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Airsoft club hits roadblocks but perseveres

May 13th, 2011

by DJ Keller
Staff Writer

Two things you would never expect to go together, guns and school, are now being combined in a form of a club at our own Westford Academy. Starting off as a experimental year, the Airsoft Club hopes to be added as a legitimate club next year.

Airsoft is very similar to a bb gun, except they use lighter and less painful plastic bb’s. Most airsoft guns are too made of plastic, which makes them look less dangerous and helps to keep the cost lower. Airsoft guns and ammo can be used for simple target practice, or in the case of this club, skirmishes with fellow classmates.

According to sophomore Jacob Clancy, founder of the club, around twenty or so students show up, around 7 or 8 from Westford others from Chelmsford or nearby towns for airsoft. They have skirmishes at the VFW fields in Forge Village in Westford. They play rounds of capture the flag and capture the fort. The basic rules are if you are hit, then you must return to your base before continuing to play.

According to Clancy, forming the club was no simple task and took a lot of effort and time. He had to go to Dean Bob Ware nearly every day for weeks, just trying to work out every detail.

“The hardest part was finding an advisor,” said Clancy

Clancy asked numerous teachers but with no success. It was hard to find a teacher with interests in airsoft, and that could commit to this activity. So with nowhere else to turn, Mrs. Clancy, the Clancy brothers’ mother stepped in to be the advisor.

Unfortunately this was not the end of roadblocks. They still had a problem with liability issues. Because you are shooting little bits of plastic at each other, it is understandable that safety is a large issue. The group requires safety glasses and full-face protection from the bb’s. Long sleeves and pants are strongly advised to protect all open skin.

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Rusko: the dubside of music

May 5th, 2011

By DJ Keller

Staff Writer

Womp Womp Womp. Arguably the best way to describe dubstep is in those three words. This new genre has exploded in the last year, and is bringing in a whole new era of music. Electronic, techno, dubstep, party and dance music is sweeping across the US.

Dubstep artists Doorly and Rusko played at the House of Blues in Boston on April 26. Both artists brought an array of fans, but everyone there shared a similar goal, a night of pure dancing and enjoyment. College students and veteran ravers stood side by side, all vibing off each other having a good time. The venue was sold out, and by the time Rusko came on the floor was packed.

What followed was a night of loud bass and the most insane light show. Remixes of lil wayne, Dr. Dre, and other various rap artists were played. They also sampled other dubstep artists’ music like flux’s bass cannon. The set list was incredible, for both Doorly and Rusko played everything I wanted to hear and more. With big hits such as Raindrops, Johova, Woo Boost, Hold On, and Pro Nails, both artists left the crowd ecstatic, only wishing the music would never stop.

Even if you haven’t experienced or heard of this new age music, you have. Turn on the radio to Kiss or Jammin, and you’ll hear it. Some songs are more subtle than others, but many of the new songs being produced today are being dubbed out with electronic beats, more rave and dance-like music.

And that’s what dubstep is all about. A genre you can dance however you want to and let the bass control your head. That’s where the heart of dubstep lies, in the drops and heavy bass.

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Alek Pouliopoulos Rocks Climbing

April 4th, 2011

By DJ Keller
Staff Writer



Alek Pouliopoulos tremendous show of skill

Our own Alek Pouliopoulos is an unknown secret of talent. You may not believe it, but Pouliopoulos is a phenom at rock climbing. At first glance it’s hard for one to see the explosive speed Pouliopoulos contains.

Eighteen year old Westford Academy senior Pouliopoulos has been rock climbing since his ninth birthday at Boulder Morty’s. He has been hooked since then, and he joined the Boulder Morty’s team at age twelve.

Making Nationals his very first year, and placing twelfth is simply astonishing, but this was only a start for Pouliopoulos. The following year Pouliopoulos landed himself a spot on the U.S rock climbing team. His first international competition came when Pouliopoulos was only in the 8^th grade in Colorado. The Continental championship, was won by Pouliopoulos. As a freshman Pouliopoulos competed in Ecuador for the World Championships . He took 11^th in the world for his age group. The following year in France he took 18th for the World Championships. With things going so well for Pouliopoulos, it was inevitable something would get in the way.

Pouliopoulos broke his wrist mere days before the Australian Open World Championships the spring of his sophomore year, and was unable to climb for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, this was an reoccurring problem. At Nationals his junior year, Pouliopoulos popped his wrist in and out, damaging the tendons in his wrist. He actually shredded the tendons in his wrist, and Pouliopoulos’s speed and time have been compromised by this weakness.

But all of this has not stopped his passion for rock climbing, he still continues to compete today, and took 5^th this Thanksgiving in the Ecuador Pan-American Championships.

Pouliopoulos plans on studying outdoor education, and is possibly attending Western State College of Colorado. He hopes to stay in the similar field, eventually making his career in the rock climbing industry.



Alek Pouliopoulos climbing a near vertical wall

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Paved Paradise: The WA parking Lot

March 11th, 2011

DJ Keller

Staff Writer

It doesn’t take much to notice the dilemma we call our parking lot. With cars parking sideways, half in spots, up in snow banks, students in faculty parking, it is evident this winter has been a very harsh one, with five snow days and massive snow banks.

Many people are asking, more so in the form of complaining, what is being done about our situation? After a quick interview with our Dean Bob Ware, it is clear that our administration is doing all it possibly can. Our student parking lot at WA has roughly 285 parking spaces according to Ware. With around 275 parking passes issued our parking lot has few empty spots left. But according to Ware this winter has had dramatic effects on open spots

“Because of the vast amount of snow, we have probably lost 40 spots, which brings us down to the 240’s,” said Ware



An example of an illegally parked car, with little parking spaces left this is what students resort to.

So where are all these students parking then? With our parking lot being maxed out everyday, there must be a few students who do not get a parking spot. The faculty parking lot, which normally has a few open spots, is having its own issues according to Ware.

“We’re at a situation where we’re actually putting kids out back by the Coughlin building “ said Ware

If you find yourself in a situation where you cannot find a parking spot, it is key you go to administration rather than park illegally where it could be a safety or fire hazard.

The thing our administration does have control over is juniors parking at WA. Ware has assured me that our school goes to great length to inform students of our parking situation.

“Its unfair to the seniors, they have waited three years, it’s their privilege, their right.,” said Ware

According to Ware, first time caught driving to school results in a home notification and a verbal warning. If they are caught twice they will be towed. And this is no joke; I would not test the system on this one as students have already been towed.

With such miserable conditions, early morning and afternoon snow showers, the parking lot has been a danger zone, and it is no surprise there have been quite a few fender benders. Nothing serious yet, but if you find yourself in the situation of an unfortunate crash, administration has no jurisdiction over it, its up to the students to work it out with the insurance companies.

Last words from Ware on the matter was simply to be smart, that traffic has gone up and delays are longer, so do not expect to make it to school at the same time. Leave earlier to beat the rush.  And don’t try to beat the system; you’re only hurting you fellow classmates.



snow covers where this parking spot once use to be

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