FEBRUARY 16, 2018 VOL 47, NO.2
Pg. 12 & 13
Funny Freaking Fridays
Happy
Valen-Times MTV’s Girl Code Jessimae Peluso Interview — Pg. 6 & 7
SPRING STUDENT CONVOCATION ANNOUNCEMENT! — Pg. 2
Day
— From all your friends in the media suite.
NEWS
Page 2 Feb. 16, 2018
STUDENTS! WOULD YOU LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT THE STATE OF OUR UNIVERSIT Y & OUR FUTURE PLANS?
Cal U’s Parks and Rec. Club is DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR openly inviting all majors to join our society. We have the amazing CONCERNS REGARDING OUR opportunity to work on real Parks UNIVERSIT Y? and Rec. projects in the community THEN DON’ T MISS THIS OPPOR TUNIT Y! and on campus grounds. We also have the oppor tunit y for conference and expo trips, such as the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Societ y conference that is coming up. Real life experience is vital in today ’s job market and we have fun while being ac tive in the communit y. We will be organizing the upcoming Fishing Festival and if you have any interest in parks, outdoors, spor ts, recreating or having fun, feel free to look us up on orgsync or email our President at arn1020@calu.edu with any questions or comments.
STAFF
CAL T IM E S . O RG CALTIMES@CALU.EDU 724.938.4321
Join President Jones for the annual SPRING STUDENT CONVOCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS! Tuesday, Februar y 27th 11 a.m. Per formance Center, Natali Student Center Requests for student access and/ or reasonable accommodations for this event should be submitted direc tly to the O ffice for Students with Disabilities (OSD). I nterpreting ser vices will be provided upon request. Please contac t the OSD O ffice at 723-938-5781 to request ser vices or visit in person at Car ter Hall – G35.
Student Affairs
Did You Know? Features available through Herron: • A three -lane track that is 1/16 of a mile around • Two racquetball cour ts • Vulcans Peak , a 33-foot high Climbing Wall • Basketballs, racquets, resistance bands and other equipment available to rent • Twent y- one different spor ts clubs and t went y-four different teams • I ntramural programs offered ever y semester • Group fitness classes, including c ycle class • An aquatic area equipped with a steam room, whirlpool, and a three -lane lap pool • Men’s and women’s locker rooms equipped with dr y saunas • A Fitness Challenge Course that is 1.25 miles long with 11 stations at the SAI farm • H ik ing trails on the SAI Farm
RACHAEL McKRIGER EDITOR IN CHIEF
DANNY BEECK SPORTS EDITOR
MARI BOYLE NEWS EDITOR
JESSICA CROSSON ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
JAMES RUDOLPH OPINIONS EDITOR
TAYLOR BARTA GRAPHIC DESIGNER
For more information, stop by Herron Recreational Facilit y or call 724-938-5907!
CAL TIMES CONTRIBUTORS: April Pfrogner, Colin Kirkwood, Angel Funk, Jeromy Mackey, Dillon Gaudet, Zoe Webster & Eddie KUNTZ
JEFF HELSEL DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS
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.
NEWS
Page 3 Feb. 16, 2018
Page 4 Feb. 16, 2016
NEWS
MLK Day of Service Coverage Layout: Taylor Barta, Graphic Designer BAR0947@calu.edu
Page 5 Feb. 16, 2018
CAL LIFE
Harlem Globetrotters take over Cal U campus By Jessica Crosson, Entertainment Editor CRO8908@calu.edu On Feb. 7, the Harlem Globetrotters took over the Convocation Center on the campus of California University of Pennsylvania. Both members of the Cal U community as well as the general public were able to attend this fun-filled exciting event. Founded in 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters are known for putting on a very theatrical performance while completing a full basketball game. Their shows consists of crazy ball-handling skills, trick shots and a lot of audience
participation. Since the Globetrotters began they have played more than 26,000 exhibition games in 122 countries and territories. Those in attendance had the opportunity to purchase Harlem Globetrotter merchandise, try to catch one of the t-shirts being shot out of a cannon by Globetrotter’s mascot Globie and enjoy a variety of different food options. The action-packed show provided the audience with laughter and amazement at the way the Globetrotters performed.
Certain fans from the audience were even brought onto the court to participate in the game time shenanigans providing them with unforgettable memories. Following the game, fans were able to head down to the court to grab some autographs and interact with the Globetrotters themselves. Overall, the community seemed to really enjoy a night out of the house where they were able to enjoy some harmless comedy with their families and friends.
Zac Parocai — “Zac The Intern”
By Zoe Webster “Zac the Intern,” as he’s known on air, is a sophomore communication major with a concentration in radio and TV. Zac was immediately interested in the station when he arrived at Cal U, as his uncle was a DJ for a station in another state. He enjoys creating his own mixes of songs for his show, especially music from videogames. His current show is titled “Jett Sett Radio,” where he plays his own video game-based mixes as well as those from other artists. He also hosted the show “Flip the Table” last semester, an early morning board game show, which has come to be nominated for Most Creative Show at this year’s Intercollegiate Broadcast System conference. You can find Zac in the station most days, being that it is his favorite place to be. If you’d like to hear Zac the Intern on his show, you can tune in on Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m.
Page 6 Feb. 16, 2018
CAL LIFE
Jessimae Peluso performs at SAB’s Funny Freaking Friday By Jessica Crosson, Entertainment Editor CRO8908@calu.edu
hour to just let loose, laugh at couple jokes, and take their minds off of any stresses college could be giving them. Following the show Peluso was willing to be interviewed by myself as well as CUTV staff members, Steven Ruffing and Daniel Beeck (pictured below). Check out my interview below and be sure to tune into CUTV to catch a more in-depth interview with Peluso!
