VOL 41, NO.20
NEWS: 2
LIFE: 6
MEDIA: 9
OPINION: 11
MARCH 27, 2015
SPORTS: 17
AVI DEBUTS FALL 2015
FOOD PREVIEW PHOTO: LAUREN GRIFFITH
BY KATIE DELVERNE
LOOK INSIDE
AVI has made it their mission to meet the needs of the student population said Kiran Nunna, the Resident District Manager of AVI Foodsystems at Cal U. The organization’s goal is to provide lifestyle-based destinations in their Fall 2015 Dining Concepts. Members of Student Government gathered Monday evening for the introduction of the Fall 2015 Dining Concepts. Every year, AVI strives to give one new concept in retail
Cal U’s Convocation Center saw 21,000 visitors since January.
that students can enjoy and utilize. However, the new dining concepts that were presented stemmed from a sixyear campaign Nunna and his food committee on campus has developed. The food committee is composed of student leaders on campus said Nunna, members of Student Government being a big contributor. This committee is given the opportunity to have special tastings of new food options, attend field trips of the facilities AVI uses, and bring concerns from the student body to Nunna and his team. Nunna says that it is his goal to build the menus through
Back to the Drawing Art Show dedicates proceeds to the family of late Cal U student, Rob Potter.
partnership with these groups in the committee. The students are essentially creating the menus and making the decisions on what they will be served. Nunna emphasized that him and his team want to reengage the students and give them the opportunity to make decisions. To follow with this goal and get real feedback from current students, Nunna said AVI has conducted 500 tastings and 30 focus groups. From that came the 2015 Dining Concepts that are to appear Fall 2015. CONT. ON PAGE 3
Let’s talk about sex, baby. Two students debate the morality of being a sugar baby.
Women’s Basketball team advances to first final four since 2004.
Cal U confident in utilization of Convocation Center
21,000 people have attended events at the building since January BY NICOLETTE BROGNANO
It is known as the largest indoor venue between Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV. The Convocation Center opened back in December of 2011 and contains enough seats for about 6,000 people. If this development was supposed to be the ‘crown jewel’ of Cal U then why is it that the majority of students see it as a place not reaching its full potential? Originally, the University hired an outside company, VenuWorks, to book the Convocation Center’s events. However, shortly after the start of the 2013 Fall semester, Cal U decided to cut ties with the Iowa-based company due to budgetary constraints. After paying the rest of its contract and fees with VenuWorks, Cal U took over booking at the Convocation Center in Nov. 2013. Since then, it has been quite common to hear from students how nothing is ever held at the Convocation Center or that the building isn’t being used for anything beneficial to the University. However, recent events show that these are not fair statements. According to Becky McMillen, executive director of Conference Services at California University of Pennsylvania, the Convocation Center has been very successful at hosting academic and educational events, such as the first Robotics and BotsIQ competitions, cheer/dance competitions, as well as other high school athletic tournaments. “These events turn a profit, and they also bring thousands of high school students and their families to campus, giving the University a chance to introduce itself to prospective students,” McMillen said as she outlined the current details about the Convocation Center. Approximately 750 middle school and high school students from more than 30 Pennsylvania school districts visited campus on March 18 for the Science Olympiad, a day filled with contests focused on science,
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Cal U’s Convocation Center, which opened in December of 2011, has seen its usage increase in recent months. According to the university, over 50 events have been held in the builidng since January, attracting over 21,000 people.
technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills. Hosting these types of educational related events is a very strategic method for attraction. However, the current student body is bursting with diverse interests who also have a desire to see events at the Convocation Center they will enjoy. This can be challenging since the Convocation Center is not only for current students, but also serves a purpose for the outside public as well. Recently, the Student Activities Board has worked to bring in popular artists to meet the requests of current students. “It is extremely difficult to bring in big-name performers at a ticket price that students can afford,” McMillen said. “The University is not in a position to underwrite the high cost of bringing big-name artists
to campus and the Student Activities Board uses its resources to bring affordable entertainment to campus.” This statement helps demonstrate that reasonable efforts should be done for these types of events. This idea has worked effectively so far, and according to McMillen recent attendance numbers at the Convocation Center have established a successful footprint for the year of 2015. “Since January, we have had over 50 events and brought over 21,000 people through the doors of the Convocation Center,” McMillen said. “Our reputation for hosting successful academic/educational, church-based and business events is growing, and I would anticipate seeing more of these events at the Convocation Center.”
TAYLOR BROWN EDITOR IN CHIEF
JOSE NEGRON SPORTS EDITOR
STETSON PROVANCE NEWS EDITOR
LAUREN GRIFFITH LIFESTYLES EDITOR
EMILY GEYER OPINION EDITOR
JEFF HELSEL DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS
PHIL TAFONE, MATT HAGY, SPORTS INFORMATION, DAN CARMICHAEL, AARON SPECHT, JERRON CORLEY, Katie delverne, Josh Herman, NIcollette Brognano, Lauren Stacy, ALEXA MAPSTOne
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.
Page 3 March 27, 2015
AVI debuts new dining options for Fall 2015
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
According to a market study presented at Monday’s showcase that was conducted among University and College students by Technomics Group, the most important menu attributes at on and off-campus dining locations are taste, variety of options, use of fresh ingredients, healthy options and ability to customize in that order. Based off of those results, AVI has made it their mission to accommodate students with those attributes. This coming fall, AVI will introduce an array of new food stations. Nunna said AVI’s more prominent goal is to provide exceptional service and an educational experience to diners. 60 students gathered for the Fall 2015 Dining Concepts Showcase and each atendee was encouraged to bring a guest for the tasting. The first new station being introduced is the Italian and Mediterranean station, which has been named Trattoria. This particular station will feature a brick style oven, homemade pastas and sauces, and fresh salad and bread knots. You will be able to customize your own dish with the available ingredients or choose from a suggested plate option. At Monday’s showcase, students sampled Greek style pasta and a blue cheese and caramelized onion flatbread from the Trattoria station. The next new station is an American grill and comfort food style option. Here will feature slow cooked meats that will be prepared in a smoker. Other food options will include southern style barbeque and give an “open kitchen” vibe. Monday’s showcase featured a slow cooked barbeque chicken, Cajun chips and plantains, rice and vegetables from this station. Elisabeth Harwell, senior, said she really enjoyed the slow cooked barbeque chicken. “It was absolutely delicious!”, said Hartwell. Another new concept to be featured in the Gold Rush Dining Hall this coming fall is the Umami station, featuring the “fifth flavor” Nunna said. It will be more than just sweet, salty, sour or bitter, but a combination to create that fifth flavor. Diners can enjoy options from the Teppanyaki Grill and Tandoor Oven with an international flair. Nunna explained that AVI has hired ethnically trained chefs to cook at this station to make the options truly authentic. Umami will offer endless options said Nunna, besides a suggested plate diners will be able to customize their own combination of noodles, rice, veggies and meat. Skewer chicken, flatbreads and hummus were featured at Monday’s showcase from this concept. Additional features to be added to the dining hall will be a deli station that will resemble a New York style deli. Diners can enjoy hand-sliced deli meats, fresh breads
