Feb. 17, 2022

free

thursday

feb. 17, 2022 high 52°, low 23°

t h e i n de p e n de n t s t u de n t n e w s pa p e r of s y r a c u s e , n e w yor k |

dailyorange.com

N • High ranking

C • Home-cooked

S • Laced up

Online programs at SU have achieved high positions in their second year of eligibility in U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Online rankings.

Page 3

SU students can order traditional Senegalese inspired dishes through SU senior Mame Fatima Ndiaye’s online food service Made

by Mame.

Page 6

Joe Girard III’s love for shoes began when he was five years old and began playing organized basketball.

Now, he says his collection is the best on Syracuse’s team.

Page 12

photo illustration by meghan hendricks photo editor

RAs voiced their concerns regarding compensation and additional duties brought on by the pandemic

By Katie McClellan

asst. copy editor

A

lex Gill isn’t sure if he will be able to afford his medication in the coming months.

For Gill, a resident adviser in Brewster Hall at Syracuse University, his mental health and ability to perform well in his courses depends on his access to medication. But his small salary as a main desk assistant, an additional job offered to RAs, means he can barely afford it. “(RAs) are promised very, very immaterial things, things that are not tangible, that you cannot say ‘I have this’ without it being taken away at the end of the semester,” Gill said.

In an online survey conducted by The Daily Orange of RAs at SU, 28 of the 49 respondents indicated they are either unsatisfied or extremely

unsatisfied with their compensation. Another 13 respondents said they were neutral about their level of compensation.

An RA in Flint Hall was one of the unsatisfied respondents. They work eight hours per week outside of being an RA, in addition to being a student.

“We work a lot of hours and keep getting additional responsibilities added to our role with no additional compensation,” the Flint Hall RA said in the survey. “I should not have to work a second job on top of my RA position to keep going to this school. Especially because RAs are supposed to be available at any given moment and students are allowed to contact us 24/7.”

RAs at Syracuse University are compensated with complimentary meal plans and room-and-board, but many RAs on campus feel this is not enough with the increasing number of duties their job entails. see compensation page 4

state

As SUNY ends withholding transcript policy, SU continues

By Kyle Chouinard asst. news editor

State University of New York’s Board of Trustees ended the practice of withholding transcripts from SUNY students with outstanding balances on Jan. 25, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in her 2022 State of the State address.

“Thousands of New Yorkers are unable to obtain their transcripts from higher education institutions across the state, because they owe small amounts of money, such as tuition fees, library fines, or parking tickets,” Hochul said.

SUNY-ESF President Joanie

Mahoney is happy to see the change come to the SUNY system. Removing the hurdle, Mahoney said, will bring equity to economically disadvantaged students.

“ESF students make many sacrifices to reach their academic goals, and to have their progress stalled by unpaid fees is counterproductive to launching their careers or continuing their education,” Mahoney said in a statement to The Daily Orange.

According to Syracuse University’s Office of the Registrar, the university implements financial holds. Holds are placed by the university’s bursar. The website directs students to SU Bursar’s Office’s website to resolve the holds.

“Transcripts are not released for students or alumni with outstanding financial or student conduct obligations,” said Sarah Scalese, senior associate vice president for university communications.

Separate financial holds can be applied by the university’s bookstore, the Office of Student Debt Management, Syracuse University Libraries as well as Parking and Transportation Services.

Some of SU’s peer institutions also have financial holds, such as Cornell University, Washington University in St. Louis and George Washington University.

Hochul said the state must pass

legislation to end transcript withholding, which she called an unjust practice, outside of SUNY schools throughout the state.

Legislation proposed by New York State Senator Kevin Thomas would prohibit higher education institutions in the state from withholding a transcript from students who owe a debt.

Thomas said the practice is sometimes called transcript ransoming.

“Each withheld transcript represents a student who was denied the opportunity to pursue a chosen career path, denied access to social and economic mobility through higher education, and ultimately denied access to the American

Dream,” the legislation reads.

SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah Stanley said people enter the SUNY system for an affordable college education. Being held back by fees alone, she said, is unfair to students.

Hochul called transcript withholding a punitive barrier against helping New Yorkers succeed in her statement regarding the change in SUNY policy.

“This is a matter of common sense,” she said. “New Yorkers will not be able to climb the ladder of success and get out of debt if their financial challenges prevent them from accessing those opportunities.” kschouin@syr.edu @Kyle_Chouinard

2 feb. 17, 2022

about

INSIDE The best quotes from sources in today’s paper.

NEWS t h e i n de p e n de n t s t u de n t n e w s pa p e r of s y r a c u s e , n e w yor k Editor@dailyorange.com News@dailyorange.com Opinion@dailyorange.com Culture@dailyorange.com Sports@dailyorange.com Digital@dailyorange.com Design@dailyorange.com ADVERTISING 315-443-9794 BUSINESS 315-443-2315 EDITORIAL 315-443-9798 GENERAL FAX 315-443-3689

The Daily Orange is an independent, nonprofit newspaper published in Syracuse, New York. The editorial content of the paper — which started in 1903 and went independent in 1971 — is entirely run by Syracuse University students.

The D.O., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is editorially and fi nancially independent from SU, and the paper receives no funding from the university. Instead, The D.O. relies on advertising revenue and donations to sustain operations.

This spring, the paper will be published Monday and Thursday when SU classes are in session. Special inserts are published on Thursdays before home football and basketball games. The D.O.’s online coverage is 24/7, including while SU is on break.

To show your support to The D.O.’s independent journalism, please visit dailyorange.com/donate. Donations are tax deductible.

“We work a lot of hours and keep getting additional responsibilities added to our role with no additional compensation.” - Resident Adviser Page 1

OPINION “I shouldn’t have to be embarrassed. I shouldn’t have to play my Tourette’s off as a joke simply because it seems to be the only way my tics are received in a positive light.” - Grace “Gray” Reed, columnist Page 5

CULTURE “I’m gonna try a lot of diffe rent stuff. .. it’s not going to be centered around one region. I’m going to be trying stuff from all over the world. And I just want people to try stuff with me.” - Mame Fatima Ndiaye, owner of Made by Mame Page 6

SPORTS “The only way I would get him to go to the store or the mall is if we promised to go to Dick’s Sporting Goods or Foot Locker.” - Arleen Girard, Joe Girard III’s mom Page 12

how to join us If you are a Syracuse University or SUNY-ESF student interested in contributing to The D.O. on either its advertising or editorial teams, please email editor@dailyorange.com.

COMING UP

corrections policy

Noteworthy events this week.

The D.O. strives to be as accurate in our reporting as possible. Please email editor@dailyorange.com to report a correction.

WHAT: Black Market WHEN: Friday, noon - 5 p.m.

WHERE: 119 Euclid Avenue

letter to the editor policy The D.O. prides itself as an outlet for community discussion. To learn more about our submission guidelines, please email opinion@dailyorange. com with your full name and affiliation within the Syracuse community. Please note letters should not include any personal information pertaining to other people unless it is relevant to the topic at hand. All letters will be edited for style and grammar.

The D.O. is published weekdays during the Syracuse University academic year by The Daily Orange Corp., 230 Euclid Ave., Syracuse, NY 13210. All contents Copyright 2021 by The Daily Orange Corp. and may not be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the editor-in-chief. The Daily Orange is in no way a subsidy or associated with Syracuse University. All contents © 2021 The Daily Orange Corporation

WHAT: HEOP and SSS Scholarship Open House WHEN: Friday, 3-5 p.m.

WHERE: Huntington Hall, Education Commons WHAT: Student Association Grocery Run (Target) WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

WHERE: College Place

American Medical Program Tel Aviv University Sackler Faculty of Medicine

American Medical Program/Tel Aviv University/Sackler Faculty of Medicine offers an outstanding four- year medical school curriculum, taught in English, leading to the M.D. degree. The Program is chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York and is accredited by the State of Israel.

Students do their clerkships and electives in the hospitals in Israel, the U.S. and Canada. One of these hospitals, Sheba Medical Center, was selected by Newsweek magazine as one of the top 10 hospitals around the world for the last three years.

Graduates participate in the National Resident Matching Program and return to the United States for their residency training. Since its commencement in 1976, over 2,100 alumni have completed their residency training at the most distinguished hospitals in the United States and Canada. www.sacklerschool.org provides extensive information about the Program.