(Above): Jessimae Peluso, from MTV’s Girl Code, performs on Steele Hall’s Mainstage as part of SAB’s Funny Freaking Friday series. This past Friday the Student Activities Board hosted their large-scale comedian for the semester. Jessimae Peluso, most commonly known for her work on MTV’s Girl Code, was named as the artist who would be performing this year just a week before her performance date. Peluso is the first large-scale comedian to perform at California University of Pennsylvania as well. “It was definitely tough to only be able to announce this show the week before it was happening but we really pushed the event on our social media platforms and gave tickets away to different groups before the day of the show to try to get people excited for Jessimae’s performance,” Makenzie Langer, SAB Weekends and Trips Chair, explained. Tickets were free for California University of Pennsylvania students, faculty and staff and only $5 each for the general public. All
seats in the theatre were general admission allowing for the audience to pick their ideal seat for the show. Doors for Peluso’s performance opened an hour before she was introduced and began her set at 7 p.m. Her 18+ set consisted of a vast amount of different jokes ranging from poking fun at the town of California, Pa. to sex to the Amish and so many other topics. To end the show, Peluso took on a serious note to discuss her father’s recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and shared that everyone should live life to their fullest potential and not take anything for granted. “I had a lot of fun at the show!” junior communication studies major, Sabria Johnson, shared. “I haven’t laughed like that in a long time and I truly needed it.” The show itself only lasted an hour but those in the audience were able to take that
CAL LIFE Q: How did you first get your start in comedy? A: I think I always kind of knew it was going to happen as a kid because I was always goofy. I always wanted to connect with people through humor and laughter. I don’t know if it was me just trying to calm my tumultuous home or if it was me just finding that that’s how I could connect to someone but I did it for years as a kid just entertaining my family members. I specifically remember working in the stock room of H&M and I was filling children’s socks in a bin with one of my friends and I was nineteen and I was like what the [expletive] am I doing with my life … and I was just joking about it and my co-worker was like you’re funny you should try stand-up and up until that point I never thought of it as a career for myself. I took a writing course and just did improv for a few years in Boston and did stand-up there and then I moved to New York and did stand-up there and now I’m in LA doing it full time.
Page 7 Feb. 16, 2018
Q: A lot of students on campus recognize you from MTV’s Girl Code, what are some of your favorite take away moments from being on that show? A: I think honestly when girls have messaged me. I have so many screenshots from Twitter from that time like probably over a 100 of girls messaging me and just making a connection with people who felt insecure. That really was pretty dope … Just knowing I made some other girl feel not so alone was pretty dope but also one of my favorite moments was when we got to do the demolition shoot. It was called like ‘Girl Code Tries’ I think where we got to go demolish this shop that was going to get torn down anyways just to show that women can do tough jobs too. Man, I took that hammer and I [expletive] up those walls. I got aggression out from like 15 years before. That’s what people should do. Forget therapy, give a [expletive] a hammer and wall and let her just hammer out. It’s like breaking down emotional walls. It was fun. That was a lot of fun.
Q: Do you still keep up with anyone from the show? A: Not as much. Everyone is pursuing their thing which is pretty great. Nicole Byer has her show, Carley is doing a show, Jamie Lee had her book … which is so good. All the girls are doing stuff so it’s really nice and nice to see. We’re all busy but we keep in touch in our peripheral. Q: Have you ever found it tough to do the type of set that you do as a very confident and outspoken female comedian? A: No because I have never looked at it as anything other than what I wanted to say. I think the problems you have are the ones you create for the most part and if you go out there thinking what if then it’s going to manifest itself. In my mind, I have that Joan Rivers mentality where I am just like [expletive] it. I speak from the heart and speak some sort of truth and try and be very expressive about how I feel. You just have to keep it real and the rest is cake.
Page 8 Feb. 16, 2018
CAL LIFE
Kylie Jenner announces birth of first child Stormi By Olivia Wilson, Staff Writer WIL6494@calu.edu After speculating for what seems like forever, Kylie Jenner finally revealed her pregnancy. The 20-year-old announced that she gave birth to a healthy, baby girl named Stormi on Feb. 1. In her announcement that she posted via Instagram, she said she “needed to prepare for this role of a lifetime in the most positive, stress free and healthy way.” Fans have been posting different theories and speculations about her alleged pregnancy. Her family has kept quiet about the fact and hasn’t spoken about the rumors. Since her half sister, Kim Kardashian, had her baby via surrogate just last month and her other half sister, Khloe Kardashian, is also pregnant and expecting her baby next month, there has been some pressure taken off of the youngest Kardashian/Jenner sister. Along with her Instagram announcement, she also posted a video that her friend, Tyler Ross,
Six Word Stories Wr itten By Students for your Enter tainment
put together. The video featured Travis Scott, her boyfriend and the father of her child, close friends, and family members throughout her pregnancy. One thing that many of her fans found admirable was that no one in her circle of friends and family, spoke out on her pregnancy. Perhaps the most notable part of her pregnancy video were the introduction of Chicago West, Kim Kardashian West’s newest baby, to Kylie (and the world). Until the video was released, there was no pictures publically released of Chicago. Now that the world has discovered the baby, everyone is trying to figure out one thing: whether or not Kylie and her boyfriend, are engaged…or secretly married. Jenner has only been spotted out once since the announcement of Stormi’s birth but fans are eager to follow th young moms journey.
6ws
” ? e r e h S W u 6 d r e . u u o l y a e c e @ s 8 o 0 t 9 t 8 n o a r c W l “ i a Em 6ws
CAL LIFE
Page 9 Feb. 16, 2018
Infinite Universe: The Success of the Marvel Formula By Jeromy Mackey, Staff Writer MAC3503@calu.edu
Since the release of Iron Man in 2008, Marvel has been carefully crafting its massive cinematic universe. The original formula was simple: release a collection of solo super heroes and have them eventually unite in a blockbuster phenomenon called The Avengers. It worked very well. It worked so well that they decided to not only repeat the process but expand their universe to even further lengths. Known colloquially as “the Phase system,” Marvel began planning their movies in different sections to slowly and methodically unite tens of heroes against a common enemy. The story was so wellplanned that the common enemy, Thanos, was introduced in a mid-credits scene in the Phase One film, The Avengers. The movies are currently in the tail-end of Phase Three with the highly anticipated third Avengers movie, Avengers: Infinity War coming out on May 4. Each of the movies throughout the phases have been slowly building up the plot to Infinity War. Only one more movie, Black Panther, remains to be released before May 4. Black Panther’s release date being so close to that of Infinity War’s is an exciting prospect since Black Panther’s involvement in every trailer for Avengers 3 has been very substantial. With Captain America exiled as a war criminal still supported by a small splinter
group of Avengers, the reuniting of Thor and the Hulk, the arrival of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Iron Man’s mentorship of webslingin’ favorite, Spider-Man, Infinity War is destined to be a ginormous commercial success. Thanos is collecting entities of great power known as “infinity stones.” These stones have been present in many of the previous films being referred to by different titles. In fact, one of the Avengers, Vision, has one of the stones implanted in his forehead. Thanos’ power is unmatched by any of the other foes that the team has encountered before, necessitating the scope of heroes present in the film. The anticipation is especially high since many
of the veteran actors in the universe, Robert Downy Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man) for example, have expressed their desires to leave the program. Many theorizing fans assume that some integral characters such as Iron Man or Captain America will die to pave the way for the newcomers and younger actors such as Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man) to spearhead the universe. With the upcoming releases of Black Panther and Infinity War, the success of the Marvel Netflix shows, planned films all the way through 2020, and Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Fox, the MCU is not only thriving, but at its highest peak since its inception.