PHOTO: LAUREN GRIFFITH and freshly made comfort salads such as potato and macaroni salad and coleslaw. A gluten-free pantry area is also to appear this fall. Nunna said this destination is allergen-free. Items in this pantry will include dairyfree milks, gluten-free cereals and more. He hopes that students who live a gluten-free lifestyle or have food allergies engage the chefs, and make combinations at each station that fit their lifestyle. The last new concept to be added to the dining hall sparked a lot of excitement at Monday night’s showcase, a fresh made gelato bar to replace to current ice cream bar. Diners will be able to order hand-made gelato and choose from 12 different “add-ins” said Nunna. Shannon Rhea, junior, said she is really looking forward to the new gelato bar and thinks it be a delicious addition. One of my main concepts Nunna stressed was that each station is completely customizable. Diners will not only have to pick from the suggested plate of the day, but will be able to use all fresh ingredients a station has to create their own plate and their own experience. Each diner will be able to incorporate their lifestyle into their experience. “I think it’s a great concept that students can tailor any meal to fit their lifestyle choices”, said Janene Dunbar, senior. During the showcase, students were introduced to the
new retail station concepts. Nunna explained that diners would be able to place orders from six kiosks in the union to avoid long lines. An online and mobile ordering system is also being implemented that allows students to be more flexible with their schedules and save time. The systems will accept meal plans, dine and shops dollars, and credit and debit cards. In addition to new dining hall concepts, there will also be new retail station concepts. FYRE, similar to Joe’s, which was previously in the food court, will be set in the renovated food court. Here, hand pressed burgers and Panini sandwiches will be offered. V Bar is yet another brand new addition to the food court. Nunna described it as being similar to gourmet gastro pubs. Gourmet burgers, gyros, yakitori and other Asian specialties will be available there. Flatz will also be offering new concepts this fall. Nunna said they have re-engineered their current menu adding Meltz, Sicilian pizza and grab-and-go nachos. Quesadilla tortillas will now be hand-made on spot and freshly pressed for each order. Modeco will serve fresh fruit purred smoothies with new energy boosting supplements available to be added. The coffee shop is also adding a variety of Tapenade spreads for their sandwiches as well said Nunna. Primehouse will also be changing it up this fall. Nunna explained they will no longer offer pizza, but instead go back to their original roots as an upscale “destination restaurant”. The new menu will offer cuts of freshly roasted certified Angus prime rib and other slow roasted meats on sandwiches. They will feature freshly rolled sushi and hibachi-style fusion specialties. Another large portion of the showcase was showing the students just how fresh all the ingredients AVI uses are. Nunna stressed it is important to know the source of their ingredients; where and how they are grown or how they were prepared. The ingredients AVI uses to produce their dishes are all from local spots. Laurel Vista Farms, Duda Farms and Keystone Bakery are just a few close by locations AVI purchases fresh products from. Cal U farm grows a portion of produce used on campus as well Nunna added. Sycamore Bistro is now 100% local produce, Gold Rush 60% and Modeco 60%. Nunna stressed that students become involved in their dining experience with these new dining concepts. It is both Nunna and AVI’s mission to give each and every diner an exceptional and educational dining experience to fit their personal lifestyle. And with these new dining concepts for Fall 2015, it seems as if Nunna and his team are on their way.
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CAL U WEATHER
Data by Cal U Weather Center
Fri: Mostly Cloudy Poss. Rain High 42 Fri Night: Mostly Cloudy, Low 24 Sat: Partly Cloudy Sat Night: Partly Cloudy
High 41 Low 24
Sun: Party Cloudy Sun Night: Showers Likely
High 44 Low 25
Mon: Showers Likely Mon Night: Partly Cloudy
High 49 Low 34
Friday Saturday Sunday Monday
24 41 44 49 24 24 25 34
Student Team Helps Clubs Get in Sync By Pam DelVerne
In the past three years, more and more of SAI club business--previously done on paper--has moved online to OrgSync. The timely submission and approval of these forms is dependent on officers and advisors understanding how OrgSync works. Until this semester, if you wanted to understand OrgSync you could attend open workshops in the Multimedia Access Center, view a video online, or search out a staff member in the Student Association, Inc. (SAI) or the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning. Cal U’s OrgSync committee wanted to make finding that information an easier and more convenient process, so the Sync Certified program was created and is being led by Pam DelVerne and Diane Hasbrouck. Sync Certified students are trained to answer questions about OrgSync and hold workshops for clubs and organizations to help Cal U use OrgSync the way that works best for them. Each campus organization with a portal is assigned a student as their personal OrgSync expert. Organizations can reach out to them via phone, email, or
the old-fashioned way--in person! Each organization’s Sync Certified student representative is listed in their People roster so it’s easy to contact them. There are 11 students on this year’s team. The students who represent organizations under the SAI and Service umbrellas are Zach Bogardus (junior, liberal studies major); Chelsea Gump(sophomore, mathematics major); Stephanie Moore (senior, communications disorders major); Leah Seader (junior, mathematics/business administration dual major); Angela Selby (senior, communication disorders major); Chelsea Selby (senior, business administration major); Courtney Shoemaker (senior, public relations major); Ce’Asia Thorpe (senior, speech communications major); and Patrick Williams (graduate student, school counseling). Katie DelVerne (junior, public relations major), or Janene Dunbar (senior, graphic design/public relations dual major), are available to Greek letter organizations for assistance. Visit the Sync Certified portal on OrgSync for more information on the program, or to contact a member of the team.
Page 5 March 27, 2015
The Cal Times staff takes on Athens, OH BY JOSH HERMAN FOR THE CAL TIMES
The editors and contributors of the Cal Times spent the weekend at the University of Ohio in Athens where the 2015 Society of Professional Journalists held its Region 4 conference. Students, educators, and a variety of news people gathered to learn about and discuss the latest happenings in their field. Region 4, which consists of Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia, and part of Pennsylvania was represented by 21 colleges and universities. Keynote Speaker Wesley Lowery of the Washington Post reminded his audience that it is vital for young reporters to “Be prepared to be lucky” as he discussed his covering of major national news stories such as the riots in Ferguson and the Boston Marathon Bombing. As the dishes were cleared during the Mark of Excellence luncheon Cal U did some cleaning up of its own, taking home seven awards in total. Former editor in chief Gene Axton won in the Photo Illustrtion category and Contributor Josh Herman finished first in feature writing. The winners’ submissions will move on to compete in the SPJ Excellence
in Journalism Conference taking place in Orlando in late September. Current editor in chief Taylor Brown placed in both the feature writing category as well as column writing. Matt Hagy placed in general sports writing and Matt Kaminsky also placed twice for his photography. Attendees had the choice of attending different panels throughout the day that included topics that discussed the business side of journalism, first jobs and internships, major news stories, media law, and proper labeling of the LGBT community. After the first of three sessions everyone was gathered to a super session that featured a look ahead to the 2016 presidential campaign. At the latest Cal Times meeting on Monday the editors
spoke to the rest of the staff about what they learned and things they want to implement in the publication moving forward. Lauren Griffith who is the entertainment editor stressed the importance of using preferred pronouns when covering stories on the LGBT community. In addition to discussing in-story etiquette, there was also clear desire to create a larger social media presence, as well as re-establish an online version of the newspaper to supplement the online digital print edition that is currently available to students. Stories and art that appear in the Cal Times during 2015 are eligible for Mark of Excellence awards at the regional conference in 2016.
