The Aquilian - September 2023 - Vol. 85 No.1

Remembering Joe Reyda '85: a Gonzaga legend gone too soon

STORY Billy Cannon '24, Managing Editor

PHOTOS Mikey Williams '24

Gonzaga has lost a legend. Student. Teacher. Assistant dean of students. Assistant coach. Head Coach. Assistant athletic director. Athletic Director. Mr. Reyda. Coach Reyda. Joe.

Mr. Joseph J. Reyda '85 held many roles during his time on Eye Street and was known to many different people by many different names. The beloved longtime athletic director passed away suddenly on June 27, 2023, leaving behind an indelible mark on the Gonzaga community. For 42 years, Mr. Reyda was a fixture at Gonzaga, from the time he first stepped foot on campus in 1981 as a freshman up until his passing. He never really left Gonzaga, graduating in 1985 and then returning in 1986 as an assistant football coach while still attending Catho-

lic University. Assistant football coach was just one of the many hats he wore on campus, along with member of Student Services, head football coach, head golf coach, assistant athletic director and, most famously, athletic director.

“I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that in the history of Gonzaga he was one of the three or four most influential people to walk on [...] campus,” said former Gonzaga faculty member and longtime friend of Mr. Reyda Mr. Bill Whitaker.

As athletic director, Mr. Joe Reyda changed Gonzaga sports forever. When he was hired in 2001, Gonzaga had 14 varsity sports teams on campus. During his tenure, Gonzaga added four varsity sports, including water polo, squash, indoor track and fencing. Across those 18 sports, Gonzaga won 183 championships while he was athletic director.

Mr. Reyda cared equally about all 18 of his

athletic teams. Shortly after his passing, The Washington Post ranked Gonzaga the top boys’ private athletic program in the area. These are just a few of the many accomplishments of Mr. Joe Reyda during his time at Gonzaga.

However, athletics wasn’t the only way he affected the Gonzaga community. Mr. Reyda was a true man for others, so much so that his obituary in The Washington Post began with that phrase. He impacted countless people on Eye Street, and even in the WCAC, whether he knew them personally or not. At his wake, the evening before his funeral, a line stretched to H Street of people coming to pay their respects.

More than 2,500 people viewed the livestream of his funeral. More than a month after his death, alumnus Mr. Derrell Bouknight '15, who now works for CBS Sports, spoke about Mr. Reyda’s legacy on his podcast First and Told with reporter Chad Ricardo.

Those who knew him best remembered his humility and patience as the qualities that impacted them the most.

“He never wanted credit for any […] championships. It was always about the players and the coaches,” said assistant athletic director Mr. Terry Kernan '08, who both played for Mr. Reyda as a student and worked with him as a colleague.

Mr. Whitaker echoed Mr. Kernan’s sentiment. “Joe was just Joe,” Mr. Whitaker said. “[He] was an incredible man of faith, family and for Gonzaga.”

Mr. Reyda was also one of the best leaders Gonzaga has ever seen.

“[My favorite part of working with Coach Reyda was] just watching him do his job […] and the passion that he did it with,” Mr. Kernan said. “He […] showed me the proper work ethic that it takes to run this place and the love that he had for Gonzaga.”

Collin Smith '24 recalled a time Mr. Reyda’s work impacted him.

“When the Sports Broadcasting Club became a larger part of Gonzaga athletics, Coach Reyda told me numerous times how much he loved us doing the games courtside. When basketball took on the top-ranked St. Paul VI, the game quickly

sold out. Even with a jam-packed Carmody Center, Coach Reyda found a small table for us to broadcast the game from the sideline; it was truly a highlight of my time here,” Smith said.

While he may be gone, Mr. Reyda’s presence is still felt on Gonzaga’s campus in many different ways. At the end of the Mass of the Holy Spirit, bracelets in remembrance of Mr. Reyda were handed out to all the students and faculty. Before the football team’s home opener against Calvert Hall, a moment of silence was observed in his memory.

At each 25-yard line, the initials “JR” have been painted. The football team is wearing a helmet sticker reading “Coach Reyda '85” to honor him this season. In the new locker room, there is an empty locker set aside with a “Coach Reyda” nameplate above it. The athletic department conference room has left Mr. Reyda’s seat at the head of the table empty, with a sign reading: “Joe will always have a seat at our table. Remembering a life full of faith, friendship and example. AMDG.”

Since his passing, many people have stepped up to help the athletic department recover. Specifically, Mr. Kernan and Mr. Marshall Marks '14, Mr. Reyda’s assistant athletic directors, have been instrumental in the recovery of the athletic department. Ms. Penny Lynch, the head athletic trainer, has been appointed as a third assistant athletic director;her appointment was in the works before Mr. Reyda passed, but she and the other assistant athletic directors and varsity coaches have been instrumental in helping the hole Mr. Reyda left behind. Mr. Jim Kilroy, the assistant headmaster for student life, has also contributed greatly.

“Everyone just kind of picked up the pieces together of this unbelievable legacy that Coach Reyda left,” Mr. Marks said.

Gonzaga has begun a nationwide search for a new athletic director, but no one will be able to fill the void Mr. Reyda left behind.

Left: Joe Reyda '85 celebrates the 2018 WCAC Championship. Right: A banner celebrating Joe Reyda is flown at Gonzaga Football's first home game on Sept. 1.

Gonzaga staff members proudly display their Joe Reyda '85 wristbands. Photo submitted.

Gonzaga welcomes new teachers and staff

Ms. JoEllen Gray Math Teacher

After 26 years of teaching at Elizabeth Seton High School in Bladensburg, Md., Mrs. Gray decided to try something new and chose to make Gonzaga the next step in her career.

Mrs. Gray traces her desire to teach math all the way back to high school.

“I knew I wanted to make math more fun and accessible to students,” Mrs. Gray said.

Mrs. Gray is drawn to the spirituality of Gonzaga, even describing it as a place where one can “feel God’s presence.”

Fun Fact: Mrs. Gray and Mr. Paul Buckley, chair of the math department, even worked at Seton together for several years, as did Mrs. Teresa Jackson, chair of the English department.

Be sure to wish Mrs. Gray a happy birthday on May 17. She will thank you for it!

Ms. Molly Flynn Fine Arts Teacher

Coming from St. John’s High School, Ms. Flynn is Eye Street’s newest fine arts teacher. Originally from Silver Spring, Md., Ms. Flynn attended the Academy of the Holy Cross while her two brothers and father attended Gonzaga.

“I was drawn at first to Gonzaga because of its focus on service, and I look forward to exploring the wide array of service opportunities here at Gonzaga,” Ms. Flynn said.

Ms. Flynn’s passion for the arts goes back to a young age.

“I’ve always been drawing, painting, and making things,” Ms. Flynn said, which inspired her to choose a career in fine arts.

The teaching doesn’t stop in the classroom for Ms. Flynn, as she also is a part-time barre instructor.

Mr. Timothy O’Shaughnessy Social Studies Teacher

Originally from Madison, Conn., Mr. O’Shaughnessy first taught at Cardozo High School before taking a job at a charter school in Southeast Washington, DC. Mr. O’Shaughnessy, who attended Loyola University Maryland, wanted to try teaching at a Jesuit high school.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher because I enjoyed working with kids in Boy Scouts and on my sports teams,” Mr. O’Shaughnessy said. “I wanted to teach history because, unlike math, there is no one, right answer to an argument as long as one can back up their claim with sufficient evidence.”

Mr. O’Shaughnessy is a professional photographer outside of the classroom and has covered many cultural/social events around the greater Washington, DC area.

Mr. DeAndre Davis, learning specialist: Mr. Davis is Gonzaga’s newest addition to the Center for Academic Excellence. Prior to Gonzaga, Mr. Davis spent two years as a high school Autism program teacher and two years as an elementary Special Education teacher.

“When I was in high school, we did a program with special needs students. So that was really fun when I was younger, the skills required to be a teacher just naturally fell into me. Growing up, my coaches were impactful to me and made me want to be a coach when I got older,” said Mr. Davis.

On why he chose Gonzaga, Mr. Davis says “The community and the energy drew me here... But I was just curious just to see, you know, jokingly like what the hype is about.”

