The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2023

PAC chase begins

The tribe has spoken

History made in D.C.

SPORTS

COMMUNITY

PERSPECTIVES

WTEN takes on conference tournament

The

@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper Friday, October 13, 2023

Survivor takes campus by storm

McCarthy kicked to the curb

Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper

Vol. 109, No. 6

Israel attack impacts students Violet Whitmore News Editor

On Saturday, Palestinian militant group Hamas fired over 3,000 missiles at Israel and launched a military campaign, invading from the Gaza Strip. Israel has likewise begun a military campaign against Hamas, making the border highly militarized and dangerous. Thousands are already wounded and dead in both Gaza and Israel.

The war is already having an impact on one Grove City College student who was studying in Israel and could impact the study abroad program in the future.

The College works with Jerusalem University College and hosts faculty-led intersession study courses in Israel.

“The war in Israel is very likely to impact the January intersession travel course and Passages trip to Israel that has been planned for 2024,” said Jennifer Gilliland, Director of the Office of Global Programs. “It remains to be seen how future travel courses will be impacted.

We have no travel courses planned to Israel for the May 2024 intersession period.”

“Fortunately, we do not have a large group of students who are currently in Israel,” Gilliland said.

Joshua Rodriguez, a student at Grove City College, is studying at Jerusalem University College in Israel this semester. Rodriguez will be returning to the U.S. this week on a charter flight arranged by the college’s insurance partner INext. JUC has made arrangements for this student to finish this semester’s coursework online.

The Study Abroad Office prepares for emergency situations like these and has procedures put in place for students in danger or accidents.

“This is a situation that definitely highlights the need for things that students usually don’t like to pay for when they travel, such as international travel and health inISRAEL 3

Fine arts professor at the college, Glen Sanders, repairs a broken chain on a donated mountain bike.

BEAVER-BUTLER PRESBYTERY

Reservation rides College refurbishes bikes for Lakota tribe Violet Whitmore News Editor

Life on an Indian Reservation isn’t an easy ride. Glen Sanders, a Grove City Professor of Fine Arts, and teacher at George Junior Republic School knows all about it.

For nine years, Sanders and Calvin Presbyterian in Zelienople, Pennsylvania have donated roughly 100 bikes every year to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and Nebraska. Sanders and his team refurbish the bikes in coordination with Communicycle in Beaver County, load and drive the bikes to the reservation. They’ve donated roughly one thousand bikes already.

“Since we started in Au-

gust, we already have 17 bikes repaired and ready at a warehouse owned by Grove City College, and more bikes stored at George Junior.

Communicycle has thousands of bikes they repair and give away locally, and we swap bikes and parts while working with them. We have access to roughly two thousand bikes, but some junky ones are sold or used for parts.”

Two sophomore girls from the college work on the project with Sanders, Veronica Klein and Michelle Porter.

“We coordinate with Glen and go to George Junior on Saturday mornings. The George Junior bikes facility gives the bikes to a tribe in South Dakota where they don’t have access to trans-

BEAVER-BUTLER PRESBYTERY

A Lakota boy excited about riding his new bicycle. portation. Some of our bikes end up with Communicycle because we trade with them for different bikes; if we need

more adult bikes or more kid bikes to take over, or if the RIDES 3

ICO teams prepare for mission field Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief

GRACE DAVID

Senior Caroline Garrett and junior Haley Miller prep for their trip.

Grove City students are preparing for another year of Inter-Community Outreach (ICO) trips, beginning on fall break.

ICO held its annual fair in SHAL atrium on Monday, where student representatives from each of the 12 trips shared their mission experiences.

ICO sends students across the state, country and western hemisphere. Grove City has served Philadelphia, Buffalo and Atlanta, among other cities.

“Each ICO partners with local churches and Christian ministries across the United States and internationally to serve communities with the love of Christ, and thus, the focus of an ICO is centered on establishing ministry

partnerships in a wide array of community contexts,” Director of Christian Formation Virginia West said.

“Traditionally, ICO has been denoted as an inner-city outreach, but more recently, ICO trips have expanded to include ministry in the rural areas.”

ICO trips with Project Rural Ministries send teams ICO 3

Editorial

Page 2

The award-winning Grove City College student newspaper, Oct. 13, 2023

From the Tower

Print is here to stay

There are few things that bring me joy quite like Friday mornings when I pick up the week’s fresh issue of the Collegian. Flipping through the pages and enjoying the carefully balanced art and copy is the finest reward for the week’s hard work.