the policy or throw anyone out, because we already begin with such a friendly bunch of student gymgoers. Knowing some of the more muscular guys who work out there, I have had conversations with them about their own rough starts in life, being either very thin or very overweight, before eventually reaching their desired level of fitness. The unfortunate part about life is that we cannot wear our stories on our sleeves - people only see what is right before their eyes and some times, if those people are not happy with themselves, they can begin name calling. I asked somebody once, during a fitness consultation what they thought all the numbers we discussed their weight, the amount they benched, how long they held plank - were actually for. They replied, “too see how I am doing compared to everyone else and what it should be”. Imagine their surprised when I told them that was all bull. That answer is the answer society wants you to develop - that life is a rat race and you must have a bigger check and a smaller butt than everyone else. Why? In short, that kind of thinking is good business. Maybe it keeps you going to a job that is killing you, or spending a little more than you can, I don’t know. I do know it is counterproductive. In
fitness, the numbers are for you and only you. They are the metric you can use to know you have improved. That is all. When you think about that it not only can be motivating, but it is a great reason not to look at others and say, “I can only lift X amount, I feel silly to work out around those stronger people”. It is also the same reason the stronger folks cannot judge you - they don’t know where you are on your journey. In short, fitness is not a contest. You cannot call someone a loser for trying, because there is no winner. I do wish that Demi Lovato responded differently to haters, that the picture was great because she had progressed just a little bit beyond the day before - or even because they’re her legs, she has them, and the sun was out! I’m sure she has a publicist or manager dictating certain issues and conversations she has and she selected the better avenue, but everyone should remember that life is not meant to dwell on the actions of others. For all of you gym veterans, be patient, helpful, and welcoming of any rookies you may see around the gym, especially between now and the close of the semester. Those of you who are considering going but nervous, remember there are only two things you have to do: Start and don’t stop.
Fitness Corner with Phil Tafone: JUDGEMENT FREE Last week I saw an article online regarding Demi Lovato’s legs. I shouldn’t have even bothered to read the TMZ-like gossip blurb, but with time to kill, I did anyway. Apparently Lovato, who has battled with her weight since kicking drugs a couple of years ago, was proud of her legs and posted a picture of them to Instagram. Of course, it was just a matter of moments before she received mean comments telling her she should not be proud of her body, she was still far from perfection, etc. etc. Unfortunately use of social media opens that door, and I think Demi Lovato took the best route and said nothing to acknowledge the remarks. I was a little bit dumber for having read a TMZ article. Or was I? This week’s fitness corner may be one of the less scientific but as far as I am concerned is the most important. In the limited space that I have, I want to discuss a few things that should hopefully dispel any reservations one has about entering the gym for the first time. Just as many of you have seen the Planet Fitness commercials, or entered their locations, we do maintain the “judgment free” idea at the Cal U Herron fitness center. The difference between Planet Fitness and us is that we never really have to enforce
Page 6 March 27, 2015
Pretending to be Pregnant By Alexa Mapstone
My once loose fitting leopard blouse is gripping my body like spandex. Hopefully my sneakers are tied because my feet are out of sight. Walking across campus while carrying my books seems just as impossible as getting my ankle length jacket zipped over my Mount Rushmore belly. I am a pregnant college student but I won’t be giving birth in nine months. My baby bump is a stuffed green frog held in place by bandage wrap. By the looks of students’, university staff, and professors’ faces they are unaware that I am actually with frog, not with child. Wobbling from class to class all eyes are on me my belly. While wearing the belly I did everything I would have if I were expecting and went about my daily routine which was going to classes, the gym, to work and club meetings. My first class was in Eberly. Students are sitting in the benches drinking coffee as they type on their laptops. Others are mingling before they officially start their day. As I walked further into the crowd of students I saw my friend Markea. Markea, knew that the belly was fake but played along. “Ohhh, Hey Lex!” she shouted as she ran up to me arms opened wide reaching for my big belly. “How you feeling? When do you find out what you’re having?” she asked. “I’m having a boy!” I exclaimed as everyone who was once sipping their coffee and typing on their laptops got whiplash from turning their heads so fast to get a look at me. I received the same reaction walking into my 12:30 stats class until students overheard my conversation with a friend about my paper. A woman who sits a few rows over from me looked at me with her jaw dropped. “It’s a fake? You’re kidding! It looks so real. I was thinking you just got big super fast!” she said. I was pleased that I actually looked pregnant not like I shoved a pillow underneath my shirt. I was anxious to see how children would react to my belly. I am a dance instructor and I teach around 100 kids, ages ranging from 3-17. I must say teaching with a bowling ball sized bump attached to my front was challenging and quite funny looking. Older kids, who had just seen me days before, were not fooled by my belly but went along with the story. My little ones actually believed I was pregnant. Jenna, a short, slender, brown-haired spitfire was shocked that her Miss. Lex could be pregnant. “Miss Lex you aren’t really pregnant. You are too young to have a baby!” she exclaimed. Yes, I know she is a nine-year-old girl and I am not really pregnant but I took offense. Another act that offended me while pregnant was the way males reacted to my pregnancy. Men stared and jaws dropped the most. Their stares made me feel shameful.
While I was at the gym, walking up the stair master one of my guy friends that I had not saw in awhile a guy, tapped me on my arm to say hello. Smiling, I waved back to him. I watched his eyes drop from my eyes to my stomach he quickly turned around and walked the other way. I knew that it was not the sweat that made him walk away. The last thing I did while pretending to be a pregnant college student was a trip to SAI to book a conference for PRSSA. Wobbling behind the rest of e-board, I grumbled about the size of my stomach. I could barely fit through the door. Unaware that anyone had heard my complaint, a secretary commented on my size. “You think you’re big? I had twins. I was twice your size!” the blonde woman said smiling. After admitting that my belly was a fake I cracked. As I vented I told her how everyone’s eyes were glued to my stomach for the past two days, how the dancers at my studio were shocked, and how men couldn’t keep their jaw off the ground after they caught a glimpse of my budging belly. “I don’t see why they would be staring at you. You are in college. They don’t know if you are a non-traditional student, or if you’re married. I wouldn’t judge you even if you were pregnant” she said. After the stares and odd looks I had received that last few days I was happy that I finally received a positive reaction. I was not expecting such a strong reaction to my pregnancy on campus. The reactions of students and others made me uncomfortable and awkward. I am thankful that I only was pregnant for a few days, and not for the usual nine months.
STUDENTS! Do you have questions or concerns that desire immediate answers? Do you want a general update about your campus? If so, make sure to attend the Campus Talk!
“Campus Talk” with Cal U Interim President Geraldine M. Jones FOR ALL STUDENTS Thursday, April 7th @ 11 am. Convocation Center South Wing
Fall 2015 Registration
Are YOU Ready?
A message from Julie Osekowski Cal U’s Student Success Facilitator You’ve just gotten into the groove of your spring 2015 classes. You’re probably bogged down with papers, presentations, and, oh yeah, those upcoming mid-term exams. Now you hear that you need to plan and register for fall 2015 classes. You’re probably thinking, “Register now?! This semester just started!” Although this is true, time goes quickly and fall registration for current Cal U students begins Monday, April 6. So, what do you do? Panic? Run? Pick random classes and hope they fit? The registration process can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Preparation is key for successful class scheduling and the best way to get started is to see your academic advisor. Your faculty academic advisor can help you chart the next semester of courses and identify courses already fulfilled in your degree and what you have left. Since registration is rapidly approaching, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your advisor today. Seeing your advisor is one giant step closer to completing registration, but there are also a numerous other things you need to do to prepare. These items include looking at your Degree Works, checking your Registration Status/Time Ticket (your assigned date and time for VIP log in to selfregister), checking for any holds, and viewing the fall 2015 schedule. All of these items can be accessed through your VIP log in. The Student Success Facilitators, located in the Scheduling Center in 210 Noss Hall, are also ready and willing to help. You can pick up your advisement sheet and/or a general education menu, get assistance navigating your major in Degree Works, and get help interpreting information you may not understand. The Scheduling Center is open Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and no appointment is necessary, so feel free to just walk in. You can also email schedulingcenter@calu.edu For Registration Information visit www.calu.edu and search “It’s Time to Register”. There you will find Tip Sheets noting registration dates and times and helpful hints are also available outside the Scheduling Center at 210 Noss Hall.
