Cal Times Nov. 21, 2014

LOOK INSIDE The inaugural pushpull contest was a huge success. Cal Pg. 8 U students showed their strength for all to see.

PAGE 7 Deidra Demoss (left) is completing her bench press attempt of 115 pounds.

NOVEMBER 21, 2014

VOL 36, NO.12

NEW AND IMPROVED STUDENT CENTER QUICKLY TAKING FORM Preparing For The Future The Graduate Student Association at Cal U has been on the rise as of a late. Find out who to contact to become a part of this great organization.

RENOVATIONS, CONSTRUCTION OF THE NATALI STUDENT CENTER WILL PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH IMPROVED FOOD OPTIONS, MEETING SPACES

Pg. 3

1..2...3...PIN! The RWA has put on many great shows in the past at Cal U, but this one in particular drew a large crowd and supported yet another great cause.

Pg. 6

Two’s A Crowd The two party political system has been in place forever, but find out why this system may be flawed.

Pg. 11

Family Forever Sports teams spend so much time together and become a family. Check out a few cases of teams transforming into families.

Pg. 14

The above picture is the future design of the Natali Student Center. Brianna Monfredi gives a preview of the new services and amenities the student center will have upon completion. Story on Page 2.

STAFF CALTIMES.ORG CALTIMES@CALU.EDU 724.938.4321 GEO MUZIKA EDITOR IN CHIEF STETSON PROVANCE NEWS EDITOR TAYLOR BROWN OPINION/LIFESTYLE EDITOR JOSE NEGRON SPORTS EDITOR LAUREN GRIFFITH ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR JEFF HELSEL DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS

CALTIMES CONTRIBUTORS: PHIL TAFONE, BRIANNA MONFREDI, DEVEN BOURQUIN, DAN MADER, MELANIE BOOP, NICOLE ALFER, BRIANNA BOWMAN, MATT HAGY, SPORTS INFORMATION POLICY: The California TIMES is a publication of the Student Association, Inc. and is distributed throughout the university campus and the Monongahela Valley area most Fridays of the academic year with the exception of holiday breaks. Any member of the university community may submit articles, editorials, cartoons, photographs or drawings for consideration. Deadlines are as follows: All written copy, announcements , e-mail (caltimes@calu. edu) and advertising submissions are due at Noon on the Monday before publication. Exceptions to these deadlines must be arranged with the editor. All submissions are the opinions of their creator(s). The California TIMES reserves the right to edit or refuse a submission as it sees fit without offering justification for content or advertising sections.

Renovations to the Natali Student Center will take place through the summer of 2015.

Changes coming to the Natali Student Center

BY BRIANNA MONFREDI

Imagine having a student center on campus entirely geared for college students as an ideal place for studying in groups, having club meetings, or grabbing a bite to eat. This is how Larry Sebek, interim Vice President of Student Affairs and director of the student center renovations taking place on campus, described the process of rebuilding the Natali Student Center.

“The renovations were set in place because of the student’s demand for a better and more positive center for student life.” Sebek spoke on why Natali was being remodeled.

The renovations began May 20, 2013 with phase one and will continue through the summer of 2015, at which point some renovated areas will become available for student use.

Although renovating during the school year is less than ideal, Sebek has been pleased with the progress made since the start of the fall semester.

“The process is going well but there are some challenges with rebuilding an occupied center where students are using it,” Sebek said.

However, the workers have taken note that students have been very respectful toward the construction areas and are pleased with the patience. Moving forward, Sebek does not see any scenarios where students’ activities are disrupted as a result of renovations.

“The infrastructure needs to be improved and the construction itself has to be inspected, but we won’t disrupt any student services.” Sebek said.

Almost every student around campus has noticed

the student center under construction and some are very anxious to see what the improved building will look like.

Lauren Lusk, freshman and Pre-K special Education major, said she hopes to be able to use Natali during her breaks between classes.

“For commuters, I hope to see it as a place to study and eat during breaks,” Lusk said. “Somewhere to land because I don’t have a dorm I can go back to.”

Bryan Moor, freshman, undecided, agrees that the new renovations should focus more on the students.

“I hope to see more food options and study spaces for students,” Moor said. “Especially more space for everyone to use.”

According to Sebek, students will be happy with what they see. Among the goals of the renovations were improved food services and more areas for clubs to hold meetings.

“The Gold Rush will come back to Natali, there will be increased seating and a full kitchen food court.

Other services added on will be offices or large conference rooms for clubs or Greek life to hold meetings.”

Overall, the hope for students like Paige Malnofsky, a freshman majoring in psychology, and Sebek alike is that the student center will continue to be a bustling hub on campus.

“We’ll use the building a lot more if it has more food options and become central for every student on campus,” Malnofsky said.

Page 3 Nov. 21, 2014

Graduate Student Association on the rise The Graduate Student Association is a graduate student organization at California University of Pennsylvania that sets out to help enhance the professional development of graduate students. The association attends workshops, seminars, conferences, and many other events.

The GSA meets twice a month and encourages graduate students to attend the meetings to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas regarding the university or their individual program of study. Graduate students can receive up to $50.00 to help cover costs of attending such events.

Last weekend, current members of the GSA attended the College to Careers Professional Development Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn in Pittsburgh. The members represented Cal U well as they participated in many activities and workshops. GSA has a new e-board full of passionate and ambitious graduate students ready to make a difference.

Current officers of GSA are, president, Shandel Garner; vice president, Jason Thompson; secretary, Rodney Edwards; treasurer, Shawn McCoy.

From Left: Shawn McCoy, Shandel Garner, Corrissa Goins, and Rodney Edwards

WE TAKE THE THRILL

OUT OF INVESTING.

At TIAA-CREF, we believe the less excitement you find in your portfolio the better. When we invest, we do it for the long term, steadily.1 Our approach works so well it earned us the Best Overall Large Fund Company award two years in a row by the independent research firm Lipper.2

Learn more in one click at TIAA.org or call 855 200-7243.

73408

BEST OVERALL LARGE FUND COMPANY 2 The Lipper Awards are based on a review of 36 companies’ 2012 and 48 companies’ 2013 risk-adjusted performance.

Consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Go to tiaa-cref.org for product and fund prospectuses that contain this and other information.