For further information, e-mail sacklermed@sacklermed.org Applications for the Class of 2026 are available on our website

news

dailyorange.com news@dailyorange.com

pag e 3

feb. 17, 2022

on campus

university senate

SU online programs ranked high nationwide University humanity programs overlooked

By Francis Tang asst. news editor

Syracuse University tied for eighth place on U.S. News & World Report’s rankings of top online undergraduate business programs and was ranked 59th for overall online undergraduate Bachelor’s programs. meghan hendricks photo editor

By Danny Amron asst. news editor

State University of New York’s Board of Trustees ended the practice of withholding transcripts from SUNY students with outstanding balances on Jan. 25, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced in her 2022 State of the State address.

“Thousands of New Yorkers are unable to obtain their transcripts from higher education institutions across the state, because they owe small amounts of money, such as tuition fees, library fines, or parking tickets,” Hochul said.

SUNY-ESF President Joanie Mahoney is happy to see the change come to the SUNY system. Removing the hurdle, Mahoney said, will bring equity to economically disadvantaged students.

“ESF students make many

sacrifices to reach their academic goals, and to have their progress stalled by unpaid fees is counterproductive to launching their careers or continuing their education,” Mahoney said in a statement to The Daily Orange.

According to Syracuse University’s Office of the Registrar, the university implements financial holds. Holds are placed by the university’s bursar. The website directs students to SU Bursar’s Office’s website to resolve the holds.

“Transcripts are not released for students or alumni with outstanding financial or student conduct obligations,” said Sarah Scalese, senior associate vice president for university communications.

Separate financial holds can be applied by the university’s bookstore, the Office of Student Debt Management, Syracuse Univer-

sity Libraries as well as Parking and Transportation Services.

Some of SU’s peer institutions also have financial holds, such as Cornell University, Washington University in St. Louis and George Washington University.

Hochul said the state must pass legislation to end transcript withholding, which she called an unjust practice, outside of SUNY schools throughout the state.

Legislation proposed by New York State Senator Kevin Thomas would prohibit higher education institutions in the state from withholding a transcript from students who owe a debt. Thomas said the practice is sometimes called transcript ransoming.

“Each withheld transcript represents a student who was denied the opportunity to pursue a chosen career path, denied

access to social and economic mobility through higher education, and ultimately denied access to the American Dream,” the legislation reads.

SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah Stanley said people enter the SUNY system for an affordable college education. Being held back by fees alone, she said, is unfair to students.

Hochul called transcript withholding a punitive barrier against helping New Yorkers succeed in her statement regarding the change in SUNY policy.

“This is a matter of common sense,” she said. “New Yorkers will not be able to climb the ladder of success and get out of debt if their financial challenges prevent them from accessing those opportunities.” ddamron@syr.edu @dannyamron_

state

NY awards $5.9 million for emergency housing

By Kyle Chouinard asst. news editor

New York state awarded nearly $6 million to Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, a local agency providing services such as shelter, food pantries and financial assistance, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a press release Tuesday.

The funding is part of a larger initiative from Hochul that allocated $17.3 million in state funding to provide both permanent and emergency housing for people experiencing homelessness.

Some emergency housing in Syracuse will be relocated, the release read. The $5.94 million provided by the state government to the agency will rehabilitate space in Syracuse for 80 beds of

emergency housing.

Michael Melara, the executive director of Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, said there is a need in Syracuse to ensure those experiencing homelessness have housing that is safe and stable.

“This funding from the state’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program is critical to its success and will allow us to continue to serve those in need of emergency shelter and assistance in securing permanent housing,” Melara said in the release.

Catholic Charities of Onondaga County’s rehabilitation project is one of six programs that was awarded by the state on Tuesday.

The largest amount of money allocated went to Barrier Free Living Incorporated, located in New

York City, which received $6 million from the state. The organization will be constructing a building with 44 units of permanent supportive housing.

Many New Yorkers who have some level of housing instability also experience substance use disorders or serious mental illness, Hochul said.

“New York is working to address the root issues that either cause or contribute to homelessness and start these individuals and their families on the road to long-term housing stability,” Hochul said in the press release.

Hochul’s proposed budget for 2023 also included $25 billion to expand access to affordable housing and reduce homelessness over the next five years.

In the Catholic Charities of Onondaga County’s 2020 annual report, the organization reported just under $13.8 million of its revenue, or 63%, came from government support. During 2020, the organization provided emergency shelter for over 500 people.

In the report, Syracuse University Government and Community Relations was listed as a sustaining supporter, meaning that it donated anywhere from $1,000 to $4,999.

“We are thankful for the support this project is receiving through Governor Hochul, who has made addressing and reducing homelessness throughout our state a priority of her administration,” Melara said. kschouin@syr.edu @Kyle_Chouinard

Syracuse University faculty members raised concerns regarding lack of representation of humanities and arts departments in the university’s search committee for its new vice president for research.

The search committee, which was announced on Feb. 10, consists of faculty, staff, student representatives and members of SU’s Board of Trustees. There is a significant absence of faculty in humanities and arts departments amongst 14 members, said Sascha Scott, an associate professor in Native American and Indigenous studies department, during the University Senate open forum on Wednesday.

“As part of this community, I also worry about the message that it sends to potential candidates for the vice president for research,” Scott said.

While there are three committee members from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, none of the members on the list hold expertise in humanities or arts subjects.

Scott said that although there is one committee member, Kristen Barnes, who holds a doctorate in literature, she is not a practicing humanist and is a part of the College of Law. “We need somebody who is actually practicing research as a humanist now,” Scott said.

Gretchen Ritter, SU’s vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer, said there will be a listening session specifically focused on arts and humanities by members of the search committee. Ritter said she is committed to seeking out candidates who will support research and creative work across disciplines.

“Listening sessions are not representation,” said Laura Heyman, an associate professor in SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, in response to Ritter in the Zoom call’s chat box.

Heyman also mentioned VPA’s decision to de facto cut its art video program. She said the program was closed by the dean without consultation with faculty in the department or the senate’s academic affairs committee.

Shiilā Seok Wun Au Yong, a Ph.D. fellow at SU’s School of Education, said later in the forum that doctoral students in humanities hardly get summer funding for their research, while their peers in science subjects do because they have the opportunity to work in laboratories.

Peter Vanable, the dean of the Graduate School, said he is willing to sit down with both faculty and students to discuss how to better support their needs and ensure higher success rates among award applicants in humanities.

“My interest in funding humanities students is sincere. We have a track record of funding humanities students and departments in both see senate page 4

4 feb. 17, 2022

from page 1

compensation “I’m extremely grateful to have my room and board covered, but at the same time, I’m a college student with my own needs and getting a job on top of this one can be annoying at times,” a Boland Hall RA said in the survey. “My job is flexible so I’m lucky, but I know it’s difficult for many to manage both the role and having a job.”

More than two-thirds of respondents work outside of their RA role. Five students indicated they work more than 20 hours a week at other jobs in addition to their RA role and classes.

But the RA contract allows only 10 hours of commitments outside of being an RA and taking classes, said Will Mahaney, who was previously an RA. Madi Messare, an RA in Shaw Hall, said that she believes COVID-19 has led to increased responsibilities and caused more stress for RAs. “Room and board is not cutting it anymore because of how much is asked of you and how much stress is put on your mental health as a student as well,” Messare said.

She also feels SU does not prepare RAs to deal with their resident’s mental health crises.

“In real times of crises I feel like (Student Living) is not actually there for residents,” Messare from page 3

senate areas,” Vanable said. “But I also am very committed to helping to ensure even better success rates than we’ve seen so far.”

Faculty members also expressed concerns about the connectivity of campus Wi-Fi, which they believe has not been stable inside some on-campus buildings since a campus-wide malfunction at the beginning of the semester.

Multiple professors said it negatively affected their teaching as they couldn’t connect to stable Wi-Fi from the classrooms.

Steven Bennett, SU’s senior vice president for international programs and academic operations, said that the Information Technology Services is aware of the situation and is working on a solution. He hopes to have

dailyorange.com news@dailyorange.com

said. “There’s a lot of mental health issues and they put a lot of pressure on RAs to deal with it, when RAs are just students. We get training, but not enough to be an on-call counselor.”

RAs are supposed to report incidents to the counseling center at the Barnes Center at The Arch, but appointments are hard to get with so few counselors and such a large student body, Messare said.

Senior Director of Student Living Terra Peckskamp said that RAs receive training and supervision by staff. This includes mental health training in August and again in January.

“Our RAs are serving in a student leadership position with responsibilities including working the main desk, being on-call and working over fall and spring breaks,” Peckskamp said in an email to The Daily Orange.

Peckskamp said in the email that senior staff with Student Living, formerly known as the Office of Student Living, meet regularly to work with the RA Advisory Board and have an open-door policy for RAs with concerns.

“We value and appreciate the role RAs play in our communities,” Peckshamp said in the email.