Page 10 Feb. 16, 2018
CAL LIFE
This Is Us reveals Jack Pearson’s cause of death By Rachael McKriger, Editor In Chief KRI6014@calu.edu America’s TV dad has officially passed away. Jack Pearson, the patriarch and one of many main characters in This Is Us, is a beloved character by many. Despite being a fictional character — played by Milo Ventimiglia — Jack Pearson has touched the hearts of many Americans with his quick wit, powerful pick-meup speeches and his devotion to his wife Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and kids Kevin, Kate and Randall. After the Super Bowl, Jack’s death scene aired. It wasn’t something that was unexpected by fans; viewers have known since season one that Jack was going to die sometime when the triplets were in their teenage years. However, the way it happened was unexpected to viewers. *Warning: There are spoilers ahead* Jack, Rebecca, Kate and Randall were all home on Super Bowl Sunday night when their crockpot caught on fire. As their house began to burn, Jack started rounding up his family to his room to shield them from the flames. After making it out onto the roof, Jack helped his family off the house and onto the lawn. A tearful Kate pleaded with Jack about finding her dog Louie. Jack, being the hero that he is, went back into the house to search and emerged with Louie in his arms. Many thought that’s how Jack was going to die, going back into the fire for a heroic dog-saving scene. However, he died in a nearby hospital, due to medical complications after inhaling too much smoke from the fire. This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman said that the death scene was simple, but exactly what he planned for. “When I started to write this thing, in my mind’s eye, there was a fire at the house, and the patriarch of the family heroically got the family out of the house, and then died in a really small way, without proper cinematic good-byes, house
Photo of Jack Pearson from NBC’s This Is Us courtesy of NBC. later in a hospital by himself,” Fogelman said to Entertainment Weekly. So where was Rebecca in all of this? The matriarch of the family was getting a snack for herself and Jack — specifically, Jack’s request was nothing with chocolate — when a doctor came over to her and told her the news. Mandy Moore, Rebecca’s actress, gave a stunning, raw performance of reacting to Jack’s death. After disbelief and anger, she walks over to the door, where she sees Jack’s lifeless body. Viewers see it too, in the reflection of the hospital door. However, Fogelman noted that Jack’s story isn’t over yet. After his funeral, it was announced that Jack’s background – his time serving during the
Vietnam War in specific — will be aired more on the show. In the meantime, Kate and Toby are still planning their wedding, Kevin is continuing his rehab, Randall is working with this fierce wife Beth on owning an apartment building and Randall’s children, Tess and Annie, are getting more of a storyline. However, the biggest bombshell of the season, so far, has been the return of Deja, Randall and Beth’s foster child. During a preview for upcoming episodes, Deja returns to the Randall Pearson household. This Is Us will return on Feb. 27, after the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. The episode will air at 9 o’clock ET.
Albums of the
Week By Eddie Kuntz
Rating: 8/10
CAL LIFE Tiny Moving Parts —— Swell Tiny Moving Parts have a live energy that’s so powerful that it’s very difficult to capture in the recording of a full length album. A feat which they perfected with their 2016 release Celebrate, but fell just a little short with on their most recent album Swell. The big factor in not capturing their live energy is how slow the album gets at times which is uncommon for the math rock emo band, which shows growth, but also room for improvement. Swell also features a female vocalist on multiple songs across the album without any mention of who she is or any record of what her role with the band is. The new release shows experimentation with synthesizer on songs such as “Smooth It Out” and “Whale Watching”, something not shown by the band much before, but a surprisingly great fit with their sound. Overall the song quality on Swell is amazing as we are used to seeing from Tiny Moving Parts, and the lyrics and guitar are strong as ever as the band have come to be known for. The biggest factor to this album not being as good as the previous is mostly attributed to it being released only a little over a year after Celebrate, which a lot of bands in the scene are being forced to do lately. This seems to be leading to lower quality in music being released just as an attempt by labels to make more money.
Vulcan Theater
Feb. 16Feb. 22 Natali Student Center
Page 11 Feb. 16, 2018
M-F: 11 a.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m. S&S: 4 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10 p.m.
Movie Marathon Reviews with Jeromy Mackey! Justice League was the final piece in DC’s attempt to mimic the highly successful formula of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Riding off the success of Wonder Woman, Justice League had the potential to save the failing DCEU saga. Unfortunately, the incredibly inept director Zach Snyder helmed the pivotal film into the depths of mediocrity. With an incredible cast playing some of the most beloved characters in culture, its failures can only lie in the poor writing and direction. Also, Henry Cavill’s CGI’d moustache removal was the most entertaining part of the film.
I rate this film 50 out of 100.
Page 12 Feb. 16, 2018
CAL LIFE
Cal U women represent the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority at this year’s event.
Many members of California University football team joined in the fundraising event.
Layout: Taylor Barta
Cal U of PA’s very own footbal players (Jimmy Pierce left, Chad Livingston right) flip their way in to the cold this year.
Walter and O’Savage before they took the plung.
CAL LIFE
Page 13 Feb. 16, 2018
“CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!” Gary Britt (left), Armstrong and others pose as this years “Celebrities” of the Fundraiser. Jack O’Savage makes his mighty jump into the Mon’s frigid waters.
Walter and acquantances prep and plunge this year brandishing bandana facemasks.
