The Aquilian
November 2021 Volume 83 Number 2
Gonzaga College High School Men For Others Since 1821
19 Eye St, NW Washington, DC 20001
Photo by: Peter Mildrew '22
GonzagaFest Goes Again By:John Ferrara ‘22 Editor-in-Chief Seven months is a long time, right? Well, not really. I mean, for us – the student body - it’s been about 200 days since the last GonzagaFest in April of 2021. That’s a long time to go without a GonzagaFest, a glorious day that is done an injustice by being referred to merely as a “field day.” But for the people – the many, many people – that helped put on the November 4th GFest, those 200 or so days were certainly not a leisurely time. Just days after the trilogy-ending GonzagaFest last April, a rising senior, Grady Corcoran, was appointed as the chair of GonzagaFest. The position is selected, for the most part, by Ms. Farley who is the overseer of the entire event. As chair of GonzagaFest, Corcoran has been working overtime and then some to make the first of two GFest’s this year as great as possible. Needless to say,
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Corcoran, Ms. Farley, and the entire GonzagaFest Planning Committee succeeded in their mission of setting the mark for what a good – scratch that, a great – GonzagaFest is. The day started off with an opening ceremony, as any great event does. But do most great events start off with a hotdog eating contest? No, I don’t think they do. Indeed, the all-day festival started off with two representatives from each grade (plus two ASCs) gobbling down dozens of dogs provided by the Grilling Club. The three-minute period of pandemonium was capped off by junior Charlie Marsh and senior Joey “the Italian Stallion” DiGanci battling to swallow the final bits of their sixth dog before their counterpart could. DiGanci, in the true fashion of a stallion, let nothing get in the way of him and the coveted Golden Dog trophy, inching his way across the finish line to defeat Marsh and the junior class. Though you might
suspect that inhaling hot dogs at 8:45 in the morning might leave a crowd in confusion rather than in exhilaration, the Gonzaga student body and faculty – almost 1,000 strong – put that narrative to rest. With a positively delirious hot dog-filled opening ceremony, the day got itself off to a strong start. Following the eye-popping opening ceremony, the grades began their day-long activity circuit. With the seniors, three-on-three basketball was a splash hit while dodgeball in the lower gym certainly challenged the limits of the fire capacity of the space. The field was buzzing, as balls took to the air in rugby and Spikeball games while guys took their turns scurrying through a massive obstacle course. If one thing’s for certain about GonzagaFest, it’s that every possible inch of usable space is used. From using spare tables to form a gaga-ball pit on the track to packing dozens of Spikeball nets into a 15-yard incre-
ment, the event’s planning committee clearly pulled out their rulers and calculators for the field games. I would say that the activities in Cantwell-Ruesch provided a more relaxing haven for more mellow GFestgoers, but the participants of the Nerf-gun battle in the music room and putters of the homemade mini-golf course on the science and math floor would beg to differ. The normally academic building was flipping with anything but, as basketballs flew around the rotunda and Beyblades spun on the tile of the Religion floor. The GonzagaFest happenings were capped off with a chariot race that morphed Eye Street into a Colosseum-esque arena. Tandems of runners and charioteers bulldozed their way down the track that was essentially paved by the masses of students engulfing the street. The round-robin-style tournament yielded some falls, a few collisions, and a whole
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St. John’s Game #100, 7
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lot of entertainment. In the finals, the sophomore chariot cruised to victory, with the duo’s charioteer, August van Geertruyden, coasting through the finish line with his hands in the air. From there, the event’s MC, none other than student-songwriter Benji Garland, directed everyone to the gym, where a Go Gonzaga, Beat Saint John’s pep rally was held for the first time in two years. Highlighted by some impressive clapping rituals, chanting lessons, and one motivational talk by Coach T, the entire school was revving for the Friday night showdown against the Cadets (more on that on Page 7). In a year highlighted by many irregularities, one thing has proven to remain the same. GonzagaFest will not go away nor will it lose its deserved allure. The day was one for the ages, and if it’s any indication of the spring GFest, I can’t fathom what could be in store.
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Swim and Dive By: Chris Bunn ‘22 Contributor November has dawned, and Gonzaga’s Swim & Dive season has begun. This year, our Eagles are pursuing the same four championship titles that we had achieved in the epic 2020 season. After the pandemic caused a two-year drought, we have returned with a much better training facility and the addition of lifting sessions twice a week. The team’s engagements are set in stone. What about our team, though? I interviewed captains JT Ewing, Mac Marsh, Ethan Doudna, and Andrew O’Brien for their input.
relays and help us win championships this year.” (Mac Marsh ‘22) What will you will bring back to Gonzaga Swim & Dive for our senior year? “One thing I’m bringing back this year is hype on the bus rides to meets. I want to bring a speaker to get the energy up and actually speak to guys on the way to meets, particularly the freshmen and sophomores. This will be a great chance for us to get to know each other throughout our last year on Eye Street.” (Ethan Doudna ‘22) If you could tell one thing to someone who is new to competitive swimming, what would it be? “The second you leave the block, you’re either locked in or not. It comes down to milliseconds. There’s no other game or chance you can lean on. The sport is all about being sharp in the moment, and that’s why it’s so thrilling. It’s just fun to race.” (Andrew O’Brien ‘22)
What do you hope our team will accomplish by March 2022? “I mean, not only becoming more of a team together and becoming what we used to be before COVID-19 but dominating dual and tri meets as well as our championship meets that come later in the season. This includes WCACs, WMPSSDLs, Metros, and National Catholics.” As Swim & Dive is a (JT Ewing ‘22) no-cut sport, we are open to swimmers and divers of all How powerful is our team skill levels and abilities. Our looking going into the 2021- captains want to create an en2022 season? vironment where everyone is “Extremely powerful. welcome, regardless of how We have several outstanding fast you are. They are lookfreshmen prospects as well ing forward to living out the as a stacked upperclassmen legacy that we left in 2020. lineup that can help with our Go Eagles!