“And as evidenced by the high number of applications we have received for next year’s positions, we know students also recognize the important leadership role they can play on campus as an RA.”

A Shaw Hall RA indicated in the survey that they felt neutral about their position.

“We had to ensure covid policies within the dorms and (were) asked to do a lot more with covid requirements for residents which is not compensated enough for these past 2 years,” the Shaw Hall RA said in the survey.

Another RA told The D.O. that they sometimes feel their safety is at risk when they are on-call. Due to COVID-19, RAs are required to remind residents to wear their masks in groups. They’ve been met with confrontation, the RA said.

“Sometimes you just get into situations that could be scary or threatening,” they said.

“You have the potential of that happening every single time you’re on call, which is like a part of the job that they don’t really tell you about during interviews.”

Intentional interactions are another part of the job this RA said wasn’t made clear during the application process. This requires RAs to speak with each resident at least once a month and complete a write up about it to check in with residents mental health.

The RA said it’s important to check in with residents, but that can be difficult on a floor of 30 people.

They also mentioned that the Resident

Directors have made the job worse.

“They’re all good at some things, but their cons outweigh their pros and the way they work together is awful,” they said.

Mahaney, who quit his RA job this semester, also said the RDs were hard to work with.

“I didn’t go out quietly,” Mahaney said. “I told them — my boss and higher-ups in (Student Living) — very clearly: I’m quitting because of you all. It’s not the residents, it’s not the other RAs, I love them. It’s your fault for all the extra stuff that you’re putting in the job that isn’t necessary.”

But Mahaney said it’s important to remember that RAs have room and board paid for, which is valued at nearly $19,000 for the academic year according to Student Living.

“It’s just hard to see that you’re getting paid when you’re not getting the money, you’re just not paying the money (to live on-campus),” he said. “That’s a big thing, too. Especially now, because I just quit. So now having to buy groceries and pay rent every month, it was something I definitely took for granted.”

DISCLAIMER: Asst. news editor Francis Tang is an RA. He recused himself from editing this article in all means, and therefore had no influence over the content.

something in place over the next few days so the disruptions will be over, he said.

Benjamin Tetteh, a Ph.D. student in the Newhouse School of Public Communications, said he was concerned about the accessibility of sanitary products in on-campus restrooms.

Many don’t have sanitary product dispensers, and those that do are often empty, he said.

“It first came from an observation one of the (Graduate Student Organization diversity committee) members had at Bird Library, where a female student had to frantically run across bathrooms looking for a sanitary pad,” Tetteh said. “That piece of equipment where they put the pads in (was) locked and you had to put in a quarter. Notwithstanding, they still put in the quarter and nothing came out.”

Tetteh suggested setting up sanitary item dispensers in every restroom on campus, pos-

sibly free of charge. Rob Hradsky, the vice president for the student experience, said free dispensers with hygiene products were installed in Bird Library last week.

“You can’t assume that somebody is always going to have a quarter on them,” said Emily Stokes-Rees, the chair of the senate’s agenda committee and an associate professor in SU’s School of Design.

Multiple senators also mentioned Carmel Nicoletti, an instructor and the coordinator of the School of Design’s design studies program, who, for many years, has donated menstrual products and left them in hand-sewed pocket hangers within the bathrooms at the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, free of charge.

“Feminine products are something that women need,” Nicoletti told The Daily Orange.

“Sometimes, young women and even faculty

women get stuck and you’re like, ‘Oh dear, I need something and there’s nothing there.’”

Nicoletti told The D.O. that people do take advantage of these free menstrual products.

She said she usually needs to check and fill the pockets at least once or twice a week.

“I tried to put as many in as I can on each compartment,” Nicoletti said. “I have them in four different stalls, two different sets of bathrooms in the Warehouse and they get used up. So it’s good.”

Hradsky said more free dispensers are being installed in other campus buildings as well, but given the number of restrooms, it will take some time to get to them all. The Student Association funded these machines and the university housekeeping staff will refill them routinely, he added.

ksmcclel@syr.edu @katie_mcclellan

btang05@syr.edu @francis_towne

opinion

dailyorange.com opinion@dailyorange.com

pag e 5

feb. 17, 2022

personal essay

The reality of having neurological tics as a college student

By Grace “Gray” Reed columnist

T

here is an old cliché saying that goes “humor is the best medicine” and in regard to my everyday routine, it couldn’t be closer to the truth. So far, my college life has been plagued with some of my most embarrassing moments to date. For that I can thank my tics, or in other words, the noises and movements I can’t control resulting from a neurological condition known as Tourette Syndrome.

Humor has always been my coping mechanism when it comes to things I can’t control, and the same goes for my diagnosis. I don’t particularly find my disorder humorous in itself, but I have to admit it gives me a lot of material for when I need a fun fact during syllabus week. I have become a comedian in my own right: I allow others to laugh at my misfortune. But, I would be lying if I said I didn’t do so to try and make my life more bearable for myself.

These stories may seem funny on the surface; I design them to be that way. I have painted an image that portrays myself as a confident individual who has overcome the struggles of their disorder, when my reality does not mirror this persona.

What appears to be a light-hearted

SU students need to be more educated about neurological conditions. Their lack of awareness is isolating for students that have these conditions. courtesy of grace “gray” reed

story about accidentally interrupting my Sociology 101 lecture is actually one of the most mortifying moments of my fall 2021 semester. When people watch me almost wipe out on the ice at Tennity Ice Pavilion, they don’t recognize the willpower I am exerting to not spontaneously kick my legs out. No one sees the bruises, the dry skin and the sleepless nights.

No one understands the constant fear

of interrupting fellow students while studying in Carnegie Library or my consistent anxiety spiral from letting out squeaks during exams.

The truth is I feel like the odd one out, and I think that is partly because it’s true. I know logically there are other students who feel the same way as me, either due to their own tics or similar conditions. Being on such a large campus, surrounded

by thousands of people every single day, one can’t help but look around and feel alone in their struggles.

Sure, people are supportive, my friends are amazing and the professors have been understanding. But I have yet to meet a single person at Syracuse University who gets it.

There is a lack of awareness within SU’s student body in regard to neurodiversity. For decades, those

of us born with neurological differences have been taught to try and conform to what is seen as normal.

We are told to mimic the neurotypical person, so how can we expect our peers to view us as anything but?

There should be no excuse for the lack of education regarding such a diverse subject matter, yet people brush the neurodiverse off as if we are just another bullet point to hit while discussing how inclusive they are.

I shouldn’t have to be embarrassed.

I shouldn’t have to play my Tourette’s off as a joke simply because it seems to be the only way my tics are received in a positive light. I’m not claiming to be an expert activist or to know how to bring change amongst an entire group of people, but I understand why said change needs to be brought about.

I understand the need for education and the normalization of neurodivergent lives in our society, especially at the university level. So I chose to write this piece and share my experiences, in the hopes that someone out there can say, “Hey, I get it,” and hopefully feel seen while navigating this sea of unrealistic neurotypical expectations.

Grace “Gray” Reed is a freshman magazine, news and digital journalism major. Their column appears bi-weekly. They can be reached at greed04@syr.edu.

column

SU should not remove the mask mandate, even after NYS did

By Chaeri Chun columnist

S

ince the beginning of the spring semester, Syracuse University has been doing a great job enforcing the vaccine and booster requirements before campus arrival.

Faculty and students were updated consistently through emails, ensuring the required vaccinations and proof of vaccination requirements were to be uploaded to the Patient Portal for the arrival of the spring 2022 semester.

On Feb. 9, 2022, the Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the statewide indoor business mask-orvaccine requirement will be lifted starting Feb. 10, and it will remain optional for businesses, local governments and counties to enforce.

The relaxation on masking guidelines allows freedom for businesses, cities and more to adapt to their own rules regarding COVID-19. New York counties and businesses can now create their own regulations, and some counties and cities have fewer active cases than others. In addition, busi-

News Editor Richard Perrins Editorial Editor Micaela Warren Culture Editor Nathan Fenningdorf Sports Editor Connor Smith Presentation Director Shannon Kirkpatrick Photo Editor Meghan Hendricks Video Editor Maya Pow Video Editor Maddy Kramer Podcast Editor Marnie Muñoz Illustration Editor Yiwei He Enterprise Editor Christopher Cicchiello Asst. News Editor Kyle Chouinard

nesses no longer have to require proof of vaccinations and it is completely up to the business to decide on their own COVID-19 guidelines.

Through this announcement, Hochul has shown passion in supporting the health and safety of New Yorkers by increasing access to vaccines, booster shots, COVID-19 testing, masks and more. But the decision to loosen COVID-19 guidelines was made too soon.