Photos: Jeff Helsel
Page 14 Feb. 16, 2018
OPINION
This Day In History: February 16 By James Rudolph, Opinions Editor RUD2588@calu.edu For those who read my articles, or have read them in the past, you may have noticed how much I use historical evidence to support my arguments. While I’m no historian and can’t do the field proper justice, I feel it necessary to include the events of the past to show a potential future. History also provides an explanation of “why.” For example, if you want to understand the Catalonian regions desire for independence from Spain, you need to examine the regions historical background. To emphasize the importance of history, I decided to make an occasional editorial that focuses on historical events and their significance. I touch on what a particular event meant at the time, and how it impacts us today. If you couldn’t have guessed it already, the editorial is called “This Day in History.” This week will focus on events that all occurred on Feb. 16. In 1741, Benjamin Franklin published his General Magazine. This was Franklin’s historical chronicle for all British plantations in America. Published in Philadelphia, The General Magazine was one of the first publications in the British-American colonies. It also included the first known magazine ad in the United States. Archaeologist Howard Carter opened the inner burial chamber of Pharaoh Tutankhamen’s (King Tut) and found the sarcophagus. While not an especially important pharaoh, Tutankhamen’s tomb was the first royal tomb to be found intact. This enabled explorers and archaeologists to map out what other royal tombs were supposed to look like, and learn more about Egypt as a whole. In 1927, the US opened diplomatic relations with Turkey. After the US declared war against Germany in 1917, Turkey, being the Ottoman Empire at the time, severed diplomatic
relations between the two powers. After the Ottoman Empire dissolved, Turkey rose in its place as the modern-state. The new country re-established diplomatic relations after an exchange of notes between officials for both countries in Angora, Turkey. On of the most powerful and lasting events that occured on Feb. 16 was the swearing in of Cuban Revolutionary Fidel Castro as president of Cuba. Leading a guerrilla force, Castro overthrew Fulgencio Batista, forced him into exile, and became President. After which he launched a program of agraian reform, nationalizd U.S assets in Cuba and decalred a Marxist government. The man held control of Cuba into the 21st centruy and
outlasted 10 U.S Presidents who opposed him. Castro’s government was the first communist state in the Western hemishphere. In 1961, China used its first nuclear reactor, ushering in China’s entry as a nuclear power. In 2018, China is the third largest superpower in the world and influences international politics. While these are just some of the vast amount of histroical events that occured on Feb. 16, they still impact us and what we know in 2018. As we try our best to establish a historical timeline, I encourage you, as the reader, to investigate other historical events, and start to see how everything is connected and reonsates today.
OPINION
Page 15 Feb. 16, 2018
Arms Race for a New Nuclear Age By James Rudolph, Opinions Editor RUD2588@calu.edu On Feb. 2, the Trump administration revealed their draft of the Nuclear Posture Review at the Pentagon. This new nuclear strategy supports President Donald Trump’s vision of creating a nuclear arsenal “so strong and powerful that it will deter any acts of aggression.” The president’s plan for our nuclear arsenal stands in stark contrast to the past administration’s plan of having the U.S be the moral leader in working towards diminishing nuclear arsenals around the world. Now our current president wants to lead us back to an age of nuclear fear; keeping the world in check. In the president’s plan, he indicates two powers that should be viewed as a primary threat to American stability: Russia and China. Trump’s primary concern is counter the modernization of Russia’s military and nuclear capabilities. One of the objectives of the new nuclear plan is to prioritize the construction of “low-yield” nuclear devices; devices that the Russians possess in far greater number. These “low-yield” devices have the same potential as the bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Another of the president’s objectives is to “modernize” our nuclear stockpile, as most of the nuclear warheads, and their launching capabilities, were designed in the 1960s-1970s. In 2011, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) was approved by the Senate, and ratified by President Barack Obama. On Feb. 5 of this year, the central limits of the treaty came into effect, and both the United States and Russia will follow their obligations. The treaty says that no more than 1,550 strategic offensive nuclear weapons may be deployed, and no more than 700 nuclear delivery vehicles. The most important part of the treaty allows both sides to conduct intrusive, on-site inspections of nuclear weapons sites to ensure the terms of the treaty are being honored. This
allows complete transparency of the nuclear arsenals for both Russia and the United States. The treatie’s limitations came into effect this year, but will expire in 2021, unless the presidents of both countries agree to extend them. So far, President Trump has shown no interest in extending New START, because he feels it doesn’t respond to actions take by Russia and China. Russia made rebuilding its nuclear forces it’s military’s top-priority, to make themselves more of a contender on the world stage. In a report on Russia’s nuclear capabilities, produced by the president’s National Security Council and the Pentagon, information was revealed about a Russian autonomous torpedo (one that doesn’t violate the terms of the New START treaty) that is designed to cross the Pacific undetected, while releasing a deadly cloud of radioactivity. The Russian military upgraded its strategic bombing capabilities and longrange missile systems, and developed two new intercontinental-range missile systems. In the South China Sea, the Chinese military has been bolstering its capabilities, as a response to North Korea and recent Japanese military developments. The Chinese have been building man-made islands, and laying claim to them and the waters around them. The Chinese People’s Liberation Navy has been building fortified bases for warships and artillery, and hangers for aircraft in the South China Sea. The Ministry of Defense in Beijing announced breakthroughs in aircraft technology, claiming the most advanced jet launch system in the world that doesn’t use nuclear power. They announced the launch of their next aircraft carrier in two years, and began to manufacture their next carrier. As far as support for China, some of their former adversaries have pledged support, such as the Philippines agreeing to
military cooperation with China. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced that “the great power competition—not terrorism—is now the primary focus of U.S. National Security.” To the president and his administration, this plan not only keeps the U.S in the running in the international power struggle, but puts us ahead as well. The president’s plan is designed as a response to the actions carried out by our “rivals”: China and Russia. In addition to nuclear modernization and production, the president’s proposal contains other military plans. Trump calls for a new generation of cruise missile, with rapid launch capabilities from submarines; a design that was set aside by the Obama administration. However, the limits of the New START treaty would prevent any new weapons system from being finished until at least 2027. The proposed budget for this system is 1.2 trillion dollars, which would be spent over 30 years. Even with the initial number of 1.2 trillion, estimated by the Congressional Budget Office, one expert believes this number to be off by at least a half-trillion. The most controversial aspect of the president’s new nuclear strategy is in a section that says the United States might use nuclear weapons in response to devastating, non-nuclear attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the power grid for cell phones. This means that Trump is including cyber-attacks as probable cause for nuclear response. Despite the modern age portrayed as an era of progress, the world stage is eerily set with a ColdWar back drop. Instead of working together to end microscopic group of terror trying to make a foothold in the world, the leaders of the world’s superpowers are on the move to define their nations’ sovereignty by ushering in a new nuclear contest.