McKenna Center
VA Gov
By: Abe Cutler ‘23 Contributor
By: Jackson Baldrate ‘23 Editor
The McKenna Center is one of the greatest features of Gonzaga. It is one of the only homeless day-shelters located on the campus of a private high school, and it is one of the primary ways that Gonzaga students can serve their community. This year marks the 38th year since its founding, and it continues to act as a place for students to come to understand the needs of the poor and live out the school’s calling to be men for others. The care provided at the McKenna Center is extremely generous. The clients are treated to full meals of both breakfast and lunch. The food is high quality, and multiple options are available to the men. Sides, salad, drinks, and desert are all offered in addition to the main meal. The Center also provides the men with other services apart from feeding them. They help the men maintain proper hygiene, offering showers and laundry services. Mental care is also provided. Social workers are available to the men, and the Jesuit community sometimes visits and interacts with them. In recent years, the Center has been built upon and enhanced. Notably, breakfast service is now available to those seeking to help out in the mornings. The Center was also renovated 2 years ago in order to give the men more space. However, the ultimate desire of those working at the McKenna Center is that, in the future, there is no need for it. Men like Jhonny, one of the Center’s facility’s employees and Gonzaga’s 2021 Hispanic Heritage speaker, have been given new opportunities in life because of the care of the McKenna Center, and the space’s endmost goal is that all who are helped by it can be able to reach a place where they are able to provide for their own needs.
On November 2nd, Republican Glenn Youngkin defeated former Democratic governor, Terry McAullife in the Virginia gubernatorial election. Youngkin won with 50.6% of the vote, compared to McAullife’s 48.6%. Republicans also won Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, with Winsome Sears and Jason Miyares winning the two positions, respectively. In addition, Republicans regained the majority in the House of Delegates. The agenda under this new administration in Virginia should prove to be very different from the progressive agenda that Virginians have seen for the past eight years under Democratic governors. Under the current governor, Democrat Ralph Northam, Virginia increased spending and passed legislation legalizing marijuana, limiting access to firearms, and loosening restrictions on abortion. However, Governor-Elect Youngkin has promised to roll back gun control laws and restrict access to abortion. In addition, Youngkin has promised to reduce taxes and create jobs in Virginia, which has been a major cause for concern in the Commonwealth. Youngkin’s win came as a surprise to many considering that Biden won the state by 10 points in 2020, and McAullife was up by 8 points in polls as recently as August. However, as Biden’s approval rating declined due to the economy’s slow recovery from the pandemic, McAullife began to slip in the polls and eventually lost the election. Because of Youngkin’s victory and the Republican sweep in elected offices, Democrats are panicking and Republicans are optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections. However,
The Aquilian Founded In 1940 Gonzaga College High School 19 Eye Street NW Washington, DC 20001 Men For Others in the Jesuit Tradition Since 1821
Editor-in-Chief John Ferrara ‘22
A day-shelter as busy and well-equipped as this one must have skilled people behind it to function properly. The students at Gonzaga are a major help in this aspect, as they provide help by serving food for the men. In addition, there are many other workers who facilitate the workings of the Center. The cook, Russell, cooks healthy, homemade-style food for the men and helps organize the meal’s distribution. Jhonny is beloved by the students and strives to keep the Center clean for the men. The volunteer coordinator, Emily, helps to organize and educate others helping the Center function. These people act as role models to the students and build the supportive atmosphere that the Center prides itself upon. The Father McKenna Center is an integral part of Gonzaga. Mr. Bowles, the associate director of Campus Ministry, says that his favorite part of his job is serving with students at the Center because they are able to easily help those in dire need in their community, and they feel welcomed and happy to be around the wonderful staff. Students feel glad that they are able to make such a positive influence on others. The Father McKenna Center is an irreplaceable part of Gonzaga’s identity, and the service it provides shows that it only takes one lunch period to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate.
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Editors Matthew Dowd ‘22 Jack McGuinness ‘22 Peter Mildrew ‘22 Noah Potholm ‘22 Jackson Baldrate ‘23 Luke Gormsen ‘24 Moderator: Dr. Harry Rissetto
The Arctic, Global Warming, and Russia By: JP Felmlee ‘22 Contributor Global warming has become an ever-growing threat to our ecosystems and subsequently international relations in the Arctic Circle. From the public eye, the Arctic has long been thought of as a haven for peaceful relations between the superpowers of Russia and the United States – largely because of the sheer amount of thick ice that once occupied most of the region and separated both nations. However, with the increase in global warming creating valuable trade routes through the ice, risking the release of large quantities in methane and carbon dioxide because of melting permafrost, and bringing past international agreements into question, both Russia and the United States are in a virtual deadlock regarding the next steps in tackling this crisis. There are three internationally recognized maritime trade routes in the Arctic Circle: the Northwest Passage, the Northeast Passage, and the Transpolar Sea Route. However, all of these routes run along the northern borders of Canada, Russia, the United States, and parts of Scandinavia. No internationally recognized trade route di-
rectly through the North Pole exists… yet. Global warming has melted approximately 1.2 trillion tons of ice in the Arctic Circle since 2012, according to the Washington Post. In the 1970s and into the 1980s, the three current maritime trade routes were hard to navigate but made accessible through massive icebreaker ships; now, in several parts of these trade routes and during certain months of the year, container ships do not require the icebreakers given the dramatic reduction in ice levels. The melting of the ice makes the transit of the three existing trade routes easier and creates new trade routes as icebreakers easily cut paths closer to the North Pole every year. Now what does this have to do with Russia and the United States? Obviously both nations are among the culprits for the amplification of global warming over the past several decades, and this climate crisis has significantly affected both countries’ Arctic borders. Russia is probably the most impacted by global warming in the Arctic Circle. For instance, global warming has gradually thawed the permafrost in Russia’s northern towns and rural communities. The