Hochul has thoroughly supported her decision through scientific evidence and through presenting the current status of COVID-19 in New York state before coming to this conclusion. Although case counts and hospitalizations are declining, there were still over 2,000 new COVID-19 detected Tuesday.

Although Hochul has lifted mask mandates for businesses, local governments and counties, for the safety of Syracuse as a city, SU should take preventative measures and implement its own restrictions based on the status of COVID-19 cases on campus.

Currently, COVID-19 cases have

Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. Editorial Editor Asst. Editorial Editor Asst. Culture Editor Asst. Culture Editor Asst. Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Digital Design Editor Design Editor Design Editor Design Editor

Francis Tang Danny Amron Rainu George Julia Kahen Dakota Chambers Siron Thomas Anish Vasudevan Alex Cirino Maya Goosmann Danny Kahn Morgan Sample Megan Thompson

decreased overall on campus, and as of today Feb. 16, 2022, there are 71 active cases, 29 of which are new cases. Although this negative trend in COVID-19 cases is good news, maintaining this level of safety for the future means that mask mandates should not be lifted any time soon.

The faculty and students should do their part to wear masks at all times to not only prevent themselves from getting sick but also to keep the Syracuse community and those who are at higher risks of COVID-19 safe. Because many SU community members go off campus, local businesses in Syracuse — especially in the university area — should continue to require proof of vaccination to protect the safety of the entire community and not just our campus.

Even with less restrictive COVID-19 guidelines, SU should continue to promote mask wearing at all times when indoors, especially in big group settings. In addition, COVID-19 testing should be consistently available on campus in future years, and faculty and stu-

SU should keep enforcing the mask mandate despite New York state lifting the requirement. meghan hendricks photo editor

dents should be required to test for COVID-19 on a regular basis as well as before and after large gatherings.

Because masks are one of the most effective ways to prevent spreading COVID-19, they should be worn on campus for another year or until active cases in the community are down to the single digits. With COVID-19 cases certainly declining

yet still showing unexpected spikes, the entire Syracuse community needs to do their part by getting tested, wearing masks and isolating with a positive test result for COVID-19 to eventually come to a halt.

Emily Steinberger

Mandy Kraynak

Anthony Alandt

editor-in-chief

managing editor

digital managing editor

Asst. Photo Editor Asst. Photo Editor Asst. Video Editor Asst. Video Editor Asst. Video Editor Executive Producer Executive Producer Executive Producer Podcast Host Podcast Host Podcast Host Sportscast Host

Max Mimaroglu Jaden Chen Asha Duerden Tyler Toledo Idan Jaffe Andrew Hood Nick Luttrell Dominic Chiappone Harry Kelly Jordan Greene Jade Chung Arabdho Majumder

Asst. Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor Asst. Digital Editor Asst. Copy Editor Asst. Copy Editor Asst. Copy Editor Asst. Copy Editor Asst. Copy Editor Asst. Copy Editor

Ivana Xie Jana Seal Anthony Bailey Sophie Cohen Henry O’Brien Connor Pignatello Grace Katz Katie McClellan Sophia Moore Rachel Raposas Cole Bambini Spencer Goldstein

Chaeri Chun is a freshman sociology and neuroscience double major.

Her column appears biweekly. She can be reached at cchun02@syr.edu.

Asst. Illustration Editor Asst. Illustration Editor General Manager Advertising Manager Fundraising Coordinator Business Asst.

Circulation Manager Student Delivery Agent

Estelle Liu Chloe Perline Mike Dooling Mark Nash Mira Berenbaum Tim Bennett Steve Schultz Tyler Dawson

culture

6 feb. 17, 2022

dailyorange.com culture@dailyorange.com

C

from the kitchen

Purple Banana acai bar opens

By Noah Rosenblatt

contributing writer

To combat the distaste of SU’s dining hall options, Mame Fatima Ndiaye would go to her friend’s apartment for a home-cooked meal. She now sells food to SU students.

anshul roy staff photographer

Homemade by Mame While COVID-19 initially delayed Ndiaye’s online food service, the senior was able to make it a reality this semester

By Dakota Chambers asst. culture editor

G

rowing up, Mame Fatima Ndiaye’s mother worked long hours during the week. However, she still made sure to cook several meals every Sunday to ensure her kids weren’t relying on “outside food” — such as fast food and takeout meals — every weeknight.

“For her, it was important for us to still have that home-cooked meal experience,” Ndiaye said.

Ndiaye, a senior at Syracuse University studying public relations and the founder and owner of Made by Mame, didn’t cook much growing up. She said her culinary path started due to a dissatisfaction with SU’s existing dining hall options, which became repetitive for her after a while.

To combat that distaste, Ndiaye would often visit a childhood friend, who also attended SU and was one year older than her, at her South Campus apartment. Ndiaye said she would go there whenever her friend cooked because of her deep appreciation for the value of a home-cooked

meal. She then took the reins for herself.

“Sophomore year’s really when I got into cooking, so like if I didn’t know how to cook something I would FaceTime my mom and she would talk me through it,” Ndiaye said. “Or if she wasn’t available, YouTube, TikTok, all that is at our hands, so that’s when I really started utilizing my resources.”

The senior’s dishes are made using a traditional Senegalese spice base, which reflects Ndiaye’s family culture. The base usually includes garlic, peppers, see su

spice page 7

from the studio

Artist crafts fiber art into historic portrayals

By Anthony Bailey asst. digital editor

Dawn Williams Boyd loves to collect things.

“I’m trying to find a p olite w ay to put it,” Boyd said, laughing. “My husband and I … like to collect other people’s stuff.”

This includes going to Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity, used bookstores and yard sales and combing through the leftovers of

previous generations. At one yard sale, Boyd came across a little black book. The book was about Harry Tyson Moore, an early leader in the civil rights movement, and it contained pictures of Moore and his family.

One of those pictures was of his two daughters, Annie “Peaches” Rosalea and Juanita Evangeline, Boyd said. The photograph, like others from 1942, was shot in black and white. Boyd saw the

photo as an opportunity to both create a work that featured 1940s fashion and have the freedom to be creative with the colors and fabrics used in the clothing of the two girls.

What followed was Boyd’s 2004 work “Peaches and Evangeline: Bibbs County, FL 1942,” a cloth painting made by layering multiple fabrics on each other and also painting over those fabrics, the same medium as many of the

works displayed in the Everson Museum of Art’s exhibition of Boyd’s works, “Woe.” Boyd’s use of cloth came from a family tradition of seamstresses, as her grandmother, mother and aunt are all seamstresses, and she had been working with cloth her whole life. After working with more traditional mediums at the start of her art career, she said the transition to cloth paintings

see inspiration page 7

Luke Nicolette, the owner of Purple Banana, said he decided to open his restaurant in pursuit of his dreams.

“My happiness is being able to help out other people and help make them happy,” Nicolette said. “So I knew as an individual I could do that to the people around me. But as a business owner, I could have a greater outreach, so I knew I wanted to own a business.”

Purple Banana characterizes itself as an acai bar, as acai is their main product, Nicolette said. He added other products to his menu like fresh juices and smoothie bowls — which can be complemented with a variety of toppings — as a way to diversify his menu with all-around healthy products.

Nicolette’s inspiration for the restaurant came from his many trips around the U.S., he said. Growing up in Syracuse, Nicolette had never seen any businesses who had successfully been able to sell acai. A restaurant like Purple Banana would be new, unique and successful in its location, Nicolette said. Located at 754 S. Crouse Ave., the eatery sits just outside Syracuse University’s campus and is therefore easily accessible to students on a daily basis.

“I did my homework in all these places that are doing really well in other big cities, and Syracuse didn’t have anything like it,” Nicolette said. “Obviously it’s just a fun area at the college campus, and so there’s a lot going on.”

Freshman SU student Jenna Poma said Purple Banana brings something that was missing to the SU area.

“It is a great addition to campus, just because we don’t really have a lot of places to get healthier options,” Poma said.

Jordan Campanelli, a sophomore at SU, said that she would like to be able to use her dining dollars to purchase products at the restaurant.

“It’s really convenient, right off of Marshall Street,” Campanelli said.

“So being able to use your dining dollars here would be a really good idea, and I think it would bring a lot more business.”

While the restaurant has been open for less than a month, Nicolette has already noticed recurring customers and a large demand for his products.

“We’re getting a lot of positive feedback that customers are engaged,” Nicolette said. “We don’t just define s uccess b y h ow m uch money we make or anything like that. It seems that the customers are enjoying it and we’re just getting better and improving each day knowing that we’re really just starting off.”