Page 16 Feb. 16, 2018
OPINION
Dueling Memos and Finger Pointing By April Pfrogner, Staff Writer PFR1650@calu.edu On Feb. 2, the Senate Judiciary Committee, headed by Rep. Devon Nunes of California, released a memo outlining alleged Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA) abuses. Rather than accept at face value what the news anchors were saying, I read the memo myself. It consists of a little less than four pages and focuses on a former Donald Trump campaign foreign policy advisor, Carter Page. Carter Page has been under at least two investigations by the FBI since 1998, all having to do with Russia. It makes sense to me that the FBI was keeping close tabs on him after he was recruited by the Trump campaign. However, the memo points out a distinct problem with the evidence presented to the FISA Court judge. Within the evidence was the unverified Russian Dossier. Weeks before it was used in court, James Comey, former director of the FBI, told President Trump that it was salacious and unverified. To me, this is a problem. Among the evidence presented to the court are stories from partisan journalists who worked for Yahoo.com and the New Yorker. The memo also contains text messages between Peter Strzok and Lisa Page. Strzok, before being demoted, was an FBI agent, the chief of the counterespionage section during the investigation into Hillary Clinton’s use of a personal email server. Page was a married FBI attorney, who was having an affair with Strzok. Over 10,000 of their texts/emails are under scrutiny. The anti-Trump bias is clear between them and their texts implicate wrongdoing among other officials in the FBI, such as James Comey, Andrew McCabe and Bruce Ohr. All the above mentioned people were either demoted, resigned or fired since Congress started its investigation. The day before the memo was released, Christopher Wray, current
director of the FBI, fired Andrew McCabe, who was the deputy director. Trump fired Comey on May 9, 2017, claiming it was due to the Clinton investigation. Bruce Ohr, the former United States associate deputy attorney general and former director of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), was demoted in December 2017. Ohr’s wife, Nellie, worked for Fusion GPS (the source of the Trump Dossier). She and Ohr are under suspicion for playing a role in the compilation of the unverified Russian dossier. On of Page’s texts to Strzok says, “POTUS (Barack Obama) wants to know everything we’re doing.” Obama stated in a T.V. interview that he did not get involved in FBI or DOJ affairs. According to CNN, Rachel Brand, the thirdranking official at the Justice Department, is expected to resign on Feb. 16, to take a job at Walmart.
Andrew McCabe, in a closed- door meeting with the Senate Judiciary Committee, testified that without the Russian Dossier the FISA judge would have not approved a warrant for surveillance on the Trump campaign. Trump claims that the Nunes memo exonerates him. I’d like to see hearings on Capitol Hill regarding the matter. The Clinton campaign and Democratic National Committee paid for the Russian Dossier. This Dossier was then used to obtain a warrant from the FISA Court, so they could spy on the Trump campaign. Democrats argue the Nunes memo cherry-picks intelligence to smear the Russia investigation. They drafted their own countermemo in response to Nunes and it was cleared for declassification by the judiciary committee, however Trump refused to sign it on Feb. 9, claiming it contains numerous classified and especially sensitive passages. Nunes stated that we can expect more memos from the judiciary committee soon and the next one will focus on the Department of Justice. He has also petitioned the FISA court seeking transcripts from Carter Page FISA warrant hearing. I’m waiting for Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz to release his findings. For over a year he’s been investigating whether the FBI properly handled its probe into Hillary Clinton’s private email server. Recent polls show a majority of Americans trust the FBI over Trump. However, how much should an American trust polls since we saw how far off they were in the 2016 election?
Andrew McCabe speaking at a press conference. Provided by Wikimedia Commons.
OPINION
Page 17 Feb. 16, 2018
The Rise and Scrutiny of Bitcoin By Angel Funk, Staff Writer FUN8385@calu.edu
Recently, Bitcoin has garnered a renewed interest as prices skyrocketed leaving people confused and curious. While not a new idea, in the last few months one bitcoin has been worth $8,000 to $18,000. Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that can attribute its success because it is anonymous and digital. According to the official Bitcoin website, it is the first decentralized digital currency that utilizes and survives on peer to peer exchange, meaning transactions occur between users instead of through an institution. Satoshi Nakamoto created the bitcoin and released it in 2009 as a response to the 2008 financial crisis. While the identity of Nakamoto has never actually been revealed and it is assumed the name does not represent a single person. However, those involved in aiding the work of Nakamoto in the early inception of bitcoin have defended his identity as a Japanese American man. An important aspect of bitcoin he implemented is that only 21 million bitcoin can ever exist, with himself mining 1 million bitcoin alone. The whole system is implemented using the blockchain database that Nakamoto developed. The blockchain means that miners pass the transaction from one another via computers and are how the bitcoin get it its anatomy. Each time the bitcoin passes through this system the miner gets a small piece of bitcoin in exchange for passing it along. Most people’s questions about digital currency, in general, revolves around the idea of transferring the digital funds into cash. In bitcoin, this occurs with users have digital “wallets” that they maintain using a specific bitcoin address and use to make transactions through brokers. Making the process slow to complete. With volatile value and presence in the current market, its history is rooted in the dark web
marketplace Silk Road. Ross Ulbricht created the Silk Road from his profoundly libertarian views. He felt that anyone should be able to buy and sell what they wanted without interference from the government. However, purchasing illegal goods comes at a cost. For the dark website to thrive there needed to be a way for money to move from dealer to buyer while staying anonymous and virtually untraceable. The perfect solution ended up being bitcoin. After the shutdown of the Silk Road and the conviction of Ulbricht to life in prison, the government started looking closer at the cryptocurrency. This lead to the arrest of Charlie Shrem, a founding member of the Bitcoin Foundation, for aiding in money laundering that
helped in purchases made on Silk Road. With the scandal came laws and regulation that vary by country and state. In Pennsylvania, bitcoin sellers must have a money transmitter license and qualifying surety bond to conduct transactions. The growing interest in the cryptocurrency indeed marks a change in the way we see the money. Years after the Silk Road, Bitcoin is growing and creating a shift in the economy as it becomes easier to use. With two bitcoin ATMs in Pittsburgh as of October, it’s something to watch.
The Bitcoin logo over the U.S. Dollar. Provided by Wikimedia Commons.