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National Scholarship Award Winner By Lindsey Anne Mackley
Dr. Susan Melson Huffman, National President of Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) National Honor Society for First Year Students, announced that Kaitlyn Ann Strosnider has been awarded the Jo Anne J. Trow National Scholarship for the amount of $3,000. Each year, National Alpha Lambda Delta awards at least 35 Trow scholarships to outstanding students across the country. The competition is open to any sophomore member of the Society who has maintained the required 3.5 GPA. Selection is based on academic records, participation in Alpha Lambda Delta activities, applicants’ statements, and campus and community activities. For the 2014 competition, the national selection committee reviewed more than 85 competitive applications. “This year’s applicant pool was extremely strong, and selecting 35 winners from such a large group of outstanding students was, as always, a challenge,” said the chair of the Trow Scholarship Selection Committee, National President
Dr. Susan Huffman. This year, the winner of the Trow Scholarship, Kaitlyn Strosnider, is Cal U’s ALD President and is currently studying Secondary Education Biology. Kaitlyn says that by being a member of ALD it has taught her how to dedicate time to her community, as well as enhance her professional skills for the working world. Although, by being the president of ALD, it has especially taught her how to lead a team, work hand in hand with well-organized individuals, as well as be a part of a whole organization that truly makes a difference. At the ALD national workshop in Minnesota, Kaitlyn copresented with Cal U’s ALD chapter advisor, Dr. Karen Amrhein. Their topic was How to Spice up Your ALD Members’ Meetings. At the national workshop, Kaitlyn met with members from other ALD chapters and exchanged ideas to better Cal U’s chapter. After college, Kaitlyn plans to teach biology and move south to fulfill her career.
Kaitlyn Anne Strosnider, Winner of the Jo Anne J. Trow National Scholarship
Women’s studies conference revolves around intellectual disabilities BY JERRON CORLEY Last Tuesday, Cal U held it’s 10th annual Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference, named in honor of its creator, former Cal U faculty member Audrey-Beth Fitch, who passed away in 2004 due to complications from childbirth. This year, the theme of the event was “Stepping Inside: The Intersecting Personal, Public and Political Experience of Disabilities.” Members of the audience got a first-hand look of what it means to live with a disability or with someone who has a disability. The conference began with a film released last year, entitled “The Family Next Door.” This film gave the audience an inside look of how a family in the Pittsburgh area moves along in their daily lives with four children, two of them on the autism spectrum. One of the film’s characters is the mom, Donna Lund. She takes part in caring for both of her autistic sons, Donny and Brian. Following the viewing of the film, she took part in a panel discussion, where she was asked various questions. One question that stood out to her is what would it take for her to feel less worried about the later years of Donny as he enters high school. “One thing I am really worried about is how the children in school treat Donny. If by showing this movie, we can make the school kids nicer and understanding of him, even if it is just one kid, I would feel very accomplished.” Lund said.
After the panel discussion, speaker Rebecca Klaw gave a presentation exploring the social lives of individuals living with autism and other intellectual disabilities. “People with autism have differences in the registration of sensory information. They may hear sounds no one else can hear, or see things no one else can see. I gave an autistic child a teddy bear, but they weren’t in awe from the cuteness of it; they spent all their time in fascination with the tag. I don’t even think they knew it was a teddy bear.” Klum said. The last speaker for the day was licensed psychologist Dr. Daniel Marston. He presented an examination on how social justice issues tie in with autism and the individuals and families surrounded by it. Marston went on to explain how statistics show that families with a greater amount of wealth and socioeconomic class have a higher record of people within the autism spectrum listed, whereas people of lower class have lower numbers. “It is not that you have to be poor to not have autism. That’s just a ridiculous thought. It is more so that people of lower class and wealth cannot afford a legitimate diagnosis of intellectual disabilities, and therefore less are recorded. Another factor that plays into this concept is that individuals with autism are misdiagnosed. Some are just told that they
have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or other disorders.” Marston said. Dr. Marta McClintock, the Director of women’s studies at Cal U, constructed this year’s conference. She encourages a lot of people to look into taking on women’s studies as a minor at the university. “Women’s studies is often attached to the stereotype that it about women, for women and by women. In actuality, women’s studies cover a broad range of topics, including the advocacy of social justice issues.” McClintock said. McClintock has been responsible for choosing the focus for the conference ever since she began teaching at Cal U. “This year, I wanted to choose autism and disabilities as the theme because it is a topic on the rise. When I saw “The Family Next Door” last year, I knew that I wanted disabilities as the theme and that the family in the film would be a great addition to the conference.” McClintock said. “One thing that I haven’t really finalized for next year’s plans is the theme. For those who might be interested in attending the conference next year, look forward to the theme possibly revolving around business or education.” For more information about the Audrey-Beth Fitch Women’s Studies Conference, or if you would like more information on the Women’s Studies minor, please contact Dr. McClintock. (mcclintock@calu.edu)
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5 1 0 2 G N I S K E E GR
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PHOTOS: LAUREN GRIFFITH
Sigma Kappa joined with Theta Xi in their performance. The groups took fifth place.
M em be rs of Th th ei r Ro ck B an et a X i ro ck -a nd -r ol le d on d in st ru m en ts . st ag e wi th
Page 9 March 27 2015
Cal Times album of the week: Seth Avett and Jessica Lea May- field, and Houndmouth BY DAN CARMICHAEL
Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield Sing Elliott Smith – Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield Seth Avett, of The Avett Brothers, and solo artist, Jessica Lea Mayfield sing Elliott Smith and they do it brilliantly. Unfortunately, I am just now learning about Elliott Smith. If you are also not familiar with Smith, he was a “songwriter’s songwriter” and was an incredible lyricist. Smith passed away in 2003 and may have never made his way to the top of the charts, but he did manage to make his way into the hearts of many musicians and fans. Seth and Jessica just so happen to be the two most recent musicians that he has connected with. Smith was signed to DreamWorks Records and was once nominated for an Oscar because of a song featured in “Good Will Hunting.” Smith passed away while he was working on his sixth studio album which was later finished and released. Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield put together 12 of his works and re-record them in this album. The album itself is extremely relaxing. You can find perfect harmonies and melodic tones that are sure to comfort a stressed situation. Seth Avett has a rich voice and really takes control of a few of these tracks. While both of these musicians appear on every track together, many tracks show that one tends to take dominance over the other. When Seth takes the lead he is powerful. When Jessica takes the lead, she provides an almost haunting voice that will make an attempt to mesmerize you into listening longer than you even realize. Before going into this album, I was not sure what to expect. I am a big fan of The Avett Brothers and was lucky enough to see them live last Summer at Bonnaroo. This is the first I have listened to Jessica Lea Mayfield but I really love the sound of her voice. Seeing as how these songs are just covers, that does affect my score but only slightly. This album still provides an extremely pleasurable listening experience. On top of that, these two artists show so much passion for this piece and that’s really what art comes down to. Average Critic Rating: 66/100 My Rating: 78/100
Little Neon Limelight – Houndmouth After creating a self-titled EP in 2011, Houndmouth was recognized for their work after having only been together for less than one year. Once signed to Rough Trade Records, they released their first album in 2013 titled, “From the Hills Below the City.” Two years passed and Houndmouth just put out their second studio album titled, “Little Neon Limelight.” I like this album. It has a stress free sound and is easy to listen too while also providing somewhat deep lyricism and nice instrumentals. Though folk music is a little less seen in the mainstream industry right now, Houndmouth makes a solid attempt at reviving the craze. Sadly, I do not think they are influential enough to really get a movement going. You would most likely need a second album from the Lumineers for that to happen. All the same, this album is a enjoyable to listen to. Only consisting of 11 tracks taking up a total of 39 minutes, if you are someone who likes to be able to listen to an entire album the full way through, this is for you. If you want more from an album, such as big hit songs that you will hear daily on the radio, do not come to this album with your search. Of these 11 tracks, 4 of them were released previously to the album coming out. I do not like that because I feel like I have already heard the entire album by the time the first listen comes around. I am sure this provided a chance for more people to get a feel for the album and get excited, but I think releasing 25-30 percent of you album makes it a little lackluster in the end. Negative thoughts aside, I really like what they did with this album. The vocals are great and fun to sing along with and the instruments are displayed nicely. If you like this album, be on the lookout for their tour. They will be in Pittsburgh, March 28th at Mr. Smalls Theatre. They will also be in places as close as Philadelphia, New York, Virginia and Washington D.C. If you are a big music fan and headed to a festival this summer, you will be able to get a glimpse of them at Hangout Fest and Bonnaroo. Average Critic Rating: 74/100 My Rating: 75/100