permafrost has long served as a barrier between the vast quantities of natural gasses stored underground and our delicate atmosphere. According to the Arctic Council’s Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program, there is still uncertainty as to the amount of methane and carbon dioxide underneath Russia’s permafrost, but there is certainty that 70% of Russian Arctic infrastructure (industrial) will be affected by 2050 given the current rate of global warming. This release of significant quantities of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will fluctuate atmospheric temperatures and create further periods of melting permafrost and reduction of Arctic ice. In addition, the permafrost serves as foundation for many rural communities and towns along Russia’s northern border, and the melting of said permafrost could destroy these towns and leave thousands homeless and unemployed. As for relations between the United States and Russia, President Biden has made clear that the US wants to both combat global warming alongside Russia and secure lasting peace in the region. As to when that will happen
Service Trip: Camden II By: Jack Staton ‘22 Contributor In mid-July of this past summer, myself and about 15 rising Gonzaga seniors made the trek to Camden, New Jersey. We arrived at a humble retreat center named after St. Oscar Romero, a martyr for his faith as well as champion for the marginalized people of his homeland of El Salvador. After we got settled we gathered as a group and met two truly wonderful individuals named Richard and Theresa, who ran the Center. I distinctly remember one of the first things they told us as a group: “You are not here to fix or help anyone. The people of Camden do not need your help. Your job this week is simply to serve and be present.” I know for a fact that these words changed all of our preconceptions about what this
week would entail. We were not in Camden to throw a pity party for the struggles of the people in the community; we were there to get our hands dirty, get gritty, and work as hard as we could, and that is exactly what we did. On day one, we spent six hours packaging thousands of meals at MANNA. On our second day, we grinded for hours moving furniture, gardening, and anything else that needed to get done; however, there was one caveat. We had to eat for the day on only three dollars, which is the amount allotted to people in Camden who receive food stamps. All I can say is that it was extremely eye-opening. All of us big, strong Gonzaga men were getting whooped, and we only did it for one day. When it came to our last full day of service in Camden, I have to be honest; we were feeling tired and ready
to go home, but every single one of us rallied and put one hundred percent into that final day of work. We pushed each other that final day because we knew we were so close to finishing our mission of serving and being present that week. We left Camden with a much broader, lifetime mission. When we were not putting our all into serving, we were learning about the injustices that cause the troubles in Camden. We were called to advocate for justice rather than simply doing charity because the need for charity may only subside when we live in a just world with just structures modeled Christ. I went into this immersion trip not knowing what to expect and came out of it having grown in my faith, in my friendship with my Gonzaga brothers, and with a lifelong call to do justice, and it was the best week of my summer.
is unclear. The US desperately needs more state-ofthe-art scientific equipment in the Arctic in order to make better assessments on permafrost and ice sheet melting, the condition of the region’s valuable ecosystem services, and the creation of possible trade routes in the near future. Unfortunately, in recent years, Congress has not dedicated the proper funding for scientists to study these issues on a considerable scale. On the other hand, Russia wants to play both the sustainable and economic game while trying to elevate itself as a more influential world power. Unlike the US, there is no clear and current plan in the Russian domestic agenda to move from fossil fuels to sustainable energy. Furthermore, the melting of Arctic ice and permafrost along Russia’s northern borders have revealed large oil and iron ore deposits. These resources are appealing to Russia as it endeavors to bolster its industrial economy and
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further participate in foreign markets. In conclusion, Russia and the United States will both likely discuss peaceful resolutions to the global warming crisis and how it affects their countries. However, Russia is at a crossroads. It will either actively participate in efforts to gradually reduce global warming to both save northern communities and prevent melting permafrost, or it will passively allow the creation of more trade routes and the growing accessibility to valuable Arctic oil and iron ore deposits. Whichever the
course of action Russia will take, the one definitive notion that country has in agreement with the US is their shared apathy towards armed conflict in the region.
VA Governor Race Continued from p.2
it might be too soon to determine the significance of this Republican victory. Virginia has a long history of voting against the party in the White House. In fact, in 11 of the last 12 elections, Virginia chose a governor of the opposite party of the sitting president. This trend shows
that Virginia voters generally like to balance the power of the two parties. As a result, it is hard to determine if this election is a bellwether for future Republican success in elections. Regardless, with his victory and the Republican majority in the House of Delegates, Youngkin will have the ability to shape Virginia’s future.
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Liam Amorosi '22 Invites You to Meet the New
Brittany Mack: Database Manager Fairfax, VA. Experience at Gonzaga? It’s been awesome. Everybody is super welcoming, even people I’ve only met once or twice always greet me warmly and talk to me like I’ve known them for years. It can be especially daunting when starting a new job, but everyone here has been so welcoming and helpful to me. Favorite Hobby? Before COVID it was going to concerts, but recently it's been creating Spotify playlists for different moods. Fun Fact? I’ve been skiing since I was 3 years old, so about 20 years. I go up to Seven Springs, PA every year.
James Millson: Computer Science Eden, New York What is the best thing about teaching Computer Science? Computer Science allows students to experiment and try new things in the moment. It's inspiring to see each student reach the right answer in their own way. What inspired you to become a teacher? In college my favorite course was Foundations in Higher Mathematics. The professor inspired me to learn and help me understand math in a way that the subject finally clicked. I wanted to be that teacher for students, to help them through a difficult subject and even inspire them to pursue the field in college. Fun fact? I have a small collection of rocks I keep in my classroom. I'm always looking for more!