An addition to Eye Street this past spring, Dr. Van der Waag is excited to be sharing his passion for religion with his students. Originally from Long Island, he has lived in North Carolina, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia before coming back to Washington, DC in 2006. Dr. Van der Waag has taught several high schools and colleges over the years, including Georgetown University, Catholic University and Bishop McNamara High School. After taking a brief pause from teaching, Dr. Van der Waag missed being in the classroom and applied for an open teaching position at Gonzaga.

“I have enjoyed teaching at Gonzaga thoroughly and look forward to continuing to develop relationships with my students,” Dr. Van der Waag said.

Mr. Shepherd returns to his alma mater. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Mr. Shepherd spent one year as a member of Gonzaga’s Alumni Service Corps before joining the staff at the Washington Jesuit Academy.

“I am excited to be back home and to be a part of building the future classes of Gonzaga,” Mr. Shepherd said.

From Massapequa Park, N.Y., Fr. Nolan is the new director of Campus Ministry at Gonzaga. As a Jesuit, Fr. Nolan has taught and served at schools in the Pacific Islands of Micronesia and most recently at Boston College High School.

“I look forward to being part of a great team in Campus Ministry!”

Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Ms. Lynch had experience doing clinical rotations at several schools in the area.

“I am passionate about what I do because I get to rehabilitate students back to participating in their favorite sport and doing the things they love,” Ms. Lynch said.

From Akon, Ohio, Mr. Rizzo joins the Campus Ministry team. After spending the last eight years in Jesuit institutions in Cleveland, Mr. Rizzo is “looking forward to immersing [himself] into the Gonzaga community.”

Mr. Rizzo looks forward to “ building community at Gonzaga as well as in the greater DC area through shared experiences.”

Originally from Scranton, Penn., Mr. Nye teaches Latin here on Eye Street. He attended a Jesuit high school and college and is “a firm believer in, and a product of, the Jesuit mission of teaching both the mind and the soul.”

Originally from Baldwin, N.Y., Ms. Mask comes to Gonzaga from Paul Public Charter School, where she worked as a guidance counselor.

“I was first drawn to Gonzaga after I went to the WCAC basketball playoffs and saw a sea of purple,” said Ms. Mask and knew instantly that she wanted to play a role in the Gonzaga community.

Outside of her job, Ms. Mask says she enjoys shopping, traveling, spending time with friends and exploring Washington, DC.

Robert Horan '12 Assistant Director of Educational Technology

Returning to his alma mater first as a member of the Alumni Service Corps and now as the assistant director of educational technology, Mr. Horan comes from Bishop O’Connell, where he worked as an Educational Technologist and AV Teacher.

“I am looking forward to working with students and faculty on projects in the Innovation Commons. I love when a student has an ‘aha moment’... I love guiding students through projects and encouraging them to share their creations with the school community,” Mr. Horan said.

Mr. Pielmeier returns to his alma mater after many years of teaching experience. Starting out as a graduate assistant at the University of Maryland, Mr. Pielmeier then took a job at Potomac High School for eight years before teaching at Justice High School for nineteen years. At Gonzaga, Mr. Pielmeier currently teaches AP US History and AP US Government.

“These courses help students develop skills in order to be active citizens,” Mr. Pielmeier said.

In his free time, Mr. Pielmeier enjoys reading, golfing, and spending time with his family.

Religion Teacher

Having taught theology at the high school level for forty years, Mrs. Gallagher is Eye Street’s newest religion teacher.

“Most recently, as Special Advisor to the Jesuit Curia for Ignatian School Projects, I have contributed to curriculum development for both students and new faculty for the Jesuit Curia, the Jesuit Conference, the Jesuit Schools Network and Educate Magis,” Mrs. Gallagher said.

Mrs. Gallagher is excited to pursue her passion for teaching religion here at Gonzaga.

Coming from the Field School where Ms. Ciccone was director of college counseling for six years, Ms. Ciccone is an important new addition to Eye Street. Before the Field School, Ms. Ciccone worked at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart and Georgetown Prep as a college counselor.

“I started my career as an English teacher, but wanted to play a different role in the school community, one where I could still work with students,” Ms. Ciccone said.

When not working, Ms. Ciccone enjoys trying new food and traveling internationally.

Ms. Andrea Mask Social Worker

Mr. Tyler Nye Classics Teacher

Mr. Aaron Shepherd '10 Assistant Dean of Admissions

Dr. Robert Van der Waag Religion Teacher

Mr. Doug Pielmeier '83 Social Studies Teacher

Mr. DeAndre Davis Learning Specialist

Ms. Narasha Lynch Athletic Trainer

Fr. Patrick Nolan, SJ Director of Campus Ministry & Ignatian Identity

Mr. Vince Rizzo Assistant Director of Campus Ministry

Ms. Amy Ciccone College Counselor

Mr.

Ms. Marianne Gallagher

Learning continues for students on summer immersion trips

These students made the most of their summer. They built a house, building wooden walls with hammers and nails. They surveyed migration on our Southern border. They repaired buildings and worked on a farm.

Each year, Gonzaga brothers have the opportunity to spend a week away from home doing service across the country and internationally. If you are serious about living the Grad at Grad and bettering yourself while serving others, then you should consider applying to go on one of these trips next spring.

As Gonzaga men, we challenge ourselves to love, be men of faith, commit to acting in service to the greater good of society and be open to growth. The immersion trips give students a powerful way to act on the mission that Gonzaga aspires to live by and helps students live up to the values Gonzaga strives to embody. Students can do this through their actions, and these trips allow students to serve as St. Ignatius instructed: “Love ought to show itself in deeds more than words.”

In doing God’s work, students can gain an appreciation for what they have taken for granted, and they gain perspective by exiting their bubbles, getting out of their comfort zone, being intentional and living simply in solidarity with others. They retreat from technology to strengthen their relationships through dialogue and surrender their comforts to experience how the less fortunate live their lives daily.

You can personally contribute to the mission of Gonzaga, as your efforts put Gonzaga at the forefront of these service initiatives nationally and worldwide. You get to determine your legacy in this world, but it’s up to you to not only acknowledge your values but to act on them.

The U.S./ Mexico border, Belize and Kansas City are just three of many places in America or abroad that Gonzaga students visited this summer.

Gonzaga students on our Southern United States border worked with the Kino Border Initiative, whose mission is to offer direct humanitarian assistance to migrants through its soup kitchen, nursing clinic and family shelter. They witness firsthand the suffering and desperation and hear varying viewpoints on the wall and lack of resources. They talked with the border patrol and the problems they were having.

Reed Gray '24 reflected upon his service trip experience.

“You could actually see the fruits of your labor and see that you’re actually making a difference for people. […] That was the most rewarding. You’ll just have an experience like no other no matter where you go. And there’s just nothing like it,” Gray said.

Gray did not miss his technology for the week.

summer

first service trip to Belize City, Belize. Photo from Campus Ministry

“You become close with the people around you. [...] There are these experiences with people that you’ll just not get in any other situation,” Gray said. Gray felt like he became really connected with the people he served with and those he served.

“It’s a week away from your life and a week stepping into the shoes of their life,” he said.

While some students learned about tensions at the border, other Gonzaga students made history on the first-ever service trip to Belize City.

Gonzaga students in Belize worked with Hand in Hand Ministries to build a house for an impoverished family in need of a home. They witnessed firsthand the poverty, lack of infrastructure and access to necessities affecting the people of Belize. They visited kids at the Hand in Hand school, learned about HIV/aids treatment for kids at the Hand in Hand clinic and toured the Jesuit high school St. John’s.

Jack Kosch '24 shared about his experience in Belize.

“Out of everything you do at Gonzaga, there are probably at least in my mind five life-changing experiences during your time here. I would say that going on an immersion trip is definitely one of them,” Kosch said.

Making new friends was an important piece of his time abroad.

“I was able to become friends with a lot of guys that I feel like I otherwise never really would have

gotten to know,” Kosch said. Kosch thinks all of the service trips offer opportunities to change how people think.

“No matter which one you go on, it will change the way that you think about your whole life, in general, so I would highly recommend it to anybody who is thinking about doing it,” Kosch said.

