![[Masthead]](http://www.lemarssentinel.com/images/nameplate.png)
RSS
Print
Email link
Respond to editor
Read comments (47)
Share link
Facebook
Twitter
del.icio.us
Digg
StumbleUpon
Technorati
Newsvine
Reddit
Google
 (Sentinel photo by Jesse Geleynse) RSM's Tanner Kockler drives by R-U's Josh Bohnenkamp during the Rockets' 54-34 win on Friday in Remsen. [Click to enlarge] |
R-U made sure basketball would not be a repeat performance as they dismantled the Hawks 54-34 on Friday in the Battle of Remsen at R-U.
"(It was) big," said R-U junior Kraig Alesch, who finished tied for the team lead with 18 points. "We couldn't get beat by our cross-town rival twice."
 (Sentinel photo by Jesse Geleynse) RSM's Skyler Higgins puts up a shot as R-U's Kraig Alesch defends during the cross-town rivalry contest on Friday in Remsen. [Click to enlarge] |
"If you don't get turnovers right away (we) don't give up on it," R-U coach Steve Neuberger said. "We try to wear teams down and a lot of it is our guys figuring out how (the opposition) breaks the pressure. When (we) figure that out, they can play it a lot more effectively."
RSM struggled with the pressure the entire game and finished with 27 turnovers - a large number of them coming in the fourth quarter.
 (Sentinel photo by Jesse Geleynse) Remsen St. Mary's fans support the Hawks during Friday's Remsen showdown. The students wore pink in support of cancer awareness as R-U hosted the "Coaches vs. Cancer" evening. [Click to enlarge] |
The Hawks also had no answer for the 6-foot-4 Alesch and the 6-foot-6 Alex Hansen, who combined to score 36 points.
"They have two huge kids in the middle and to their credit, they're both very good players," Ruden said. "They just dominated us inside. No doubt about that...We didn't have an answer for that."
 (Sentinel photo by Jesse Geleynse) Remsen-Union cheerleaders support a free throw shooter during Friday's basketball doubleheader with Remsen St. Mary's. The girls used pink poms as part of the "Coaches vs. Cancer" evening. [Click to enlarge] |
"We knew we had a height advantage and we try to exploit that as best we can," Neuberger said. "They did a great job early on bottling (Hansen) up and we had a hard time getting him the ball. In the fourth quarter, things opened up."
Alesch is also a key on defense as he is able to play a number of different positions.
"You tell him to play in the high post, he can play effectively there," Neuberger said. "You tell him to play on the perimeter, he can be effective there. Defensively he can guard post kids, he can guard perimeter kids and he does a nice job in our pressure. He's just one of our leaders and he's hit big shots for us all season long."
RSM struggled to find the bottom of the basket as they connected on just 14-of-37 shot attempts and made just 2-of-13 from behind the arc.
"You're gonna have games where shots don't fall and it was just kind of that way," Ruden said. "We couldn't get any rhythm, (and) had a tough time with the press."
The Hawks played catch-up all night after the Rockets leapt out to an early lead and took a 23-16 advantage into halftime.
"It builds momentum and gives us an upper hand on our opposing team, especially against our cross-town rival," Alesch said of the Rockets' fast start.
RSM cut the deficit to 39-30 with 7:20 to play in the contest, but the Rockets reeled off 10 straight points and put the game away.
"We made that run early in the third quarter and I thought we were back in it - I thought we were gonna make a game of it," RSM co-head coach Joe Schroeder said. "It's a wake-up call."
Tanner Kockler finished with 12 points and eight rebounds to lead the Hawks. Skyler Higgins, normally the Hawks' most consistent outside shooter, had just five points, but did add three assists and seven rebounds. Steichen added seven rebounds.
Brad Hodgen had seven points for R-U and Cam Kuchel put in six.
The Rockets moved to 3-0 (1-0 WEC) while RSM fell to 3-2 (0-1).