Though he had worked in restaurants before, Nicolette had never been a part of the entrepreneurial see acai page 7

C

pag e 7

dailyorange.com culture@dailyorange.com

from page 6

su spice Jumbo all-purpose-seasoning and black pepper.

Ndiaye, who normally goes by Fatima, wanted to make sure her brand name shone a light on her Senegalese heritage in the same way her food does, which is why she settled on “Made by Mame.”

Her commitment to her heritage allowed Ndiaye to share dishes she grew up enjoying with her friends, including Cristy Sanchez, an SU senior studying accounting and Ndiaye’s soror.

Sanchez believes Ndiaye thoroughly enjoys the service associated with cooking.

“Fatima is a very genuine person. So I feel like just the fact that she’s able to open up something to her friends and her being able to cater to us is what supersedes the actual cooking,” Sanchez said.

In 2019, Ndiaye took part in the African Student Union’s Jollof Wars, a head-to-head competition based on a historical point of contention for West African nations: Which country makes the best Jollof rice? She ended up winning first place.

“That really started making people tell me ‘Oh, you should start cooking (and selling plates),’” Ndiaye said.

Although COVID-19 initially delayed her plans to go through with this, Ndiaye was able to make that a reality this semester. She already had a logo put together from a previous short-lived

feb. 17, 2022

skincare venture, so she reused it and got to work.

Sanchez said that their friend group has been focused on ending their time on campus “with a bang” since it’s their senior year, and she’s excited to see Ndiaye’s wishes and desires finally come to fruition.

“I’m just happy that other people are able to see how talented she is (in) the kitchen and I just hope that, you know, that word-of-mouth continues to get around and that she’s able to … extend her business, and the profit only continues to grow,” Sanchez added.

SU students can fill out a Google form in the Instagram page’s bio any time during the week and make a deposit to confirm their order. Pick up for orders occurs each Saturday.

SU senior Gustavo Eumana said he’s visited Ndiaye when she’s cooked at her apartment before, and he was happy to support her business. Last week, he ordered stuffed chicken with mashed potatoes from Made by Mame, and he said he enjoyed the flavor and authenticity of the meal.

“Her cooking reminds me a lot (of) my mom’s cooking. (Ndiaye’s) from Harlem and I cop food from Harlem (a lot), so it reminds me of Harlem food … like it tastes like someone from the city made it,” Eumana said.

This week, the featured meal is tacos; customers can choose between chicken ($12), ground turkey ($12) or steak ($15) for their choice of meat. They can also add any amount of toppings

like lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, onions or radish for free. Sour cream, salsa verde or guacamole — which costs an extra $2 — is available on the side.

Ndiaye said this week’s menu has been in high demand from friends and potential customers for a while. Eumana said he’ll probably order another plate this week, and Sanchez said that Ndiaye’s tacos are one of her favorites. She referred to their friend group as “taco fiends.”

Sanchez said it’s important for those interested in Made by Mame’s menu to know that they’re getting the whole package by supporting Ndiaye’s business.

“Potential customers are getting a bang for their buck (because) Fatima’s very generous with her portions. And I feel like it’s always important to just buy from someone who’s eager to do the service that they’re offering,” Sanchez said. “For her it’s not about the money. It’s not about you know, the publicity. It’s because she totally wants to do it.”

While staying true to her heritage is important to her, Ndiaye wants it to be clear that she’s willing to take risks and branch out to more than just Senegalese and American dishes.

“I’m gonna try a lot of different stuff ... it’s not going to be centered around one region. I’m going to be trying stuff from all over the world. And I just want people to try stuff with me.” dcchambe@syr.edu @thekotacola

from page 6

acai

side of the restaurant business. His biggest challenge, he said, was overcoming all of the “red tape” that comes with opening a business in Syracuse. Since the opening of the restaurant, Nicolette has been faced with unforeseen challenges, but he said he has been working to overcome them as they show up.

As for choosing the products sold at the restaurant, Nicolette relied on the help from a friend who was a registered dietitian and nutritionist. He also kept his vision in mind, which came from studying similar businesses, to create a restaurant that served health-oriented products.

Nicolette hired Dan Jackson, a manager with previous food business experience, to help with the areas he wasn’t as confident handling. Jackson takes care of the restaurant on a daily basis, he said.

“I got brought on to do the more food side of things,” Jackson said. “I made the whole menu, I do all of the day-to-day operations here. So I do all of the ordering, I talk to all of our vendors, I coordinate the schedule. I do all of the nittygritty, day-to-day stuff.”

Since acai berry typically doesn’t have a very long shelf life and can’t be grown in Syracuse because of the weather, Nicolette said he decided to have the fruit pulp frozen and shipped to the restaurant. The restaurant buys directly from a manufacturer, who has direct relationships with farmers in Brazil who harvest, then freeze the berries. After the restaurant has its main ingredient, Nicolette said he is able to create whatever product he desires.

Jackson said he created Purple Banana’s menu after multiple taste tests with friends and family. from page 6

inspiration was straightforward.

“Since I was drawing as a preliminary for my painting anyway, the only thing that really changed was I changed out acrylic paints for fabric, and I changed out a brush to apply it with, to a palette knife to apply it,” Boyd said.

“It was just a different way to think about it.”

“Peaches and Evangeline” was originally made to be a part of Boyd’s series “The Sins of Our Fathers,” a series about racial injustice and violence against Black Americans in the U.S. Boyd added the artwork because of the important civil rights activism of Harry T. Moore along with of the violence of his death — a bomb was placed under his bed, killing Moore and leading to the death of his wife, Harriette.

Originally curated by Daniel Fuller for the

CONCERTS THIS WEEKEND Jon Nakamatsu American classical pianist Jon Nakamatsu will be in Syracuse to perform Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major this weekend.

One hour prior to the performance, music director Lawrence Loh will be giving a pre-concert talk that all attendees are invited to join.

Nakamatsu will perform at the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Concert Theater. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 19 ARTIST: Jon Nakamatsu Ben Blujus Band Local band Ben Blujus Band has been playing in the central New York region for the past 10 years. This weekend, the band will be at Funk ‘n Waffles to perform its music, which includes rock, reggae, blues and funk. The concert will take place on Saturday at 8 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10.

WHEN: Saturday Feb. 19 ARTIST: Ben Blujus Band Tim Forbes Local artist Tim Forbes will be performing at the Empire Syracuse Barbershop & Pub this Saturday.

Signature $5 cocktails will be served for attendees 21 and older. The show starts at 7 p.m. and goes until 10 p.m., and the event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 19 ARTIST: Tim Forbes JoJo Siwa

Growing up in Syracuse, the restaurant’s owner had never seen any businesses who had been able to successfully sell acai in the community. jaden chen asst. photo editor

Famed actress and musician JoJo Siwa is set to take the stage in Syracuse this Sunday at the Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial. Tickets are still on sale and are ranging from $37 to $410. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.

WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 20 ARTIST: JoJo Siwa

“I just basically took what I thought would taste good and kind of melded with a lot of the popular things,” Jackson said. “I talked to a lot of people, and then I just kind of took all of the feedback I got, used some of my past knowledge from past jobs and kind of went with what I thought would be good.”

Nicolette said he has big plans for Purple Banana in the future, but his present goal for the business is controlled growth. His idea is to get it right, he said. When Nicolette is sure that Purple

This weekend at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Tom Nitti will be performing his modern country music alongside DJ Skeet. Tom Nitti is a U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient. The concert will begin at 9 p.m. on Saturday in the Tin Rooster Barbeque and Country Bar. WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 19 ARTIST: Tom Nitti, DJ Skeet

Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia, the exhibition contains pieces of her work, including an abstract depiction of slave trading in “The Middle Passage” to a portrait in “Abebe, Chinwe’s Daughter.” The theme of critiquing social injustices in the U.S. is the motif of Boyd’s exhibit, he said.

Steffi Chappell, the assistant curator at the Everson Museum, said that having Boyd’s work on display is important because of the level of Boyd’s work as well as the growth of interest in fiber art in the art community. “(Boyd) is absolutely the caliber of an artist that deserves a solo museum show,” Chappell said. “Fiber art, in general, is kind of a hot topic now. It’s definitely grown in popularity in recent years.”

In “The Middle Passage,” Boyd said she dabbled with the form and material of her subjects, as the central figures, two Black men

Banana has become a staple within the Syracuse community and amongst college students, he will consider the opportunities that present themselves to him moving forward.