Sophia Menconi: Counseling D.C./Rockville, MD Experience at Gonzaga? It’s been really great. I was previously pursuing a career in professional theater, which involved a lot of freelance work and never allowed me to settle into a community, so getting to join a lot of people who are so passionate about what they do here at Gonzaga has been really wonderful. Stage crew at Gonzaga? I did stage crew in high school and through it I made some of the most lasting friendships of my life. I’m really excited to continue my passion and help students have an experience as great as mine.
Kara Schwabel: Asst. Headmaster for Faculty Staff and Formation Florida/Buffalo Experience at Gonzaga? Amazing. I love the spiritual exercises so I have felt right at home in a Jesuit school. I previously worked at Canisius college in Buffalo, also a Jesuit school, so coming here was a great fit. Favorite hobby? Yoga. I hope to one day be a certified yoga instructor.
Brian Kilner ‘16: Science Rockville, MD Best thing about teaching Science? I can give a lot of cool, real world examples of what we are doing in the classroom that students didn’t necessarily know involved Biology or Chemistry, and give my students a better understanding of what’s going on when they encounter them every day. Favorite teacher when you were a student at Gonzaga? Mr. Heetderks - he was one of the reasons that I wanted to go into teaching, so it’s pretty awesome to now be his colleague!
Kathy Nealon: Assistant to the President College Park, MD Experience at Gonzaga? I loved it when my son went here, and I love it now. Both the faculty/staff and the students here are wonderful. Favorite hobby? Cooking. I love to make new dishes and try out different recipes. Fun Fact? I have 5 children, 1 boy and 4 girls. My son graduated from Gonzaga in 2014.
Andrew Hudspeth: Science Arlington, VA Best thing about teaching Science? The labs. Getting to see real phenomena in the classroom and applying them to the real world. Fun Fact? I really enjoy food chemistry, and in college I helped design a new peach flavor. Most memorable thing? On the first day of school, I thought the bell was the phone ringing and since none of my students said anything, I spent a while trying to answer the phone.
Renee Spencer: Social Media Specialist Lake Orion, Michigan What is your favorite hobby? Painting. It helps my brain turn off and go into creative mode, and also acts as a stress reliever. Many of my paintings include the female face, which I like to juxtapose with different objects and environments. What is a fun fact about you? I once hosted a public access wrestling show where I had to play a character as I was announcing what was going on in the match.
John Gardiner: History Dallas, Texas What inspired you to become a teacher? My experience as a student at a Jesuit school inspired me to want to serve them as a teacher. They provided me with a fantastic education and the opportunity to be of service to them, and to others, as a teacher was how I'm being called to serve. Fun fact? I am interested in vexillology, the study of flags.
All Faculty/Staff Photos by: Peter Mildrew '22
Kathleen Clark: English Stamford, CT Best thing about teaching English? Hearing students perspectives about the texts we read and helping them express those perspectives more effectively. Favorite hobby? Traveling. In March 2020 I visited El Calafate, a town in the Southern tip of Argentina that is only an hour and a half away from Antarctica. Most memorable thing? A student of mine (not at Gonzaga) once put deodorant on during class. When I taught at that school I had to put a rule in my syllabus that said no applying deodorant in class.
Shannen Milletary: Assistant Librarian/Health teacher Pensacola, Florida What is the best thing about being a librarian? As a librarian I get to help students find what they like to read or what they are interested in studying/researching. It’s especially rewarding if they end up working in that field in the future. What is something unique about you? I am interested in beekeeping - I have taken courses and read a lot about how to keep your own bees and harvest honey. What is the most memorable thing that has happened in your class? Once when I was reading a story to 2nd graders, a boy stood up and immediately projectile vomited all over a bunch of the other kids.
Faculty and Staff on Eye Street for 2021-2022
Bob Barry: Science Fairfax, Virginia What is the best thing about teaching science? You can do hands-on demonstrations and labs to really make science come to life, and also have a little fun with it too. Favorite hobby? I love playing fantasy football. Fun fact? When I first became a teacher 5 years ago, I decided that if I moved back to D.C. I wanted to teach at Gonzaga.
Emily Brown: Math Franklin, TN Best thing about teaching Math? I love helping students become confident in Math. Weirdly, I like when students prove me wrong or find a different way to solve a problem. What inspired you to become a teacher? My mom was a math teacher and so I grew up admiring her and what she did. She taught me calculus in high school. What is something unique about you? I am certified in deaf/hard of hearing education, and I spent a few years volunteering at University of Tennessee school for the deaf. Most memorable thing a student has done in your class? One time a student’s computer screen wasn’t working, so he brought in a TV to use as an external output.
Sarah Strohecker: English Bethlehem, New York Best thing about teaching English? I love to dive deep into the books that we read and discuss their meaning and themes with my students. Favorite book? House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski Fun fact? I played rugby in college. My position was scrum-half.
Steve Pope: History Boston, MA Favorite historical event you like to teach? I got to live and teach in Tanzania, East Africa for a while, so decolonization in Africa is one of my biggest interests. What inspired you to become a teacher? My high school History teacher was a great teacher of the material, but what really inspired me was his care for his students. He really put effort into getting to know each of his students individually, and that relationship made me think that I would enjoy being there for a student the same way he was for me. Most memorable teaching moment? When I was in Tanzania, I taught teenagers who had previously dropped out of school and this was their second chance at an education. After school I would walk with them for an hour or so to their houses and we would just talk about anything. In those brief periods of time I learned so much more about them than I would have otherwise. It showed me how powerful a teacher-student relationship can be.
Jenni Dunn: Choral Arts Odenton, Maryland Favorite thing about teaching choral arts? I love teaching a non-traditional class because it allows my students to thrive in a different environment. What inspired you to be a teacher? All the teachers I had in high school were my inspiration to go to music school - I wanted to make the same difference for other kids! Fun fact? I was attacked by an iguana when I was on vacation in St. Thomas.