The Gonzaga students who went on the Kansas City, Mo. trip may not have traveled far, but they were lucky to get to know one of the newest faces in campus ministry. Fr. Nolan is now serving as the school’s director of Campus Ministry and Ignatian Identity.

“There’s a noticeable spirit here and I think that’s the holy spirit. There is a sense of goodness and of service, and I just hope to invite students to deepen their awareness of the spirit and draw closer to Jesus,” Fr. Nolan said.

He suggests that students engage in activities such as retreats and immersion trips “to encounter Jesus in amazing ways and to develop habits of prayer and service and mass that they’re gonna take with them into the future.”

The Gonzaga students who served with Fr. Nolan in Kansas City served at Jerusalem Farm and lived in a community with another Jesuit high school. They lived simply, doing farm work and construction projects on homes in under-served neighborhoods. The students learned about Catholic social teaching and the local community

showed them what it means to live the gospel through their service to others, prayer and Mass. Fr. Nolan who went on the trip shares about the value of immersion trips. Fr. Nolan reveals how the lack of phones and comforts allows boys to get to know one another on a deeper level.

“[These trips] facilitate encounters with the people you’re going to serve and the people you work alongside,” he said.

Fr. Nolan believes that immersing oneself in service, brotherhood and worship helps one open oneself to God, self-reflect and gain clarity, direction and even purpose in daily life.

“[While on Immersion trips], you need to depend on others and have a sense of openness to the presence of God. You are able to see God better than in everyday life,” he said. He believes students come to learn more about their “consumptions, possessions and prayer [life].”

“I hope to get to know the community and encourage folks to say hello and introduce themselves,” Fr. Nolan said.

To get involved in service opportunities at Gonzaga or for more information on service trips, visit the Campus Ministry offices on the first floor of Dooley Hall.

Kino Border Initiative trip: a moving experience for students

STORY Luke Gormsen '24, Editor-in-Chief

Over the summer, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend the U.S.-Mexico border immersion trip. It was an incredible experience all thanks to the organization who was kind enough to take us in: Kino Border Initiative. Kino is a fantastic organization doing great things for its community.

First, it is necessary to get to know what is happening on the border that makes Kino so vital.

More than 80% of those who come to the border hoping to be granted entrance into the U.S. are escaping from violence in their home country, a

vast difference from less than 10 years ago when economic opportunities in the United States were the main pull factor. The asylum process, in which migrants who are trying to gain refuge in the United States must prove that they are in danger of legitimate persecution if they return to their home country, is extremely complex and difficult to start, leaving migrants stranded in Mexican border cities, such as Nogales, while waiting for an appointment to plead their asylum case.

These migrants have no connections in these cities that they are stuck in while waiting weeks for their asylum appointments and are often left unhoused with no prospects. However, Kino wants to change that.

Established in 2008, the Kino Border Initiative was founded in the communities of Nogales, Arizona and Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. Initially just a single van on the Mexican side of the border serving food and essential goods to immigrants deported from the United States, Kino has blossomed into a multi-national organization working to promote humane, just and workable migration through several tactics.

“We provide humanitarian assistance in Nogales, Mexico to families who are stranded there,” Joanna Williams, executive director of Kino Border Initiative stated about the services provided at Kino’s headquarters. “That includes serving meals, providing shelter and offering medical care. We also seek to create a peaceful and healing space where people can thoughtfully consider their next steps, including through the support of psychologists and social workers as well as through legal orientation and assistance in the U.S. and Mexico.”

Kino works to provide holistic accompaniment and migrant integration services to families seeking entry into the United States, and their work provides essential care for hundreds of people on the border who need it the most.

Along with the holistic care Kino provides, they also work to foster change on a global scale through their numerous programs.

“We work towards a more humane and just approach to the border by growing understanding, empathy and solidarity with the people here through our educational programming (such as welcoming down the Gonzaga immersion group) and advocating for humane and just policy in the US and Mexico,” Ms. Williams said.

With services in immersion group education, policy change for more humane immigration and

outreach to former residents at Kino who are arguing their asylum cases in the United States to provide support, it is clear to see the impact Kino has beyond just the Nogales community.

If you turn on the news and see a feature about immigration and the border, it is more than likely that you will see newscasters broadcasting the issue as full of fear and suffering for all involved. However, the headlines never seem to pull back the curtains and truly see the people and humanity on the border.

“The reality of our space is that it is full of joy and hope and even just ordinary life,” commented Ms. Williams. “We have shelter guests playing basketball, we celebrate birthdays and baptisms, and we just come together around meals or simple chores like sweeping the floor […]. They are ordinary moms and dads and young people just like the ones at Gonzaga who, because of their life circumstances, have had to make difficult decisions to seek safety and stability.”

Despite being so geographically far away from the border, Gonzaga students who attended the trip learned that Americans have a responsibility as men for others to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are fleeing persecution and looking for a better, safer life. Whether through donating to Kino to help them continue to provide food and clothes for their shelter or going out of your comfort zone and applying for the incredible experience that is the US-Mexico border immersion trip, the Gonzaga community should always stay connected in service to Kino and all that they do to serve those in society who are most in need.

This past

was Gonzaga’s

“They are ordinary moms and dads and young people just like the ones at Gonzaga who, because of their life circumstances, have had to make difficult decisions to seek safety and stability.”

STORY Thomas Martino '24, Senior Staff Writer

Students had a moving experience at the Kino Border Initiative and were challenged to continue their service as advocates at home. Photo from Campus Ministry

A letter to underclassmen: it’s time to get involved

Freshman and sophomore years are pivotal times for every Gonzaga student. While it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of new classes and the pressure to excel academically, it is still crucial not to miss out on the essential experiences of these early years.

Beyond grades and coursework, your first years at Gonzaga are a time for you to grow as a person. You should not restrict your high school experience to only focus on academics; instead, consider joining clubs, participating in sports and being open to meeting new people.

With Gonzaga offering a multitude of sports, finding the one that you love can be a perfect opportunity to stay active and meet new people. Still, if sports are not your thing, then you can probably find your passion at one of the over 30 clubs Gonzaga offers.

Whether you’re passionate about community service, art, music, debate or science, there’s likely a club that aligns with your interests. So, with the club fair being right around the corner, now is the perfect time to find a club you love. However, unless you want your notifications to be flooded with emails do not sign up for every club you see. Take your time and talk to the people running the booths that way you can see if the club fits your interests.

Much like sports, participating in clubs can be a fantastic way to meet new people and develop new friendships. Finding a club you enjoy introduces you to individuals who have similar interests to yourself. Still, the clubs you join may inspire a lifelong passion or maybe just have funny conversations every meeting all you have to do is sign up and take a chance.

service is not the only way to have personal and collective growth.

Participating in retreats, immersion trips, prayer services, daily Masses and outdoor confessions are also integral parts of the Gonzaga experience, each helping to shape you into men for and with others. We encourage you to look towards these events as times to grow in your faith, your fellow students, and your relationship with God.

academics.”

Service is another great way to be involved in the Gonzaga community. Being an integral part of becoming a man for others’ service allows for personal and collective growth. Its importance extends far beyond checking off a requirement, as through service, you not only make a positive impact on the lives of others but the entire Gonzaga community. But

We

The

Aquilian Staff

Luke Gormsen '24

Editor-in-Chief

Billy Cannon '24

Managing Editor

Andrew Lavella '24

Layout & Design Editor

Jackson Brewer '24

Art Director

Will Prisco '25

Photo Editor

Assistant Layout & Design Editor

George Koutrouvelis '25

Opinions Editor

Enzo Bunag '25

News Editor

As upperclassmen, we encourage you to get something meaningful out of the service you do. Approach it not as a mandatory task but as a meaningful way to give back to your community. Take advantage of the McKenna Center’s service opportunities, and try to actively engage with the people you are helping. After all, Gonzaga is built on the value of being committed to doing justice.

However, we know that balancing academics and activities can be quite daunting at times, so if you ever feel overwhelmed, it is important to always keep in mind that you are not alone. If

need you!