“We now have a walk-in business. I will soon have a loyalty program, I will have online ordering, I soon will have catering and events that we can take on,” Nicolette said. “I want to grow, and I want to do it the right way and make sure we’re doing it well.” norosenb@syr.edu

on a boat, are two whole pieces of cloth. Next to them is half of a skeleton, whose ribs are made out of silk, standing in front of an abstracted ocean that was made to be juxtaposed to the brown of the boat.

Boyd said this experimentation with form and material fits with her process of creation.

In order to keep herself and her audiences interested, she said she tries to experiment and innovate to stay one step ahead of others working in fabrics.

Fuller said he hopes that “Woe,” which will be on display at the Everson until April 10, will lead viewers to look closely at Boyd’s works and dive into them.

“I encourage people to, figuratively, not literally, pull the thread of the work,” Fuller said. “She had a story to tell for a long time and now she’s getting a chance to put that out to a wider audience.”

Tom Nitti with DJ Skeet

The story Boyd is telling, however, may be hard to hear, Fuller said. She said she hopes to tell an unaltered history that speaks the honest truth about what has happened in the past, especially in the history of violence and injustice against Black Americans.

Boyd hopes that viewers of her work will look more into the history of the music and art surrounding them, she said, and she believes that looking to the past for counsel is the only way to ensure certain mistakes and atrocities are never committed again.

“We have seen in the last five or ten years Black Americans being murdered on YouTube,” Boyd said. “That’s not any different from what’s been happening for the last four or five hundred years. We just didn’t have YouTube. That’s the only difference.” anbailey@syr.edu @anthony77654539

8 feb. 17, 2022

dailyorange.com

feb. 17, 2022 9

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

from page 12

girard Friends and family began to ask Girard about his new hobby as the closet in his room began to grow with more and more shoes.

But those kicks weren’t just for basketball games. Girard has some for collection, like two pairs of shoes from Jimmer Fredette, a fellow Glen Falls native. But his cousin Trent Girard remembers that Girard would wear certain pairs of shoes for big occasions as well, like when their high school team won the state championship or at prom.

“When he dresses up in suits and stuff, that’s when he likes wearing his Jordans,” Trent said. “He’s not a dress shoe guy. He likes wearing Jordans with his dress clothes.”

But the process of buying shoes has evolved from walking into Dick’s Sporting Goods and browsing the giant wall of shoes to timing his online orders for limited edi-

tion shoes and even visiting Divine Sole Saratoga, a local sneaker and streetwear store down the road from Girard’s hometown of Glens Falls, New York.

Last summer, Girard visited the store to check out its merchandise. The store’s owner, Ryan Smalley, said he remembers walking into his store and seeing one of his employees helping Girard.

“He knew what he was talking about,” Smalley said. “When people come in they can tell a Jordan one generally but they can’t (identify) ... all the different iterations of Jordans that have come out.”

The shoes are also a part of the close bond Girard has with his mom. Arleen joked that she freaks out whenever she sees how many pairs of shoes Girard has in his closet. She always asks what Girard is going to do with the new shoes, telling him, “we have no room for them.” Still, as a mom, Arleen said that she’s part of the reason why the collection

has grown so big.

“I’m probably the worst at it. Because if I’m shopping and I miss him and I see a pair of sneakers, I’m like, ‘Oh, I’ll send him a picture. What do you think about these?’”

Arleen said. “So sometimes I’m guilty of that where I might be willing to get him a pair of sneakers without him asking.”

Shoes were always Christmas gifts and birthday presents for Girard. Arleen called herself the No. 1 and Girard’s grandmother the No. 2 for buying him shoes for various holidays. His grandmother would always ask her what gifts to get Girard and Arleen’s answer would always be shoes.

Through Girard’s love of shoes, Arleen has learned more about shoes than she expected. She said that in the past, she might’ve just gone to Dick’s and bought a pair of Nikes, but now she’s learned to identify retro pairs of Jordans and look on websites like StockX for shoes. She

explained that now, Girard will send her a wishlist of shoes that she can narrow down for a present.

But a lot of these shoes have sentimental value to Girard. Arleen said some of the shoes are in “retired mode,” including the shoes he wore to score his 2,000th, 3,000th and 4,000th high school basketball points in.

By now, the collection in the closet has grown so large that Arleen has had to put the shoes back in the boxes instead of displaying them. Still, she said Girard can easily pick out which shoes he wants by reading the box labels, including his favorites — the Jordan 11 lows. Arleen joked that as long as Girard’s foot size doesn’t change, he’ll never have a need for a pair of sneakers “for a very long time.”

“He’ll do something with (the shoes) someday,” Arleen said. “Right now he just likes to keep them, and many of them give him memories and we’ll find a good spot for them.” gshetty@syr.edu

from page 12

data

each game. After a 19-day gap between opponents, Moloughney scored twice in two games against RIT, finishing with four points on the weekend. Six days later against Lindenwood, Moloughney scored her 13th goal of the season in Syracuse’s 6-1 victory.

The depth is starting to score, too

While Moloughney has been generally consistent in points production this season, it has often been a challenge for the rest of the Orange to generate secondary scoring. In the first nine games of the year, Moloughney was the only Syracuse player in the CHA’s top 10 for points. Sarah Marchand and Lauren Bellefontaine were the only two players besides Moloughney who even cracked the conference’s top 20.

But during 2022, Syracuse hasn’t had to rely solely on its top scorers. In the last five games, Moloughney hasn’t scored, and the Orange saw six different players score against the Nittany Lions and the Lakers.

That doesn’t mean the top scorers haven’t produced, but Marchand, who had already established herself as an elite passer, has posted five multi-point games since December, scoring 13 points.

In the Jan. 21-22 weekend series against RIT, Marchand took 12 shots and fellow freshman Madison Primeau has also taken the jump as a first-year player with 10 goals this season. “(The freshmen’s) contributions are important,” head coach Paul Flanagan said.

“I’m very happy with them, and I’ve really seen them get better and better.”

Victoria Klimek’s recent offensive production has been crucial for the Orange. In November, Klimek was nowhere near the conference’s top 10 point-scorers list. After recording a hat trick against Penn State in November, Klimek has begun the new year scoring 10 points and leads the Orange with 51 shots.

“She scores lots of goals and always takes really nice shots,” Moloughney said. “You want to follow her because of the way that she from page 12

dragon teammate Nathan Henderson, with the two placing fourth and fifth place among collegians, respectively.

“I’m not usually one to be like ‘Let’s change something,’” Dragon said. “But there is really nothing left to wait for, so I’m just trying to live a little more in the moment.”

With his mile goal completed, Dragon, in his sixth and final season at Syracuse, has added to his already-decorated Syracuse legacy. He has earned three U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Northeast Region titles, five All-Atlantic Coast Conference team honors and has won multiple regional and conference Championships. This season, Dragon has led the Orange in almost every major race, including the ACC and National Collegiate Athletic Association Regional Championships.

Syracuse beat Mercyhurst 4-1 last Saturday, earning its first regular season CHA championship. Victoria Klimek scored the final goal versus the Lakers, leading SU with 51 shots this year. arthur maiorella staff photographer

While Syracuse’s offense has significantly improved, its defense has remained inconsistent. Even during its eight-game unbeaten streak, it allowed many shots and subsequent

goals. In the Orange’s February series at Penn State, SU allowed a combined 101 shots in the two games but only conceded two goals after goaltender Arielle DeSmet recorded the second-most saves in a single game in program history (54), in the second game.

The number of shots and the few goals the Orange were allowing were not sustainable, however, eventually breaking down against the Lakers, where they lost 9-0, their worst loss since 2018.

Allison Small, who came in for DeSmet

after the first period, conceded six goals.

She has been in and out of the lineup during the season, dealing with injuries, but in the last four games she has played in, Small has allowed 18 goals. Flanagan has said multiple times, specifically after a win over Lindenwood, that the defense needs to be more stout.

“It’s great to see our offense explode, and you want to replicate that. But we do need to tighten up defensively,” Flanagan said.

Dragon’s brother, Matt Dragon, a sophomore long distance runner for Syracuse, was in attendance for Dragon’s four-minute mile, just like he was for most of his brother’s races since before Matt began running himself.

Over the years, Matt has become a great training partner and motivator, Dragon said.

Though both of them are Division I runners, neither thinks of themselves as naturally fast.

“Neither of us are super talented runners naturally, but we just love to work hard,” Matt said. “He’s really taught me that if you work hard every single day, you can accomplish crazy things in your sport, and I’ve seen him do it continuously.”

This year is the final season of the brothers’ stint as teammates, but Dragon’s mindset and example will live on in the team because, as both Matt and Bell expressed, Dragon represents what it means to be a “Syracuse guy.”