Read carefully before investing. 1 TIAA-CREF funds are subject to market and other risk factors. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

The Lipper Award is given to the group with the lowest average decile ranking of three years’ Consistent Return for eligible funds over the three-year period ended 11/30/12 and 11/30/13, respectively. TIAA-CREF was ranked against 36 fund companies in 2012 and 48 fund companies in 2013 with at least five equity, five bond, or three mixed-asset portfolios. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, and Teachers Personal Investors Services Inc. C18456B ©2014 Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America – College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), 730 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10017.

2

Page 4 Nov. 21, 2014

Providing the best possible education to all

BY DEVEN BOURQUIN

The summer of 2014 featured a wide range of media coverage of illegal aliens crossing the border into the United States of America from Central America and South America. The discussion continues at California University of Pennsylvania.

A professional development seminar title “Those Illegal Kids! Perspective and Solutions” developed

by Susan Morris-Rutledge, a professor at Cal U, and Connie Monroe, the chair of the department of secondary education and administrative leadership was held Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Keystone Hall, Room 211.

The presentation, which was given solely by MorrisRutledge, lasted around an hour.

Topics included in the discussion were the illegal immigration situation that occurred this past summer, statistics pertaining to immigration, legal issues surrounding the education of illegal children, and state and federal programs that are showing promise.

One issue people often have when discussing illegal immigration is the perception that those who are here illegally don’t pay taxes. However, Morris-Rutledge refutes this claim. “Regardless of how they come into the country, the United States Government Customs and border control assigns everyone an identification number,” said Morris-Rutledge. “So, theoretically speaking, those of you who believe that these people do not pay taxes, yeah they do. They just don’t pay federal taxes.”

Her presentation utilized a graphic CAP’s analysis of the Census Bureau, March Current Population Survey of 2012 (2012).

According to the chart, immigrants receive less in Social Security benefits annually than the native born person. Annual benefits received by a native US citizen total $13, 461. Naturalized citizens receive $12,506, which is 7 percent less than native-born US citizens, and, finally, non-citizens only receive $11, 255, which is 16 percent less than native-born US citizens.

She presented all of this information and more to disprove the popular notion in the United States that illegal persons are soaking up and stealing away from those who are citizens.

Morris-Rutledge asserted investing in illegal aliens could prove to be beneficial. She referenced Vermont and how even though it is the smallest state, it receives the most refugees and illegal aliens.

“When you invest in someone, or when you invest in

the group of someones, then they give back to you,” Morris-Rutledge said. “It’s a symbiotic relationship; it’s a give and take. I take care of you, you take care of me, and together we build community.”

Morris-Rutledge asserted that educators have a legal obligation to educate illegal aliens. She cited numerous landmark cases like Serna v. Portales Municipal Schools and Castañeda v. Pickard, 1981, and many others pertaining to illegal aliens, teaching of foreign languages in schools and other relevant areas.

She also talked about how teaching children who don’t speak English as their first language is difficult.

“Many of them have never been to school. That’s going to affect how they learn, when they learn, and with whom they learn,” Morris-Rutledge said. MorrisRutledge also commented on the attitudes she has experienced from her previous work with ESL students.

“They care about their education. If you give them an inch, they make it a mile. To them, education is about freedom. It’s a view that we forget being native citizens sometimes,” said Morris-Rutledge.

Morris-Rutledge then took question from the attendees.

One attendee asked how an educator should approach whether a student in illegal or legal.

Morris-Rutledge responded that it didn’t matter. That when speaking with the parents it is not a question that should come up because teachers are not government employees that have the ability to discern if someone is legal or illegal.

Morris-Rutledge said it’s a teacher’s duty to teach whatever students are in the classroom and to speak of education matters solely with the parents.

Kristen Kaminski, a junior dual majoring in middle level English and special education attended the presentation for professional development reasons.

“It’s a subject that most pre-service educators aren’t familiar with and need to learn about so when we’re in the field, there’s no discrimination,” said Kaminski.

Kaminski said she learned something from the presentation about the way the media presents the illegal immigration issue.

“The media puts out these biased statistics mostly to gain attention,” Kaminski said. “People are going to be more interested if something seems like a large issue.

The media fails to show the other side of the situation, which is the economic growth caused be immigration.”

For Kaminksi, the presentation only reinforced her

opinion about whether or not illegal aliens should be given an education.

“They should be educated regardless of whether they are illegal aliens or not,” Kaminksi said. “I mean, as teachers, it’s our ultimate goal to get our students to be productive members so society, background doesn’t matter.”

Ashley Shilling, a 20-year-old secondary education major with a concentration in English, found the presentation interesting.

“I thought the most interesting point was that teachers are rightly obligated to teach students regardless of their legal status because so many teachers have the misconception that they have the right to deny children an education based on his or her suspicions,” Shilling said.

CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

WINTER COLLEGE

Registration opens on Oct. 6, 2014!

Winter College classes are delivered 100% online. The five-week classes begin Dec. 15, 2014, so they can be taken from your home over the winter break!

FOR MORE INFORMATION E-MAIL WINTER@CALU.EDU OR CALL 724-938-5962.

WWW.CALU.EDU

Page 5 Nov. 21, 2014

CAL U ICE HOCKEY INAUGURAL ALUMNI GAME SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 1:45 p.m.

ROSTRAVER ICE GARDEN

ALCOHOL POISONING

   ALWAYS STAY WITH THE PERSON    KNOW THE SIGNS KNOW WHAT TO DO • • • •

If a person is conscious and vomiting

Prevent choking Prevent drowning in toilet Stay with the victim Talk to the victim

• Talk to the victim to try

Is passing out or unconscious

to keep the victim awake

• If the victim is lying down,

roll victim on his/her left side to prevent choking or vomiting • Call 911-report alcohol overdose

• Call 911-report alcohol overdose • Check pulse-perform rescue

Is not breathing

breathing (if trained)

• Call 911-report alcohol overdose • Check pulse-perform rescues

Cannot be awakened Has bluish lips, is cold clammy, and pale

breathing (if trained)

• If no pulse-perform CPR (if trained)

KNOW THE FACTS

A LCO H O L E D U C AT I O N

Cal U Hockey thanks you for all the support!

For more information, please contact us: www.lcb.state.pa.us Facebook page: PA Alcohol Education Or call our toll-free line: 1(800) 453-PLCB (7522)

Santa will be our special guest along with other fun activities!

alcoholic beverage or to lie about their age or carry a false ID card to obtain alcohol.