"(R-U) has a nice ball club and I think they'll do just fine in the War Eagle (Conference)," Ruden said with a rueful smile.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
I am usually an avid St. Mary's supporter but I must say I was embarassed to say I was associated with the crowd Friday night. They are a Catholic school and say they teach kids respect - what respect was there when they intentionally turned their backs as the Rocket team was being introduced? And the chanting "Let's play football" was uncalled for in my opinion. Where were the principal and superintendent when this was going on? I, for one, was much more impressed with the discipline and respect shown by the Remsen Union crowd. I hope my children think twice before sending my grandchildren to the Catholic school if that's how they're being taught. There was definitely no religion at that gym Friday night. Shame on you St. Mary's.
I will admit that those cheers RSM did were not the best. But i think that people shouldnt get upset over them because i do recall that the R-U student section chanted West-Bend-Mallard so you can not praise them cause they are in fault too.
this is stupid only reason the Ru parents are making a big deal about this is because it was St.Marys any other school it wouldnt be a big deal so the parents are the reason this is such a big deal the kids all get along and its the parents who make a big deal about this
Apparently not enough other stuff to talk about in Remsen this time of the year. Some cheers/chants of that nature at a high school basketball game never hurt anybody. Small-town high schools have been way too serious about this stuff ever since the "be a fan, not a fanatic" craze of the late 90s.
I attend high school sporting events in the Twin Cities four nights a week and there is absolutely zero policing of the crowds - and no one cares whatsoever. It's harmless.
The ones making the big deal of the situation are not R-U fans, but rather those who tradionally support RSM. It is tough to support that type of behavior...whatever one's reglious beliefs...it is embarrassing. By the way...the very short lived chant of West Bend - Mallard was suppressed by the R-U administration quickly and directly, unlike the repeated inappropriate chants and vugal comments made across the court. Steichen...your statement pertaining to the lack of policing of the crowds in the Twin Cities is right on target, when you say..."no one cares whatsoever". I guess we do...CARE! Smalltownhero...your comments make no sense at all! I guess your hero "tag" is not based upon your language, spelling or writing skills.
It really doesn't matter who did what...a big rivalry is bound to offend someone. Doesn't R-U have a big "rivalry"?? A team that gets the students riled up??
If it makes you feel good, "Been There 4" to think you're the better school, go for it. I'm soon to say about the entire town.."Been There, Done That",
and the people I will miss dearly, happen to be "real" Catholics that actually support the Catholic church and the Catholic school.
okay none of the players we offened about the chant the RSM student section made.. its high school its what high school students do.. after the game the kids were uptown laughing about it so they must not have cared
Why is it that whenever there is an RSM vs. RU contest somebody always finds something to scream about? The kids never seem to have a problem with the games, the cheers, etc. Sure there is a rivalry between the kids but it is a much healthier rivalry than the one between the adults. It is always a handful of adults that want to try to make their side look better by tearing down the other side. It would not be hard to find something I could use against the other side but really what good would it do? I would not have even thought anybody left the game with such hard feelings had I not seen an RSM bashing session taking place on Facebook started by an aquaintance of mine. I personally refuse to lower myself to throwing insults towards one side or the other. I am guessing that our principal sat there and didn't say anything likely because he hasn't been around Remsen long enough to know that you have to walk on eggshells anytime the two schools get together. It is also true that if any other school was there, the things that happened would not have been seen the way they are being portrayed. As a matter of fact I did not hear anything said by the RSM student body that I thought would have offended anyone. I did not take offense to any of the things that were said back. It takes adults to continue to keep this town divided along these lines. It is really simple, go to the game, cheer for your team and try not to look for things that you can use to trash the other side. I really believe that the RSM student body did not expect to get this kind of reaction. If you took offense to high school kids trying to get a rise out of their rivals than you are part of the problem. As far as vulgar things being yelled across the floor I never heard about any incidents from either side. I know there are a lot of great people on both sides and think it is sad that a few can make such a big negative impact.
Congrats to the RSM girls and the RU boys on their victories. Also, congrats to the community for their support on the "Coaches for Cancer" program. It was really a good night regardless of the drama that has been created.
Funny thing, I ran across this blog right after I posted my previous message. This is the view of the night from a completely unbiased observor. Click the following link in your browser and maybe you will be able to see things from a different perspective.
http://www.lemarssentinel.com/blogs/1293...