“Ask anyone on the team, player or coach, and they will tell you that Joe is a perfect rep-

resentation of what it means to be a Syracuse cross-country runner,” Matt said.

This season, Dragon won the Harry Groves Spiked Shoe Invitational at Penn State and led all ACC runners at the Wisconsin Nuttycombe Invitational when he placed 15th. He also finished in 55th place out of 250 runners in the NCAA championship race. “(I) just focus on the next step, I don’t overthink it and I don’t make lofty goals,” Dragon said of his thought process. “I generally don’t think outside the moment. It’s just another day doing what you love.”

Now in their last month as teammates, the Dragon brothers prepare for just two more races, with the first being an indoor 5k at the Cornell Marc Deneault Invitational on Feb. 19, and the last coming at the outdoor NCAA championships in June.

As for Dragon’s trajectory after graduation, he hasn’t committed to pursue a professional running career, though it’s always been in the

back of his mind.

“That’s obviously always been an option, but I never bank on it,” Dragon said. “If the opportunity presents itself and I keep getting better, and I still love it — which is the main thing — then I’ll do it. But I don’t want to just do it because I’m good at it.”

When asked what he will remember most about his time at SU, Dragon spoke of his fond memories playing competitive board games like Catan and Clue. Dragon also cherishes moments with teammates after their hard workouts, which included incline work on Sweed Road and Tully Center strength sessions. The team would sit together in the van, sink into a chair, joke around and just be what they are: “Syracuse guys,” Dragon said.

“There’s only about 15 or 16 people who embody a true ‘Syracuse guy’ and Joe is one of them,” Bell said.

plays on the ice.”

Her recent offensive success has also come in big moments, as Klimek scored the gamewinning goal against Lindenwood on Jan. 29 and sealed Syracuse’s win over Mercyhurst with an empty-net goal on Saturday.

Inconsistent defense

henrywobrien@gmail.com @realhenryobrien

wbmiller@syr.edu

10 feb. 17, 2022

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

men’s basketball

Langford brothers lead BC ahead of Syracuse matchup

By Jason Mazer

contributing writer

When they were young, a typical afternoon for brothers Makai Ashton-Langford and DeMarr Langford Jr. began with the boys begging their father to take them to YMCA for some pickup, which ended with middle-aged adults feeling bad about themselves after losing to the kids.

Since they were three years apart, YMCA was the only place where Makai and DeMarr could play on the same team, testing their skills against bigger, faster and more veteran players.

At that time, the brothers’ basketball IQ, combined with their athleticism, showed they were heading to the next level. Now, the boys are still doing it together, this time at Boston College, where they are the team’s two leading scorers. As a fifth-year senior, Makai averages a team-high 12.4 points and 3.1 assists per game while sophomore DeMarr has become a full-time starter this season, notching just under 11 points per game.

“Getting to play with my brother and see him develop, I could not think of a better way for this to happen,” Makai said.

The Langford brothers followed their parents, Sacha Langford and DeMarr Langford Sr., who met playing basketball at Worcester State.

Both parents were 1,000 point scorers in high school, and they left an impact on the brothers.

“I remember our dad bringing us to the YMCA or the park whenever we had free time,” DeMarr said. “We all just loved the game so much.”

The boys developed after their days at the YMCA, with Makai averaging 22 points, four rebounds and six assists while leading Cushing Academy (Mass.) to the AA New England Prep School Championship.

Makai joined highly touted Brewster Academy (New Hampshire) the next season, and the team went 33-0, winning the National Prep School Championship. Makai also dominated in AAU basketball, leading the Mass Rivals to 21 straight wins and four tournament titles.

“Makai has always been a winner. You can always count on his high energy level and determination to win,” said Vin Pastore, Makai’s AAU coach.

Out of high school, Makai was ranked as the No. 38 overall player and No. 11 point guard

recruit by ESPN. He ultimately enrolled at Providence, but his college career started slow as Makai averaged roughly four points in his first two seasons.

Makai decided to transfer to Boston College at the end of his sophomore season, and after sitting out the 2019-20 season, he posted a 9.6 points per game average in his first year with the Eagles, and his numbers have only improved this season.

“The coaching staff and players around me know and trust the skills I have,” Makai said.

“They give me confidence, telling me to shoot and be a playmaker. My teammates put me in a position to prosper.”

Like his brother, DeMarr was also a highlytouted recruit out of high school. At Brewster, DeMarr ended his senior season 32-1 and was ranked 97th in the class of the 2019 by ESPN. DeMarr stood out as an athletic, stout defender with a strong scoring ability, Pastore said.

For his college decision, DeMarr was between Boston College and NC State and chose to once again play alongside his older brother.

“I tried to take my brother out of the equation and make it about me,” DeMarr said. “But

I couldn’t take him out completely — he is my brother and makes it feel like home.”

DeMarr has increased his scoring by over four points per game from last season and also leads the Eagles in minutes per game (34.7).

As the two leading scorers for BC, much of the Eagles’ success relies on their backcourt duo. Over the years, the brothers developed chemistry that has been evident this year.

“I know where he wants to get the ball and where he is best at scoring,” DeMarr said. “The trust is always there, and I feel like when we are on the same page, the rest of the team feeds off us.”

Syracuse took down BC 73-64 last week, and Saturday’s contest will be the second time the teams have met over a 12-day period. Cole Swider hit five 3s in the win, and Syracuse’s pair of Boeheim brothers combined for 25 points. But Makai struggled, only putting up nine points while going 4-13 from the field. He, along with DeMarr, will look for a bounce-back performance against an SU team they haven’t beaten since either arrived at BC. jdmazer@syr.edu

media cup

Hacks suffer vexation at hands of Fanboys in 58-46 defeat

By W.F. Whence

Oh, how thy streak must end’d. The final whistleth must blow, and the dear Hacks dreameth of emerging victorious proved ever unconqu’rable.

As thy veteran scribes Andrew Crane, Skyler Rivera, Gaurav Shetty and Tim Nolan did check in to thy contest f’r the final timeth, they were jargogled by a rather unusual sight: the Fanboys of WAER vanquishing their recent failures and conquering thy Hacks — what hasn’t been done since the days of Paul Schwedelson.

“All I can say is please beat those a**holes next year,” Nolan quipped post-match.

The succession to fill the lost and missed, whom hadst hath led the dear scribes to a quartet of consecutive victories, beganeth during the days of autumn wherest the air is crisp and the rims are pulpy. The sophomore sensation Tyler Schiff, united with fellow novice scribes Anish Vasudevan, Adam McCaffery and Nick Luttrell, assembled as a lot so assiduous and scrupulous that it seemed the Hacks’ stretch of victoriousness would stretch into the 22nd year of the 21st century as ordained by the Gregorian calendar.

But alas, it wasn’t to be. The recruitment and promotion of the incredibly novice and tall Fanboy Thomas Cook, a gentleman promoted just mere days before the event as part of a “10-day contract,” per undisclosed Fanboy sources, created a scene never rendered before in front of the Hacks. Cook’s placement of the ball through the nylon mere seconds into timekeeping proved symbolic of the whipping the 6-foot-7 Fanboy would hand the scribes throughout the Hacks’ 58-46 defeat. In the gathering inside the enclave that is thy Carrier Dome, the Hacks proved unable to once again conquer the Fanboys.

“It’s not a rivalry if the same team wins every year,” scribe Roshan Fernandez said.

As the roundball worked its majesty, spinning around the arc from scribe to scribe, radio nerd to radio nerd, the Fanboys gained rule over the early stretch, successfully acquiring a lead of eight counts to none briefly after timekeeping hath started.

But thy Hacks proved to possess no quit and tied the orbe score by the midway point of the 40-minute affair, as dictated by the gentleman in chargeth. A play for the ages, created by one of the Hacks’ leaders, created an urge and filled the arena with energy. The clueless Fanboy drove to the cup, seeking a score, but instead it was Vasudevan’s two hands — right and left — that emerged victorious in the one-on-one battle, swatting the shot and sending the poor radio nerd to the floor in defeat. Schiff’s pass on the court’s other end found beloved headman

Connor Smith in the corner for a needed heave that added three counts to the scribe’s name.

The sensation, fueled by his endless rehearsals in the nights before the great roundball event, proved to the cockalorums that thy advantage had zero safekeeping. After heaving and successfully swishing yet another score, Schiff placed a sole index finger to his lips directly in front of the Fanboys’ gathering place.

“We’re here,” Schiff told the hated Fanboys.

“Let’s make it five in a row.”