Xiao He: Modern Language Sichuan, China What is the best thing about teaching Chinese? I love sharing the Chinese language and culture with the boys in my classes, they are all so eager to learn more. What inspired you to become a teacher? My grandfather was a very well-respected professor and my parents were both teachers before they retired, so I was pretty much raised on a university campus. I also love working with young people because they make me feel young! What is your favorite hobby? I love sports - especially ping-pong, volleyball, and basketball. (*Xio Lǎoshī won the Gonzaga Library Ping-Pong Tournament)
Robert Churchwell ‘90 : Dean of Students Silver Spring, Maryland What was your favorite class when you went to Gonzaga? Mrs. Free’s English class Fun fact? I played in the NBA for the Golden State Warriors. I also helped create a class at Georgetown University called ‘Struggle and Transcendence’ that is still being taught 25 years later. Any advice for aspiring college athletes? You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable. No excuses, you just gotta work hard at what you do. And don’t be afraid to ask for help, that goes for both athletics and in the classroom.
Ashley Krautkremer: Religion Tampa, Florida Best thing about teaching your subject? Watching my students come to know the world as a hopeful place full of joy and optimism, especially when you can look at it through the lens of faith What inspired you to become a teacher? All the teachers I had - I can name every teacher I had in my entire life. I feel that the classroom is a sacred place where I can grow along with my students. What is the most memorable thing a student has done in your class? One of my students recited the steps of confession to the tune of Usher’s song Confessions.
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Britney Pugh: Headmaster's Office Executive Assistant/ Registrar Miami, Florida Experience at Gonzaga? Wonderful. I love the positivity and energy everyone brings everyday. Favorite hobby? Spending time outside with my husband and my dog, Thor. Fun Fact? I played college softball at Barry University in Miami
Mark Horak, SJ: Religion/ Sports Chaplain Cleveland, Ohio How has your experience been at Gonzaga so far? It’s been very positive. I am so impressed with the love and the commitment that both the faculty have for the school and the students have for one another. There’s a great spirit and culture here. What is your favorite part about your role at Gonzaga? I really enjoy how diverse my role is at Gonzaga. Getting to spend time teaching scripture to Freshman and also spending time with the athletes as chaplain allows me to meet lots of students. I am also looking forward to going on retreats as a part of campus ministry. What is your favorite hobby? I love golfing - I would consider myself reasonably good, but I have a lot more to learn.
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MLB Playoffs & World Series Recap
By: Billy Cannon ‘24 Contributor The Atlanta Braves are World Series champions. They did it without superstar Ronald Acuna, Jr., who was lost for the season in July after tearing his ACL. General manager Alex Anthopoulos responded to this setback by acquiring four new outfielders at the trade deadline Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall, Jorge Soler, and Eddie Rosario. At the time, these additions weren’t thought to be that great - in fact, the Dodgers’ additions of former Nats stars Trea Turner and Max Scherzer were more widely publicized. But the Braves ended up beating the Dodgers in the NLCS, mostly because of the production of their deadline acquisitions. The Dodgers advanced to the NLCS all the way from the Wild Card game, which they beat the Cardinals in after 105 regular season wins behind a Chris Taylor walkoff home run. In the AL Wild Card, the Red Sox took care of the Yankees by chasing New York ace Gerrit Cole after just two innings.
The Red Sox met division rival Tampa Bay in the ALDS, and after getting shut out in Game 1, their offense exploded with 47 hits over the next three games, including 20 in Game 2, to take down the Rays three games to one. In the other American League series, the Houston Astros took care of the Chicago White Sox fairly easily, as they also only dropped one game. On the other side of the bracket, the Dodgers advanced to face bitter rival San Francisco in a series where both teams had over 105 wins in the regular season. Fittingly, the two teams traded wins in the first four games, setting up a deciding, drama-filled fifth game. Both teams pushed one run across in the sixth inning, and Cody Bellinger pushed across a run for the Dodgers in the ninth. Former Nats ace Max Scherzer was brought in to close it out in the ninth, and he did, striking out the final two batters. Atlanta took care of Milwaukee, dropping the first game but winning the next three with ease, to set up an NLCS matchup between
them and the Dodgers. The ALCS pitted the Red Sox against the Astros, and Houston took Game 1 behind a home run from Carlos Correa. The Red Sox came back in Game 2, however, and hit two grand slams in the first two innings. The offense stayed hot with 12 runs in Game 3, but Houston took the next three games to advance to the World Series for the third time since 2017. Atlanta kicked off the NLCS with an Austin Riley walk-off single, and took Game 2 as well to remain undefeated at home during the postseason. They looked poised to take a 3-0 series lead at Dodger Stadium until Cody Bellinger led an eighth inning rally with a three-run home run. However, Atlanta struck back with a Game 4 victory behind back-to-back home runs from deadline acquisitions Rosario and Duvall. Los Angeles took Game 5, but at home again, the Braves won Game 6 to advance to the World Series. In Game 1 of the World Series, Jorge Soler hit a leadoff home run and the Braves never looked back, winning
6-2. However, Atlanta ace Charlie Morton suffered a broken leg after being hit with a line drive and was ruled out for the rest of the series. In Game 2, Houston’s offense roughed up Max Fried and took a 7-2 victory behind five strong innings from José Urquidy. In Game 3, three different Atlanta pitchers took a nohitter into the eighth inning and the Braves used a 2-0 win to take the edge in the series. The Astros led until the seventh inning in Game 4, but Dansby Swanson and Soler hit back-to-back home runs to push Houston to the brink. In the potential seriesclinching Game 5, the Braves jumped out to an early lead behind a first-inning Duvall grand slam. However, the Astros were able to send it back to Houston with a 9-5
win, forcing a Game 6. Soler hit yet another home run to kick off the scoring in Game 6, this time a three-run bomb, and Swanson hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning followed by a Freddie Freeman double to put the Braves up 6-0. Freeman tacked on a solo home run in the top of the seventh to push the Atlanta lead to seven. Braves relievers Tyler Matzek and Will Smith finished the job with 3 scoreless innings to close it out. The Braves won their first World Series since 1995, 26 years ago. Jorge Soler, who the Braves acquired at the deadline for just Single A pitcher Kasey Kalich, won World Series MVP with an average of .300, three home runs, and 6 RBI over the course of the series.