Page 18 Feb. 16, 2018
OPINION
Boston Breakers folding the NWSL’s fault By Rachael McKriger, Editor In Chief KRI6014@calu.edu
The National Women’s Soccer League is officially back to nine teams. On Jan. 28, the Boston Breakers announced that they will not compete further in the league, which is entering its sixth season. The Breakers, owned by Boston Women’s Soccer LLC, could not find the correct amount of funds to participate in the upcoming season, slated to begin in April. Also, the team was barely keeping up with the league minimum for salaries. Breakers players have found new homes, with a recent dispersal draft sending players to the nine other teams, including the Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, Houston Dash, Portland Thorns, North Carolina Courage, Utah Royals, Sky Blue FC and the Seattle Reign. Rose Lavelle going to the Washington Spirit was the biggest move. She joins a young, talented mifield, attacking group including Mallory Pugh, Ashley Hatch and Andi Sullivan. However, the fall of Boston, one of the first teams in the NWSL, is a devastating occurrence for the league. They aren’t the only team to fold before the start of the season; back in November, FC Kansas City announced their folding. However, FC Kansas City was replaced by the Utah Royals, who will compete in their first season this year. Many players from FC Kansas City found a home in Utah, surrounded by their teammates from FC Kansas City. The same fate wasn’t met for the Breakers players, who were dispersed among the various nine teams. So what could have been done to save the Breakers? First off, the league should have stepped in further. The NWSL interim commissioner, Amanda Duffy, preaches about the success of the league, but hardly puts in work when a team is at risk of folding. Instead, Duffy just falls back on comments that the league is “excited” about the future of a team in Los Angeles. But what about the ones that are already part of the league, Amanda? The Breakers demise is also the fault of former
Photo of the Boston Breakers by Mike Gridley/ISI Images players as well – especially United States Women’s National Team players. These are players that have money, and could have partnered up with each other to buy the team, keep it afloat and have it compete until they could find a permanent owner. Yet, when the team folds, former players are the first to call out the league, offer their “condolences” to the team and then completely ignore it later on. Boston isn’t necessarily a “soccer town;” the city is mainly focused on the New England Patriots of the NFL, the Boston Red Sox of the MLB and the Boston Celtics of the NBA. Even Boston-based MLS team, the New England Revolution, doesn’t get enough spotlight. The Revolution are owned by Robert Kraft, the same man that owns the Patriots. With pockets as deep as his, it makes me wonder why he couldn’t come in and purchase the Breakers.
One thing that needs to happen in U.S. Soccer is the combined effort of MLS teams working with NWSL teams. There are teams that have MLS partnerships, i.e. the Houston Dash/Houston Dynamo and Orlando Pride/Orlando City SC. There is even a partnership between North Carolina FC, a USL second-tier division team, and the North Carolina Courage. So why won’t Kraft jump shift to the Breakers and get another team under his belt? Kraft loves winning, and that’s something that the Breakers haven’t done. However, with the roster that the team would have had – with Angela Salem, Allysha Chapman, Megan Oyster, Lavelle, Abby Smith and Adriana Leon – there is no way the Breakers wouldn’t have made the playoffs. In the end, the NWSL will lose yet another team while hopeless promises of a Los Angeles expansion team plague the league.
Page 19 Feb. 16, 2018
SPORTS
Curtis announced as head women’s soccer coach By Matthew Kifer, Sports Informaton Kifer@calu.edu With head coaching experience at all three NCAA divisions, Pete Curtis was announced as head coach for the California University of Pennsylvania women’s soccer program on Wednesday morning. Curtis spent the past 11 seasons as the head women’s soccer coach at nearby Washington & Jefferson, a NCAA Division III program. Prior to his tenure at W&J, he served 16 years as a head men’s soccer coach at three NCAA schools with stints at all three NCAA divisions. In 27 years of coaching collegiate soccer, Curtis has compiled 255 career victories. “A proven winner, Cal U is excited to have Pete Curtis join our athletic department,” said Athletic Director Dr. Karen Hjerpe. “He has a great vision for the program and his overall experience will bring an elevated level of competitiveness to our women’s soccer program.” Curtis guided the Presidents to a 132-69-17 mark (.644) during his tenure to become the winningest coach in program history. He led W&J to at least 12 victories seven times, as the program captured three-straight Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Championships from 2008-10. W&J also made three-consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament during that span, recording the first NCAA post-season win for any W&J women’s team sport in 2008. During his time with W&J, Curtis was named PAC Coach of the Year three times, featured the PAC Player of the Year four times and mentored nearly 60 All-PAC selections. He played a pivotal role in the development of two-time PAC Player of the Year Holly Shipley, who ranks second in program history with 61 goals, 33 assists and 155 points. The Presidents also recently featured one of the top goal scorers in PAC history in Jordan Toohey. She paced the league in goals in each of her three years at W&J, including a single-season school record 27 goals in 2015, after starting her college career at St. Francis (Pa.). Toohey, the 2015 PAC Player of the Year and a three-time All-PAC First-Team selection, broke the alltime school record with 66 goals last year and finished third in school history with 146 points. “I’m very happy to be the given the leadership of a program that I feel has the potential to achieve great things in the coming years. I was very impressed with
Photo of Pete Cur tis by Spor ts Information the vision President Geraldine Jones, Vice President Dr. Nancy Pinardi and Athletic Director Dr. Karen Hjerpe had for the program and am committed to making that vision a reality,” said Curtis. “I had 11 wonderful years at W&J and my goal is to bring a similar level of success to this program. I’m relishing the challenge.” Prior to W&J, Curtis served as the head men’s soccer coach at Cleveland State for six years. He was named Horizon League Coach of the Year in 2002 after helping the Vikings record their winningest season in over a decade. The following season, Curtis helped Stephen Ademolu become the first player from Cleveland State to be named Horizon League Player of the Year. Curtis played a pivotal role in developing Charleston (W.Va.) into a national power in men’s soccer, spending five seasons as the head coach from 199599. He posted a 68-30-8 record with the Golden Eagles, as they posted at least 11 victories in each year of his tenure. In 1999, Curtis helped lead Charleston to a 21-2 overall record and an appearance in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament while out-scoring
opponents by a 112-10 margin. He was named both the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) and Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year that season, as the Golden Eagles finished No. 3 in the country. Before his arrival at Charleston, Curtis was the head men’s soccer at Marietta (Ohio), a NCAA Division III program, from 1990-95. He also spent time as the head women’s tennis coach and the assistant softball coach during his time with the Pioneers. Curtis, who played for three English professional teams, was a four-year starter at then NAIApowerhouse Alderson Broaddus from 1983-87. While a team captain, the Battlers achieved a No. 1 ranking the nation during his season year. While completing his master’s degree at Iowa State, Curtis coached the school’s club program to the semifinals of the 1988 National Collegiate Club Soccer Championships. Curtis was inducted into the Alderson Broaddus Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998 and later was honored as a member of Charleston Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.