Atheletic Supporter - I feel your frustration with the whole ordeal but I am certain the girl with the uniform malfunction was terribly embarassed by the situation. I would be relatively sure that if she knew it was going to be that much of a problem she would have chosen not to participate.
The link I posted earlier has changed. try this one.
http://www.lemarssentinel.com/blogs/1293...
If nothing else find the "Karate...and basketball" blog. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Game over! Buzzer rang! Another game coming up! Good luck, teams!
I'm glad im not in high school anymore, maybe some of you parents or "supporters" of schools should figure that out, YOU ARE NOT IN SCHOOL ANYMORE. Seriously leave it on the court, you parents ruin everything for the kids of Remsen, both schools. Its just dumb and why bother even coming back for any events when the outcome is this.
100% agree edgewood! That was the point I was trying to make. I wish I could have summed it up so briefly.
If they really chanted "God's on our side" that completely changes my opinion. It might seem like people (probably RU people) who have a problem with that are taking high school chants too seriously, but that "God is on our side" crap is the root of almost all the war and violence in the history of human kind. I can only hope that the RSM folks were saying it in jest.
To athletic supporter- I'm pretty sure the reason mentioning god in catholic schools is allowed isn't so the students can chant "God's on our side" against a public school. Whether you realize it or not, they are implying that god would prefer a catholic school basketball team to win against a public school team - and that's just stupid.
Also, you say you're proud that the students mentioned god in their chant?? That's laughable. They only used god to say "god is on our side and not yours." Is that what you want the students using god for?
Steichen, well put...is the root of almost all the war and violence in the history of human kind. Violence - Any word or action that hurts others. Stop the violence...
wow ok first of all the only reason there is rivalry in this town is because the parents dont know how to grow up. you guys need to realize ur not teenagers anymore!! grow up and get over yourselves. second how dare you bring the rocket dance team into this ... they have worked on doing routines all year long plus that routine was choreographed proffesionally. not by one of the team members. third the reason that "girls" undergarments were showing is because the string in her pants busted during the routine!! it was something uncontrollable and its higly innapropriate for u to judge her for something like that. 4th the cheerleaders cant control what they wear that is the uniform the school picked out for them and thats what they wear. You dont need to be jealous because they are promoting good school spirit and sportsmanship. Anyways the game is over. RU won ST. Mary's lost who cares its a GAME people !!!!!
PS edgwood you are right it would suck being a teenager in remsen because most of the students get along but the parents are the ones causing this entire rivalry.
I'm sorry I brought this whole thing up. The only thing I was concerned about was what seemed to be the lack of respect shown. Respect is something you will continually need throughout your adult years. I was always taught to show respect to elders and treat others as you want to be treated. I was just disappointed I didn't see that Friday night. In answer to your question "Athletic Supporter", I don't have children in either school, so I don't keep up on whether we have a superintendent or not. My bad I guess. In response to "Love2learn", I think there are "real" Catholics that don't send their children to Catholic schools. A true Christian is measured by actions you perform, it doesn't make a difference what school you attend.
"By saying "God is on our side" we were NOT saying he is not on your side, we are simply saying we go to a Catholic School.
Do you even know what a side is? I don't need to have been there to know what chanting "God's on our side" means. If you wanted a chant that said "we go to a catholic school" why didn't you just chant "we go to a catholic school?"
Chanting "God is on our side" is clearly a divisive tactic, no matter how you look at it. The rest of the crowd's antics are to be expected at a basketball game.
How do you know what these kids meant by that chant?? Did you ask them?? Are you one of them, and that is how you know?? I told you that I did not take it as anything bad. I took it to mean that they are showing they are a Catholic school and proud of it. Enough said....agreed, grow up people.
I must have used the definition of the words they said to determine what they meant. My bad.
1. RSM's chants were ok. I've seen much worse at a basketball game. It sounds like there was much more hostility when Whiting visited RU in 2006.