The sensation’s team-high 16 points created a close contest that stretched into the late hours of the night as moon and snowflakes gained great control, yet no side could gain the likewise advantage on the great court of Jim Boeheim. Nolan, attempting to fill the void left by the great scribe and captain Danny Emerman, oozed confidence and coolness. But his heaves — one as unsuccessful as the next — couldn’t find the net’s rear.

As the game’s intensity heightened, a record-breaking crowd became as earsplitting as man could imagine, and the great court’s luck (and unluck) proved to hath emerged. A unique prayer heaved by a prancing McCaffery from thy left edge of the wing found glass, and glass found net.

“Finish strong on three, one … two … three!” head scribe Rivera bantered during one timeout, trying to move her team into the game’s advantage. Alas, though, the snollygosters that compose the WAER radio station thwarted any chance for a comeback behind the luck of their charity stripe theatrics and work their headman had put into bribing an out-of-touch officiator. Even the valiant efforts of the handler of thy great 230 Euclid cowbell — because any great club needs more cowbell — couldn’t stop the bloweth of the zebra’s whistleth and the swishes from the line.

The finish was not the one the Hacks hath seeked entering the night, but alas, next year, after a year of the great Earth orbiting the Sun, the opportunity to vanquish rivals will trump all.

“WAER is kind of like a one-hit-wonder artist that manages to come out with a good song every five years,” Crane said.

“Occasionally good, but not consistently great enough to stay above the radar of relevance. I think we saw that over my four years of Media Cup games. The future is bright for The D.O., so the Fanboys’ win was definitely a fluke.”

W.F. Whence is a germanificated staff sculptor for The Daily Orange, where he regermanificated to sculpt this glistening prose.

Adam McCaffery, a novice scribe who led the Hacks against the Fanboys, converted a 3-pointer in the second half. meghan hendricks photo editor

dailyorange.com

feb. 17, 2022 11

CLASSIFIEDS Affordable Off-Campus Housing All Energy Star Homes Best Values on The Hill Prices Start at $350 / Bedroom Euclid, Sumner, Madison, Westcott, Lancaster and many other areas

Free installation of Fresh-Aire UV germicidal system for air and surface disinfection of SARS!

315-422-0709 rentals@universityhill.com

www.universityhill.com

Private room and bathroom available in the Marshall

AUDI/VW (used) 7 Days Sales - 40 Years *Good/Bad Credit!!

-New Energy Star Stainless Steel Refrigerator, Stove, Dishwasher -Energy Star Furnace, 92% Efficient and zoned heating in single family homes -Energy Star Coin-Operated Washer & Dryers for each apartment in basements -Basement Glass Block Windows -New Energy Star Windows -LED Lighting -Granite Kitchen Counter Tops -Free Parking -No Extra Fees/Charges -Exterior Security Lighting on each side of house

All Saints Catholic Church Where All Are Welcome!

1342 Lancaster Ave Syracuse, NY 13210

Willing to drop price below market.

Inquire for details: 917-992-0006

Service 315-789-2200 SelectEuroCars.com

Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays: 3-3:45pm in church OR call Fr. Fred at 315-530-8995 Daily Liturgy: 11:30am

Weekend Masses:

Saturday – 4:00pm ~ (Traditional Music) Sunday – 9:00am ~ (Gospel Choir) AND 11:30am ~ (Contemporary Music)

For information call our Office M-Th, 9am to 2pm: 315-472-9934

Activate your FREE subscription to syracuse.com Sign up for a FREE subscription to syracuse.com, and you’ll get a chance to win one of TEN $100 Visa gift cards.

Registering for your free subscription is easy. No catch.

No credit card required. No automatic renewal.

Just free access to: • Your favorite teams and SU Sports coverage • New restaurants, local events and shopping • Local, community and campus news Enter to win -

http://contest.syracuse.com/Syracuse-University-Student-Digital-Readership/

Affordable Off-Campus Housing

Free installation of Fresh-Aire UV germicidal system for air and surface disinfection of SARS!

All Energy Star Homes Best Values on The Hill Prices Start at $350 / Bedroom Euclid, Sumner, Madison, Westcott, Lancaster and many other areas

315-422-0709 rentals@universityhill.com

www.universityhill.com

-New Energy Star Stainless Steel Refrigerator, Stove, Dishwasher -Energy Star Furnace, 92% Efficient and zoned heating in single family homes -Energy Star Coin-Operated Washer & Dryers for each apartment in basements -Basement Glass Block Windows -New Energy Star Windows -LED Lighting -Granite Kitchen Counter Tops -Free Parking -No Extra Fees/Charges -Exterior Security Lighting on each side of house

Sports

dailyorange.com sports@dailyorange.com

pag e 12

feb. 17, 2022

Joe Girard III, Syracuse’s point guard and assists leader, considers his shoe collection the best on the team. Girard estimated that he has roughly 70 pairs of shoes in his closet. corey henry senior staff photographer

FRESH KICKS Joe Girard III said he has the best shoe game on Syracuse’s team, with over 80 pairs of shoes in his collection

By Gaurav Shetty staff writer

W

hen Joe Girard III was in middle school, his mom Arleen Girard would bring him and his cousins to the mall. It was there that Girard remembers getting his first pair of Starburys, a shoe worn by former NBA star Stephon Marbury.

He’d ask for those Starburys multiple times, eventually racking up six pairs in different colors.

“The only way I would get him to go to the store or the mall is if we promised to go to Dick’s Sporting Goods or Foot Locker,” Arleen said.

Now, Girard’s collection has spread past just Starburys, and he estimated that he has roughly 70 pairs of shoes stowed away in his closet. Girard joked that his mom always tried to count the number of shoes in his closet, and Arleen said, “he has more than 80 here, I can tell you.” What started with

a desire to match his uniform with his shoes evolved into a collection that Girard and Arleen have added to over the years. Because of his collection, Girard claims to have the best shoe game on the team.

“Benny’s pretty close. Symir’s got some good ones. But I think I got them beat,” Girard said, laughing.

Arleen said that Girard’s love of shoes originated when he was about five years old, when he began playing organized basketball. Girard grew up in a basketball family because his dad was a coach, so Arleen said he had an idea of what a basketball player looked like.

Eventually, Girard’s desire to match uniforms led to him needing many new pairs of shoes, since his team’s colors changed when his basketball career took off. Once, the color scheme was green and black, then red and black and now orange and blue.

“It’s a hobby and a passion,” Girard said. “Just something I love to do, rather than picking up cards or collecting cards or stuff like that.”

see girard page 9

ice hockey

track and field

The numbers behind SU’s CHA title Dragon reflects on running career at SU Henry O’Brien

asst. digital editor

Through Syracuse’s first 10 games of the season, it had a 3-5-2 record and a -8 goal differential. Outside of an overtime loss to Clarkson, the Orange lost every game by at least two goals, including a 7-1 loss to then-No. 3 Colgate.

Once the College Hockey America season began, SU started facing mostly conference opponents like RIT, Mercyhurst and Penn State.

The Orange started to pick up more wins, with crucial victories like a dominant 6-3 victory over the Nittany Lions, but they still finished

2021 with a 6-9-4 record.

Since then, the Orange have gone 7-1-2, which included a twogame sweep at the “Battle at the Burgh” tournament and led to the program’s first regular-season CHA title in history.

Some of the issues that plagued Syracuse early on vanished, as the offense has seen its top forwards go on hot streaks. But as the Orange head into the playoffs, other problems still remain.

Here are the statistics that break down Syracuse’s recent success en route to the number one seed in the conference:

Abby Moloughney’s dominant play since the start of 2022

Even when the Orange’s offense was struggling early on, Moloughney was their best offensive weapon.

But since the beginning of January, Moloughney has led all Syracuse forwards with 13 points. Moloughney has had eight multi-point games this season, with half of them coming in January. She is SU’s only skater in the NCAA’s top 50 point scorers and ranks sixth in points, fifth in points per game and fourth in goals per game in the CHA. In the “Battle of the Burgh,” Moloughney scored at least one goal see data page 9

By Wyatt Miller staff writer

Joe Dragon hadn’t run the mile since high school. But in December, when head coach Brien Bell believed Dragon was ready to tackle a new event six years into his Syracuse career, he jumped at the chance.

Bell had Dragon doing SU’s routine mileage training, but he incorporated a variety of speed workouts, like 200- and 300meter sprints. Dragon’s ultimate

goal was to break a four-minute mile, and in December, his weekly mileage was reduced by around 10 miles to prepare for the event.

Dragon trained at a pace faster than a four-minute mile in order to make his body comfortable at that speed to make race speed feel easier, he said.

Eventually, on Jan. 30, Dragon reached his goal at the John Thomas Terrier Invitational, barely breaking the four-minute mark at 3:59.19, just before his see dragon page 9