The Black & Magenta
Vol. 119, Issue 22 March 23, 2015
Kathryn Kellar, Editor-in-Chief
New Gen. Ed. Curriculum passes Chelsea McCrae Orbit Media Reporter Muskingum University core class requirements will change for undergraduates starting with the 2015-2016 academic year. First year students will be under the new General Education Curriculum (Gen. Ed.). Categories under the new Gen. Ed. have been redesigned so that there will be more options for students in certain categories. For example, in the Quantitative Reasoning category, new class options such a ECON/BUSI 325: Statistics, PSYC 232: Behavioral Statistics,
EDUC 341: Assessments in Education, and HLSC 304: Statistics for Health Sciences have been added. “It may be beneficial for students that are in specific majors,” said Muskingum University Registrar, Daniel Wilson. “It may reduce or, in effect, allow them to double dip. For instance, business majors who take Business 325 won’t have to take [another] math course.” Current students would not be affected by these changes unless they choose to switch to this new catalog, which will take affect in Fall 2015. Next fall when the new catalog will go into effect for the new first year
class, current students will be able to switch if they are not too far in their credits for their major, minor, or Liberal Arts Essential requirements. For some students in this situation it might be more favoral to do this because of how the new Gen. Ed. requirements are laid out. “It may be beneficial for students to [switch] if they are not very far along in their major requirements or if they are not very far a long in their Gen. Ed./LAE requirements they may find some benefit in switching to the Gen. Ed.,” said Wilson. If a student decides to switch to the new Gen. Ed. catalog they should talk
to their academic advisor first to see if it will be beneficial for them with their current accumulation of credit hours. Then once those students have made a decision, they will need to submit in writing or by e-mail to the Registrar’s Office that they intend to switch to the new catalog. According to Wilson, current students need to consider if a catalog switch will be beneficial to them. Once a student switches catalogs they cannot change back to a previous catalog or choose another catalog. Wilson has an FAQ page on the Registrar tab on the Muskingum University website available to students.
Spring cleaning your social media accounts Kathryn Kellar Editor-in-Chief Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, blogs, and many other social media sites have multiple purposes for users. These sites provide a way for users to share what is going on in their daily life through status updates and photographs, as well as connecting with others. Privacy settings for social media sites can be an issue. All social media sites have privacy settings, but often times those settings are buried because of advertising. Having an individual’s social media site set to private does not mean that a person you don’t know can’t see your profile, your pictures, or your status updates. On Feb. 23 Pozzuoli held a workshop with Career Services called “Navigating Social Media.” For the workshop she talked about LinkedIn, how to search for jobs, and how important social media is to employers. “Students need to be aware that anything that they publish online is available for anyone to see, even if you have privacy settings enabled on your accounts and you should,” said Social
T H E B L A C K & M A G E N TA
Christine Holmes/ Black & Magenta Media Manager and Web Writer for the Muskingum University Admission Office, Katie Pozzuoli. “You should realize that people can take a screen shot and [are] able to share that screenshot with the world.” Social media can be used not only for interactions with friends, but also as a way for individuals to create an online presence for possible employers to see when looking to hire a new employee. For those in Business, Marketing, and Journalism Departments, Pozzuoli advises making a professional Twitter account.
Pozzuoli believes that an online presence is important when looking for a job. “We advocate for students, particularly students who may be launching into a job search,” said Pozzuoli. “If an employer were to search for you online and find nothing, that would actually be a red flag for them just as much as maybe an inappropriate picture would be. You don’t want to be invisible. You want to cultivate a positive presence on those social media sites.” Social media sites regularly change user privacy settings. Pozzuoli recommends that students regularly check
and update their social media sites’ privacy settings. “When a student is thinking about applying for jobs or even, hopefully, well before they get to that point I would recommend going through Facebook, for example,” said Pozzuoli. “Looking at every tagged photo of you and untagging any unflattering photo that you wouldn’t want a perspective employer to see.” Social media sites are not limited to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. LinkedIn is social medium. LinkedIn as a social media site offers individuals the opportunity to network professionally with friends and past colleagues, as well as showcase individual strengths. “I think of the people that I most like to interact with on social media [and] they are people, who are positive… not complaining all of the time on social media, not letting that be the place where [they] vent all of [their] life struggles, but keeping that a little more personal and private, sharing that with people close to [them],” said Pozzuoli. Pozzuoli believes that being positive online with social media sites will be helpful when possible employers are looking at student’s web presence.