2. RSM and RU generally like playing each other. They get to settle it on the court/field only once a year.
3. The students in the stands are allowed to have fun without being over the top. They were not over the top. Why not exploit the difference in schools in a chant. Crowd participation (especially from students) makes games much more fun.
4. Parents, grow up and take the high road. Quit being a buzzkill and ruining a fun game. If you don't like it, don't attend.
I'm sure no matter which side of the court you sat on at this game you could have found something to be offended by. Lord knows, we've read plenty of it, from both sides of the court. And furthermore, if you were sitting on the side of your student section, you probably did not see what all went on with the students on the side you were sitting. After all, were you there to watch the game, or watch the student section? I agree with all of you who have stated the problem lies, not in the students, but in the parents. It was stated that the RSM students have to pay money to the ACS for the way they acted. My question is: Are the R-U students giving money to ACS for their behavior as well? As I said, there were people offended on both sides of the court, therefore the punishment should be on both sides of the court as well.
I don't think anyone should be punished - just that "God's on our side" is a really stupid thing to chant. It's a good thing to learn while you're in high school - before you get out into the real world - that your private schooling doesn't make you any better than anyone else.
Okay, I think this is stupid. I agree with you Steichen. When you get into the real world both sides need to realize something. First of all, the RSM actions of turning their back to the opponent when they are announced is used everywhere, believe me they didnt come up with it on their own. The chants were all common things student sections do. The "Gods on our side" should not have been said. One student said it and nobody thought before the chant. Giving money is not a way to solve it, in my opinion it's wrong to solve problems with money. Maybe get the students together and let them know why you can't say things like that.
About the RSM-RU game-what's the big deal?? Whoever has a problem with "god's on our side" must have read more into it than what was there--then that's your problem!! We did not say "Not on your side". We DO NOT need to be ashamed to state our beliefs. Get over it!!
What do you people think a side is? It means you're with us or you're with them. I've long stopped caring about who said what. Now I'm more concerned that Remsen St. Mary's poor English department is producing classes of students that don't understand the definition of a word like "side".
So now as I'm leavin'
I'm weary as Hell
The confusion I'm feelin'
Ain't no tongue can tell
The words fill my head
And fall to the floor
If God's on our side
He'll stop the next war.
-BD
If they would have chanted God's our captain would that have made you feel better? You are putting way too much into a simple chant.
Exactly...way too much into a simple chant. We do understand the definition of 'side', it's just that more was read into it than was there.
Seriously, figure it out& don't blame needlessly.
you honestly believe that? It doesn't take an idiot to figure out what they were chanting about. What if RU had said gods on our side? It would have been taken as if it wasn't on RSM's side. Seriously consider how you would have taken that if you heard it from RU students... stop sugar coating it and you figure it out!
If I heard it from the other side, I would have taken it with a grain of salt, as I was there to watch the game and not the fans. There were questionable things said on the other side, but they have been dropped because it is not worth carrying on about it. The only reason I comment on here is to defend the only school that didn't know how to behave and don't no no proper inglish. Amazing what people will attack.
It is because of people like some of you getting carried away with such a simple thing like this that make other towns laugh at us.
Move on!
I want to start off by saying that both teams played a very good game! I believe that the athletes and cheerleaders on both sides of the court presented themselves very well. Great job to the RU drill team. The routine did not have anything wrong with it! There was no over shaking of the body or "wrong" moves in the routine. This dance team works hard and did a very good job. If anyone has ever watched State Dance (even on TV) there are many other dance teams (even good catholic schools) that present themselves in a worse and "unlady-like" way. There is always uniform problems, and some we can't help. Also, no one ever mentions any boy's that their boxers are hanging out of their pants, or individuals that attend CHURCH with their underwear hanging out, short skirt, and even their chest hanging out! As for this individual, It would have been more noticeable if this individual would have ran right off the floor. I comletely give this girl credit for finishing the routine, even though confidence may have been denyed at the end of the routine when unsportsman like comments arose from the crowd. Sportsmanship is always a word that expressed in any gym or activity before a game. Clearly this word did not mean anything Friday night. I know that students of Remsen-Union must provide cheers that encourage the their team. The cheers can not put the other team down in any way. One cheer that the St. Mary's crowd is allowed to do, The cookie monter cheer, is no longer allowed at R-U and has not been allowed for many years. This is because the administration feels that the cheer belittles the opponents in a way that is unsportsmanlike! "Let's play football," was a cheer that was stated by one side. This was put as a slam towards RU for the football game that RSM won. Few members of the RU crowd did respond "West Bend Mallard" in response to this cheer. However, administration put a stop to this right away! The night went too far when "God's on our side" was yelled by RSM! As a catholic this made me feel very low! God loves everyone equally, and some schools may feel that since they are private that they may have a better relationship to God. However, one should never determine God to a certain side. No one in this town is better than anyone else. There are talented athletes that attend both schools. In every contest there will always be a winner and a loser. This year in football it went RSM's way, however who known's what will bring the next few years. I am happy to say that both teams had a win Friday night, and I'm glad to say that both teams showed their support towards Cancer!