The Aquilian staff is always looking for more writers, photographers and design artists! If you enjoy proofreading your friends’ papers and are good with PTs, we are also looking for a copy editor. Please visit us at the club fair, e-mail us at aquilian@gonzaga.org, find one of our editors or see Mrs. Jackson in K23 to get involved!

you are struggling academically, don’t be afraid to seek help and guidance from the many teachers and staff members at Gonzaga. Every teacher at Gonzaga wants you to succeed, so never be afraid to go to office hours and ask for help. In addition to your teacher, there are also a whole collection of people working to make sure you stay on track both academically and mentally. Mr. Morgan, your class counselor, is there to support you in your endeavors whatever they may be, Mr. Davis is ready to help those who may have struggles with their Gonzaga learning experience and Ms. Mask is available to help anyone who may be having a tough time outside of school. Remember, Gonzaga’s spirit is often not found in textbooks or emails but rather in the cheers at football games and the laughter shared over lunch tables. While these moments may seem insignificant at times, they are the heart of your time at Gonzaga. So, cherish the bonds and memories you form during your time here, as they will likely become some of the most enduring and meaningful relationships and moments in your life.

Read our paper, and take our monthly news quiz!

Each month, we invite you to take our news quiz after you read our paper! The quiz is open to anyone in the Gonzaga community. Simply, read our paper, scan the QR code below and take the quiz.

Anyone who scores a perfect score will be eligible for a prize. We will draw a winner next week on WZAG, so you have just ONE week to read the paper and take our quiz. Scan below!

How to Submit a Letter to the Editor or Story Idea

The Aquilian staff would love to hear from you! If you have something that you want our staff to know, drop us a line by e-mailing aquilian@gonzaga.org.

We are always looking for story ideas. Please review our guidelines for letters to the editor!

Joey Bunag '25

Features Editor

Kyle Merkle '25

Arts & Culture Editor

Luke Essig '24 & Max Diaz '24

Sports Editors

Alex Guilarini '26 & Ryan Scott '26

Assistant News Editors

Matthew Kennedy '25

Assistant Features Editor

Brendan Rohde '24

Assistant Opinions Editor

Thomas Martino '24

Senior Staff Writer

Peter Allen '25, Michael Bicksel '25, Hayden Burnside '26, Henry Calpin '25, Michael Licamele '25 & Collin Smith '24

Staff Writers

Jackson Brewer '24, Joey Bunag '25, Francisco Gonzalez '25 & Mikey Williams '24

Photographers

Mrs. Teresa Clancy Jackson Moderator

Mr. Ciaran Freeman

Assistant Moderator

Spacial Thanks to Ms. Mary Kate Kimiecik, Mr. Conrad Singh & Ms. Renee Spencer

Mission Statement

The Aquilian is a student newspaper published by the newspaper class at Gonzaga College High School. It is established as an open forum intended for the free and uninhibited exchange of ideas between the students and staff. Its purpose is to inform, educate and incite thought and debate regarding school, local and national issues. All articles and editorials are written in an entertaining, yet informative way that maintains journalistic integrity.

Editorial Policy

The views printed in The Aquilian do not necessarily reflect the views of the moderators, staff or Gonzaga College High School. Editorials represent the opinion of the editorial board of editors and are not necessarily of the Gonzaga College High School administration or faculty. Commentaries on our opinion page represent the opinion of the writer or guest commentator and are not necessarily of the Gonzaga College High School administration or faculty. Letters to the Editors are encouraged and welcome. Any letter submitted is subject to editing for length, content and grammar although the intended meaning of the letter will not be changed. Anonymous letters to the editor will not be printed; signed letters to the editor may be printed depending on space availability. The Aquilian is a member of the Journalism Education Association (JEA). This news magazine is student-created in an academic setting. We regret that errors can and will occur. However, the school staff, newspaper students, moderators, publisher and school administration are not liable for errors, missing information, photos or lost material.

“You should not restrict your high school experience to only focus on

Peter Allen '25 speaks at a Model U.N. event.

Guest column: SGA has high hopes for academic year

Dear Gonzaga community, I hope this column finds you all in high spirits as we begin a new academic year filled with endless possibilities. My name is Richie Pineda, and I am deeply honored to serve as your Student Government Association (SGA) President for the 2023-2024 school year. As I step into this role, I want to share a little about myself and our vision for Gonzaga College High School.

Coming into Gonzaga, basketball was my passion, and some of you may remember me from my days on the basketball court here at Gonzaga. However, my hooping career quickly ended after my JV season sophomore year, and I’ve since traded in my basketball shoes for rugby cleats. Even though it was a tough step to say goodbye to my main sport, my love for this school has only grown stronger. Besides my passion for sports, I am involved in the National Honor Society, the Asian American Pacific Islander Club, and the Retreat Team. These experiences have allowed me to connect with our diverse student body and understand the unique strengths that each of you bring to our Gonzaga family.

Gonzaga is more than just a school to me; it’s a place where lifelong bonds are formed, and traditions are cherished. I wholeheartedly believe that we attend the best high school in the nation, and I am committed to preserving the legacy that has shaped Gonzaga for over two centuries. Over the past years, I have had the privilege of working alongside two exceptional SGA presidents—Benji Garland '23 and John Jerro '22. Their dedication and leadership have set the bar high, and this year’s SGA team carries a promise of continuing their legacy.

This year’s SGA Vice-President Mikey Williams '24 is one of the grittiest guys I know, and you all can count on him to be the first one in and last one out. Our Special Events Chair Finn Mooney '24 is cooking up some never before seen ideas for GonzagaFest, and I can assure you this guy will not let any events go by without them being special. Our campus ministry ambassador Andrew LaFrankie '24 is the perfect guy to mediate conversations between the campus ministry team and the SGA, and he also has the heaviest

squat, dead-lift, bench and clean out of any SGA member ever. Last but certainly not least, our social coordinator Billy Dingell '24 is a do it all kinda guy. Coordinate some social events? Yup. Destroy the Cadets on the football field? Absolutely. Our cabinet brings together the perfect mix of personalities and determination to drive positive change within our school community.

Our primary goal for this year is simple yet profound: we aim to strengthen the love, connection and brotherhood that define Gonzaga. Let’s go back to our roots and rekindle the spirit that has made Gonzaga special for generations. I can’t wait to see our student sections chanting, “EAGLES GOT THE POWER!”

Further, Excitement is in the air as we prepare for holidays and events. Rest assured, this year’s SGA is committed to making the Purple & White Dance, Freshman Homecoming and Junior and Senior Prom unforgettable experiences for all. We’ll also sprinkle fun events and initiatives throughout the year to keep everyone happy and

Crime keeps rising in DC

STORY George Koutrouvelis '25, Opinions Editor

While other big cities like New York, Chicago and Philadelphia have seen a decrease in crime rates over the past couple of years, Washington, DC’s crime rate has increased dramatically in the last year due to poor management and ineffective solutions. Fueled by carjackings, muggings, assaults and homicides, the D.C. government reports that the crime rate has experienced a roughly 30% increase from 2022.

engaged.

In the coming weeks, be on the lookout for announcements regarding elections for representative and applied positions in the SGA. I encourage each and every one of you to consider getting involved. The SGA can be one of the most rewarding places on campus, where you can make a lasting impact on our Gonzaga community.

Finally, I want to emphasize that our SGA is here for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of the SGA cabinet if you have ideas, concerns or just want to chat. Together, let’s make the 2023-2024 school year the best Gonzaga has ever seen. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.

In Brotherhood, Richie Pineda '24

Richie Pineda '24 is the SGA President for the 202324 school year at Gonzaga College High School.

My take: a quick recap before the next Republican debate

STORY Michael Bicksel '25, Staff Writer

Since the next Republican party debate is scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, let’s do a quick recap of the last debate and where everyone stood at the end of the night. The first Republican primary debate officially kicked off the election season. Now that the dust has settled, I’ll give my opinions on who won, who received mixed reactions, who lost, and what’s next.

Who Wasn’t There: The absence of former President Donald Trump, who significantly has been leading the Republican polls, was almost as big of news as the performance of the candidates.