If an individual, in good faith, calls and believes they are the first to call 911, police, ambulance or campus security, gives their name and stays with the person to prevent that person’s death or serious injury, the caller is immune from prosecution for consumption or possession of alcohol.

Reorder Item #0207

Cal U students with a CalCard and kids 5-years-old and younger get in free.

LCB-207 04/14

Admission is $5.

• A person with alcohol poisoning cannot sleep it off!

• Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) continues to rise even after a person stops drinking.

• It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase, consume, possess, or transport any alcohol, liquor, malt, or brewed beverages.

• It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase, consume, possess, or transport any

Do you have a problem and need an objective person to talk to?

Students from Options @CalU are here to help you. Options is a peer support initiative made up of student volunteers who have been specifically trained and certified in the Bacchus National Peer Education Model.

Conflict resolution, referral to resources, and helping with drug and alcohol issues are just a few of the areas covered in their training. They can be there to listen and help you strategize the best solutions to your concerns.

Robert Mehalik is the Alcohol and Other Drug Education/ Prevention Specialist at California University of Pennsylvania. He is the advisor for OPTIONS @ CalU. OPTIONS is made up of student volunteers who are passionate about helping their fellow students. They work towards helping their peers make responsible choices with regard to alcohol and other drugs as well as other issues.

Contact us by emailing options@calu.edu or calling 724938-5507.

Gobble Up a Job on Hire Cal YOU! Good Night

This card was developed in cooperation with: American Trauma Society – PA Division Dickinson College PA Emergency Nurse Association Pennsylvania Chapter, American College of Emergency Physicians Pennsylvania Medical Society The Network: Addressing Collegiate Alcohol and Other Drug Issues

Career & Professional Development Center 230 Eberly Hall 724-938-4413 careers@calu.edu www.calu.edu/careers

or

Office Hours: Mon. – 8 am to 6 pm Tues. – 8 am to 5 pm Wed. – Fri. – 8 am to 4 pm

Good-Bye?

Walk-in Hours Tues. – 11 am to 1 pm Wed. – 9 am to 3 pm Thurs. – 11 am to 1 pm

Page 6 Nov. 21, 2014

RWA brings back ‘Salute to the Troops’ event to celebrate veterans

BY DAN MADER

Following a successful “Salute to the Troops” live event in the Cal U Convocation Center last April, the Renegade Wrestling Alliance (RWA) brought back its hard-hitting professional wrestling to Cal U last Sunday. Dubbed “Salute to the Troops 2,” RWA sought to garner a strong crowd to the Convocation Center and celebrate United States Veterans, while entertaining the large crowd with a 3-hour professional wrestling event.

Sponsors were sought after for this event and RWA owner Derek Widziszewski made a large effort to promote the event.

“Hundreds of fliers went out to various shops and stores. Also, many e-mails, social media posts, and several radio interviews including top wrestlers and myself as guests were recorded to help us try and promote,” said Widziszewski. “Our sponsors included Duke of Oil, Davies Ford, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Thomas M. Dolfi Funeral Home, Lagerheads, and The Gaming Dungeon and our gratitude towards those sponsors is everlasting.”

The night began with the honoring of various veterans that were in attendance. After the veterans were honored, a large American flag was lowered from the top of the

Convocation Center and the Star Spangled Banner was played over the PA system. Once the opening festivities took place, the testosterone began to flow and the prowrestling began.

Throughout the night, the performers gave it their all, and among those were three former mainstays in larger companies: Shane Douglas, Sonjay Dutt, and Shane “Hurricane” Helms. Douglas shined in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in the early and late 1990s and also had small stints in WCW and WWE. Dutt had formerly wrestled for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling from 2003-2009 and has wrestled on the independent circuit since 2009. Helms had a small tenure in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) from 1999-2001 but is most remembered for his time in the WWE as “The Hurricane” throughout the first decade of the 2000’s.

These three stars were in place to help obtain a strong attendance for the second offering of the RWA’s “Salute to the Troops.” Widziszewski was more than satisfied with the attendance for the show, as it was one of the highest in its 5-year existence. Although the attendance was strong for “Salute to the Troops 2,” Widziszewski stated that the focus of this event was to celebrate those who

Student Government Sponsors

for tots November 3rd to December 5th Monetary Donations Dontations made to Student Government SAI Account RUN CAL

+

have risked their lives for their country.

“The veterans are of course the main focus because it is their day! The main purpose of these ‘Salute to the Troops’ events are to honor the men and women past and present that serve or have served our nation. Myself, the wrestlers, and the entire RWA staff are honored and thankful to provide a night of entertainment for our military,” said Widziszewski.

Widziszewski also announced that “Salute to the Troops 3” will take place in November 2015 and that in addition to the traditional fliers and e-mail promoting, he would like to have more face-to-face contact with as many possible fans as possible. He also praises those who were in attendance and thanked those who risked their lives for this country.

“I’d like to give a sincere thank you to all the pro-wrestlers of RWA, my incredible staff and crew,” said Widziszewski.

You are appreciated beyond words! A huge thank you to the best fans in the world, and finally, the military and veterans. Your service to our country, and sacrifices made are the motivation behind these Troops shows. We thank you!”

place toys in boxes around campus

unwrapped gifts

+

NEw gifts

Page 7 Nov. 21, 2014

PHOTO CREDIT: LAUREN GRIFFITH

Students compete in Push Pull Competition hosted by HRFC

BY BRIANNA MONFREDI

This Sunday at Herron Recreation and Fitness Center, the inaugural Push-Pull Event took place for Cal U students who registered for the weight lifting competition. The competition, which began at 9 a.m., was a combined effort by HRFC and the Cal U Powerlifting Club. 90-98% of the proceeds were being donated to the Operation Troops Appreciation with over $400 being raised from the event.

Both men and women participated in the bench press and deadlift contests and each were divided by weight class based on the students participating. Zach Petrick, a Cal U graduate and former HRFC employee, came back to judge the competition. The price was $10 to register for one event, or $15 for both. T-shirts were also given to all who participated.

Aggressive rivalry was not on anyone’s mind. Jordan Welker, senior, fishery and wildlife major, commented on why he likes doing the event so much, “Yeah we compete against each other, but we are also cheering for each other too.”

