’t control when your opponent is going to have a near-perfect day. You can’t control when you go through a slump or a bad game. You can control walking off the court, knowing you gave 100-percent in practice and in the match,” Roehm said.
These goals are in place with a hope to follow up last year’s success, as well as preparing the boys to be the best they can for any opponents coming forward.
“The team already has respect for him, and now that he’s the head coach, he will bring a new and good element to the team this season,” junior Gerrin Moore said.
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