Thank you Remsen7434...that was excellent. It is sad that those that attend a Catholic school feel that they need to chant "God's on our side". Is this what they are taught? Shame on them. It is embarrassing to the town of Remsen when our neighboring towns have to hear that this is how we behave. I would hope in their religious studies, they learn that God loves us all equally, win or lose. They have no right to say who God loves more.
Once again..it turns into a religious issue, as is always the case in Remsen. When I was in high school at Remsen Union, some of my best friends were from St. Mary's. We got along great, and when we played each other..it was a friendly rivalry. Remsen has a reputation of the conflict between the two schools. Is this what we want?? God is on all our sides, which is a good thing !!
Also Offended - Since when is donating money to a good cause, such as the American Cancer Society, a punishment!
I say good job to the students and parents who donated and made the first ever "Coaches VS Cancer" fundraiser in northwest Iowa, a success.
I graduated from RSM last year. Almost every game I attended the students chanted dumb things back and forth. It's a joke. Lots of RU and RSM kids are friends. No one means it to be offensive. It's part of the fun of the game. I don't know why people have taken this so out of proportion. The chant "God is on our side" has been used for years by Catholic schools. It's supposed to be funny. I remember chanting it in high school. I've heard Heelan chant it to LeMars Community. It's not meant to be taken seriously. All the students are just trying to be more clever than the next. I think some people are reading way to into the chant than they should. There is no need to "disrespect" RSM for any reason. Does it look like any of the people directly involved are mad? It's all alumni and parents making a big deal.
Ok I am not gona hide behind a screen name my name is Kyle Bunkers. Got one thing or two things to say, SHUT UP. The kids get along all the parents need to do is shut up. Both teams played hard, so did the dance team. I was caught up in the parents battle when I was in high school and dating a girl from RU and it's stupid. The kids get along and the parents never will. So whoever talks bad about the other school just shut up and If you don't like that 1339 my number call me and tell me don't hide behind a screename I support the whole town of remsen and everyone in it. GO HAWKS GO ROCKETS
If you are truly offended by this why are you acting like a coward complaining behind a computer screen. If you are so offended, do something about it.
On a side note, I've been told worse things from RSM supporters than "God's on our side."
If R-U had said "God's on our side" I would have thought 'He's on our side too". So there, go figure it out. Get real, you do know he's on all sides, don't you??
Thank you to unknown222 and Remsen 7434! That was my daughter who had a wardrobe malfunction during the dance routine. I appreciate your support for her. The child was absolutely mortified about what happened, and cried her eyes out later. I havent been able to find (on this comment section) who initially commented about her. I was not in the stands during the game as I had to work the concession stand. As a mother, it makes me very angry and absolutely ill to think she was made fun of. Especially since this was something totally out of her control. It took every ounce of self control for her to finish that routine. Its another reason I love my daughter(s). They are strong, self respecting ladies.
Wow! Much ado about nothing. Truth be told I really don't think God worries about a H.S. basketball game. People from Remsen--look around you. You have much to be proud of but there are many people in this community that would count their blessings if the only thing they had to worry were the above comments. We have many families who are truly suffering--use all this energy on them.