Welker, like others had heard about the competition

from fellow work out buddies in the gym and thought it would be a great cause to do.

“The guys kept pestering me about it and I kept hearing about it so I decided to do it. Just to see how I would do for my first time. It really lets you know how far you can push yourself.” Josh Froncz, senior, electrical engineer technology major, said.

Jason Joseph, senior, sports management major, also agreed that he was pushed into it as well but that it was for a good cause.

Joseph said, “I knew other guys that did this and I got pushed into doing it. But it’s for a really good cause and we just do it for fun, everyone is friendly, it’s not just a bunch of dudes lifting!”

Alaina Ross, sophomore, business major, was among some of the winners for the bench press and deadlift, along with Dustin Mcvey, Bryan Smith, Dana Horner, Grey Sungala.

Ross had this to say about why other students should be more involved in these type of competitions,“This is my first time and I’m really into body building. It’s important

to do and you have to weightlift to compete. I take a lot of pride in lifting and being strong.”

Dustin Mcvey, junior, computer science major, agrees that there is a “different aspect of lifting, it’s really different from other competitions you know. Everyone’s got your back.”

The friendly aspect of the contest felt welcoming to freshman Anthony Colon, electrical engineer technology major, who said it was his first time competing, “I’m a part of the power lifting club and heard about from those guys. Yeah I was nervous for my first time but I thought I did good. It’s definitely a good thing for others to get involved with.”

The HRFC and the Cal U Powerlifting Club, both satisfied with the event’s turn out, hope that this will become an annual event.

Any students interested in joining in the Cal U Powerlifting Club can e-mail Carrington Kreinbrook at KRE4581@calu.edu.

Page 8 Nov. 21, 2014

Fitness Corner with Phil Tafone

Weight training for beginners

Last week I made the case for weight training without bulking. As it would turn out, this led to a few inquiries regarding execution. What should I do? When should I do it? How should I do it?

These are important things to consider, especially within the general population and when the goal is “to get a little stronger” and/or “drop ten or so pounds” as I am often summoned for. All too often, I meet an entry-level or intermediate fitness enthusiast who embarks on a body builders program because they found it online or in a magazine. They can be great programs, but they usually require great attention to protein intake and sleep, and in all honesty, many of these programs present such a high volume of weight training work load, that they will break you down in just a matter of a few weeks (physically and mentally) without use of dangerous and illegal drugs. My point is not to go seek the drugs that some action-star is reputed to be taking, but understand that you are not that person. Work on being you, the best you.

Hollywood stars end up dying all too young and fitness is supposed to increase longevity, not diminish it!

Try these two different approaches to weight training for moderate strength increases and high metabolic boosts. For now, find weights that exhaust you between 12 and 14 reps. Remember to warm up for at least ten minutes. An elliptical can suffice if you put some resistance on it and pump the arms!

CLASSIC TOTAL BODY CIRCUIT TRAINING

2 or 3 times weekly, always with at least one rest day between sessions. Perform each exercise with as little rest as possible. Rest for up to two minutes after completing one circuit. Perform two circuits for the first 2 weeks and add a third in the third week. Works great with Nautilus machines.

- Leg Press - Chess Press - Assisted Pull-up (or Chin-up for females) - Hip Abduction (opening of legs) - Shoulder Press - Hip Adduction (squeezing legs) SUPER SET TRAINING Pair opposing muscles/exercises and perform them back-to-back, resting after each “superset”. DO NOT move ahead to the next exercises until you perform the superset three times - otherwise this would become circuit training. I personally find great results to come from splitting into upper body and lower body days. I recommend the following four and half day program (you’ll see what I mean): MONDAY Seated Row/Chest Press Assisted Pull-up (or seated lat pull down)/Shoulder press Bicep Curls/Tricep Rope Pressdowns

TUESDAY Leg Press/Calf Raises* Hip Abduction/Hip Adduction Leg Extensions/Leg Curls Plank to Failure WEDNESDAY Walk or use elliptical with light resistance for 45-60 minutes.

THURSDAY Repeat Monday FRIDAY Repeat Tuesday These are great options for the general population and their needs. Of course be mindful of any conditions you may have that I could not possibly know about, and always consult with your physician when starting a fitness program. Provided you are medically cleared for exercise, I would much rather learn that you are starting with one of these programs than something in a magazine. With this, you will see results and keep going. I always remind people the best gym is the one you will go to, the best program is the one you can do, and the best-kept secret is consistency! *Leg Press into Calf raises is not a traditional superset as I described, but falls under a pre/post exhaust technique. The calves get warmed up during leg press and burned out when you isolate them after. It’s good for you; trust me!

Join the Cal Times!

The staff at the Cal Times meets every Monday at 3:00 p.m. Journalists, photographers, and graphic designers are always welcome! If you can’t make the meetings, send us an e-mail at caltimes@calu.edu and ask how to join the team!

Page 9 Nov. 21, 2014

BLACK FRIDAY STORE HOURS Thanksgiving Day: 6 a.m.: Kmart 7 a.m.: Big Lots, Dollar General 8 a.m.: Family Dollar, RadioShack 4 p.m.: Michael’s, Old Navy 5 p.m.: Toys R Us, JCPenney, Best Buy,

Dick’s Sporting Goods 6 p.m.: Walmart, Macy’s, Sears, Kohl’s,

Target, Belk, Staples, Victoria’s

Secret, Office Depot/OfficeMax

Black Friday: 12 a.m.: GameStop, 5 a.m.: Home Depot, Lowe’s 6 a.m.: Big Lots, Staples, Sports Authority 7 a.m.: PetSmart, Michaels, T.J. Maxx,

Sam’s Club, Marshalls 8 a.m.: RadioShack, Best Buy, Banana

Republic, Office Depot/OfficeMax 9 a.m.: Costco

Black Friday becoming better known as Black Thursday

A battle of consumption: Family dinners vs. Black Friday deals

BY MELANIE BOOP

Retailers are opening earlier and earlier for Black Friday shopping deals, which has started a debate.

Should retailers be open on Thanksgiving Day? According to a RichRelevance consumer poll, about six in ten Americans claim to “hate” or “dislike” the practice of stores opening on Thanksgiving Day. Only 12 percent say they “like” or “love” it.