Maybe it’s nerdy (it is), but I am always excited when the article starts on one page, and at the bottom of the text, it tells you to go finish the article on another page. You get to dive right into the paper, and if you’re like me, then you’ll forget to read the end of one article and start reading a completely different section.

Despite the rise of digital journalism and the supposed decline of print media, I don’t fear the freshly printed newspaper you can hold in your hand will become obsolete.

It is human nature to desire the tangible, the visible, the physical manifestation of art. Would you rather see a picture of Van Gogh’s Starry Night on your computer, or go to the Museum of Modern Art in New York and see the real thing right in front of you?

It may seem ambitious to compare a weekly newspaper to one of the most famous paintings in history, but what they undeniably share is the essence of art.

Art imitates life, life imitates art. Just as museum-worthy paintings represent the time, culture and artist from which they come, so a newspaper represents the time, culture and people from which it comes.

Arthur Miller wrote, “A good newspaper, I suppose, is a nation talking to itself.” Newspapers are responsible for accurately reflecting and representing the values, concerns and priorities of their readers.

What print newspapers offer to their readers is the permanence of this reflection and representation. Digital journalism isn’t permanent. Articles can be taken down and changed after publication.

What newspapers have is accountability and undeniable responsibility. If something is printed in poor taste, or information is inaccurate, the newspapers can print corrections in their next paper, but the mistake is permanent.

A print newspaper cannot hide its shortcomings from its readership, which is truly a blessing at the end of the day.

I hate finding mistakes in the newspaper once it’s on the stands, but I also see it as an opportunity for ownership and acknowledging that this is a man-made newspaper with ten people sitting in front of computers putting it all together.

As Miller said, a good newspaper is a nation talking to itself, and while Grove City isn’t an independent nation (I think), we do strive for each issue to include what is relevant and important to our readers.

These 12 pages present a smorgasbord of Grove City culture. From students’ opinions in Perspectives, feature articles on our campus’s quirky clubs in Community to coverage of our impressive athletics in Sports, here is a sampling of each of the qualities that make us Grove City College.

Emma Rossi

Editor-in-Chief

Collegian Staff Editor-in-Chief

Copy Chief

Managing Editor

Business Manager

Section Editors News

Copy Editors

Emma Rossi

Ayden Gutierrez

Violet Whitmore

Community Emily Fox

Hannah Welker Maercy Campion

Mia Gallagher Melody Shilito Kathryna Hoyman Hannah Williams

Staff Writers

Entertainment Vince Clay

Mia Gallagher Hunter Oswald David Smith Abigail Joyner Dominic Puglisi

Sports

Staff Photographers

Perspectives Grace Scheller

Joel Sledd

Photo Chief Grace David

Megan Eisentraut Naomi Walters Lydia Gilanshah

Staff Adviser

Nick Hildebrand The Collegian is the student newspaper of Grove City College, located in Grove City, Pa. Opinions appearing on these pages, unless expressly stated otherwise, represent the views of individual writers. They are not the collective views of The Collegian, its staff or Grove City College.

the Green

Eyeshade Award This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to Sports Editor Joel Sledd for his diligent coverage of Grove City Athletics and his creative design efforts.

The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.

SLEDD

RANGE

Find strength in rest Grace David Photo Chief

It’s August 2020—my freshman year. Grove City College is a small campus with big opportunities, and I’ve got a lot to explore.

Especially after a year of nothing but online work, I was going to jump on any opportunity I could. How can I grow, who can I meet, what can I add to my resume? As events and organizations returned to campus after the plague, all I ever said was “Yes!” Youth groups? Check.

Intramural sports? Check.

Random clubs here and there that I never went back to? Check. Life was all about trying new things to see who I would become.

That “yes” attitude never ceased. The spring semester brought the Orientation Board amongst a flurry of other clubs and activities, including a quickly increasing number of photography opportunities— sports!

Through my years here at the college, I have had so many opportunities to grow in myself, my skills, my relationship with the Lord and my friendships, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

RIDES

continued from 1

bikes would not survive in the harsh conditions of South Dakota,” said Klein.