Page 10 March 27, 2014
Back to the Drawing Board art show This year’s show was the first in Cal U history to display artwork from current students and alumni on three different floors
BY NICOLLETTE BROGNANO
On February 26, Vulcan Hall was liberated with several different masterpieces of artwork as the first art show of the semester Back to the Drawing Board took the night away. Shannon Drudy, president of Associated Artists and coordinator of this art show, was delighted to have her dream of a three-floor gallery show finally become a reality. “This show specifically has me overwhelmed with the turn out and the amount of help I received, and the support. It’s just absolutely incredible,” said Shannon. According to Shannon, this art show was the first ever have a gallery displaying artwork on three different floors in CalU history. The event had only been in the making for a year. However, the idea for this show originated three years ago. Drudy was extremely passionate about bringing artists together. So after painting a better picture of her visions and ideas her goal to connect current students with alumni finally became a success. Within the show was artwork consisting of jewelry,
pottery, paintings, drawings, prints and installation pieces. There were many attendees of the art show captivated by the piece Follow which was submitted and created by alumni Meg Prall who graduated in the spring of 2010. “It is an installation made out of nylon mod filaments, also known as fishing line, which I’ve knit over the past five years. I started it in 2009 and have been working on it since then,” stated by Meg Prall who currently works as a gallery attendant for the Andy Warhol Museum. “I was contacted by Shannon about the alumni joining the show and I was really excited to be back at Cal to put my piece back up,” said Meg. The atmosphere within this gallery seemed to be so lively as all the unique pieces of artwork liberated throughout the hall. A current freshman, Trevor Forshey, submitted a chalk pastel creation of Andrew McCutchin. “Growing up I’ve always been around sports. In high school I drew a lot of athletes and different sports figures. I chose this piece because the Pittsburgh Pirates are one my favorite baseball teams and Andrew is one of
Photo: Lauren Stacy
Artwork from all mediums , including painting, was shown at the Back to the Drawing Boards art show on Feb. 26. The next show will be April 16 from 6-9p.m., and will be dedicated to the memory of Rob Potter.
my favorite players,” explained Forshey. He is a graphic design major here at Cal with a minor in art who hopes to combine these studies to someday develop logos or promotional ideas for a university or sporting team. The art show was exactly what Drudy had dreamed it would be, “Don’t worry about finding finances because things like this can happen under a very small budget just use your resources and networks.” As her last semester as the gallery director and art club president come to a close, Drudy hopes that the gallery continues to run smoothly and that artists no matter where they are remain connected. On Thursday, April 16 from 6-9p.m. an exhibition will be hosted by the Associated Artists of California that will be dedicated to the memory of Robert Potter, a Cal student who died on February 24th, 2015 in a skiing accident. The opening reception will have food and live music. Proceeds from the sale of the artworks on display will be donated to his family for the funeral costs.
Page 11 March 27, 2014
Cougars, sugar daddies, and sugar babies - oh my! Is socially acceptable for people to be paid for their company, sexual or otherwise? BY TAYLOR BROWN, EDITOR IN CHIEF
According to a Sexual Satisfaction Survey conducted by Lifestyle Condoms, after polling students ages 18-24, not one student claimed that they were not sexually active. Now, this does not mean that every single person on a college campus is in a sexual relationship; however, I think it is fair to say that college life is associated with a sex life in some form. More often than not, the media, movies, and television, portray a typical student’s college social life to thrive around binge drinking, bad decisions, and hook-ups. College is not only providing an academic education, but a carnal one as well. Some people may not choose to think this way, but that does not mean it is not true. So on top of everything you are learning while advancing your education, you are also developing your mind, your sexuality, and your own identity as a person, not to mention developing a staggering amount of debt. The Project on Student Debt is an initiative of the Institute for College Access and Success. According to their website, which provides state by state data for students graduating with a deficit, seven in 10 seniors who graduated from public and nonprofit colleges in 2013 have student loan debt with an average of $28,400 per borrower. Here in Pennsylvania, it is even higher averaging about $32,528. If you are a currently enrolled as a student, that number is rather sickening. So what do you do? Well, some people are resorting to something that they are doing anyway – having sex and dating. Founded in 2006, Seekingarrangment.com provides an opportunity for what I believe to be a new and modern type of dating, though their premise remains controversial. I am sure everyone has heard of the term Sugar Daddy or Sugar Baby, but in what connotation? How do people react to these words, or to the idea that someone particularly an older male, would want to pay a presumably younger female for her company? I would say a large number of people automatically think it is a slighted version of prostitution, but I don’t think that this assumption is entirely accurate. Even so, the stigma held against this sort of thing is not stopping people from trying it out for themselves. In an article from The Herald Standard, reporter Mike Tony dives into the world of sugar babies and how they are becoming more relative on college campuses. According to his article, a large handful of college students in our area are registered sugar babies on this
website. Specifically 422 from Penn State, 166 from Pitt, 77 from WVU, 23 from Carnegie Melon, 16 from W & J, 13 from Cal U, 7 from Duquesne, and 6 from Waynesburg. This is obviously not a new, or uncommon thing happening in the world, but that does not mean everyone is on board with the whole idea. Men using seekingarangment.com are required to pay a $60 fee for private messaging privileges. Do I think this will filter through all of the skeezy men that are only looking for sex from these women? No. However, I think it’s a good place to start. The women using this website are students, primarily females, that are studying law, medicine, literature, accounting, etc. They are no different from any other female student, regardless of how they choose to spend their free time; in or out of the bed room. This sort of relationship it still held with such a high stigma that these girls often remain anonymous. They are unidentifiable from any other female walking around campus, though one thing does set them apart. That $32,528 in student debt is probably significantly lower, for them, if it exists at all. Most would argue that these women are devaluing themselves, and that this type of relationship is a form of prostitution, but I don’t think that is a fair judgment or our place to judge at all. Sex is a norm. It has also become a more casual encounter over the last few decades, since apps like Tinder, make it easier to find people near you who are interested in having a commitment free sexual encounter, have helped fuel this idea. Is there a difference between two people choosing to have sex and then never speaking again, and someone being paid for their company over an extended period of
time? I can’t say that I think so. These girls are in relationships. Maybe not a relationship in the traditional sense, maybe they do not consider themselves this person’s girlfriend, but these relationships progress just like any other would. They meet, they go on dates, they talk, get to know each other and if they choose to, they progress to a sexual relationship. While there may be people who jump in bed with their Sugar Daddy on their first encounter, the majority of these women take the time to get to know them first. It is also fair to say that while a majority of men do want sex from these women, some simply want company. Regardless, if these girls and these men have come to a mutual agreement based on their own personal desires and boundaries, I think that whatever happens between them, is meant to stay between them, as in any typical relationship. If these girls are attracted to, or interested in these men, and are getting enjoyment from their relationships, while simultaneously maintaining a more comfortable lifestyle financially, then I see it as an extension of the phrase “killing two birds with one stone.” Taking advantage of this does not make them any less of a morally sound woman. It gives them the power to make their own decisions pertaining to their body, and how they use it. Every woman, even those who would choose to not experiment with this new form of dating, should be happy with the power behind having that choice in the first place. Even if you flip these roles, taking an older woman who is looking to pursue a relationship with a younger man, the same esthetics still apply. Flipping gender roles, or ages does not make this type of relationship any less real, or valid to those choosing to pursue them. This brings up the question, does the gender of the older person in the relationship sway how people react to it? I would say so. Though it is not uncommon for girls to be attracted to older men, people have a tendancy to assume that this attracttion is financially bases with some sort of alterior motive. Men on the other hand, are often applauded for “getting” with an older women. If you added a financial aspect to this reverse, would it make it less triumphant and more scandelous? The problem is not what people are doing behind closed doors or even how we judge them for it. The real issue here is that the sexual roles associated with men and women in our society are still on completely different playing fields and held to different standards.