Jason Collins, a sophomore Cal U student who works at F.Y.E., does not like the idea of stores opening for sales on Thanksgiving. He is not sure yet if he will be working on Thanksgiving, but he said nobody should have to work on that day.

“Stores should not be open on Thanksgiving Day because it is a holiday,” Collins said. “You should be more worried about spending time with your family than buying a $200 flat screen TV.” Another Cal U student, Danielle Durko, is angry that she will be working at Staples on Black Thursday. The shopping frenzy is preventing her from celebrating

Thanksgiving with her family.

“Black Thursday Shopping takes away from the family time of the holiday,” Durko said. “It turned being thankful into gluttony.”

Overall, businesses made $12.3 billion in store sales and $1.964 billion in online sales on Thanksgiving and Black Friday last year according to Business Insider.

A high percentage of what people spend on Christmas gifts is spent on Black Friday, David Jones, an accounting professor at Cal U, said. From his perspective, retailers are afraid to be closed on Thanksgiving because they will miss out on an opportunity to make more money.

There is approximately 24 stores that are willing to miss this opportunity. Lowe’s, GameStop, Petco, Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, and Burlington Coat Factory are among the stores that will not be open for business on Thanksgiving.

These stores are receiving praise on the “Boycott Black Thursday” Facebook page. As of Nov. 12, the page has

over 81,000 likes. The page encourages consumers not to shop on Thanksgiving or at retailers who plan to be open that day.

The page will have an impact on the holiday only if consumers follow through with the boycott, Jones said.

The page is gaining fans as the holiday season gets closer, but not everyone is in favor of the idea.

“It’s just another excuse for people to complain,” Geovanny Montemayorone, a critic of the page, posted.

Two years ago, JCPenny was not open on Thursday, and now they are trying to beat the competition by opening at 5 p.m. that day. The trend of retailers opening earlier and earlier on Thanksgiving Day will be a hard one to stop, Jones said. He makes a comparison to explain how difficult the trend will be to reverse.

“It would be as hard as getting a die-hard sports fan to not watch the game on Thanksgiving,” Jones said.

Page 10 Nov. 21, 2014

Sororities host 2nd annual Ugly Christmas sweater party

BY NICOLE ALFER

The ghosts of Christmas past have arrived at California University of Pennsylvania with the sororities on campus hosting their 2nd annual Ugly Christmas sweater party.

The purpose of the sweater party is an end of the semester event to get the potential new members (girls who want to join a sorority) excited for formal recruitment that starts right when the spring semester starts.

The event is at 9 p.m. on December 3 in the Carter Hall Multipurpose room. Any girl that wants to go out for recruitment in the spring may come to the event.

Spring formal recruitment is like Christmas every year to sororities. It is a week long of recruitment parties held in Duda Hall. Every sorority is in separate rooms for the week and potential new members get to visit each one before finally narrowing it down to two sororities.

Recruitment has a set theme and each sorority will decorate accordingly. “I’m really excited for the next formal recruitment, we can’t wait to see how many

PHOTO CREDIT: Wikimedia Commons

girls come out and hope to join a sisterhood,” said Erika Novak, President of the Panhellenic Council.

“Each individual sorority is unique but together we are all united,” said Hannah Wiesyck, the Vice President of Recruitment for the Panhellenic Council.

“Spring formal recruitment is the most vital week for sororities, depending on how many girls come out

for recruitment is how many bids the sororities can give out, we anxiously await this time of year. It can sometimes be very stressful but so much fun at the same time,” said Wiesyck.

“The ugly sweater party was such a huge success last year, so many people enjoyed it, so we decided to host it again,” said Novak.

During the party, there will be fresh baked goods as well as a hot chocolate bar. There will be members of every sorority in attendance to answer any questions the potential new members may have.

“It’s a great time for potential girls to learn more about Greek life before everyone goes on Christmas break, that way when formal recruitment starts they will have more of an understanding of what Greek life is all about,” said Wiesyck.

“We want to promote Greek life as much as we can throughout the year, bot just during recruitment time, we want everyone to learn what a beneficial component Greek life adds to your college experience,” said Novak.

Christmas for Soldiers Campaign returns to Cal

BY BRIANNA BOWMAN

For the third year in row Cal U students have the opportunity to help provide a Christmas to soldiers overseas. The 3Rd Annual Christmas for Soldiers Campaign is now underway, and students and organizations can help.

Gina M. Boff, an Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, is working to create 50 care packages, 20 female and 30 male, for soldiers this holiday season.

“A lot of people don’t realize that the people they are sitting next to in class are the average age of the soldiers fighting,” Boff said. “And some of these kids protecting our country don’t have family so they get no packages, no mail and the chaplains make sure those are the ones that get a care package that we send.”

Boff hopes to bring a little cheer to soldiers overseas with these care packages.

“I’ve never been sent overseas but getting care packages in those situations is an amazing feeling,” Levi Cabera, a sophomore who is a member of the U.S.

Army, said. “Going through basic training it was always a blessing getting mail, so care packages will make an awesome impact.”

The drive ends Nov. 20, and boxes will be packed during Thanksgiving break, so that the packages can be mailed to the soldiers in the field in time for Christmas.

There are various items troops typically request that are accepted during the drive including various food and drink items, socks, towels, games, greeting cards, and CDs. Monetary donations are also accepted. These donations help pay the postage for the packages, which ship at a flat rate of $15.90.

Over the last three years Boff has successfully sent nearly 100 care packages with the help of student organizations on campus and her church.

“I ran into a man who was collecting donations for the cause and I donated because I always have a heart for soldiers,” Boff said. “I wanted to help more so I started making signs and flyers for the organization

but eventually decided to start doing it on my own with some help.”

This year, Phi Sigma Sigma has once again volunteered to help fill out Christmas cards that will be placed in the care packages.

Other organizations, and individual students can also get involved in the drive.

According to Boff, one of the most involved activities of the drive is Building and packing the boxes .

“I was thinking of having a day just to build the boxes that students can come help with,” Boff said.

Students can also agree to do a spare change collection, or even just buy some of the needed items and place them in the donation box in Eberly Hall.

Last year a major donation came from the Math Association of America on campus, who donated $250 worth of items.

“Some of these clubs just have money that are willing to spend to help donate, and that really helps out,” Boff said.

Page 11 Nov. 21, 2014

The failures of a two-party political system When both parties have power, nothing gets done

BY STETSON PROVANCE NEWS EDITOR

If you have turned on the news in oh, I don’t know, say the last ten years, I’m sure you have heard about the need for bipartisanism in Washington.