The idea began when Sanders accidentally ran into an old friend with connections to the reservation. The reservation’s ground is rocky and untillable and the area endures harsh temperatures.

Due to the extreme poverty levels in the area, many residents don’t have garages to store bikes and cars. Bikes are a necessary form of transportation for some and get destroyed or outgrown quickly.

When he saw the conditions on the reservation, Sanders knew he needed to help.

On the reservation, the unemployment rate, high school dropout rate and drug addiction rate is 85%. The average yearly income on the reservation is around $26 thousand, and the United States average is $53 thousand. According to Sanders, there is violence, sexual assault, alcohol abuse and much higher levels of cancer, diabetes and suicide.

Community and opportunity are something this school does supremely well.

However, now looking back as a senior, I realize that I have a fatal flaw: My inability to say no.

If I have the opportunity, ability or skill to do something, why should I say no?

If I know I can do something well for someone and I know they can rely on me to get it done, why shouldn’t I say yes?

Events and clubs turned into jobs and responsibilities. As I grew older and my resume grew longer, I started to forget to do the things I enjoyed simply because I enjoyed it.

Experience is good, learning is good and connections are good, so this is overall good for me, right?

I take my camera with me everywhere and I love every second of it. I love shooting sports, capturing campus candids and taking portraits of my peers. But rare is the moment when I choose to go out and take photos just because I want to.

And it is my own fault — I have (probably) taken on more than I can bear.

And boy — does burnout hit you like a truck. Consistently staying up until the morning dove sings and then ignoring overwhelming exhaustion just to get to the

next thing is dangerous and unhealthy.

This lesson took me an unfortunate four years to learn.

Overwhelming yourself with extracurriculars and responsibilities does not have to be the ‘Grover way.’ There are so many great ways to express yourself and grow in your skills — take advantage of them and explore who you could become!

However, I would encourage you to evaluate yourself again and again. Rest is not a prize to be claimed after getting every single task done.

Good, healthy rest physically, mentally and spiritually is a requirement to keep us alive.

Burnout can sneak up on us quickly — often we find ourselves knee-deep in a colorful Google calendar with a list of never-ending tasks.

I often find myself saying “yes” just because I think I can. But often that yes means I am saying no to something else, like enough time to get schoolwork done well or a chance to go to bed on time.

Dear underclassmen, don’t let your work get in the way of doing good work. Find joy in the things you love and explore new adventures. Hold onto that joy, and make time for yourself and the things you find rest in.

And please, get some sleep.

“When some of the kids get the bikes, they stare at you with a blank face and don’t smile or say thank you.

There is a generation trauma and PTSD that the kids have, and though they’re grateful for the bikes they don’t know how to express it. Some people sell the bikes after we give them to them, but it doesn’t matter because it might end up feeding someone’s family for a couple of weeks. It’s a completely different environment over there.”

The opportunity for the community to engage, learn and help is part of the mission.

“Last summer a young man came back with us for 12 days. He went to Communicycle and George Junior, saw the shops and got to work on bikes. He helped collect, fix and work on bikes while he was there, and we’ve talked for years about trying to get reservation kids to work on bikes because they are very few we can go back and repair. So last year, Calvin Church raised money to build a bike shop.”

The shop will be an area

protected from the elements with room for bikes and tools.

They began building a bike shop to build interest in repair and to preserve the bikes for longer. “Realistically, it’d be cheaper for bikes if it was also about bikes. But another point of the mission is to get our community involved in bikes and young kids being able to repair them,” Sanders said.

The team’s influence on the reservation has been overwhelmingly positive. In addition to the new shop, the reservation is building a 10-foot-wide cement bike path with lights that make biking safer and easier.

“It’s about healing relationships between cultures,” Sanders said. “It’s about healing relationships in communities in western Pennsylvania. Providing a bike that takes hours to rebuild teaches new skills to the volunteers. It builds relationships between those volunteers, and it provides an opportunity to show love and create hope for everyone who gets involved. The cost is worth it.”

News The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2023

Page 3

Career Fair sets students up for success Ayden Gutierrez Managing Editor

The 25th annual Grove City College Career Fair took place last week in the Intermural Room of the Physical Learning Center. Recruiters from 160 organizations, including corporations, non-profit organizations, ministries and graduate and professional programs from 27 states traveled to campus to recruit Grove City students.