NBA Team Previews By: Max Diaz ‘24 Contributor East Atlanta Hawks- The Hawks should have another great year as they kept all their best players including one of the best guards in the league, Trae Young. Boston Celtics- This year the Celtics have a new coach and they kept most of their players. They should have another average year since not much has changed. Brooklyn Nets- In my opinion, their “Big 3” isn’t that good compared to past ones because they don’t have as much chemistry. Plus, this year it will probably just be a big 2 because Kyrie won’t
be able to play as long as he stays unvaccinated. Charlotte Hornets- The Hornets had a below average season last year. They should have a pretty similar year, just missing the playoffs. Chicago Bulls- This year will look better for them than last year because they added a lot of new players to their roster to go with LaVine. Cleveland Cavaliers- The Cavaliers had a terrible year last year and they should have another slightly better, but still very bad season this year. Detroit Pistons- The Pistons were the worst team in the East last year and Cunningham won’t change much, so they will miss the playoffs by a lot. Indiana PacersThe Pacers had a below average year last season and should have another this year. Miami Heat- The Heat had a decent year last season and should have a shot at the title
this year with additions like Lowry and Tucker to an already extremely talented roster. Milwaukee Bucks- The defending champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, should have another awesome year, but I don’t think that they will go back-to-back. New York Knicks- Fresh off their best year in awhile, the Knicks should make the playoffs again led by Randle and newly added Walker. Orlando Magic- The Magic are in a rebuild phase and should not make the playoffs this year. Philadelphia 76ers- The Sixers won’t get far in the playoffs this year because of the Simmons issue and other teams are getting better. Toronto Raptors- In my opinion, the Raptors are at the beginning of a rebuild phase, so they won’t make the playoffs. Washington Wizards- I know this is the city’s team, but the Wizards suck and that is how I think their season will go.
ericks had a great year last year and they should have another good one this year because of Doncic. Denver Nuggets- The Nuggets should have another great season due to having the reigning MVP and the league’s best center, Jokic. Golden State Warriors- They should have a good year because they have one of, if not the greatest shooter of all time in Steph Curry. Houston Rockets- Just like many other teams, the Rockets are in a rebuild phase. LA Clippers- The Clippers should have a decent year with the only thing restraining them is the Leonard injury. LA Lakers- The LA Lakers should be the favorites to represent the West in the Finals, but the only thing restraining this LA team from completing their goal is Westbrook bringing bad chemistry into the team. Memphis Grizzlies- Other than Ja, the Grizzlies are just a bad team, so they will easWest ily miss the playoffs. Dallas Mavericks- The Mav- Minnesota Timberwolves-
They are just another team that is in the magical 2 words, “rebuild phase.” New Orleans Pelicans- Another rebuild phase to go with Zion. Oklahoma City ThunderAnother team in the rebuild phase, but they have many picks in the future, so they should make a comeback soon, but not yet. Phoenix Suns- Had an amazing season last year and should have another this year, but the Lakers are the main thing in the way. Portland Trail Blazers- They should have a decent year because of having Lillard, but he needs more support. Sacramento Kings- The Kings haven’t won a championship since 1951 and it is going to stay that way again. San Antonio Spurs- They have some good young players, but they don’t have any all-star worthy players to lead them far. Utah Jazz- They should go far in the playoffs due to having players like Mitchell and Gobert.
By: Jackson Brewer ‘24 Contributor After a good year in 2020 that ended with a tough fight in the NFC Wild Card Game against the future Super Bowl champions, expectations were high for Chase Young and the Washington Football team going into the 2021-2022 season. But the season has turned sour, after what seemed like a positive start. Their first game of the year ended in a loss, but there were reasons to be optimistic. The Chargers are a
WFT Midseason Review really good team, and holding their explosive offense to 20 points is impressive. The run defense was also very good, as the front seven held the Chargers two lead backs, Austin Ekeler and Larry Rountree III, to under 4 yards per carry. The only disappointments on the day were the pass rush, which only tallied two sacks on the day, and the loss of new quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. But both of these losses were easy to ignore, as the Chargers had a very good offensive line, and backup Taylor Heineke
played very well. The next four weeks featured several ups and downs for the team, as they went 2-2, winning against the Giants and Falcons, but losing against the Bills and Saints. Although the Washington Football Team managed to get the victory against the Giants, it wasn’t the best performance for the team, as Daniel Jones was able to pass for over 200 yards without an interception, along with 90 yards rushing on only 9 rushes. Some positives from the performance was the pass
NBA Awards Predictions By: Sam Galupo ‘23 Contributor