Donna Long
Muskie volunteers at NCFD
Mens Lacrosse
Poet Donna Long visits Muskingum on March 31 to share her work.
One Muskingum student spends spare time volunteering in the New Concord community.
Muskies Mens Lacrosse gets first two wins under their belt.
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News
Christine Holmes, News & Managing Editor
Admission prepares for spring preview
the college search and are interested in Muskingum come to campus. Last year, around 80 students came from various high schools. “We have a day planned for them,” said Admission Counselor Chelsea Roberts. “They will hear different professors speak and they will hear [a] student panel, when the Director of Admission will get to talk to them.
They will go on a tour and have lunch on campus.” Parents are invited to join their children to tour the campus and talk to Muskingum University faculty and staff about life as a Muskie. Student tour guides give campus tours as well. “Our kids are great, they really put a foot forward for campus so we never
worry about what our students are going to say or do,” said Roberts. “They are great at recruiting, they really show their campus and give the kids that are coming an idea of what it is going to be like.” A part of the day involves professors giving talks for the students, explaining different aspects of the life on campus. “One professor talks more towards the academics, one professor talks about student life and what there is to do on campus, and the last one usually talks about more of the home aspects,” said Roberts. After visiting the university, visitors will have lunch on campus. The Admission Office expects the students to think of Muskingum as an option for college. “We want the students to get an idea of where they are going to school [so] hopefully we will really get on their radars,” expressed Roberts. This event is an invitation to all high school students that are currently looking for a place to spend their next four years of study and an opportunity to get an inside look at Muskingum University.
will feature the poet describing her craft, as well as reading from her published works. “I think that this time of year when we’re all so busy, it can be hard to decide that we’re going to take some time and go to something like a poetry reading, and that’s the very reason that students should go,” said Chair of the English Department Jane Varley, who organized the event. “If it’s something they don’t have time for, and it has to do with creativity, this is a very important creative time-out. Forty-five minutes sitting in the small auditorium listening to poems can only be a good thing.” Donna Long is a published poet, with works featured in the anthologies “The Southern Poetry Anthology” and “The Poets Guide to the Birds and Beloved on the Earth.” Her most recent published poems have appeared in “Kindred, Cooweescoowee,” “Third Wednesday,” “Fourth River,” and “Off the Coast.” Her poetic works concern themes such as nature and human relationships. “She loves the natural world,” said Varley. “She likes to write about birds. She also writes a lot about interper-
sonal relationships, things that would make sense to a lot of readers, writing a lot about family members, for example, and different relationships within the family.” Long is a professor of English at Fairmont State University in West Virginia. There she teaches mainly upper-level creative writing classes, 18th century literature courses, and composition. She is also Editor-in-Chief of “Kestrel: A Journal of Literature and Art,” a Fairmont-run anthology featuring poets and authors nationwide. While in the area, Long will also be taking time to speak with students in
the beginning and advanced creative writing classes at Muskingum. This will give an opportunity for the students to learn from the published writer on a personal level. “The creative writing students are always interested in what it means to be a creative writer and also be a career person,” said Varley. “In other words, how do you keep poetry and short story writing in your life and still make a living.” The poetry reading is open to anyone who wishes to attend and listen to Donna Long’s poetry and thoughts about poetry and art.
Christine Holmes/ Black & Magenta The entrance sign to Muskingum University is one of the first sights on campus for potential Muskies to see. Maria Conforte Orbit Media Reporter Muskingum University Spring Preview is an annual event organized by the Admission Office when juniors from different high schools come to visit campus. It will take place Friday, March 27. High school students who are starting
Poet to share craft with Muskingum campus
Christine Holmes/ Black & Magenta Donna Long will visit campus on March 31. to discuss her poetry work. Sarah Liston Orbit Media Reporter Poet and author Donna Long will be a guest speaker at Muskingum University, reading her own works of poetry. The English Department will host this upcoming event. Long’s reading will be held on Tuesday, March 31 in Boyd Science Center in Room 336 at 3:30 p.m. The event
Watch Muskingum University’s TV Station, Orbit Television! Tune in on ch. 96-204 or on YouTube @OrbitMediaTV.
News
Kathryn Kellar, Editor-in-Chief
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Muskingum University junior gets involved
Muskie volunteers at NCFD Rachel Schlarb/ Black & Magenta Jonathan Pickering is a volunteer for The New Concord Fire Department.