Who Won: Former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley is probably the biggest winner from the debate. She came across as strong, experienced and capable. Her biggest moment of the night came during an interaction with Vivek Ramaswamy, a firebrand millennial entrepreneur with a close allegiance to former president Trump. She schooled him on foreign policy and stayed confident as Mr. Ramaswamy tried to quiet her. For a candidate who came into the debate with basically no momentum, she put the spark in her campaign that she needs to keep going.

Florida Governor Ron Desantis also had a strong performance. His poll numbers have slipped in recent months, and the debate was an opportunity for him to rebound. While he was far from the center of attention, he clearly and methodically made his pitch to voters watching at home—one which those voters have responded to positively. The first big poll after the debate in Iowa showed Governor Desantis within the margin-of-error at 43-40 in a head-to-head with the former president. That same poll also showed that 72% of Republicans view Desantis favorably, the most of any candidate (Scott placed second at 71% and Trump in third at 67%). Tack on the governor’s response to Hurricane Idalia, and he’s in a good place going into the primaries.

Who received mixed reactions: Businessman and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy came out with a lot of press but not a lot of substance to show for his time on stage. Although he received praise from some, especially those voters who

are already supporting President Trump for the nomination, he came across as overconfident and inexperienced. I personally think that Mr. Ramaswamy did very poorly, at least from a debate standpoint, but he certainly established himself as a Trump-type candidate, which may give him a boost over the coming months.

Former Vice President Mike Pence ended up speaking more than any other candidate (a whopping twelve-and-a-half minutes), but turned off many voters on the Trump-adjacent right. During his time in radio, the House of Representatives, the Governor’s Mansion in Indiana, and in the White House as Vice President, Pence has gained a reputation as a tactful speaker and debater. At the debate though, he came off at times like he was lecturing Ramaswamy. Still, he looked like the adult in the room, just as his campaign had hoped he would.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum nearly missed the debate after sustaining a leg injury hours before start time. He ended up wearing a cast but was still able to pitch his vision to voters. I think he was eloquent and tactful, but he polls too low and has far from enough name recognition to become the Republican nominee. He’ll probably end up in a high-end cabinet position in a future Republican administration, or at least in a good position for future federal elections.

Who lost: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie could go in the “mixed reactions” category, but he had little appeal and didn’t seem to be as strong as he has been in past years. The former Republican governor of a blue state came out swinging at Ramaswamy too early, and didn’t provide much substance on how he would govern. He’s already at odds with the Republican base and even most traditional conservatives, and his performance didn’t help him with any of those groups.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson barely even made the debate stage, and it showed. He rarely spoke, and when he did, he was met with boos from a hostile crowd. He’s been trying to establish himself as the anti-Trump candidate in the race, which could work, but when he was put against a number of other anti-Trump candidates with more name recognition and experience, he looked weak and out of place.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott was the biggest underperformer of the night. He is remarkably well-liked by Republican voters, and aside from Ramaswamy, he’s the only candidate not to receive constant criticism from President Trump. But his vision seemed vague compared to other candidates with a clearer record.

It’s also worth noting that Senator Scott was one of only two candidates on the stage to have not been a governor at one point in his career, so he lacks the executive experience that the other six had. He probably won’t end up with the nomination, but he’s definitely in a position to get a good cabinet slot or even the vice presidency in a Republican administration.

Final Analysis: The first primary debate was certainly messy, but it was also a breath of fresh air for a party that has been glued to Donald Trump for the last eight years. A]lthough no one performed well enough to defeat Trump outright, they gave themselves room to outmaneuver him over the next four months before the Iowa caucuses begin.

My biggest takeaway from the night was that Republicans have more options than President Trump. He is not guaranteed the nomination, and his charm is slipping among voters. Although he leads handily in national polls, he is competitive in early primary states where elections are actually decided.

Other candidates like Nikki Haley and especially Ron Desantis are on the ground meeting with voters while Trump continues to whine about his indictments from his megamansion in Palm Beach. If any other candidate wants to actually defeat Trump, they will face an uphill battle or the tens of millions of Americans who do not want a rematch between the two lowest approved-of candidates since 1976, there are other options.

The debate was the first time they heard from those other candidates, and it probably won’t be the last. The next Republican debate will be hosted by Fox News’ Stuart Varney and Dana Perino and UNIVISION’s Ilia Calderòn on Sept. 27. Michael Bicksel is the Co-President of the Sons of Liberty club at Gonzaga.

Crime data published on the DC government website and updated Sept. 5, 2023 shows that homicides increased by 30% from 2022, motor vehicle theft by 113%, robberies at a 67% pace, thefts by 24%, and violent crimes at 39%. These are astonishing numbers for just one year. The dramatic increase in crime raises the question of why DC, the nation’s capital, has been unable to tackle crime as effectively as other cities. In an article by The Washington Post, Thomas Abt, the director of the Center for the Study and Practice of Violence and Reduction at the University of Maryland, points out that targeting crime in D.C. differs from other cities because it presents unique challenges. For starters, D.C. is a federal enclave. A “federal enclave” is an area under the control of a branch of the federal government and over which the U.S. government has jurisdiction. This means that Congress has the final say in DC laws. The city’s reliance on federal authorities to run most of its criminal justice system has left many local leaders at odds with their federal counterparts. Additionally, while DC has its own police department, other parts of the criminal justice system, such as courts and prisons in DC, are run by federal authorities.

To be effective in fighting crime in DC, the city will need to improve its collaboration between DC authorities and federal authorities, something that can present challenges. In addition to communication between the police force and federal authorities, fighting crime requires the right tools, such as a well-staffed city police.

However, for DC, that has been a problem. Officials have complained that the DC Police Department has lost officers faster than it has been able to hire, resulting in low levels of police staff. Over the past three years, they have lost roughly 600 officers, with even more expected to leave throughout the coming year. In a 2023 article for NBC4, written by Ted Oberg and published on Feb. 23, 2023, Oberg reported that the DC police chief said the city’s police department “hadn’t been this small in almost 50 years.”

To combat the decreasing numbers in the police force, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced in April 2023 an increase in hiring bonuses for new police recruits. The increase in hiring bonus from $20,000 to $25,000 is “aimed at making the department more competitive and support the goal of getting the metropolitan police department back on the path to 4,000 sworn officers,” she said.

Still, this news comes one year after her initial bonus of $20,000, which, like this new bonus, was also quoted by Mayor Bowser in a press statement as being designed to “help MPD recruit and hire more officers to keep our city safe.” However, with that bonus only incentivizing 97 new recruits within one year, these efforts don’t seem to be assisting recruitment as quickly as anticipated. Collaboration with prosecutors is also essential. The U.S. Attorney for DC, Matthew Graves, has been openly criticized by DC officials and others for declining to prosecute 67% of individuals arrested by D.C. police officers in cases that critics say should have been tried in the D.C. Superior Court.

In response to the criticism, the U.S. attorney said in multiple press interviews that D.C. is working on improvements. However, as shown by the drastic crime increase in the last year, the aforementioned improvements have been scarce.

Only recently, in June 2023, did the DC Council pass an emergency public safety bill to help mitigate the increase in crime. Nevertheless, their efforts still feel not only rushed but mismanaged. Among one of the bill’s significant provisions was the ability for judges to expand pre-trial detention. Seeing how this action will only lead to further mass incarceration, it will have little effect on actually fighting the root cause of crime within D.C. and instead work to stretch police funds further. As DC has already experienced the problems surrounding mass incarceration in the 90s, the provision also seems to be a step in the wrong direction. DC’s experience in the past shows that such efforts are ineffective and costly while still not dealing with the majority of crimes throughout the District. If adequate action is not taken, DC’s crime problem is likely only to become worse. DC’s government has a responsibility to keep its citizens safe but has so far created lackluster solutions. While actions like police bonuses and mass detentions seem helpful in theory, practically, they have not been able to fix the crime problem.