If only politicians would just reach across the aisle and compromise with the other party, our country would be in such better shape, political pundits say. Voters have long echoed those pleas for both parties to work together and solve pressing issues such as healthcare reform, immigration reform, and irresponsible government spending that has resulted in our massive national debt. However, not since the days of President Clinton and speaker Newt Gingrich have Congress and the President worked together to get something done. Bipartisanism has become an ideal that, although great in theory, is horrible in practice. Wouldn’t reason, then, indicate maybe one party being in control of the White House and another party being in control of both houses of Congress isn’t the best idea?

Considering the midterm election results, I guess not. In a widely expected move, voters took to the polls on Nov.4 and decided to use their vote to voice displeasure with President Obama and the Democratic Party. Republicans, who already had control of the

House of Representatives as a result of the 2010 midterm elections, now have a majority in the Senate, In their briefings following the election, House majority leader John Boehner and new Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell spoke of the need to work with President Obama to solve the country’s issues. Later, both men indicated one of Congress’s main goals will be to overturn the Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s landmark achievement (or screw up, depending on your views). Yeah, I bet there will be big bipartisan effort to eliminate universal healthcare.

When Obama was asked what he hoped to do his last few years in office, he responded by saying he will pass immigration reform, and, if necessary, take the measures to do so without Congress’s approval (read: issue an executive order granting amnesty to those who are in our country illegally). Oh, really? Well, you know what Congress has to say about that Mr. President? They aren’t going to approve any spending measures if this goes through, even if that means we have another government shutdown.

As you can see, when politicians decide to battle it out over the most divisive issues, this kind of crap ensues. Essentially, everyone turns into a seven year

@caltimes

old in a suit.

It is painfully evident the two party system in our country just flat out isn’t working. In Washington, gridlock breeds more gridlock. Politicians let their interests, the interests of groups that fund their campaigns, and their party’s agenda get in the way of the best interests of the country. Voters complain about the way Washington works (or doesn’t work), but yet continue to inhibit that environment.

And, even more perplexing, our country now decides to elect unpopular presidents to second terms and then make the latter half of those terms nothing more than lame duck periods. If I were Bush in 2006 or Obama now, I would have tried to go on a nice two year golf trip after the midterms (pending Congress’s approval). I mean, I’m not going to get anything done anyway.

I know people extol a system of checks and balances between and within all branches of government.

However, at least when it comes to congressional and presidential elections, wouldn’t it be better if we just let one party have total control for a couple years? At least that way when our country collapses we would know whom to blame.

What are some of the positive and negative aspects of having a two-party political system?

@lindsgasper927 @caltimes Negative: there are always going to be disagreements between the two parties on somethings. #caluopinion

#CALUOPINION

@LexiFeiller @caltimes Negative: Part of me says yes and part says no, because there could be mistrials. #caluopinion

Page 12 Nov. 21, 2014

It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month, right?

In a commercialized world, people support the causes they see

BY TAYLOR BROWN OPINION EDITOR

Studies show that 93 percent of consumers would switch to a different brand of their favorite product if it supported some type of charitable cause. However, there are countless numbers of charities that are never seen, trying to raise money for diseases that are rarely talked about in the world of consumerism. My disease is one of them.

When I was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic on March 12, 2013 I was only 20 years old. I had heard about diabetes, but hearing about something is similar to only seeing the tip of the ice burgh but knowing the rest of it is resting beneath the water. I vaguely paid attention when the disease was being studied in health class and watched my mother, my grandmother and my grandfather himself give him insulin injections every day, but never thought to ask why he was giving himself the shots in the first place.

I remember watching him check his blood sugar, getting out his little black pouch, slipping a white strip into something that looked like my Ipod, the sound of a spring or maybe more like the click of a pen and then the blood forming on the tip of his finger. The strip would absorb most of the blood, before he would pull out the handkerchief in his pocket and dab the rest away. Then there was a beep, sometimes once, sometimes twice and then he wrote down a number.

Usually in the 200s, sometimes it was higher, but like the shots I never asked what the numbers meant because it did not really matter that much to me.

That is how it works though, you do not care, turn a shoulder, put it off until it is happening to you and you can not look away anymore.

That was me until I had to learn to give myself shots, how to eat, how not to eat, and suddenly as an English major who did everything that she could to avoid math all together (including taking Math 100 as a junior in college), had to learn to revolve my entire life around the little black numbers that popped up on my screen.

I hate numbers now more than I used to, most of the

time because mine are not ever right. They are too high or too low or non-existent on the days I pretend not to be a diabetic because sooner or later the pricks start to leave the tips of my finger calloused and numb, and I get really tired of being a walking pincushion.

What is worse than the pricks or the shots, or the bruises or counting carbs or shaking s the fact that a significant number of people have absolutely no clue why I am stabbing myself in the middle of a restaurant, or think that I am the way I am because I ate too much candy when I was little or too many sweets growing up. Well, if that was the case there would be a lot more than 1.5 million Type 1 diabetics in our country and I’m sure we might get a little more recognition then.

My disease has a month. This month, but what’s the point if the only people who recognize it are the ones living with the disease? I don’t have breast cancer, but in the month of October almost every single one of my Facebook friends made a status about breast

cancer awareness. I’m sure not every one of them are living with breast cancer but they know how to talk about it. So why then, did I not see one post acknowledging the disease I live with every single day? That 347 million people live with every single day. Well, it’s probably because 1 out of 11 people are walking around oblivious to the fact they have diabetes.

We as a society are not educated enough on the disease to know how to look for signs and symptoms. Despite it being the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, these statistics and numbers are not enough to get people to care about others living with this, or themselves to prevent them from developing it, which is entirely possible if you are a Type 2 diabetic or have been diagnosed with pre diabetes which 86 million people are currently battling.

My disease is considered to be invisible.

It does not cause me to lose my hair, to walk in a wheel chair or with a cane. It is considered to be invisible because unless you saw me with a syringe in my hand, or a meter on my lap, or the dro of blood smeared onto my napkin at a restaurant, you would never know unless I told you. But as invisible as it is to the rest of the world, as manageable as it is, as easy as it may seem , how lucky I may or may not be does not take away the fact that this is something a large number of people go through and are killed from. So it’s not really my disease, it’s a disease that I, along with 347 million other people have. It’s our disease and it is not come with pink ribbons or cute catch phrases. The color of our ribbon is grey, the color of our circle is blue, but there are not football players wearing blue arm bands in November or blue anythings lining the shelves of any grocery store or supermarket that I have seen.