The Career Fair is the college’s main recruiting and networking event. Students from all years and majors are encouraged to attend to begin the search for jobs, internships, fellowships and networking opportunities.

The event is organized by the College’s Career Services Office and is one of the biggest career fairs in the region.

Renee Coyne, director of career services, said this year’s fair was the largest over the last five years.

According to Coyne, nearly 120 alumni recruiters were in attendance with their respective organizations to recruit Grovers.

“The fair provides opportunities for students who are exploring careers and developing skills,” Coyne said. “It’s a great time to talk with representatives, gain confidence in sharing specifics about yourself and find out more about the organizations and opportunities available to all students,” she said.

Employers represented at the fair included 84 Lumber, Allied Machine, Ansys, Armstrong World Industries, BNY Mellon, Bechtel, CNB Bank, Komatsu, Lockheed Martin, Northwestern Mutual, Morgan Stanley, PPG,

Junior David Wilbur greets William Obaker of Westinghouse Electric Co. at the 2023 Career Fair.

Sherwin-Williams, Siemens and Westinghouse. Representatives of state and federal agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the FBI and state police were in attendance.

26 higher education programs were in attendance, including a host of graduate schools, seminaries, law schools, non-profits and ministries. Cairn University, Covenant Theological Seminary, Duquesne University, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, MidAmerican Reformed Seminary, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Regent University

Parkhurst passes inspection Alexander Zeilstra Contributing Writer

Parkhurst Dining was recently under the microscope after reports from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s (PDA) Food Safety Division stated the dining service was in violation of two health and safety standards.

This summer, the College switched food providers from Bon Appetit to Parkhurst Dining. Considering the change in food service providers, the PDA’s Food Safety Division conducted a series of inspections of the dining facilities of Grove City College.

On July 21, an inspector from Food Safety evaluated conditions at MAP and Hicks, finding only minor inspection violations. Chick-filA was also inspected on Sept.

11 and found only a minor violation. On Sept. 21, an inspector with the Department visited Hicks cafeteria for an inspection of the facilities.

The visit was prompted by a complaint. Upon arriving at Hicks, the inspector found the facility out of compliance with the Pennsylvania state food code. Violations of this code take two forms: Presence of “Foodborne Illness Risk Factors” and violations of “Good Retail Practices.”

The former is the more serious of the two and can cause a facility to be shut down by the state government due to

posing an imminent health risk. The latter is less severe and is designated for violations which do not endanger public health.

In the case of the Sept. 21 Hicks complaint, the inspector found Parkhurst noncompliant with the “Good Retail Practices” category of the food code. The report found that there was an infestation of insect larvae within portions of the backrooms of the cafeteria. The report detailed that “numerous live maggots” were seen on the ground “throughout the receiving area” and “on the floor in adjacent locker rooms, office, and hallway.”

However, there was no food stored in the affected areas and “no food was observed to be impacted.”

The general compliance rate for all inspections in Pennsylvania is 94%. The specific violation, 6-501.111, for which Parkhurst was cited, entails having “insects, rodents, and/or animals” present. The other violations did not include maggot infestations.

Grove City College was instructed to call pest control to eradicate the infestation immediately.

Grove City College officials and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture both independently confirmed the issue had been resolved, with another inspection by the Department of Agriculture on Sept. 25 finding Hicks once again in compliance.

GRACE DAVID

School of Law, University of Akron School of Law, Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University, Trinity School for Ministry and the University of Pittsburgh were some of the institutions represented.

Students who attended the event gave their thoughts on the event. Robert Tamburrino, a senior finance major who is looking to go into either wealth management or banking, was pleased with the event.

“I talked to 4 or 5 different companies and connected with multiple alumni,” said Tamburrino. “I was able to speak with companies like HBK, UPMC and BNY Mel-

lon. I thought the event was a great way to get in front of recruiters and make connections to be followed up later.

Overall, it was extremely beneficial.”

Gabe Dunlap, a senior entrepreneurship, management and human resources triple major who is looking to pursue a position in sales or a management track, was able to speak with 9 companies.

“I talked to Chick-fil-A, UPMC, 84 lumber, PPG, First National Bank, Wabtec, BNY Mellon and Bechtel Plant Machinery,” said Dunlap. I had a positive experience. I was able to make several connections and applied to multiple job opportunities

that were presented to me at the career fair.”