Seriously Coffee, you ever been in high school? That cheer is not about faith.
RSM didn't win, so was God really on their side?
Oh my name it is nothin'
My age it means less
The country I come from iss called the Midwest
I's taught and brought up there, the laws to abide
And that land that I live in
Has God on its side.
Oh the history books tell it
They tell it so well
The cavalries charged The Indians fell
The cavalries charged The Indians died
Oh the country was young
With God on its side.
Oh the Spanish-American War had its day
And the Civil War too Was soon laid away
And the names of the heroes I's made to memorize
With guns in their hands
And God on their side.
Oh the First World War, boys
It closed out its fate
The reason for fighting I never got straight
But I learned to accept it Accept it with pride
For you don't count the dead
When God's on your side.
When the Second World War Came to an end
We forgave the Germans
And we were friends
Though they murdered six million
In the ovens they fried
The Germans now too
Have God on their side.
I've learned to hate Russians
All through my whole life
If another war starts It's them we must fight
To hate them and fear them To run and to hide
And accept it all bravely
With God on my side.
But now we got weapons Of the chemical dust
If fire them we're forced to
Then fire them we must
One push of the button
And a shot the world wide
And you never ask questions
When God's on your side.
In a many dark hour
I've been thinkin' about this
That Jesus Christ Was betrayed by a kiss
But I can't think for you
You'll have to decide
Whether Judas Iscariot
Had God on his side.
So now as I'm leavin' I'm weary as Hell
The confusion I'm feelin' Ain't no tongue can tell
The words fill my head And fall to the floor
If God's on our side
He'll stop the next war.
All of you is right and all of you is wrong and all that is left now is for you all to hear and understand this song. Why attack spelling skills or dissect sentences and you know what who cares what you best friend says. Take a step back and take it all in then maybe youll see how foolish you've all been. Adults wont alter but children always will whether its the metric system or two schools on a hill. Pete Rose was punished for betting on his teams, god has seen this too and would make the same same mistake only in your dreams. The school you go to isn't necessarily the religion you opt. And every opinion doesn't need to be copped. The one thing were all taught is not to judge so as soon as you do your arguement for respect becomes a whole bowl of fudge. Keep your minds open and dont be so stubborn and intolerant it was just a game and a simple chant. Don't close your eyes because somethings scary, open them up and see something contrary. He tripped and fell and I knocked my head. Why be upset at a school, person, or family, for whatever they wrote, whatever they said. You too may trip and fall, when that day comes we'll all just throw the faulty shoe lace into the fire. For god and the devil they don't deal in coins, in the same why it doesnt matter which school your kid joins. The problem doesnt arise from any gym, school, or game but maybe it speaks of the society and culture from which we came. Cookie monster came from sesame street. Theyre not evil, they're just puppets and don't own their own feet. Its silly to not allow such cheers for it pushes creativity and turns gears. It produces crowd fears and opponent snears in the same way we all love to hate Britney Spears. As for me, Im not a parent or a player. I've only just looked this over by layer. You can call me a surveyor. As for Kyle Bunkers. If I believed in voting I'd put his name down for mayor.
Bar none, one of the most ridiculous discussions I have read in quite some time.
Golden lady, it IS your kind of tunnel vision that puts this town, and these two schools on a collision coarse. I may have missed a letter or added one here, but it is the words I used and how I said them that makes my thoughts clear. Perceived mistakes can carry a variety of meaning, while high and above all mighty responses are simply demeaning. What interests me is how you can put me down and I can call you out by only asking you to look up, and please read my second phrase above. Correct punctuation does not create authority and I do not believe in any kind of god that demands capitalization in a language as arbitrary as english. Who ever said any thing about wanting to be taken seriously any way? If that were my aim I'd put all my alms in one of those SELF-addressed, SELF-stamped, registered and recorded, reverent envelopes. My rhetoric and rhyme were elementary; and so, for a reason. Just because one person can not comprehend a coherent argument does not make an opinion, idea, or work, void. I am sorry your keen post and position has been removed, as I believe it so fully brought the issues behind these issues to head and hand.