I don’t see jackets, or jewelry, or mugs, or bracelets offered in support of those living with diabetes. I see nothing but cold, grey, medical bracelets that I am supposed to wear incase someone would need to save my life, because if I don’t, my disease remains invisible, like the 11 other months out of the year.

Page 13 Nov. 21, 2014

Vulcans looking to build off of experience gained from Division I opponents

BY DAN MADER

As an NCAA Division II basketball team, the opportunity to face squads from Division I not only pose a challenge but also are used as a constructive tool to better themselves. The Vulcans did just that as they traveled to Purdue and VCU to scrimmage both of those teams respectively before they kicked off their 2014-15 season.

In their first scrimmage against Purdue, a Big Ten team that finished 15-17 last season, the Vulcans fell to the Boilermakers 89-52. Regardless of the loss to the Division I school, a silver lining can be found by looking at the positive experience gained by the matchup.

Sophomore Drew Cook scored 10 points against Purdue and led the team. Despite the loss to the Boilermakers, Cook remained optimistic about the elevated level of play that they endured.

“Playing a Division I team really shows your flaws and helps you identify what you need to work on. We have been going hard all pre-season and despite the score it was glad to see us compete against a physical Big Ten school, and in the long run will help us down the

road with PSAC teams,” said Cook.

Along with the experience and nature of the competition that Purdue brought in the game against the Vulcans, the game was played in front of over 10,000 fans in attendance at Mackey Arena which Cook said it was an experience unlike any other.

“It was really a great experience and I am happy to be apart of it. There is no other feeling than running out and looking up in the stands and seeing over 10,000 people there. It was just incredible and a great experience,” said Cook.

After the Vulcans dropped their first scrimmage game to Purdue, they traveled to the Verizon Wireless Arena to play the VCU Rams, who are ranked 15 in the Associated Press poll and 16 in the USA Today poll before the season begins. The Rams, who are led by former Cal U assistant coach Shaka Smart, were the unanimous preseason favorite to win the Atlantic-10 Conference.

VCU made its fourth-straight appearance NCAA Tournament last season and finished with a 26-9 record.

Although the Vulcans fell short against the Rams 9243, Cook remains confident that the two games the

Vulcans played against Division I team will no doubt help the team throughout the season.

“I definitely think that these D1 games are positive for our team because in the PSAC we will not see any team that will give us a look with their athletes and coaching like a VCU or Purdue. It shows what we as a team need to work on and when it is time for PSAC play, this can benefit us and get us ready to play at a high level,” Cook said.

After the Vulcans played Purdue and VCU, they were successful in their first game of the regular season; an 87-81 victory over Johnson C. Smith, which was their fourth successful opening game in five seasons. They failed to capitalize on momentum against their second opponent, Urbana, as they fell to the Blue Knights 86-85.

On Monday night, the Vulcans pulled out a huge victory in their home opener against Penn State-Fayette, 89-64. Cal U returns to action tomorrow as they travel to Edinboro University to take on the Fighting Scots.

CalTimes NFL Picks of the Week

Geo Muzika

Stetson Provance

Jose Negron

Chiefs over Raiders Bills over Jets Browns over Falcons Bucs over Bears Bengals over Texans Patriots over Lions Packers over Vikings Colts over Jags Eagles over Titans Chargers over Rams Cardinals over Seahawks Broncos over Dolphins Redskins over 49ers Cowboys over Giants Ravens over Saints

Chiefs over Raiders Jets over Bills Falcons over Browns Bears over Bucs Bengals over Texans Patriots over Lions Packers over Vikings Colts over Jags Eagles over Titans Rams over Chargers Seahawks over Cardinals Broncos over Dolphins 49ers over Redskins Cowboys over Giants Saints over Ravens

Chiefs over Raiders Jets over Bills Falcons over Browns Bears over Bucs Texans over Bengals Patriots over Lions Packers over Vikings Colts over Jags Eagles over Titans Rams over Chargers Cardinals over Seahawks Broncos over Dolphins 49ers over Redskins Cowboys over Giants Ravens over Saints

Page 14 Nov. 21, 2014

Family: the intangible necessity for success Athletes, teams are able to portray the true meaning of a family

BY GEO MUZIKA Editor In Chief

Family; what does this term actually mean? Obviously the general perception is mothers and fathers; brothers and sisters; aunts and uncles; grandmothers and grandfathers. Although this bloodline supports what a family is comprised of, the term does not have to be defined by the biological makeup of a family tree.

Family should be a term that can be applied to any group of people that share memories, laughs, and love. Families figure out ways to conquer the tough times, never get too high on the good times, but most important, families stick together through anything life brings to the table. This idea of a family is portrayed in many places throughout life, but perhaps it is the most evident between the foul lines, on the gridiron, hardwood, ice, or any other spot where athletic competition is held.

As sports fans and consumers of the sports industry, it is simple to think that professional athletes have it easy. They get paid to play a sport, travel the world, and after six to nine months of work they can call it quits and have a nice bank account to support them until it all starts back up; however, the truth is that these men and women go through some of the same struggles as the so-called “average Joe.” Athletes deal with tragedy just as much anyone else.

They lose immediate family members to cancer, car accidents, and murders, but when tragedy strikes, they often turn to their second family for the same support and love they get while competing.

Perhaps the most touching example of this is happening right across the state border in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Devon Still is going through one of the most trying times that a man can face. His 4-year-old daughter, Leah Still, is battling cancer. Upon his daughter being diagnosed, Still temporarily contemplated retirement from his job to spend as much time as possible with his daughter.

With the support of his football family, Still was able to overcome some obstacles and return to the game he loves.

The NFL is donating all proceeds from Devon Still jersey sales to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. New Orleans head coach Sean Payton did his part and more to help his football-family member. Payton bought $10,000 worth of Still’s jersey and, as promised, made

sure every cent went to the hospital. Still was obviously touched by the gesture and at the conclusion of the most recent Saints-Bengals matchup, Still and Payton shared a hug at midfield that symbolized nothing less than what a family is.