“It also gave me an insight into what industries I enjoy working in. I would say it was a beneficial experience, especially as an upperclassman,” said Dunlap.

Bryce Spolnik, a junior accounting and finance major who is looking to become a CPA, spoke to 7 companies at the fair, including PwC, Sisterson & Co. and Grossman Yanak & Ford LLP. “I thought the event was beneficial and it helped me network more, learn about different career opportunities and get to know some alumni in my desired field,” said Spolnik.

ISRAEL

ter that Covid hit in March 2020. At first, students did not want to return to the U.S. even though borders were quickly being shut down.

And then seemingly all at once, they realized that they did need to return immediately.

Some nearly didn’t make it back by that point. It can be difficult to grasp when plans need to change quickly, but sometimes it happens.”

The conflict in Israel is not likely to impact current and future travel abroad programs.

“We currently do not have any travel courses that would be going to surrounding areas this year, so we do not expect that other travel courses would be impacted at this time,” said Gilliland.

VOLLEYBALL

continued from 1

surance with Political and Natural Disaster Evacuation coverage. The student that studied abroad in Israel this semester was lucky to have this coverage. Situations such as this surprise attack in Israel is why we always include this coverage as a part of the trip budget for Faculty-Led travel courses,” said Gilliland.

Students are encouraged by the college to prepare for potential problems they may encounter on the trip. During the pandemic, students underwent a similar situation where they needed to leave on short notice.

“The current situation reminds me of the semes-

ICO

continued from 1

to rural Appalachia and the Rust Belt. International trips include Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and San Andres Sacabaja, Guatemala.

The trips take place over fall break and spring break.

“Often our thoughts lean toward what we might be giving up to participate in an ICO trip, especially as the trips take place over the College breaks, so I encourage students to consider all there is to gain as God exceeds our expectations,” West said.

Juniors Jake Coffield and Brianna Nissley will be going to Philadelphia this spring.

“Last year, half of our team really focused on pouring into local churches in Philadelphia. While we were often doing tasks that, by our Grover standards, weren’t important, they made such a

difference,” Nissley said.

“A lot of the pastors and staff at these churches are unpaid so they have to work full-time jobs elsewhere, so they just don’t have time to get the little things done.

So, by unclogging the gutters, changing lightbulbs and sweeping, I saw us making a difference in these churches.”

Nissley became involved with ICO Philadelphia in her freshman year when a friend encouraged her to join. Through her work on the team, she has come to understand the importance of unity in the church.

“At the same time, working alongside multiple churches that week that had different views theologically than I made a large impact on my life. It doesn’t matter what denomination we are a part of; we are still called to serve and love our brothers and sisters in Christ,” Nissley said.

continued from 12

to finish No. 2 in the PAC and had an 8-2 conference record last season. The Wolverines will look to put these losses behind them and put full focus ahead, as they still face Bethany, the defending PAC champions, Chatham, the lone undefeated PAC team and Geneva, who defeated GCC in three sets in September.

Due to the publication timeline of this issue, the results from Thursday’s game against Washington & Jefferson have not been included.

Tomorrow, Grove City will host Franciscan and the match will start at 1 p.m. in the Grove City College Arena.

Coffield joined the college’s ICO teams after learning about their mission work from another Grover at his home church. He will be going to Philadelphia this year, as well as the trip to Santo Domingo in January of 2024.

“I am blessed to be able to experience mission both in Philadelphia and the Dominican Republic because people need the love of Jesus everywhere you go. No matter where you are, mission work can be done,” Coffield said.

“Even after the mission trips are over, they continue to impact me because the friends you make on ICOs extend into your life here at GCC. It is a wonderful, shared experience that you can have with your fellow Grovers!”

If you are interested in joining an ICO team, contact Virginia West for more information.

Community The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2022

Page 4

Upcoming Events...

What’s fresh at the Grove?

Food Truck Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Oct. 13 STEM Patio

Orchestra Concert 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 13 PFAC Auditorium

80s Silent Disco 8 - 11 p.m.

Oct. 13 STU

Hickstoberfest 1 - 4 p.m.

Oct. 14 Hicks Lawn

Colloqium on the Liberal Arts: 1 p.m.

Oct. 14 Sticht Lecture Hall

Mission Impossible Movie Night 8 - 10 p.m.