Page 20 Feb. 16, 2018
SPORTS
McBride confident in team, despite injuries
By Rachael McKriger, Editor in Chief KRI6014@calu.edu
To say that the California University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team has overcome adversity is an understatement. Kent McBride, second-year head coach of the Vulcans, has been dealt with injury after injury this year. Three seniors have season ending injuries, including returners Luka Anđušić and Jameal Tucker. For McBride, he hasn’t had many bodies on the court as he’d like. He even admitted that a recent practice two weeks ago was the first time that the Vulcans could do a five-on-five practice. However, that was with assistant coach Justin Caldwell on the court. “We’ll continue to improve, we just need to get healthy,” McBride said. “Injuries prevent us from getting in any rhythm. I feel sorry for the guys deeper than just being hurt. It’s hard for the guys playing too, because they don’t know who is going to be beside them from game-to-game.” The Vulcans are currently 9-15, and looking to improve from last year’s record of 10-18. McBride said that if the Vulcans can improve in their record, he would call that a success. “We still feel confident going into every game,” McBride said. “We still believe in one another and what we’re doing. It’s just about taking it one practice at a time, trying to get in there and do what needs to be done. And we can’t get hurt.” Despite the injuries, McBride has been shown a spotlight for the future. With the constant rotation between players, McBride has seen a lot of sophomore Jordan Gessner on the court. McBride noted that in the games that Gessner has started the defense has picked up the pace. “For a guy who hasn’t gotten a substantial amount of college minutes, him coming off the benching and knowing all of the positions is great,” McBride said. “I told him after the game that he is going to be the guiding light, the expectation, for players moving forward in the program. When it’s time for him to contribute to the team, he’s going to contribute.” Gessner and freshman Phillip Alexander have both grown up over the season, McBride stated, because of the injuries to teammates. It’s the classic “next-man-
Kent McBride (Pic ture Credit: Jeff Helsel, SAI) up” mentality most coaches express to their players. “We put them in positions where they need to grow up,” he said. The Vulcans aren’t just relying on underclassman, though. Robel Teckle, a senior, and four-year senior Cordell Smith are taking ahold of the leadership role. “Robel just wants to win,” McBride said. “When he doesn’t play well and we lose, you can see the frustration. He’s been a voice of reason between me and the new guys. He’s done a really good job of that. I wish Cordell would do it more. Cordell needs to be more vocal, step up and say more, but that’s not his nature.” “It’s a little bit out of his comfort zone, but we’ve talked about it.” McBride does have some veteran presence on the sideline, too. After being dealt with a season-ending calf injury, Anđušić has taken a new role of being a coach and mentor to his teammates. McBride recalled how during the Vulcans most recent trip to Clarion University – on Jan. 24 – Anđušić joined the coaches in their huddle and bounced play ideas off them. Also, during the overnight trip to Edinboro University on Feb. 2 and 3, Anđušić joined coach McBride and
coach Caldwell in the coach’s room to discuss the game plan. “The depressing part is that during the UPJ game, before Luka got hurt, he was calling the plays,” McBride said. “He was coming over to us and telling us what to run. He would come over and say, ‘Coach I think we should run this.’ I remember telling him, ‘Don’t tell me, tell your guys on the court.’ If you’re telling me what’s going to work, go run it.” McBride simply stated that Anđušić can “coach the team.” “With him, I don’t need to think or question him, I just go over to the huddle and say what he said,” McBride said. “That’s how much trust I have in that guy.” McBride has trust – and faith – in his whole team. He constantly reminds his team that they can’t control injuries, and that at the end of the day, basketball is still a game. He’s proud of his team for having a team GPA of 3.0 and over and not having any problems off the court. “In the real grand scheme of things, taking it away from basketball, looking at this as a father, I’m proud of them,” McBride said. “I’ll be proud of them when that final buzzer sounds.” “We’ll compete until we can’t compete anymore.”
Page 21 Feb. 16, 2018
SPORTS
Gessner adapting to collegiate game play By Colin Kirkwood, Staff Writer KIR6842@calu.edu
When Jordan Gessner arrived on campus in the fall of 2017, he had one goal on his mind: to walk onto the basketball team at California. This goal stems from his resilient spirt and his love of the game. Gessner hails from the small town of Elizabethville, Pa. in an area where high school athletes transitioning to the next level is a rare feat. Along with being named to the Harrisburg Patriot News Second-Team Big 15 squad, he was also on the schools two league championship teams. His athletic career did not stop with basketball either, as he saw the playing field on the men’s soccer team as a junior and senior for the Trojans. Gessner joined the California men’s team after he was selected from the open tryouts. He achieved his goal, but he knew it was only the beginning. At the next level of competition, Gessner noticed a variety of differences throughout the game of basketball. Whether it is height, speed or even the ability to dunk, the opponents from Gessner’s TriValley League in high school got an upgrade when he stepped on the court in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. “The tempo of the game is so much faster,” Gessner said. “Every possession seems a lot more important, so every mistake is magnified.” However, he feels that his new team has helped him not only settle in but, become a better player. “I learn a lot from my teammates play styles,” Gessner said. “I realize what they do good, and add to my game from that.” His transition didn’t end there. As he was primarily used off the bench in his freshman year, this season brought him a new challenge.Injuries have played a big part in shortening the roster for the Vulcans, as many players have spent time off the court nursing themselves back to health. This lead to Gessner seeing the starting lineup multiple times. Making the jump from the supporting cast to main act is a tall task for anyone, but Gessner was up for the challenge. “I try to do a lot without doing too much, so I fit in well with those who have been playing all year.” Making sure that he can hit the court and contribute to his team without disturbing what
Jordan Gessner (Pic ture Credit: Jeff Helsel, SAI) has already been established is exactly the kind of mindset any coach would want their players having. As this season begins to draw to a close, Gessner feels as though he has grown as a player and individual. “Personally, I need to get more comfortable with taking shots and being a playmaker,” Gessner said. Coach Kent McBride has praised him for his defensive efforts, so naturally he would want to work towards becoming an all-around type of player who can work both sides of the floor. Speaking for the team, he states that those goals aren’t set in stone yet as this season is still underway. But, he hopes that the team continues to grow just like he has. “I just want to see improvement every day from the guys as individuals,” Gessner said. ”Hopefully that translates over to the team as a whole.” California hits the road this Saturday to take on IUP and then finishes out the season on a two game home stand when Seton Hill visits on Feb. 21 and Clarion on Feb. 24 for Senior Day.