Rachel Schlarb Orbit News Reporter Jonathan Pickering is a junior at Muskingum University and a volunteer firefighter. “My freshman year in my first semester, I played football and was a nursing major, so I was looking into
Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief: Kathryn Kellar
News & Managing Editor: Christine Holmes Special Sections Editor: Kandee Ferrell Sports Editor: Chris Morgan Opinion Editor: Kandee Ferrell Web Editor: Josey James Copy Editors: Erin Fetters and Lindsey Kreamer Circulation Manager: Nick Lambes Faculty Advisor: Lisa Marshall This is Volume 119, Issue 22 of The Black & Magenta. The Black & Magenta is published weekly except during school holidays. Contact (740) 8268189 or email bandm@muskingum.edu for subscription information.
something more into nursing,” said Pickering. When someone becomes a volunteer firefighter, it can become a life changing experience “I became a firefighter and an EMT to help my career path but once I started making runs and helping people, [it was] really nice to help them,” said Pickering. “That’s what I do.” Going out on that first run can be a nerve-racking time. “You feel really novice, you don’t know what you are doing, you just know you are going there to put a fire out,” said Pickering. Pickering has been on numerous runs with The New Concord Fire Department. “I go from construction fires to a lady who had fallen down and needed help up,” said Pickering.
Going on these runs gives Pickering a rush even though it is potentially dangerous. “There’s always that adrenaline rush during any type of job, you’re getting an adrenaline rush or a bit antsy going into any type of situation,” said Pickering. “It takes your edge off.” Being a volunteer firefighter can become a lifelong dream. “Once I started taking nursing classes last year, I realized I’m into more nursing and I love firefighting,” said Pickering. “If I had a backup plan it will definitely be firefighting.” Pickering said how he will be continuing fire fighting after becoming a nurse. “If I live around here I will stay on New Concord Fire Department as long as possibly can,” Pickering said. Pickering is planning on being a
nurse and volunteering as a fire fighter after he graduates.
Christine Holmes/ Black & Magenta
Grief counseling offered
Muskingum University Counseling Services and Chaplain provide grief counseling Jonnie Neuhart Orbit Media Reporter
Many students may be experiencing grief from the loss of Muskingum Professor John Kuhn who died on Feb. 28. For cases like this and other stress or grief related events, Muskingum University’s Chaplain and Counseling Services have always offered confidential counseling to any student who wants to talk. Student Affairs Counselor Leah Cook, encourages people to talk about what they are feeling. “Any kind of grief that people experience, it’s difficult, and it’s okay to talk about it,” said Cook. “Sometimes people feel like ‘I should be able to get over that’ or ‘I shouldn’t be this upset anymore,’ and I would encourage students to talk about it.” Cook said the most important thing for students is that they talk about how they feel with someone, even if it is not with a counselor from Counseling Services or Chaplain Will Mullins. Will Mullins, the Chaplain for Muskingum University, also said that it is good for students to talk about how
they are feeling, because it can interfere with their ability to concentrate. “I think it’s important for students especially with Professor John Kuhn’s death,” said Mullins. “They are experiencing very powerful emotions. It’s hard for them to bounce back after something like this.” Counseling Services is located in the basement of Montgomery Hall. Counseling Services is open to any student, and appointments can be made by emailing counseling@muskingum. edu, and attaching their class schedule or call Cook at (740) 826-8091 or Tracy Bugglin at (740) 826-8142. Students can also walk in and set up an appointment. Counseling Services is willing to talk to students about anything that is bugging them, from anxiety to problems with people, whether it is family or significant others. Counseling Services takes appointments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Mullins is also offering grief counseling in the basement of Brown Chapel in his office during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mullins’ Counseling Services are open to everyone regardless of their religious beliefs. “Regardless of faith, a person can have no faith, they can have a very strong faith, and it matters not,” said Mullins. “I provide grief counseling to anyone regardless of their faith background.” Mullins is able to be reached by his email at wmullins@muskingum.edu or by calling him at (740) 826-8120 to make an appointment. If students need to reach Mullins in an emergency, his cell phone number is posted on his office door. Mullins reminds students that it is okay to let themselves grieve. “What I tell students if the person was worth loving or caring for, they are worth grieving over,” said Mullins. Grief counseling services are being offered by Mullins and Counseling Services. Mullins and Cook both encourage students who need to talk to do so.