SGA President Richie Pineda '24 and SGA Vice President Mikey Williams '24 pose for a quick photo outside of St. Al’s. Photo submitted by Ms. Caitlin Farley

STORY Richie Pineda '24, Guest Commentator

Annual club fair kicks off student activities

STORY Michael Licamele '25, Staff Writer

GRAPHIC Andrew Lavella '24, Layout & Design Editor

It’s that time of year again! The Student Activity and Club Fair is almost upon us; it will be held as part of the Sept. 22 G Day this Friday. This event serves as a great place to expand your interests and really become involved in the amazing community Gonzaga has to offer. Whether you are a freshman who is new to Gonzaga, someone not in many clubs or just someone who is extremely social and wants to try new things, the club fair will allow you to explore the many clubs and activities Gonzaga has to offer.

When a student scans the QR code and fills out the Google form to be added to the sign up list, it does not necessarily mean you are joining that club, just that you are showing interest.

“[I] encourage all Gonzaga students, from freshmen to seniors, to participate and sign up for at least one new club,” said SGA President Richie Pineda '24.

Pineda went on to state how important the club fair is to Gonzaga.

“[This is an] opportunity for students to explore their interests, make new friends, and actively engage in our Gonzaga life,” Pineda said.

Ms. Caitlin Farley, director of student activities, helps organize the Student Activity and Club Fair each year.

“Our Student Activity and Club Fair is a vital open door for new Gonzaga students to get involved or for more experienced Gonzaga students looking to deepen their impact on Eye Street,” Ms. Farley said.

This event allows Gonzaga to show off its non-academic side.

“The wide array of what Gonzaga offers outside the classroom is on display; the diversity of these opportunities allows students to imagine themselves in community with their brothers exploring tons of exciting passions and interests. Gonzaga is already pushing you academically. Our co-curricular offerings challenge you to think how you want to develop as a man for others during your four years here outside the classroom. The Club Fair is your invitation to get started,” Ms. Farley said.

The Aetonian is the Gonzaga yearbook.This club combines all the great memories of the school year into one. If you are interested in laying out the pages of our school’s yearbook make sure to check out this club’s table at the fair.

“I like working on a team to capture memories

from the year that we will revisit for the rest of our lives,” said Hartwell Craig '25, yearbook staff member.

Like this newspaper you are reading? Want to maybe write future articles? Well, look no further than The Aquilian! Gonzaga’s newspaper has a rich history and has been up and running for years. Some stories from past students of Gonzaga can even be found hanging around school. If you have a passion for writing, photography or graphic design this could be the club for you.

“I love working on the Aquilian as it gives me an opportunity to put my passion of writing to work with publishing,” said Andrew Lavella '24, layout and design editor.

Another club that is a staple at many schools is Model United Nations, more commonly referred to as Model UN. This club provides a unique experience and the club has even traveled to some competitions.

“[This club is] students debating on dynamic issues that affect the entire globe,” said Model UN President Drew Lenard '24.

Lenard is thankful for the impact this club has had on him.

“[It has] made me and countless others, smarter, more active citizens of the world,” Lenard said.

This club is a great option for world relations enthusiasts, and you will get to prove that Gonzaga is the best at competitions with other schools.

While many of the clubs at Gonzaga are dedicated to unique interests of students, this category of clubs focuses on some of the more hard-hitting political issues our society faces and how Gonzaga students can contribute to certain causes.

Eagles for Democracy has political based discussions that tend to target “issues relating to social and economic justice” according to Max Dunn, '25 who is the president of Eagles for Democracy.

Dunn defines the club’s view.

“Our community and government can be doing far more to help those who have been mistreated by society,” Dunn said.

Dunn reported that some of the main issues this club will be targeting include “climate change, economic justice, and poverty,” as well as many more.

Dunn said this club does not only discuss issues.

“[We will] do advocacy or service to do [their] part in addressing the issue,” he explained.

The Sons of Liberty serves as the other political voice at Gonzaga. This club functions similarly to Eagles for Democracy, as they engage in discussion about the world. They even sometimes do group sessions with Eagles for Democracy to talk about issues the groups may have opposing views on.

Co-President Joe Campione ‘24 laid out the goal for this club as being “devoted to the discussion of political topics through a Catholic conservative lens” while remaining “dedicated to maintaining the free debate and discussion of all ideas.” These two clubs are a great option for anyone who wants to be informed on the world of politics. If politics isn’t your thing, Gonzaga also has a number of clubs in the science-based category that allow students to expand their knowledge of a certain area of science or actually apply things they learn in the classroom in a more hands-on way.

The Washington Jesuit Academy (WJA) Science Fair is a newer club at Gonzaga and started only a couple of years ago, but it has been a huge success. Participants of this club are paired with an eighth grader from the WJA and mentor them in completing a full-fledged science project. Good science students who are interested in helping those younger than them make for great candidates for this club, but it does require an application.

Matt Podratsky '25, who has been an active member of the club for the past two years now serves as one of the leaders.

“[It’s a ]pretty special opportunity to be able to help kids find their interest in science,” Podratsky said. “The chance [to] serve others with the science background Gonzaga has provided me” has been a wholesome and “awesome experience.”

The Computer Science club is also geared to students interested in the sciences. Whether you have taken a course on computer science in the past or are just interested in learning how to code, the computer science club is a great option.

“[We] started the club to allow students at Gonzaga come together to help each other grow in their programming knowledge,” said John Hirko '25, founder and president of the club.

In addition to having clubs that focus on a specific topic, Gonzaga has many clubs that just offer opportunities to be social with other students so that they can have a good time and bond with their fellow classmates. The Video Games Club, just as the name suggests, plays video games! All levels of gamers are welcomed, and this club assures a great time.

Gonzaga also has a number of affinity groups that encourage students with similar cultural backgrounds to bond. This includes clubs like the ONYX, Latin American Student Organization and Asian American Pacific Islander Clubs. While there are many clubs that appreciate different cultures, the Onyx Club has claimed the title for the biggest and most successful at Gonzaga over the years.

Jacques Sangwa '24 is the head of the club and defines Onyx as “a space for black students to be in community” and states that the club “work[s] to ensure that Onyx students” have an enjoyable experience and “feel supported.”

“This club not only provides a space and community for Black students on campus, but it gives them an outlet to deal with many of the racial problems facing our society, and even our own school, today.”

Friday will be your chance to visit these clubs and many more.

“Clubs might seem like just an extra part of your life at Gonzaga, but they’re essential,” said SGA Vice President Mikey Williams '24. Not only are they vital, but Williams believes that the clubs at Gonzaga “act as glue to hold this community together.”

Friday will be your chance to visit these clubs and many more that will have their own unique and exciting tables at the club fair, so make sure not to miss out by going through the motions. Be active and find a club that deals with something you are interested in.

“Clubs might seem like just an extra part of your life at Gonzaga, but they’re essential,” said SGA Vice President Mikey Williams '24. Not only are they vital, but Williams believes that the clubs at Gonzaga “act as glue to hold this community together.”

“Our Student Activity and Club Fair is a vital open door for new Gonzaga students to get involved.”

Writers and actors strike against big media

From movies to television shows, almost everyone is familiar with the many actors and writers it takes to make this form of entertainment a success. However, more recently, there have been growing tensions between these two groups and the media industry that may shake up many people’s familiar shows.

On May 2, the WGA (Writer’s Guild of America) and on July 14, SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) went on strike against massive media corporations. Months later, they are still on strike, which makes us ask: will movies and the media industry change forever?

A few Gonzaga alumni have been involved in the strikes. Alumnus Buzz Roddy '80, an elected official at SAG-AFTRA who has been working with the union for decades, and Tucker Cawley '86, a writer and a guild member of the WGA, have both been picketing for several weeks. With the AMPTP – which includes big companies like Disney, Netflix, Amazon, etc. – refusing to answer any of the demands brought on by the actors and the writers, these two guilds are forced to strike and stand up for their rights.

The critical demand the actors and writers seek is residuals – royalties paid to actors and writers each time a program they are in is viewed. This system worked; however, with the booming popularity of streaming services brought on by the pandemic, it has changed.

“The way it used to be is that when something was rerun, the writers and the actors, who are involved in the show, would get a residual, and that’s how people made their living,” Cawley said. “What we found in the last five years is that with streaming, they don’t pay the same amount, so what used to be a comfortable living is now way harder to achieve.”

This trend continues as wages for writers have fallen by nearly 14% since 2018 and are said to continue to plummet unless something changes.