Next Game California vs. IUP February 17, 2018 @ Kovalchick Complex
Page 22 Feb. 16, 2018
SPORTS
NASCAR pushing the pedal in the 2018 season By Dillon Gaudet and Danny Beeck, GAU9911@calu.edu and BEE1558@calu.edu NASCAR is back, and this Sunday, Feb. 18, the 60th Annual “Great American Race” will kick off another year of racing. The anticipation leading up to this season feels quite different than seasons of past; a new era in NASCAR has begun. Gone are the names of Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Matt Kenseth, and Danica Patrick (who is retiring after the Daytona 500). Although those names are shoe-in hall of famers, their absence gives way for younger, upcoming drivers such as Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace, and William Byron. This turning of the tide has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR industry, and it raises questions when it comes to upholding the competitive spirit, and how these drivers will “carry” the sport. With the drop in viewership, NASCAR has made multiple changes in order to draw some more fans to the sport. You could even challenge the “changes” to be named modifications, due to the way that they will be implemented. The first change that fans can expect are the rides themselves. The Chevrolet Camaro ZLI replaces the previous face of Chevy with the SS model, which adds to the ferocious cars that we will see on the track each weekend. Sticking with the Camaro, Chevy sticks with the trend of dropping the amount of downforce on their cars, taking 225 pounds out of the equation. This will not only boost the speed of their cars, but will also give the drivers a slight edge when they burst to the front of the pack. Pit crews will also shrink in size, from six to five, and will force the teams to find ways to execute the same jobs, with less people. One of the biggest impacts that we will see out of this change is the fact that the fuel person will not be able to do anything other that refueling their car, leaving the other team members to service the rest. Continuing with changes, multiple drivers have switched cars, but have stayed loyal to their manufacturers. A monumental add of an African American driver, Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., will take over at the wheel for the just as historic, Richard
Petty, 43 car. Wallace already served as a fill-in for his new team, when Aric Almirola sat out with an injury in the 2017 season. In the Xfinity series, Wallace registered eight top-10 finishes, along with finishing 15th in the Monster Energy Cup Series, Coke Zero 400. Look for Wallace to make some waves on the biggest stage of motor racing. Shifting the focus away from the changes, and to the racing on the track, there is a whole lot of talent in the field this season. The adding of William Byron, winner of the Xfinity series last year, fans are patiently awaiting to see his impact. Young talent will most definitely remain as a conversation throughout the season, and who will burst out as not only a fan favorite, but the top dog on the track. With Brad Keselowski’s first win in the pre-season
Career & Professional Development Center Natali, Suite 138 724-938-4413 www.calu.edu/careers careers@calu.edu
clash, many are choosing his success to carry over into the race this weekend. The 8/1 odds for the Ford driver seems to work in his favor, due to the fact that a first time winner has placed first in each of the past three Daytona 500 races. Right behind his Ford opponent, Toyota driver Denny Hamlin sits in the second spot, and Kyle Busch in third, who finished with eight of the 36 poles a season ago. With all of these changes in mind, odds and chances could be thrown right out of the window because in the beginning, everyone will be feeling out their car. The 200 lap race will begin at 11:30 a.m. and is sure to impress all who tune in. Stay tuned, and see what happens throughout the 2018 NASCAR season.
Internship Center Natali, Suite 138 724-938-1578 www.calu.edu/internships internctr@calu.edu
Page 23 Feb. 16, 2018
SPORTS
Browns, Giants, Colts; Draft day questions By Danny Beeck, Sports Editor BEE1558@calu.edu Immediately following the Super Bowl, and the teams brushing off the confetti, analysts and commentators began to focus on the draft. With the Browns once again controlling the number one spot for the second year in a row, the front office has to be hectic when it comes to securing their franchise quarterback, or maybe even a running back. Mock drafts are a huge part of the weeks and months leading up to draft day, and are read just as much as the bible at times. For the first three teams picking this year, their needs are very clear. The Browns need anyone who shows signs of hope, the Giants need a predecessor to Eli Manning, and the Colts need a pass rush to slow down teams from rolling right over them. What is most surprising about most of the mock drafts, is that most analysts pin Baker Mayfield much further down on the list than a usual Heisman Trophy winner would land. The
Denver Broncos are heavy candidates for the sixfoot quarterback, and a perfect landing spot in the mile-high city. Saquon Barkley seems like he could be torn in different ways before the draft, due to the fact that most teams are more than willing to take a chance on his ability on the field. As the Browns have two of the top five draft picks, if they can secure this “gem” in Barkley, they would most definitely see the rewards. The battle of the PAC-12 quarterbacks between Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen will be the question for the number two pick, and both seem to be viable options. Many of the mock drafts are saying Rosen is the better choice, because of his ability to stay in the pocket, which aligns with the traditional quarterback for the New York Giants. Keying in on the Indianapolis Colts seems to lead only towards pass-rush, and a great example of how a defensive line can win a championship
is the newly crowned Philadelphia Eagles. Defensive End Bradley Chubb from NC State is the best decision for the Colts due to the fact that Chubb is the clear choice as a favorite in that position. Later on in the draft, more questions arise as to who will drop, and who will surprise some people. Shaquem Griffin, linebacker from the University of Central Florida, is on the verge of making NFL history by becoming the first onehanded player drafted in the NFL draft. Sticking with the trend of surprises, many analysts are predicting that Alabama prospects will not be picked up until at least pick number 10, with four picks in the first round as a whole. Calvin Ridley is most likely the best choice for the teams in the first round due to his playmaking ability and his football IQ. Follow along with not only the 2018 NFL Draft, but the NFL combine which begins on Feb. 27, and the NFL Draft on April 26.
2nd Half “Picks Under Pressure” College Basketball
NHL Game
Winner
Game
Winner
Kings vs Penguins
Penguins
Texas at Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Capitals vs Wild
Capitals
MSU at Northwestern
Rangers vs Islanders
Rangers
Villanova at Xavier
VGK vs Oilers Flyers vs Blue Jackets Blues vs Stars
MSU Nova
Oilers
WVU at Kansas
Kansas
Flyers
Yale at Harvard
Harvard
Blues
Oregon St. vs USC
USC
You can play along with the Sports Editor by emailing bee1558@calu. edu and your picks might appear on the next weeks issue. Stay tuned and tweet @CalTimes with your responses to my picks!
Page 24 Feb. 16, 2018
Cal Times
SPORTS
At h l e t e S p ot l i g h t
Jahmere
Howze
Class: Junior
Major: Sport Management
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio High School: Warrensville Heights With 18 points in a matchup against PSAC opponent Gannon, and his six points against UPJ, Howze pushed his points total over the 1,000 mark. This made him the first California player to achieve this feat in over a decade.
Photo: Sports Information