player turning into a superstar. He had similar numbers to Morant last year, and will The 2021-2022 NBA season need to produce at the same has arrived. Below are my level it would take Ja to win picks for this league’s major the award. The reason I have awards. Porter over Morant has to do with the team: The Nuggets Sixth Man of the Year: are poised to be a top seed. 3rd Place: Derrick Rose D-Rose will likely have a Rookie of the Year handful of 30-40 point games 3rd Place: Davion Mitchell and memorable moments in Mitchell has all the tools to the upcoming season. become an effective play2nd Place: Jordan Poole maker and shot-creator for Poole looks to build on an the Kings’ offense; he’s also already solid resumé in his a great on-ball defender. third year. His scoring pro- 2nd Place: Cade Cunningduction should improve as ham the Warriors fight for a top- As the No. 1 overall draft six seed in the Western Con- pick, the Pistons rookie is obference. viously one of the favorites 1st Place: Jordan Clarkson to win here. His play-style Everyone knows how prolific on Oklahoma State should a scorer the reigning Sixth translate well into the NBA, Man of the Year is. Utah’s and he should get plenty of personnel barely changed opportunities on the Pistons. over the offseason, so Clark- 1st Place: Jalen Green son should feel even more Green has the keys to the comfortable in his role off the Rockets offense this year; bench. without James Harden and John Wall in decline, he Most Improved Player: will have ample opportunity 3rd Place: OG Anunoby to put up a high volume of Anunoby has already proven shots. Green will have the he's a solid wing defender. To chance to put up monster ofwin the award, his improve- fensive numbers. ments would have to be on the offensive side of the ball. Defensive Player of the Year 2nd Place: Ja Morant 3rd: Place Joel Embiid Morant’s case is similar to Embiid is the anchor of the Giannis’ in 2017. Both play- Sixers’ defense, but also the ers went from being a border- focal point of the offense. It line All-Star to a superstar. might not be realistic for him Morant had a solid 2020 sea- to give 100 percent effort on son, scoring 19 ppg and 7 as- every play on both ends. sists. To win, Ja would need 2nd Place: Rudy Gobert to put up north of 25 ppg and Gobert winning again would lead Memphis into at least a mean he would be tied for the play-in spot. most Defensive Player of the 1st Place: Michael Porter Jr. Year awards in NBA history. MPJ’s case is just like Even if he puts up the same Mortant’s: an already good stats this year as he did in the
years he won it, voter fatigue will likely prevent him from getting the nod. 1st Place: Bam Adebayo Unlike Embiid, Adebayo won’t have to exert so much energy on offense. Bam is one of the most versatile big men in the league; he can play in the post and block shots, but also switch in pick and rolls on quicker, smaller guards. This is the year he finally gets it. Most Valuable Player 3rd Place: Steph Curry He scored over 30 ppg last year, and will need to repeat those numbers to win the MVP this year. The Warriors will be competitive, so team success shouldn’t hurt him too much in the race. 2nd Place: Luka Doncic Doncic was the favorite last year, and is right at the top of the odds again this year. He could realistically average a 30-point triple-double while competing for a playoff spot. Luka does have flaws in his game. He’s not an elite defender and he came out flat to start the last season. 1st Place: Kevin Durant Durant’s season came to a heartbreaking end last year, being a toe’s length away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. KD’s scoring ability is one of the best in NBA history, and he showed that against the Bucks last year, having multiple 40-point games, playing every minute, and almost single handedly carrying his team. Having not won the award since 2014, this could be the year the NBA legendin-the-making finally wins his second trophy.
rush, which tallied 4 sacks, double the amount from the previous week, and Taylor Heineke, who threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. Judging off these two games, the Washington Football Team doesn’t look to be in too bad of a spot going into Week 3, but little would players and fans know that their record during their next 6 games would be 1-5, with the only win coming against a struggling Falcons team in a very close game. In defense of the Football Team,
The Aquilian 7
they have lost to six very good teams, as all but two of the teams have a winning record, and the two that don't are the Chiefs and Broncos, two pretty good teams in a hard division. But even though their schedule is going to get easier, their playoff chances look bleak, as the Dallas Cowboys are playing good football right now, so the goal for the season for the Washington Football Team should be to refine their defensive identity and plan for the future.
8-Quarters! By: Noah Potholm '22 Editor This past Friday, the varsity football team lost in its regular-season finale to St. John’s by a score of 20-17. The Eagles started their outing with a bang, forcing an interception on their opening drive and closing the quarter with a Nate Kurisky reception for a TD. Sophomore quarterback Aidan Conrath had an efficient outing too, throwing for a pair of TDs without committing a single turnover. Led by their strong defense, the Eagles forced several turnovers and even led the game by three heading into the half. However, the Cadets stormed back in the latter part of the game, controlling the clock and keeping the Eagles’ offense off the field. Cadets running back Cinqué Blount accounted for both of Saint John’s touchdowns in the
contest. Throughout the game, the Eagles were cheered on by what might have been one of the highest-attended football games on Buchanan Field ever. It's safe to say that as the game progressed and the clock neared expiration in the fourth quarter, the students unleashed the storm of cheers they had been containing over the football-inhibiting Covid era. After the game, Coach Trivers encouraged the players and fans, shouting that this is “only halftime” and a similar amount of energy and effort will be needed next weekend in the WCAC Semifinals when the two rivals face off again. The Eagles play the Cadets on Saturday, November 13th at 1:00 PM at Saint John’s. In the words of every member of the Booster Club "attendance is expected and mandatory."
Photo by: Peter Mildrew '22
NFL Surprises
Mildrew's Melodies Vol II By: Peter Mildrew '22 Editor
produced beats and grooves are seriously lush and impactful. The harmonious, neo-funk and Thundercat influenced beaming chords and booming bass lines only serve to raise Maidza’s voice to higher levels. The beats themselves never bore; Farber’s reliance on both classic and classical samples demonstrates a varied, calculated approach in creating modern art pop-rap. “Breathe,” the EP’s final track, is possibly the prettiest, glitteriest finisher I’ve heard. There are few songs where I’ve had to pause the song in the middle to catch my own breath, but this might be the clearest example. Maidza, although still relatively underground, delivers her most powerful punch on this EP in more thoughtful and creative ways than ever, and if this is just a taste-test of her potential, then give me the whole pint.
Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3 Review Tkay Maidza, an Australian rapper and vocalist originally from Zimbabwe, pulls out all the stops on the final EP in her LYWW series. Vol. 3 is a hidden gem of hits that rarely misses. The EP screams summer throughout, carrying an airy and bouncy weight to it, especially on the sweeter tracks like “Eden'' and “Breathe.” On such tracks, Maidza introduces and resolves her main message: “stop sleeping on me.” Cuts like “Kim” and “Syrup” emphasize this flex-ability, both utilizing humorously valid takes on relationships and her status to convey that she really is up next in both her personal and professional lives. At no point on this EP does Maidza stray from doing what she does best; her rapping is at its paramount, her witty, unrelenting bars are Best Track: “Breathe” equipped to come back at any Worst Track: “Cashmere” hater, and the Dan Farber-
By: Andrew Lavella '24 Contributor Kansas City Chiefs Offense Where is a better place to start than the lackluster Chiefs? Coming into the year everyone had them as a lock for first place in the AFC because of one factor, their offense. However, this offense has struggled this year, teams are making them go the long way and choosing to not give them anything easy. There is still time to fix it but they have to be quick, time is running out. Washington Football Team I know this will be an unpopular one but man has this team been disappoint-
ing. Coming into the year I and many others thought this front four would dominate but they simply haven’t. With a middle of the park offence Chase Young and the rest of that defense needs to step it up if Washington is to have any hope of rescuing their season. Cincinnati Bengals Coming into the year everyone grilled the Bengals for passing on Penei Sewell and help for Joe Burrow, but their team has come out proving they don't need them. Ja’Marr Chase is looking generational and Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense look fantastic. The team looks great, if they can keep Bur-
row safe the Bengals will be a juggernaut for this year and years to come. The Rookie QBs With five rookie QBs taken in the top 15 and three in the top five these guys should be doing a lot better. Only Mac Jones (New England Patriots) has looked competent. The other four have struggled greatly with decision making, whether that is missing the open receiver or throwing the interception into coverage. This of course is only the beginning for these rookies, but they will need massive improvement to live up to the hype.
First-to-Worst: Ranking Campus Ministry Snacks By: John Ferrara '22 Editor-In-Chief The bell rings, you grab your bag, you hustle out of the classroom. Maybe you’re on your way to Mr. Samp’s class or are descending from the Diversity Lounge on the third floor of Kohlmann. Whether you’re coming or going, it’s hard to make it to that side of campus without passing Campus Ministry… and that alluring lucent blue bowl, packed (or just as likely depleted) with the snack of the day. Small in size but high in demand, these mints, candies, or salty snacks have the potential to boost anyone’s mood. So, we all get it – the Campus Ministry snacks are glorious. But what about those occasional times when you’re strolling past the office and that beautiful blue bowl is no longer as enticing? The snack of the day might not be so tasty - not so coveted to the point that the snack bowl is, for once, overflowing rather than exponentially losing its supply. Now, what snack are you picturing in this scenario
when that normally glowing bowl is not quite as sparkling? There’s a right answer to that question. Luckily, I’m here to answer it for you. Today, I’ll be presenting the definitive Campus Ministry snack power rankings. After years of pilfering just about every sort of item from that room that has any nutritional value, I feel qualified to make such a claim. I hope you can agree with my rankings. If you can’t, I’ll send out some prayers for your tastebuds. Also, the Campus Ministers – Ms. Flood, Ms. Davin, and Mrs. Pagni – have carried out their own rankings for this article. They have some controversial choices, but you can be the judge of that. 1. Lifesaver Mints These little guys are timeless. They’re portable and quick to consume and almost always are filling the Campus Ministry snack bowl. There’s no greater pain than walking by the office hoping to snag a Lifesaver only to dump your hand into a bowl that’s been pillaged of the donut-shaped mints. It’s a pivotal note that
Campus Ministry’s mint supply utilizes the Wint O Mint Lifesavers rather than the company’s metallic-like Pep O Mint counterparts that are on display on other parts of campus. In the wise words of Ms. Flood – “Mints aren't snacks, they're a lifestyle.” 2. Mini-chocolates Though not often featured in Campus Ministry’s blue bowl, the mini-chocolates earn an honorable placement on this list for their size and selection. Weighing in at well under an ounce, the chocolates are great for on-the-go snacking and even present the opportunity for taking a couple at a time. One of the highlights of this snack is that they seem to come as an assorted bag, boasting anything from Hershey’s to Krackle’s to Crunch’s all at once. If it weren’t for the unsavory after-taste of the chocolates, these guys might be in contention for the number one spot on this list.
3. Rice Krispy Treats Rice Krispy Treats don’t frequent the Campus Ministry office, but when they do, they’re a hot commodity. The issue I have with the sticky snack is that it is a little larger than what one might desire for a passing period munch. The taste is impeccable, don’t get me wrong. But the size makes it tough to eat before arriving at your next period, and since only five or so Krispy’s are put out at a time, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll always be able to snatch one up. 4. Chips Perhaps the most overrated of any Campus Ministry snack, chips are a pass for me. Whether its Doritos or Cheetos, snacking on the chips from Campus Ministry will 100% leave a trail - most likely an orange one - on your right hand. The flavor is absolutely average at best, and the inconvenience instigated by the mess and the long
consumption time make it a questionable Campus Ministry staple. 5. Nature Valley Bars Okay, who likes these? I don’t mean in the context of before an outdoor sports practice or anything…that’s fine. But seriously, on the way to class you’re taking a Nature Valley Bar??? I mean the crumbs are like a waterfall, the texture leaves you with a mouth as dry as a desert, and the taste is so mediocre. The only redeeming factor of these tragic bars is best presented by Mrs. Pagni: “[the only good ones are] the fruit and nut ones that don't create the dreaded trail of crumbs.” It takes the average eater almost three minutes to eat a bar. Who has that kind of time? If I see you munching on one of these before class, I have no choice but to assume you just missed breakfast and the bar is your last resort for calories. #NoMoreNatureValleyBars