Oct. 14 Colonial Lawn

Wolf Creep

8 - 11 p.m.

Oct. 14 Lower Campus

AO Glow

8 - 11 p.m.

Oct. 14 Lincoln Lawn

How to make Money: During College and After 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 STU

Craft Talk and Reading by Novelist Samantha Jayne Allen 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 17 SHAL 108

Songs For Revival 7 p.m.

Oct. 24 Harbison Chapel

Outwit, outplay, outlast Grovers compete to be sole survivor Abigail Joyner Staff Writer

While many of us just try to survive until Fall Break, Sam Clark has raised the stakes by challenging students to become the sole survivor in his new club.

The Survivor Club is one of the newest clubs to reach the college’s campus, but it is growing rapidly.

The club is based on the popular reality TV show “Survivor,” which is now airing its 45th season. The TV show features 16-20 people abandoned in a remote location and left to compete for the title of Survivor. The contestants start in two tribes and begin voting people off the island until the tribes merge and competitors must compete for themselves rather than their tribe.

Sam Clark, a junior business statistics major, noticed many of his friends enjoyed Survivor, and he wanted to

create a time to watch with other people as well. He started inviting people to watch the show live with him in a SHAL classroom. Interest in watching the show steadily began to rise, and Sam saw the potential for a much more involved club.

Other campuses have created on-campus Survivor clubs which allow students to participate as if they were contestants on the show.

Sam began polling interest in creating this type of club on campus in the fall semester of 2022. At the end of the fall semester and beginning of the spring semester, he began seeking club status with the school.

Last spring the club officially began with a full

SAM CLARK

Top to bottom: the Akoa, Julantu, and Lilave tribes are competing in this year’s survivor competition. season of Survivor. Contestants from that season, were, “more intense than expected” and really “brought out her competitive side” said junior Molly McCommons.

The game relies on both comradery and back-stabbing. Such riveting races and strategies drew more students to apply for this fall’s season. Sam Clark is the president of the club and has assembled a committed team of executives to create an immersive experience for all who participate in the challenges this semester.

Due to the newness of the

club, Clark is currently doing the majority of the organizational work himself, but is hoping to incorporate more people to help run it so it, “will be a sustainable club for years to come”.

This season began on Oct. 1 and will continue until Nov. 16, when a new student will be named the sole survivor.

The club meets on Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m. in SHAL to stream the show as it airs. During the first episode this semester, Clark reported that over 40 students crowded into a classroom to view the season premiere.

How do we break up if we’re not even dating?

I’ve been talking to a guy for a while, and we really get along, but I just don’t really see us working out in the long run. The difficult part is that we aren’t dating— he hasn’t even directly stated interest. It’s pretty obvious that we like each other, but I’m not sure how to end things if there isn’t technically anything to end.

Should I just wait for things to fizzle out? Should I tell him how I feel?

Sheepishly, Stuck Grover Dear Stuck Grover, You are already off to a good start by taking this

Dear Dr. Love situationship seriously and seeking to be intentional.

Even in an undefined relationship, it is still right and kind to take the other person’s feelings into consider-

ation. It seems actions have spoken louder than words in this situation, and even though this guy hasn’t said anything, interest should be assumed. Be careful not to assume interest in a cocky or arrogant way but take it with complete humility. Understand the weight of someone else’s feelings. Those feelings are valid, regardless of whether they’re unreciprocated. Holding that posture of humility, you do not owe him, or anyone, a relationship. If you are confident this relationship won’t develop, the kindest thing you can do for him is tell him the truth. This conversation will likely be awkward but will reflect your intentionality

and maturity. If you decide to have the conversation, you could open by saying, “I am under the impression that we are a little more than just friends…” or “I might have misunderstood your intention, but I wanted to clear the air…” and then go from there. If it seems like a conversation is completely off the table, too awkward or unnecessary, you should definitely remove yourself from one-on-one interactions and reduce interactions altogether. Depending on the situation, this might be enough to get the message across. But, if he continues to try to get to know you, the conversation might be even more awkward. It

is better to be upfront and honest. As you consider the situation and make a decision, remember you cannot control anyone else’s response, but you are responsible for your own actions.

Auspiciously,

Dr. Love

Love M.D.