Visit Issuu and look at Vol. 119 Issue 20 about Kuhn’s passing.
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Community Corner
Christine Holmes, News & Managing Editor
Local man tells of undercover lifestyle
Upcoming An inside look at a retired investigator’s career Events Christine Holmes News & Managing Editor
For a local Zanesville man who lived a troubled life early on, it was law enforcement that saved him. Marty Scott, a now retired Senior Criminal Investigator for the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, was raised in the Ohio cities of Cleveland and Canton before moving to Cambridge. He knew he needed to turn his life around, so he decided to join what should have been his biggest fear, the police force. “My wife’s aunt believed in me very, very much,” said Scott. When she saw Cambridge neighborhoods falling apart, she told Scott he had the capability of eliminating some of those problems. However, becoming an officer wasn’t an easy task. For Scott, it meant first returning to high school and earning his diploma. He even took it a step further and graduated with honors at age 23. Scott then became a police officer for the City of Cambridge. “It was the best thing that I ever did in my life,” said Scott. “Law enforcement was so good to me.” It wasn’t too long before Scott felt confined to the city limits, longing to do something greater with his career. “It’s like a horse in a pasture,” said Scott. “You always see his head sticking through the fence, trying to get to the grass on the other side.” Early on in his career while delivering drugs to the London, Ohio division of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Scott found his breakthrough. As he was called in to meet with the BCI superintendent, Scott saw his job flash before his eyes and he could only think of his five young children at home. Instead of losing his job, Scott was offered a position as the assistant agent for all field operations, thus beginning his 24 year long career with BCII, serving a total of 32 years in law enforcement.
Monday Submission Marty Scott, former BCII investigator, enjoys his motorcycle during retirement. “I had to grow some hair pretty quick,” said Scott of his new undercover, narcotics investigating lifestyle. Before long, the fit, clean shaven, polished, and young police officer was unrecognizable. “It’s just like being an actor,” said Scott. In order to play a convincing role as drug buyers, Scott and his partner pierced each other’s ears using ice cubes and curtain hooks in their motel room. Scott was left with a gold marijuana leaf earring and a two week infection. Just as quickly as his ear healed, Scott was ready to take on a new identity. “You have to change your name all the time,” said Scott. He carried up to as many as 15 IDs on him at a time and went by names like Todd Diamond, Tony Valentine, and Marty Flowers. Howerver, one he kept was Bull. Scott earned the name early on in his career during his eleven years of power lifting. He won the Ohio Police Olympics seven consecutive years and the International Police Olympics twice. The reputation translated into the job which consisted of buying drugs from dealers, finding the source, and
making arrests. “The people that are doing the manufacturing and bringing drugs in are very intelligent,” said Scott. He found himself in dangerous situations in which he felt his life threatened. However, Scott made it his goal to never show fear. Despite a career full of honors and awards, Scott never enjoyed making arrests. He knew how easily it could ruin a person’s life, and he didn’t like it. Scott recalled a time in his youth when he needed car tires and broke into a junk yard to find them. He had thrown them over the fence and was ready to leave when he ran right into the police. The officer asked him why he was stealing and told him to leave. Scott remembered his second chance when he made arrests and tried to do the same for others. “I’ve seen a lot of people come back that have made something out of themselves,” said Scott. Over the years, Scott has received letters and phone calls from people he helped, thanking him for changing their lives. Scott currently resides in Zanesville enjoying retirement with his wife, Mary.
Listen to WMCO, Muskingum University’s radio station, on 90.7 FM. You can also catch your favorite DJs, sports coverage, and more by going to orbitmediaonline.com and clicking on “Listen Live” or by using the TuneIn Radio app.
WMCO 90.7 THE ORBIT
Intermediate Yoga Larry Miller Intermediate School 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m.