Stories such as Devon Still’s are worthy of the spotlight, no doubt; however, it should go without saying that professional athletes are not the only ones that can define what a family truly is. In 2013, Olivet Middle School’s football team made a dream come true for one of its brothers.

The Michigan middle school contributed one of the most memorable sports moments of the year when its most popular football player scored a touchdown.

What makes this moment so special, though? Keith Orr, the scorer of this famous touchdown, has a learning disability that prevents him from doing a lot of things that the other kids in his grade can do.

One day, behind the coach’s back, the starting offensive players designed a play that ensured Orr to score a touchdown in the safest way possible. Olivet’s star quarterback had a wide-open route to the endzone, but as he got to the one-yard-line, he fell to a knee to down the ball one yard short of a touchdown. What happened next was unexpected by everyone.

Orr was in the game for the one of the last plays.

Olivet’s quarterback turned and handed the ball off to the learning-disabled middle school running back.

Immediately after the handoff, Orr’s teammates surrounded him in a circle to protect him as he walked into the endzone for his first ever touchdown. Protection and support were the keys to success for this unforgettable play. Just as any immediate family member would go through anything to protect another, this football family went to great lengths to make certain that a family member of their own was not only protected, but also had the greatest moment of his life.

No matter the age, no matter the talent level, once a uniform is put on that is shared by 10, 30, or even 40 athletes, the bond of a family is immediately in place.

There is no set requirement of how this bond is carried out. It can be a big block, a monetary donation, a helping hand, or even a circle of protection.

The bottom line is this: a family supports, loves, and cares for one another through thick and thin. So the next time a sports story comes on television, or even the next time the camera zooms in on a teammate talking to another after a bad play, just know that there is no requirement for a support system in sports, rather it is the innate characteristics of a true family being showcased for the world to see.

CAL U WEATHER Forecast for California, PA Friday: Partly Cloudy. Shower or flurry possible. High 34.

Friday Night: Partly Cloudy. Low 20.

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

34

44

50

58

Saturday: Partly Cloudy. High 44.

Saturday Night: Mostly Cloudy with a shower possible. Low 34.

Sunday: Mostly Cloudy with PM showers.

High 50.

Sunday Night: Cloudy with showers. Low 38.

Monday: Cloudy with a shower. High 58.

Monday Night: Cloudy with a shower. Low 38.

20

34

38

38

Page 15 Nov. 21, 2014

The anatomy of a weekend ‘CUTV on PCN’ shoot

BY MATT HAGY Staff Writer

CUTV and PCN once again paired up to broadcast two live PSAC championships this past weekend.

The big weekend began in Slippery Rock Saturday for the PSAC football championship game between Bloomsburg and Slippery Rock. This was the second straight year that CUTV and PCN aired the PSAC football championship game and also the second straight year Bloomsburg and Slippery Rock met in the PSAC Championship game. While the game broadcast on TV at home seems simple enough, there are many things that goes in to making this live broadcast a success.

Here is what a typical day for a CUTV/PCN championship shoot is like: 7:00a.m.:CUTV truck and crew depart for Slippery Rock from Cal U campus 9:15a.m.: Production truck arrives first at MihalikThompson Stadium on SRU campus 9:30a.m.: CUTV crew van stops at Sheetz in Slippery Rock for breakfast 9:30a.m.-11:00a.m.: Setup (Cameras, announcers box, cables) 12:30p.m.: Live on PCN satellite/ TV open begins 12:40p.m.: Kickoff

2:15p.m.: Halftime/Interview with PSAC commissioner Steve Murray 3:30p.m.: Game ends/Trophy ceremony 3:40p.m.-4:30p.m.: Teardown of equipment 4:30p.m.: Depart Slippery Rock for dinner 6:30p.m.: Arrive at King’s family restaurant in Bentleyville for dinner 8:00p.m.: Arrive back at Cal U Campus Saturday was a success but CUTV’s big weekend was not over yet as they still had to air the PSAC women’s volleyball championship between California and Seton Hill. This was the first time that CUTV and PCN worked together for a PSAC volleyball match. The timeline while similar still had different aspects than the day before, as the travel was shorter to the destination.

8:00a.m.: CUTV truck and crew depart for Seton Hill from Cal U campus 8:45a.m.: CUTV crew van stops at Sheetz in New Stanton for breakfast 9:00a.m.: Production truck arrives first at McKenna Center on Seton Hill campus 9:15-11:00a.m.: Setup(Cameras,announcers box, cables)

Noon: Live on PCN satellite/ TV open begins 12:10p.m.: Game begins 1:30p.m.: Game ends/Trophy ceremony 1:40p.m.-2:30p.m.: Teardown of equipment 2:30p.m.: Depart Seton Hill for dinner 2:45p.m.: Arrive at Cracker Barrel in New Stanton for dinner 4:30p.m.: Arrive back at Cal U Campus…. Weekend complete!

California’s win over Seton Hill completed another tremendous weekend for CUTV. Along with a high school game aired earlier this season, CUTV and PCN have now aired 3 sporting events together in the 2014-2015 calendar year. In total, CUTV and PCN have partnered for 4 PSAC championship broadcasts with 2 being football,one women’s volleyball, and one women’s basketball. CUTV also looks ahead to partnering with PCN in the future to air more sporting events. All CUTV sports broadcasts are put on the station’s official news page at CUTVSPORTS1. CUTV now looks ahead to the winter sports season where they look to air more Vulcans sporting events which will include both men’s and women’s basketball.

Page 16 Nov. 21, 2014

Cal Times Athlete Spotlight Irina Kukolj

Class: Senior Major: Justice Studies Hometown: Harrisonburg, VA High School: Harrisonburg High School

Shortly after being born in Serbia, California University of Penn-

sylvania senior Irina Kukolj found a home here in the United States, while also finding immediate success in the game of basketball. While playing basketball at Harrisonburg High School (Virginia), Kukolj was a four year letterman and first-team all district in each of her four years in high school.

Since joining the Lady Vulcans during the 2011-2012 campaign,

Kukolj has been a consistent leader for the Cal U women’s basketball program. She has played in at least 23 games in each of her last three seasons and has also been a consistent offensive weapon. After scoring 9.3 points per game last season, Kukolj is currently averaging 14 points per game through the first two games of the 2014-2015 campaign.