Page 12 March 27, 2015
St i l l at a C ro s s ro a d s :
Dolce and Gabbana and the Fosters raise questions concerning gay rights STETSON PROVANCE, NEWS EDITOR
For years, I held the same viewpoint concerning homosexuality as Italian designers, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. For those of you who haven’t been following the boycotts of Dolce and Gabbana stores across Europe, the Italian designers, who in the past had stated they were strongly opposed to gay marriage (despite themselves being gay), said in an interview last week that homosexual couples raising children is unnatural. “You are born to a mother and a father, or at least that’s how it should be,” Dolce said. “I call children of chemistry synthetic children. Rented uterus, semen chosen from a catalogue.” “The family is not a fad,” Gabbana added. For years, I held the same viewpoint on homosexuality in pop culture as One Million Moms, the watchdog protraditional family group that has boycotted the ABC Family program, “The Fosters,” for its subject matter. In the show, a lesbian couple cares for adopted and foster children. On March 7, the youngest gay kiss in television history occurred between two 13-year old actors on the show. One Million Moms has stated numerous times since the concept for the show was announced back in 2012 that, “none of this [the show’s] material is acceptable content for a family show.” Much of my past opposition to same sex marriage stems from my upbringing. Coming from a small town and an evangelical Christian family, I was forced to accept one of the more perplexing paradoxes present in modern Christian culture. On the one hand, I was taught that homosexuality is an abomination to God. On the other, I was told to “love the sinner, hate the sin.” Inevitably, this sort of contradiction makes a Christian’s first encounters with those who identify as homosexual, bisexual, transgender, etc. difficult. How do you go about accepting and befriending someone you are taught is going to hell for their sexual orientation? Some faiths, such as the Episcopal Church, the United Church of Christ, Reform Judiasm, and most recently, the Presbyterian Church, have taken the easy way out and claimed to support same sex marriage. The problem however, is that it is logically inconsistent for a church that follows the teachings of the Bible to endorse homosexuality. To see why, let’s look at Bible passages, both from the Old and New Testaments, that address homosexuality. “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination,” reads Leviticus 18:22
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them,” reads Leviticus 20:13. Before going any further, something must be clarified. No Christian in their right mind, or with any idea about the teachings of the faith, believes homosexuals should be put to death. Leviticus is an Old Testament book. The death of Jesus on the cross, according to Chrisitan teaching, got rid of the laws of the Old Testament people often love to quote when ridiculing the faith (i.e. the laws that say you can’t eat shellfish, etc.) However, let it be clear, being a homosexual is a one way ticket to Hell according the Bible. There is no grey area present. There is no debate to be had. Passages in the New Testament prove that point, no matter what churches try to say. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God,” reads First Corinthians. “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-- who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion,” reads Romans 1:25-27. So, there you have it. Anyone who engages in nonheteroseuxal activity outside the confines of marriage is commiting a sin. The only way they can enter heaven is by
repenting and praying that God helps rid them of their ways. Belonging to a church that accepts homosexuality simply doesn’t rectify the conundrum concerning how a Chrisitan should deal with issues concerning gay rights. In fact, it in reality only complicates things further. If a Chrisitan truly cares about a homosexual, they should, according to the Bible, minister to that person. However, that approach of making homosexuals, transgenders, etc. feel as if they are an abomination to God has done more harm than good. Irrespective of whether you buy into the scientific premise that homosexuality is a natural occurrence, everyone should be able to agree that too many suicides and long bouts with depression have occurred among those who identify as gay or transgender as a result of this kind of “treatment.” At this point, it should be easy for one to see why people abandon their faith. Isn’t it a whole lot easier to just develop your own personal philosophy concerning things like homosexuality than to follow that of a church? After all, someone being gay doesn’t hurt me. It doesn’t effect my life. Why should I try to tell someone how to live their life? As someone who has just now come to peace with the fact I hold an illogical belief system consisting of both a belief in the God of the Bible and a belief in the right of states to take measures that further equality (such as passing gay marriage), I am the wrong person to answer these questions. However, what I will say is this: there will never be a time when people will all agree about these issues. And, to the surprise of some on the left, not everyone who is opposed to gay marriage is some sort of bigot. Instead, they just haven’t been able to come to come to terms with the tangible difference that exists between popular culture and religion in today’s society. And, so long as these people treat homosexuals with the same respect and courtesy as they do everyone else, that’s ok. Same token, not everyone who supports gay marriage is a godless heathen like some on the far right would lead you to believe. They just realize that in 2015, it is difficult to advocate living in a society where some people receive more privleges and rights than others. That’s the beauty of living in a democracy and having freedom of speech and freedom of thought; everyone brings something to the table. Maybe if we could all just accept that instead of boycotting people’s businesses every time they don’t agree with us, the world would be a better place.
Page 13 March 27, 2015
Palcohol-the alcohol of the future: Good or Bad? Opinion Editor, Emily Geyer asks students
EMILY GEYER: Recently it’s been announced that a powder form of alcohol has
been approved to be sold starting this summer. The alochol works by being added to a specific amount of water, and then mixed and consumed. There have been a few concerns brought up that those underage may be able to get their hands on the alcohol more easily, or that it will be consumed improperly. Do you think that people will misuse this new form of alcohol, or do you think it’s a smart new invention?
Katie Mellor, social work major: “I think that this will be no different than any other form of alcohol. Minors find ways to get alcohol now and I dont think this product wil be any different.”
Paul Sheppick, commercial music technology major: “It’s definitely more dangerous if proper precautions are not met.”
Shannen Skursha, business marketing major: “I think it’s a really interesting idea; however, I do think there is a huge possibility of it being misused if it is not packaged correctly. Consumers could add too much powder to a drink, and there could fatal consequences to that.”
Page 14 March 27, 2015
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Page 15 March 27, 2015
Page 16 March 27, 2015
STUDENT A F FA I R S C o rner
CAL U Internship Corner Internship Process and Internship Application Meeting
DID YOU KNOW?