Wednesday 23+ Volleyball
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Lifestyle & Culture Page 5
Kandee Ferrell, Special Sections & Opinion Editor
Blood sucking literature coming to the English Department
forms. We will invite students, who are interested in it to come into the class.” For the Topics in Vampire Literature class students will look at work from the Romantic Period, Victorian Period, 20th and the 21st century. The class is listed under MuskieLink as ENGL385. It will fulfill a 300-level writing unit graduation credit requirement. A total of 25 students will be able to take the class. It will be in session Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. unitl 3:15 p.m. “Any student [is] welcome to take this class,” said DeCuir. “Some people may be familiar with the books they have to read.” DeCuir taught another topics class that focused on zombies in literature Fall 2014. “I have been in the zombie class [that was] taught last semester,” said Katie Speed, a Muskingum University junior. “It was very interesting…I know some zombie genres now because of the class. I think [that] the vampire class next semester will be lots of fun. It is interesting to learn something you’re familiar with in a different perspective.” The Topics in Vampire Literature course is open to all undergraduate stu-
Crumb and Cup Alley Caf to host Open Mic Nights Aaron Eno Orbit Media Reporter The Crumb and Cup Alley Caf is the newest coffee shop in New Concord. On Feb. 27 they had their first Open Mic Night. Lydia Eno, an employee at the caf , talked about what happened that night as she was there for the entire event. “We had 15 to 20 people here, which is a pretty good turn out for us,” said Eno. “We only had two performers and one of them didn’t show up till 8:30 so it was a little interesting.” The two performers mentioned came and performed live, both played acoustic guitar and sang. There was a third act. Eno also stepped in during lulls. As for the patrons, Eno said, “We
had people here, they wanted to be here, they were interested, and the music was good.” In part, Open Mic Night was a success because it showed the new hours in which the caf will operate. While the two performers were similar Eno expressed that “Of course in the future we would be more open to more acts, things like if they wanted to read poetry or things like that would totally be welcome.” The caf does not have anything in the area of electronics, mics and speakers, but fortunately the space is small enough it’s not completely necessary. Open Mic Night is planned to return on Friday, March 27. It is also planned to be a repeated event.
tures captured my eye. They reminded me of a pleasant experience. My hometown is Shanghai. During the Lantern Festival, many tourist attractions usually host lantern displays to appeal to people. I went to “Guyi Park” famous for its elegant environment, ancient-style buildings, and beautiful scenery. When I got there, I was totally amazed by the scenes appearing in front of me. A variety of lanterns decorated the whole park, and lit the darkness of the sky. Jie Yu/Black & Magenta If people stayed Lanterns reflect on the water at the 2014 Lantern Festival. there for a few hours, they would lose themJie Yu riddles printed on lanterns and eating selves in the gorgeous Orbit Media Reporter rice balls called “glue pudding.” environment. This year, Lantern Festival took Since it was the year of the horse in The Lantern Festival was estab- place on March 5. China, the horse has became a popular lished 2,000 years ago in China and is However, it is the first time I missed animal. one of China’s most traditional festi- the holiday. The park came up with an original vals. When I was looking through the idea to put a horse painting at its enTypical activities include guessing photos I took last year, some of the pic- trance.
On the top of it, a few three-dimensional horse lanterns were moving slowly, which gave people the visual illusion that real horses were running on the canvas. It is worth mentioning that the 2014 Lantern Festival was the same day as Valentine’s Day last year. The park designed some Valentine-themed lanterns. People could see a thirty-foot-high roof decorated with countless pink flowers. Its color varied according to the surrounding music played. The park also displayed many handmade lanterns. They were children’s masterpieces, which combined both creativity and imagination. For instance, one lantern was composed of old music discs. Aside from the lantern displays, Taiwan’s Food Festival became another highlight. A crowd of people gathered in front of the food stands. They took a casual way to eating, just enjoying the variety of delicious food. Actually, each region in China has its own way to celebrate festivals. But it doesn’t matter what way it is. What’s more important is that we keep our traditions in mind.
Yuanna Liu Orbit Media Reporter The Muskingum University English Department is offering a new topics class for Fall 2015 focusing on vampires in literature. The class will be taught by Associate Professor of English, Andr DeCuir, with a specialty in Victorian literature. “We are forming different classes, which will appeal to a wide range of readers,” said DeCuir. “We tried this with the Zombie in Literature class before, which was very successful. Therefore, we decided to run the vampire class next semester. In pop culture, the vampire has come back in different
Letters from China Student reflects on Chinese Lantern Festival
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Opinion
What it really means to have the ‘perfect body’ in today’s world Society tells us what is acceptable, how we should act and who we should be. Who sets these standards and why do we choose to follow them? Kathryn Kellar For as long Editor-in-Chief as I can remember, the models and celebrities that society celebrates were the “thin ideal.” Those that were average were dubbed “chubby.” In today’s society, how can young girls feel confident in themselves if they think that the average U.S. citizen is “fat?” Honestly, there is no ideal. There is no “perfect” body type because realistically not everyone is built the same and cannot be replicated.