While big Hollywood actors are more successful than ever, a large majority of the actors are making a living out of each paycheck. Even now, big media companies hope to “wait out” the strike by stalling and not responding to the protesters.

“These companies make tens of billions of dollars a year, and what we are asking for is a small part of that,” Roddy said. “We are working

Mr. Buckley '86 retires from GDA

STORY Henry Calpin '25, Staff Writer

For more than 25 years, Mr. Paul Buckley '86, math teacher, has been involved in the Gonzaga Dramatic Association, most recently as producer. This past spring, Mr. Buckley stepped down after a long and successful tenure with the GDA. Mr. Buckley started his GDA journey as originally just the technical director, but his journey ultimately led him to producer. Ms. Kate Griffith, math teacher and one of the GDA directors, shared how Mr. Buckley has changed the GDA.

“He has left a lasting mark on the program, and many traditions we have were established by him,” Ms. Griffith said.

Ms. Griffith is a long-time friend of Mr. Buckley, who helped her get involved in the GDA program. Some of Mr. Buckley’s accomplishments include establishing the GDA Hall of Fame, overseeing renovations and updates for Sheehy Theater and impacting many students who went on to become professionals in film, theater, television and broadcasting. Ms. Griffith shared one of Mr. Buckley’s favorite parts of the theater season. “[He enjoyed] making the promo videos for each of the shows, including snapping for The Addams Family or asking everyone to ‘Get Curious,’” Ms. Griffith said.

Mr. Buckley’s replacement is not new to Gonzaga; in fact, she has been a part of the GDA for almost as long as Mr. Buckley. For the past 22 years, Mrs. Meaghan Goldsmith was the co-producer, helping with Mr. Buckley. When asked about how she found the GDA, she went all the way back to when she was in high school. During her sophomore year at Georgetown Visitation, Mrs. Goldsmith saw a flier for the spring production of Singin’ in the Rain. There, she “met wonderful people who have become lifelong friends.”

In that show, she met current GDA director Mr. Andrew Curtin, social studies teacher. Since then, the GDA has been a part of her life. While she had always been with the GDA, it is not her only job, and the GDA and all its members that her job has allowed her the time to fill her role in this wonderful program. Now, she leads the GDA as the first female producer and moderator alongside directors Ms. Griffith and Mr. Curtin Make sure to go see the fall play The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised)(again), which will be playing in Sheehy Theater from Nov. 9-12.

harder and longer for less money, which is unfair, and I think people see that in their own jobs and in their own lives as well today.”

With this growing discontent from the actors and writers over residuals, another problem with Artificial Intelligence is being argued. In many different media productions, background actors are asked by these media companies to scan their bodies. In doing this, media companies hope they do not have to pay the background actors and can utilize these scans for all future projects. The actors, already facing financial problems with residuals, are now losing job opportunities because of these decisions.

“[The companies] want to be able to scan a background performer’s image, pay them for half a day’s labor, and then use an individual’s likeness for any purpose forever without their consent,” the SAG-AFTRA’s official website stated.

Roddy explained this more from the actor’s perspective, “It’s them whittling down the peo-

ple, labor costs money, and it is natural for them to want to save money, but it’s only fair that they get what they pay,” Roddy said.

Similar ideas of cutting costs pertain to the writer’s side, where a new idea employed by the AMPTP is mini-rooms. In these rooms, they reduce the roughly ten writers working on a television show to six people and only have them work for a few weeks instead of the usual several months that the writers spend working on these projects. After these writers produce an abundance of ideas for the show, most are let go, while two or three “upper-level writers” will be in charge of writing all the scripts, which allows the companies to pay fewer people to do more work and inevitably save more money.

In addition to the current actors and writers who are having difficulty making a living, Cawley expresses concern for the future unless something happens.

“When talking about how this will affect people

at Gonzaga or anyone else who is thinking about coming into this industry, it is becoming harder and harder to afford money for rent and health insurance,” Tucker said. “What we are looking for is to keep these jobs in acting and writing viable careers for people in the future.”

These ideas are not limited to the acting and media industry either, as similar concerns for AI replacing jobs and the idea of working harder for less money are becoming apparent in many other occupations. Even after protesting for more than 100 days, the strikers of WGA and SAG-AFTRA have made it clear that they will not stop until a compromise is reached, and, as both Buzz and Tucker mentioned, they hope that eventually, the companies will be willing to agree with at least some of their demands.

“This is an issue that I think most of America and most of the world faces in their own lives,” Tucker said. “And I think what we are doing is important, but it does not make it easy.”

An insider look at the concert season

It’s that time of year again. We see it through post after post on Instagram, scrolling through countless stories of someone jumping up and down recording someone singing on stage—it’s finally concert season. And it’s not just any concert season; this past summer clocked some of the world’s biggest artists and their record-breaking tours. To name a few: Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Lil Uzi Vert, Drake, 21 Savage and even Kendrick Lamar have surprise-visited concert-goers. The joy doesn’t just end with the fans; local businesses are thriving from the traffic generated by these tours; in fact, Taylor Swift, whether you love or hate her, is projected to stimulate over $5 billion with her Eras Tour in the United States alone. That’s larger than the GDPs of 50 countries, and doesn’t even include the international tour dates.

Combined with the revenue from the show itself, Swift is generating incredible cash flow, and no doubt her own bank account bursts at the seams.

Beyoncé, similarly, is predicted to bring in more than $2 billion dollars by October with her Renaissance World Tour, which completely shatters Elton John’s record with the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour which lasted for five years.

Male artists are performing to stacked and energetic crowds, but female artists are dominating the concert market. Their concerts are not just them singing to crowds with a band; they turn them into a whole entertainment experience. Female artists will of-

ten have several, if not dozens, of outfit changes with dramatic props and expensive sets. The additional entertainment components skyrocket the ticket fare price to well over $300 dollars. Many find it well worth it, proven by the hundreds of thousands of people traveling to stadiums near them to watch their favorite artists perform.

So this is my reminder to you, Gonzaga, before you see someone post 50 times about the concert on their stories, don’t hate on them for liking the artist, blame Ticketmaster for locking you out from getting those tickets.

Top Left: Buzz Roddy '80 participates in the strike. Bottom Left: Tucker Cawley '86 also advocated for writers and actors in the strike. Right: Two signs for the actors and writers of the protest. Photos Submitted

Taylor Swift’s Era Concert was one of the most profitable ever. Photo taken with permission via Creative Common License, Ronald Woan | Flickr STORY Peter Allen '25, Staff Writer

The joy doesn’t end with the fans; local businesses are thriving from the traffic generated from these tours.

Goodbye, Dan Snyder

STORY Andrew Lavella '24, Layout & Design Editor

When Dan Snyder bought the then Redskins in May of 1999 for $800 million, which at the time was the highest price paid for any sports team in the world, Washington, D.C. thought they would be able to continue their ascension as a premiere NFL franchise and win many more titles. Snyder, a lifelong fan of the Washington franchise, even remarked in a letter to the fans, “I’m not focused on the money, I’m focused on the opportunity and the dream. . . . Hundreds of fans have written to me with their support and suggestions. . . . Your most pressing issue is no different than mine. You want to win, we want to win, and we’re going to deliver that.”

Instead of this promise, fans were met with constant controversy. Snyder’s time as the owner of the Washington franchise can only be described as tumultuous on his best days. He went through many scandals, the worst being a horrible sexual harassment case that showed pervasive harassment occuring throughout the Commanders’ organization. Along with this, he most recently didn’t report the correct figures to the NFL for the revenue generated by his franchise. This seemed to be the final straw for Snyder, as all the other owners finally turned to throw him out, but not before he made one final scandal as he claimed he had “dirt” on all other NFL owners and would take them down if they tried to take his team.

After all this, he finally decided that he would sell the team, take his nearly $6 billion and give a new beam of hope to the Commanders. The new majority owner is Josh Harris; he currently owns the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils. He is an experienced owner and should be just what the Commanders need. With Harris, comes a knowledge of what the fans need; he has started straight away by putting $40 million into much needed renovations at FedEx Field, home of the Commanders. These renovations, along with Snyder’s reign ending, is having an effect that is already starting to be seen.