Student Center and Activities Natali Student Center - (724) 938-4513 - To reserve Vulcan Theater, please contact Cheryl Golembiewski with dates and times to check possible availabilities. Student Activities and Leadership Natali Student Center - ( 724) 938-4269 - The Student Activities Board plans social, entertainment, and cultural events for the students at California University. Get involved by joining the board on Thursdays at 4:15 p.m. in Keystone 209. Student Association, Inc. Resident Hall B - (724) 938-4303 - Funding for SAI and recognized clubs comes from an SAI fee that is part of the majority of student’s tuition bill. The fee is based on the number of credits taken per semester. Student Conduct Carter Hall G-35 - (724) 938-4439 - The conduct process administered through the Office of Student Conduct is intended to be educational by helping students reflect on their decisions and actions. Student Affairs Carter Hall Suite G-35 724-938-4439
Do you need to make an appointment with Tracie Beck to discuss a summer internship that you have already secured? Due to overwhelming interest in summer internships, the Internship Center is overflowed with appointments and becoming overbooked! In order to provide everyone with an opportunity to have a meeting, Tracie will be holding a group meeting for students who have already secured an internship to discuss the internship process and internship application on April 7th at 11:00am in Duda 103. During the meeting, you will learn the internship process and also how to fill out your internship application. STUDENTS MUST HAVE SECURED AN INTERNSHIP!
Schedule an appointment with your Career Advisor Today!
Career & Professional Development Center 230 Eberly Hall 724-938-4413 careers@calu.edu www.calu.edu/careers
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Page 17 March 27, 2015
Baseball team splits doubleheader with Golden Eagles BY SPORTS INFORMATION
The California University of Pennsylvania baseball team split a non-conference doubleheader with Clarion, winning 7-2 before falling 15-12 in nine innings, on Tuesday afternoon at CONSOL Energy Park. With the split, the Vulcans move to 8-11 overall and see their five game winning-streak snapped. Meanwhile, Clarion goes to 2-11 on the season. In Game 1, Cal U jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings. Freshman right fielder Chris Wastchak (Peters Twp., Pa./Peters Township) delivered a two-out, RBI scoring single through the right side in the bottom of the first. The Vulcans then scored three runs in the second on a double by junior center fielder Mick Fennell (Butler, Pa./Butler). Sophomore second baseman Danny McGrath (Murrysville, Pa./Franklin Regional) produced a sacrifice fly before Fennell came around to score on an infield single by senior shortstop Matt Peters (Upper Darby, Pa./Upper Darby). In the bottom of the fourth, freshman catcher Parker Lynn scored on a double down the right-field line by
Fennell. The Vulcans added two runs in the seventh on an RBI single by Peters. Junior first baseman David Marcus (Whitby, Ontario/Father Leo J. Austin) then produced a run-scoring single to center field to extend the lead to 7-0. Clarion left fielder Mike Lockhart hit a two-run home run to left field in the top of the seventh to prevent the shutout. Fennell finished the game 2-for-4 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored. Peters tallied a threehit game, while driving in two runs and scoring once. Lynn posted a multi-hit game, as he finished 2-for-2 with a run. Cal U junior starting pitcher Andre Jones (New Castle, Pa./Union) earned the win after pitching 6.0 scoreless innings and striking out five. He allowed just one hit and had a no-hitter through 5.2 innings. Clarion starter Joey Lopez suffered the loss after tossing 4.0 innings and yielding five earned runs on seven hits and three walks. In Game 2, the Vulcans took an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning before the Golden Eagles answered back with six runs in the top of the third. Cal
U responded in the bottom half with five runs to tie the game at 6-6 on singles by Wastchak, redshirt freshman third baseman Levi Krause (East Berlin, Pa./Spring Grove) and an error. Both teams each scored two runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, as the game remained tied at 10-10. After the Golden Eagles took a 12-10 lead in the top of the eighth, the Vulcans responded with a mammoth two-run home run to right field by Marcus. Clarion then tacked on an RBI single through the left side, an RBI triple down the right-field line and an unearned run to take the 15-12 win. Marcus finished 2-for-5 with three RBI and two runs. Fennell was 3-for-6 with a run scored, while Peters scored three runs and was 1-for-4 at the plate. Freshman reliever Carter Krick (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township) suffered the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) in 2.0 innings while scattering three hits. Sean White earned the win in relief for Clarion, as he tossed 4.2 innings while striking out four and allowing two runs (one earned) and two hits.
Women’s tennis team claims win against Goldey-Beacom BY SPORTS INFORMATION
In their first action in over a month, the No. 14 Vulcans claimed a 5-4 victory against No. 38 Goldey-Beacom (Del.) on Saturday afternoon at Roadman Park while playing their first outdoor match of the spring. With the win, the California University of Pennsylvania tennis team improves to 2-2 this season with both losses coming against NCAA Division I programs. Meanwhile, Goldey-Beacom falls to 13-3 overall after posting road wins over Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) programs in each of the last two days. The Vulcans took a 2-1 lead in doubles play after winning at the second and third positions on Saturday. At the first slot, senior Jesse Burrell (Perth, Australia/Presbyterian Ladies’ College) and sophomore Kiefer Shaw (Westmount, Quebec/Centennial) suffered an 8-5 loss to Laura Moreno and Julia Gutierrez. Senior Ramona Czakon (Trier, Germany/Tampereen Lyseon Lukio) and sophomore Mariela Sarinana (Mexico City, Mexico/Miraflores) claimed an 8-4 win at second singles over Stephanie Puentes Robinson and Amina Mrad, while freshmen Alice Johns (Northampton, England/ Northampton) and Lena Dimmer (Wallendorf-Pont,
Luxembourg/Lycée Classique) collected an 8-6 victory against Filipa Correia and Nina Sengl at the third position. The teams split the six singles matches with Czakon clinching the match victory at the second slot. Shaw tallied a 6-1, 6-2 win at the first position against Maria Moreno, while Czakon recorded a 6-1, 7-5 victory at second singles over Victoria, who was an All-Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) First-Team selection in the fall. At the third slot, Dimmer claimed a 6-1, 6-1 win Puentes Robinson, who holds the school’s all-time record for singles wins and is a four-time AllCACC honoree. The Lighting posted all three of their singles victories via three sets. At the fourth position, Gutierrez outlasted sophomore Veronika Mikulis (Otterburn Park, Quebec/Heritage Regional) by a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 count. Mrad dealt Sarinana a 6-4, 3-6-6-3 defeat at the fifth slot, while Francesca Beg registered a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory over freshman Katie Olson (Laguna Niguel, Calif./ Dana Hills) at sixth singles.
Sophomore Mariela Sarinana picked up the victory in singles competition on Saturday afternoon at Roadman Park PHOTO: SPORTS INFORMATION
Page 18 March 27, 2015
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM MOVES ON TO FINAL FOUR BY MATT HAGY STAFF WRITER
Eight of the best Division II women’s basketball teams in the nation entered the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD on Tuesday to begin the 2015 Elite Eight tournament that will determine this year’s National Champion. Little did anyone know that the game that kicked off the tournament would be a game for the ages. The California University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team was in that instant classic, as they needed overtime for the second straight game to dispatch their opponent, this time it was the South region champions, the Nova Southeastern Sharks by a score of 84-79. In a season that has been filled with adversity and obstacles, what is a little more overtime to these girls? “I think walking in here that we did everything possible to lose this game but all year these kids have fought, and I think we have seen it game after game,” said head coach Jess Strom. “They just come up with big plays at big times and have a refuse to lose attitude and I think we saw that again tonight” A team notorious for slow starts in a game all season, it was the Vulcans that came out of the gates hot as they jumped out to an early 8-2 lead. The Sharks clawed back with continuing drives of the post especially coming from senior Danielle Robinson. Robinson had a game-high 20 points for the Sharks in her final collegiate game. “We knew coming in she was a very good player,” Strom said. “We were doubling her on ball screens and I think she got by us a little bit early but with our rotations we were able to key on her more later in the game.” Halfway through the first half, the Sharks grabbed a lead by as much as four but could not bury the Vulcans with constant turnovers forced by the opportunistic Vulcans defense. The teams traded blows the rest of the half that ended in a 42-42 tie, which made it the second straight contest the Vulcans found themselves tied going into the locker room. The 42 points were the most points the Vulcans surrendered to any team all season in the first half. Despite those numbers, the Vulcans were able to shoot over 50 percent and started forcing key Sharks players into foul trouble. The second half started the same for both squads as both teams traded possessions and were not able to pull away from each other. After the midway point, the tide finally began to turn towards the Vulcans favor.