It makes me happy to see that the fashion industry has started adding “plus-sized” models and are working toward more reasonable body types. As a society, we need to be accepting of all body types. Just like those who are stick thin are not the ideal for everyone, neither is the curvy girl. I know girls who are thin and want curves, yet no matter how much they eat and try to gain weight they cannot. There are also those girls that are rounder and have a hard time slimming down. Why, as a society, do we find it okay to body shame others? A girl should not feel bad about herself with something that one can’t always control. Our bodies are our own and we need to accept that others are the same way. Body shaming is getting us nowhere, except for creating impossible body image ideals to the younger gen-
erations. I am a curvy girl, who is definitely not stick thin. Could I be healthier? Yes. But that is something that I choose to work on for me, not for anyone else. Sure I have dreamt of being thin and being able to wear the clothes that the fashion magazines flaunt. Today, I look back at these distant memories and see how delusional I was. I wanted something that was unattainable. How do I know that once I got to that smaller size that I would be happy? Looking back at yourself then, would you be happy now because of it? Would you be happy because you finally fit the standard that society placed on you through pressure or because it was truly what you wanted? I am me because of the judgments and struggles that I have endured throughout my life.
Kandee Ferrell, Special Sections & Opinion Editor I have dealt with people staring at my body because of my curves and felt embarrassed. For most of my teenage life I felt like I was under a microscope continually being looked up and down. I wanted to be invisible. I wished that my curves would vanish and I could be free of the stares from men and women like they had never seen a human like me. Honestly, the stares were never obvious, but I could still feel them burning my skin. If you are reading this, please tell your daughter, sister, niece, friend, or whomever you wish that they are not alone. We have all felt self-conscious. This goes out to the young girl with curves who felt awkward and insecure. Tell the girl who was thin and wanted curves like all of the other girls and wanted to become invisible. No matter what your body type is, we have all had insecurities, things that we wish that we could change. There is no “perfect” body type because no one is the same. We are not all the same. We need to all know that different isn’t always bad, in fact, it’s good.
We interrupt this edition of Senior Year as told by Kandee for an important message.
Students deserved more from Muskingum John Kuhn suddenly passed away on Feb. 28. On Monday March 2, the faculty was informed by email, meaning some professors didn’t find out until Kandee Ferrell that morning Special Sections/ at 9:30 a.m. Opinion Editor As of March 19, the university did not address the students directly in any way. I think that this was a huge mistake on the university’s part. Students saw classmates, friends, and professors grieving and they were forced to use the rumor mill in order to learn what happened. When a professor brought up the death, a student was forced to ask about the details in class in front of other students who were trying to grieve. This lack of communication has portrayed a lack of respect for students and a disregard for their feelings in reference to his death.
I felt that by not communicating to the students, it was assuming that we wouldn’t care or weren’t directly affected, which is absolutely false. Students woke up Monday morning and didn’t know whether they were supposed to report to his class. They were left in a grieving state with no direction. In the moments where they needed guidance the most, they were left with none. Then, the university’s Facebook page shared two students’ blog posts in place of making a public statement to represent the school. There was one professor that I personally witnessed reaching out to her students, and I’ve heard that other professors did as well, inlcuding Will Mullins who visited Caldwell Hall where Kuhn’s office was, but the administration didn’t reach out at all. Students need a sense of community right now, but they have been left with a void and silence from their school, their home. Even now, not everyone is aware of the situation. Students need to be prepared to help their grieving friends and without no-
tice, they can’t be. Grieving students need to feel as if their school cares for them. I would like to thank the professors that reached out. I would like to say I am extremely sorry for those who are in pain right
now. I would like to say to the administration that I am disappointed. I know that this isn’t what Muskingum is about. I know we’re all suffering but students need you to be there for them.
Letters to the Editor The Black & Magenta staff encourages Letters to the Editor. All letters must include contact information and a name to be considered for publication. Letters will not be published anonymously. Letters must be 200 words or fewer to be considered. The staff reserves the right to edit for style, grammar and space. We will not publish any letter that we consider potentially libelous. If you have questions or would like to see how The Black & Magenta is put together, please e-mail bandm@muskingum.edu. This is a student publication. Opinions expressed in the editorials, columns are those of their authors and do not necessarily opinions of The Black & Magenta or Muskingum University.