With Snyder finally gone, the team seems to be freed from his burden, with head coach Ron Rivera saying to the media: “It was … it was different, having to deal with stuff outside of football. Now it’s about football. Like I said, we’re gonna focus on what’s important to us and that’s playing the game. I’m fired up about that, I am.”

This telling quote allows the media a peek inside the team’s head, and the terrible weight that Synder was on the players and coaches. It’s hard to focus on playing your best football when you’re always answering questions about what your owner has done now.

As for the fan’s reaction to his sale, Rivera said, “I think it’s pretty exciting. You can already feel the impact…A lot of it has to do with, really, just the reaction from the fanbase more so than anything else. I think our guys have also felt it; they felt it, again from the reaction of the fanbase.”

His comments were held true when the attendance to Commander’s training camp went from last year’s abysmal turnout to one of the biggest since the great Washington teams of old. Even more meaningful than that is that the opening game of the season at Fedex field has sold out, with Commanders staff preparing for their biggest turnout in years.

“I know many Commanders fans who left the team because of Snyder, it’s nice to see them come back,” said lifelong Commanders fan Owen O’Keefe, '24.

Snyder leaving is going to have a big impact on fan turnout and with fan turnout increasing, team performance can only hope to follow.

As far as the outlook for the 2023-24 Washington Commanders, for head coach Ron Rivera it’s simply a must-win year. Anything less than the playoffs will likely result in the end of his 4-year reign as the Washington head coach. So, this gives a definite “time-is-now” mentality.

As far as those wins needed, it begins and ends with mistake-free play from second-year QB Sam Howell. Washington has statistically had the worst QB play in the NFL since 2018. If Howell is simply average, the Commanders could be a serious threat in the weak NFC.

The Commanders’ defensive line is primed and ready for a truly dominant year, and if the secondary can create turnovers, Washington could have one of, if not the best, defenses in the league. Rookie Emmanuel Forbes should help in that regard, as he holds the FBS record for most pick sixes (six) and should have an instant effect on the Washington defense.

Finally, the team got a long-overdue new offensive coordinator with Eric Bieniemy, formerly of the Super Bowl champion Chiefs. Bieniemy’s impact will be felt immediately, as he should take the offensive weapons of Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and the ever-useful Antonio Gibson, and make them into an offense to fear unit. With a new hope in the front office, the return of fans, and the overall growth of the team, this year’s Washington Commanders should be a team to watch for in the NFC playoff race.

Turner remembers his mentor

STORY Max Diaz '24, Co-Sports Editor

Colleague, mentor and a long-time friend.

That is what Coach Joe Reyda was to Gonzaga Varsity Head Basketball Coach Stephen Turner for the 25 years he knew him.

Coach Turner’s relationship with Coach Reyda was not a normal boss and employee relationship; it was a brotherhood. Coach Turner always knew he could lean on Coach Reyda when he needed to because Coach Reyda’s philosophy was built around trust and kindness.

“He allowed you to grow, but he was always there to be able to give you good advice, and if there were things that I had questions or were unsure of, he was a person that I could lean on and know that I would always get a good answer to the question I had,” Coach Turner said.

Coach turned admired how Mr. Reyda worked with his coaches and how he let them learn.

“I think what was cool about his approach that he had in terms of working with his coaches was his ability to allow us to learn by trial and trial by fire; […] he didn’t just sit there and stand over the top of you, kind of micromanaging, and to me, it was great for me to be able to work underneath him because I knew when I needed he was always there but he, but I didn’t have to have standing over top of me to make sure that I was doing my job,” Coach Turner said.

Coach Reyda did not just focus on wins and losses for his teams; he cared about relationships with coaches, players and families. Coach Turner was no exception. Coach Turner’s son Jared Turner, class of ‘22 who now plays basketball at Northeastern, told him that he will truly miss the times when he was back on campus and visited with Coach Reyda. Coach Reyda always told him how proud he was of him.

“The man cared for everyone, and he would do anything and everything. […] He would give the shirt off his back to make sure anyone that was in need was taken care of. He really truly, for me,

exemplified what it meant to be a man for others because he was always looking out for everybody else first,” Coach Turner said.

Coach Turner said he appreciated getting to watch Coach Reyda model that behavior day in and day out.

“I’ll cherish every opportunity and every moment that I can remember being with him because he was so special to me and I know how special he was,” Coach Turner said.

Coach Turner knows nobody will ever be able to replace Coach Reyda.

“[I hope] whoever does get hired that they have like minded traits that will allow them to continue to sustain and be the institution that Gonzaga is and has become, along with the sports programs being able to be what they’ve been able to be under his reign,” Coach Turner said.

Like many others who were close with Coach Reyda, Coach Turner was hit deeply, but he knows Gonzaga has to keep moving forward and keep Coach Reyda’s family in our prayers.

A check-in on fall sports on Eye Street

exciting match-ups coming up for the Eagles are games against DeMatha at PG Sports and Learning Complex on Sept. 26 and against St. John’s at St. John’s on Oct. 5.

Water Polo

Continuing with the theme of our sports being dominant in the opening weeks, the Gonzaga Water Polo team is 3-0 to start the season after a massive 20-7 win against McDonough on Aug. 31. They then extended their winning streak with 18-13 and 13-7 wins against Archbishop Spalding and Mount St. Joe’s in the Battle of the Beltways. The team is headlined by Junior Olympians Connor Duffey '24 and Hank Holden '24. The most anticipated game of their season is against Landon on Oct. 18. As senior night with the booster club promising a large student turnout, the team looks to beat their rivals.

“The boys are buzzing,” Holden said.

Cross Country

Football

Gonzaga’s football team has started the season as strong as you could imagine, going 3-0 in their first three. A commanding 26-0 win in the home opener against Calvert Hall followed a huge 35-7 win against Archbishop Carroll. The team then headed up to New York, where they beat Fordham Prep 45-0. They lost this past Friday to Loyola Blakefield, 29-35. They are looking like one of the most fun teams to watch this season, with the electricity of players like quarterback Aidan Conrath '24 or running back Cody Hobson '24.

The next home game the Eagles play is on Sept. 22 vs. Belen Jesuit. Some games to watch are vs. DeMatha at DeMatha on Friday, Oct. 6, Good Counsel on Buchanan Field on Saturday, Oct. 28, and St. John’s at Gonzaga on Saturday, Nov. 4. “I wouldn’t say there is a specific team I am looking forward to playing,” said Conrath, “but the part of the season I’m looking forward to most is when our team is holding up the WCAC trophy.”

Soccer

The Eagles have come out firing this season, winning 4-0 in their first two games. The season opener at home against Benedictine showed that

this team, coming off of an undefeated championship season, did not lose any momentum.

Varsity Head Coach Mr. Waller said before the season that the team was looking as strong as ever, and they’ve really shown that here in the opening games.

All-Met Player of the Year Daniel Bollman '24 scored a hat trick in the first game of the season. They replicated their first game in the second with another 4-0 win against Washington International School. With Bollman also injured, the Eagles took a 2-2 draw vs. Good Counsel, 0-0 draw against St. Christopher’s, and a 3-1 loss against Georgetown Prep. This weekend Gonzaga hosts the Jesuit Classic. After that, the most

Again. 1-0. The Cross Country team started the season off strong as they won the XC Trial of Miles on Sept. 2. They have an opportunity to sweep this season, competing in DC States, the WCAC Championship and Nike Regionals. Coming off two second-place finishes in DC States and the WCAC Championship, the team enters this season with a massive chip on its shoulder.

“I’m excited to take home the DC State and WCAC Championships. We haven’t got one of those in a couple years. This is our year,” Nate Gretschel '24 said.

This team is ready to win it all in 2023.

Coach Joe Reyda '85 (Bottom Row, Middle) and Coach Stephen Turner (Right of Coach Reyda) with other Gonzaga varsity head coaches in the 2018-19 academic year. Submitted Photo

STORY Luke Essig '24, Co-Sports Editor

PHOTOS Mikey Williams '24

On Sept. 1, Coby Hobson '24 (#22) runs through the Calvert Hall defense.

Daniel Holmes '24 (#0) and David McMorris '24 (#3) lead the team to face Calvert Hall.