Thanks to two three pointers from seniors Emma Mahady and Kaitlynn Fratz, Cal U used a 15-2 run to take their largest lead of the game at nine points with 5:40 left in regulation. In desperation, the Sharks fought back again as they slowly cut the Vulcan lead to two points with 1:39 left. California could not put away the Sharks as they went 1-4 from the free throw stripe after getting out to the nine-point lead and missed a couple of layups that could have made it tough for Nova to come back. The one thing, however, that the Vulcans did do was force the Sunshine State Conference player of the year, Jasmine Wilkins, to foul out in the final two minutes which devastated the inside presence the Sharks worked with all game. “Their inside presence was a huge point of focus for us,” Fratz said. “Once Wilkins fouled out, we could switch everything on defense and communicate better because we were staying on the post more.” The Vulcans held a two point lead with 22 seconds left and needed one more stop to end the game. With time running down, Sharks junior Monaye Merritt drew a foul on sophomore Miki Glenn and sank two free throws to tie the game at 72 and forcing overtime after stealing away the ball from Glenn on the next possession. In the extra session, both teams started cold with no scoring through the first two minutes. That scoring was kicked off when Fratz hit her second three pointer of the day, but was quickly countered by Robinson to tie it at 75. Freshman Seairra Barrett gave Cal the lead back with a layup and was followed by a season saving
play by senior Irina Kukolj. At the free throw line, Kukolj made her first free throw but missed the second. Out of nowhere, Kukolj drove to the basket, grabbing the rebound and giving Cal a five-point lead with 2:09 left. Both teams traded a couple of baskets and after intense action, Cal found themselves up three with 13 seconds left and junior Lana Doran at the line. She missed both of the free throws and gave the Sharks one last chance to tie it. As Nova made their move down court, Mahady sealed the unbelievable game with a steal off of a pass from Merritt and ran down to score a layup, punching Cal U’s ticket to the final four for the first time since 2004. “I felt like I could read her eyes on where she was going to pass it and I took the gamble and it paid off,” Mahady said. “If I didn’t, I would have been in trouble but it did so it paid off.” Playing her final games as a Vulcan, Mahady poured in 24 points and played every single minute in the game. Fratz added 21 points along with other double digit point efforts from Glenn and Kukolj. Through grit, determination and a whole lot of heart, the 2014-15 California Vulcans women’s basketball team continues to captivate the Mon Valley community. No matter what happens, this group of ladies will be remembered as legends at Cal U, a group that battled every game to win and left their hearts out on the floor. A group that have put together a storybook season that has entered its final chapter with a few pages left to be written.
With their win against Nova South Eastern, the California University of Pennsylvania Women’s Basketball team advances to the Final Four for the first time since 2004
Page 19 March 27, 2015
Florida trip helps strengthen team chemistry for Cal U softball team BY JOSE NEGRON Sports Editor
As most Pennsylvania residents know, the weather can be extremely unpredictable. As the spring sports season gets underway, the weather is a huge factor as to how many scheduled games are being played at the beginning of the year. The California University of Pennsylvania softball team figured out the perfect way to play their season opening games without Mother Nature playing a role, traveling to Florida for the NTC spring games and bonding as a team along the way. Coming off of a season in which they had a perfect conference record and finished the season with a PSAC Championship, the Lady Vulcans softball team comes into 2015 with high expectations. In early February, Cal U was picked to finish first in the PSAC West standings after finishing first in the conference standings for the sixth consecutive year last season. Though the recent success gives the Vulcans the competitive edge when it comes to predictions, the players know that they must keep their focus on their goals in 2015. “Last season is in the back of our minds now,” said senior Breanna Morris. “We know how successful we can be and now we have to build off of that. Every game we’re looking for that W to earn us a spot in postseason play.” To open the season, the ladies traveled to Clermont, Fl to play in ten games against ten different opponents including West Virginia Wesleyan, University of Indianapolis, Urbana, and Winona State. The Lady Vulcans went 6-4 in those games in Florida, beating top 25 ranked West Virginia Wesleyan to open up the ten game stretch. While winning six of the ten games in Florida, the Lady Vulcans also worked on building chemistry off the field. In sports, they usually call travel and being on the road as “the grind.” However, the trip to Florida definitely proved to be a quality spring break bonding getaway for the team. “Team chemistry plays a huge role in victories,” said Morris. “Traveling on a bus for 16 hours allows you to really get to know each teammate personally. There are 19 [players] on our roster this year, which is more than any of my four years here. Being able to spend that much time together builds chemistry for our team, at least. After all the traveling and laughs we
share, we win together and lose together and nothing will change that.” Since coming back from their spring break trip in Florida, Mother Nature has once again impacted the start of PSAC play for Cal U. Six of the first eight games have been postponed to a later date. On March 22, the Vulcans opened up PSAC play with a doubleheader sweep of Slippery Rock University, pushing their PSAC West winning streak to 40 games with their last loss in conference play being in April of 2013. No matter what happens this season, this group of ladies knows that it will take a collective effort from the players and the coaching staff to continue their lengthy winning streak and their streak of PSAC West dominance. “Obviously a great coaching staff has led us this far
and always kept us focused, but what it comes down to is how well we’ve meshed and bonded as a team,” said Morris. “After so many hours spent together, you become family. No matter what happens on the field you know your teammate next to you will pick you up and have your back on the next play. We’ve all worked together and have played a role in each and every victory. We work hard at practice and when it comes to game time we have to trust our abilities to play the best we can.” The Lady Vulcans will look to continue their streaky play this afternoon as they travel to Pitt-Johnstown to take on the Mountain Cats in a PSAC West doubleheader pending on weather conditions.
Senior Breanna Morris was named to the NFCA National Player to Watch list along with teammate Alex Sagl prior to the start of the season PHOTO: SPORTS INFORMATION
Page 20 March 27, 2015
Cal Times Athlete Spotlight David Marcus
Class: Junior Major: Psychology Hometown: Whitby, Ontario Canada High School: Father Leo J. Austin Secondary School
With the weather improving, baseball season is finally getting
underway at California University of Pennsylvania. One particular player to watch for the Vulcans this season is junior David Marcus.
Before coming to Cal U, Marcus played for the Toronto Mets, a travel
baseball team, during his last three years of high school. He hit .385 with five home runs and 48 RBI during his junior year and made the 40 man camp for Team Ontario for the Canada Cup.
The success that Marcus had in Canada has translated to big things
at the collegiate level as well. He has been named All PSAC West Second team in each of the last two seasons and ranked ninth in the PSAC in RBI last season with 35. This season, Marcus is off to a hot start, hitting .370 with three home runs and 17 RBI in only 17 games.
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