Chris Morgan, Sports Editor
Sports
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New era begins for Muskie sports
Womens Lacrosse starts inaugural season with pair of games Brenna Busby Orbit Media Reporter The womens lacrosse team lost to Waynesburg in their first game on Wednesday, March 4. The final score was 14-11. The leading scorers on the night for the Muskies were Ashley Adams with five goals and Katie Megery and Brianna Bonacci, both with three goals. The Waynesburg leading scorer was Jess Rains with four goals. Waynesburg took a total of 24 shots on goal, slightly less than Muskingum’s 39 shot total. Both teams ended with 12 turnovers on the night. The first goal of the game went to Waynesburg by way of Rains. Shortly after, Muskingum responded when Adams scored the first goal in Muskingum womens history. The Muskies kept the momentum going when Megery scored less than two minutes after that making the score 2-1. Waynesburg took the next goal, tying the game up 2-2. The teams continued to battle back and forth until the Muskies were able to pull away and build a four-point lead going into halftime leading 8-4. Things started out at a slower pace
in the second half. It took five minutes for a goal to be scored, with the point going to Waynesburg’s Sarah Bookhammer. However their momentum didn’t last long. Just 12 seconds later Megery scored her second goal of the night,
putting the Muskies up 9-5. The Muskies were able to add another goal by Bonacci to up the score to 10-5. Then the momentum swung all the way back to Waynesburg as the Yellow Jackets ripped off nine unanswered
goals to take the lead 14-10. The Muskies attempted to make a late comeback but were only able to put one more goal up on the board to get the final score of 14-11. In the Muskies’ second game the women went on the road to Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky for a date with the Pioneers. The Muskies couldn’t quite get things going in the contest falling 18-8. Megery led all scorers for the Muskies recording four goals in the game, while Bonacci added two of her own. Adams wasn’t quite as hot shooting in the contest only recording one goal on nine shots. The women stayed within striking distance throughout the first half, going into the break only down four goals 8-4. In the second half the Pioneers started to pull away, putting up ten goals. The Muskies got close to start off the half, getting two goals from Adams and Bonacci to cut into the Pioneer lead and get the score to 8-6. Transylvania then put up three unanswered goals and never looked back. With the loss the Muskies fell to 0-2 on the young season. The team will look to continue to improve as the season progresses.
what they have in 2013 fourth-round draft pick Shamarko Thomas. However Polamalu still wants to give it one more go, but doesn’t necessarily want to leave the Steelers. The 12 year veteran from University of Southern California (USC) would have to be seriously convinced that he can get a better deal from another team before he accepts playing for another team. The safety has been responsible for 771 tackles in his career while forcing 14 fumbles and coming up with 32 career interceptions. That’s not where his contrabutions stop though. Polamalu was notorious for creeping around the line-of-scrimmage, which is not what safeties normally do. I remember him jumping over the center just at the right time to tackle the quarterback as soon as the ball was snapped on several occasions. I remember the playoff game against the San Diego Chargers in the frigid
Pittsburgh cold and snow where he came up with the game winning interception plucking the ball practically off the ground. According to Polamalu’s camp, the decision will likely come down to either playing for the Steelers or retiring, and a decision should be expected soon. I remember sitting in front of the television with my dad and brother, both of whom are avid Steeler fans, watching him roam around the field essentially doing whatever he wanted. That’s the kind of freedom the coaches would give him. He was so talented that they could give him free reign to just come up and walk around with the linebackers. The problem is, the Steelers appear like they don’t want him. From what we can tell from the Steelers, it seems like the team will likely release Polamalu if he tries to come back and play next season, which would force the safety to play elsewhere if he wishes to
continue his NFL career. However, Polamalu has been one of the staples of the Steelers franchise for many years, and has given everything he has to the organization. He even gave up some of his million-dollar hair trying to give the Steelers a playoff win against the Kansas City Chiefs. The NFL is a business though, which is understandable. That being said it can still be painful to see players that have done everything they can for an organization simply get thrown away when they’re deemed as “no longer useful.” The same thing is happening to Vince Wilfork in New England right now. At the end of the day, it would be best for Polamalu and the Steelers to simply move on. It’s a sad situation, but at this point it seems like the best course of action. One thing we know for sure is that it won’t be the same seeing Polamalu suiting up in something other than the black and gold.
Brenna Busby/Black & Magenta The womens lacrosse team huddle together before the start of their inaugural game against Waynesburg on March 2. The Muskies fell 14-11 in the game.
Captain’s Quarters, What should the Steelers do with Polamalu? With all the recent news coming out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania about the future of Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, it’s pretty easy to get lost in all the speculation. Chris Morgan Here’s what Sports Editor we know so far. The former Defensive Player of the Year has two years left on his contract and is due a base salary of $6 million in 2015. The Steelers believe that it’s time for Polamalu to move on, but the 34 year old thinks he can still play. One way or another, Troy Polamalu will not be a Pittsburgh Steeler next season. The team hopes that Polamalu will simply retire so the team can get younger on the defensive side, and see
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Sports
Chris Morgan, Sports Editor
Muskie men get first two wins in program history Ashley Adams Orbit Media Reporter The men’s lacrosse team (3-1) rallied two thrilling home victories over the course of spring break, one over Calvin University and another over Defiance College. On Saturday, March 7, the Muskies hosted Calvin (1-2). The Muskies took the lead early and held on to it for the remainder of the game. At halftime, the Muskies led 5-3. Sophomore Andrew Buchbinder led the attack with five goals and five assists. First year Zach Kern also added three goals and three assists on the day. Junior David DeGood and first year Tucker Haas also added two goals, while seniors Joey Alford, Cameron Godfrey and junior Ben Evick each added one. Andrew Ward led the team with six ground balls, while Taylor Masterson recorded a season-best 14 saves. The victory over Calvin led the Muskies to the team’s second straight win, bringing their overall record to 2-1. On Sunday, March 15, the Muskies hosted Defiance (0-5). The Muskies took an early first period lead and didn’t let it go, collecting a total of 43 shots throughout the game.
Ashley Adams/Black & Magenta The Muskingum Mens Lacrosse team stand in line for the playing of the national anthem before playing March 2. At halftime, the Muskies led 8-1. Kern led all scorers, recording a career-high four goals with an additional two assists. Sophomore Kyle Baker notched three goals, the first of his career, and Alford added two goals and an assist. Also recording one goal each in the game were Buchbinder, Haas, DeGood, and junior Jason Hammond. Masterson registered six saves in the
Ashley Adams/Black & Magenta The Muskie men huddle up and cheer before the game on March 2.
first half and first year Phillip Dappen recorded five saves in his first bit of action in net in the second. Haas’ goal opened up the scoring for the game, followed by Baker’s first goal just two minutes later. Defiance got their first goal from Eddie Minear to get the lead to one, but then the Muskies poured it on scoring nine unanswered goals to pull away. The Muskies scored an astonishing
seven goals in the man-up situation and even got a goal short-handed in the man-down scenario. The victory over Defiance moved the Muskies to 3-1 overall, while also keeping their undefeated record at home in tact. The Muskies will return to the home confines of McConagha Stadium March 28 after two games on the road when the men play host to Thiel.
Payton Patterson Orbit Media Reporter
There are a few events that the Muskies traditionally do well in, but are not offered during indoor track. “We have some other events that we do not do in indoor season like javelin, and events like that, that we are pretty strong with,” said Gleason. “So we feel the outlook looks pretty good for outdoor season.” With the transition from indoor to outdoor track, Gleason has given his runners a two-week break. When spring break came to an end, the runners were be back in motion no matter what the weather looked like outside. “It has been really tough. This has been one of the worst winters for us,” said Gleason. The bitter snow is not slowing down Gleason and his athletes, but it is making training a little different. “We just have to be creative,” said Gleason. “We can still get our athletes to a high level, it just takes a different path to get there.” Muskingum’s outdoor track season began March 21 at the Muskingum Amy Adams Memorial Invitational on The Johnson Family Track.
Track and Field transitions to outdoors Indoor track is coming to a close. There are a few notable runners and jumpers from the indoor season. First year Darrell Briggs broke the mens record in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.74. First year Devin Bell tied the womens long jump record with a jump of 16 feet-9.75 inches. Junior Chris Lardie was awarded with all conference for triple jump, and senior Tim Fox is going to Ohio Northern to compete at the Last Chance Meet to try to get into the national championships. Transitioning from indoor to outdoor track can create different challenges for athletes. However Head Mens and Womens Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Coach Jake Gleason hopes to avoid those challenges and hasn’t seen any of them from the athletes yet. “I think they will be fine,” said Gleason. “They demonstrated that they can compete at a high level in the indoor season, that should carry over to outdoor.”