The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2022

Page 5

Making meaningful music

Seven questions with…

Dr. Ryan Kelly

Emily Fox

Community Editor The Grove City College music department has been busy coordinating a variety of events and opportunities for students and the surrounding community over the past few weeks. Last Saturday, the college’s marching band performed at the Grove City College Marching Band Invitational as they hosted six high school bands on Thorn Field for the annual festival, according to Director of Bands Dr. Andrew Erb. The department welcomed 40 prospective students for music major day this past Monday. Alumnae Sarah Dawson returned to the college to present to visitors at the event. Potential students had the opportunity to converse with music students, attend several lectures and a recital put on by students, as well as sit in on rehearsals with the concert choir and orchestra, according to music department Assistant Chair, Stacy Paparone.

The Department of Music at Grove City College strives to create a meaningful educational and community experience that allows students to pursue and develop their passions.

“We work very hard to provide an environment in which students are able to refine their God-given talents.

Our full-time, part-time and studio faculty encourage students to perform at their very best, challenging them to try things that are sometimes out of their comfort zones.

The growth we see from their Freshman year to their Senior year is always impressive, and we cheer on those successes each day. I believe the supportive environment is one that nurtures that

Prospective students gathered in the PFAC for music major day Oct. 9. growth and achievement,” Paparone said.

“The community of the music department is what makes it so meaningful. Every student is frequently reminded of how valuable they are, professors are always willing to help and music teachers are quick to point out progress in their students. All of these aspects of the music department act as a model of how my career in music education should look,” sophomore music education major Faith Chapman said.

The College provides a vast array of opportunities for students to cultivate their performance skills. These organizations are open to both students majoring in music and non-music-related majors. Students may join a variety of performance groups including the brass quintet and string quartet and take on roles such as a group officer position or even become a student conductor. Music majors will compete to win the upcoming Concerto Competition. The winner will be awarded the opportunity to be featured in an orchestra concert that will take place in February, according to Paparone.

Chapman explained how the variety of opportunities the department offers has prepared her to be an elementary music educator post-grad. “I was able to perform in a masterclass with Barbara Nissman last semester, which was an incredible opportunity to learn from a piano master,” she said. “Being able to perform well on my instrument will ultimately make me a better music educator.”

Sophomore music education and vocal performance major Daniel Garner also expressed an appreciation for the many performance experiences provided by the college. “We get so many chances to perform music that we’ve worked so hard on in front of our peers,” he stated. “An opportunity like this (something not so commonly offered at other schools) builds hard-to-acquire skills, like confidence.”

The college offers students a diverse range of ensembles to participate in, including five band ensembles, three choir groups, two orchestras, as well as various chamber ensembles, according to the Grove City website. A full schedule of performance dates for these groups can

GCC

also be viewed on this website.

One of these ensembles, the college orchestra, will be performing at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Pew Fine Arts Center in Ketler Auditorium.

The orchestra will be led

by Music Department Chair Dr. Jeffery Tedford.

Students of the music department appreciate the department’s efforts to create an encouraging and meaningful community for those studying music.

“The music department at Grove City is not only focused on making beautiful music but cultivating a supportive, rigorous community that cares deeply about honoring God and each other,” sophomore music education major Nora Russell said.

“Grove City’s music program feels like a home away from home. I think most of us can agree that we feel that the music department is a big family.

This also makes it the perfect environment to learn because I know I can go to my professors about anything, and I can rely on my classmates for help,” junior music education major Kassi Barry said.

Autumn adventures off-campus

Emma Rossi Editor-in-Chief

In what feels like an overnight change, it’s finally fall in Grove City. While a walk to class provides plenty of picturesque views of the autumn leaves, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by many parks, trails and wooded walkways.

Whether you’re looking for a slow stroll after class or a scenic hike on a Saturday morning, there’s plenty to offer.

Allegheny River Trail With 34 miles of paved trail winding along the Allegheny River, this first spot provides hikers of all experiences with sights of the Allegheny below and the changing leaves above. Its many miles are bordered on one side by the river, with kayaks, canoes and fishing boats. On the other side, deep woods with rich foliage provide scenes from the changing seasons.

The trail is popular for biking, with eight bridges and tunnels with reflective markers for a smooth trip.

The trail’s most popular starting point is about a 30-minute drive from cam-

pus, and the drive is well worth it. A hike on this trail is more of a day trip, with many stops along the way in towns located off the trail, as well as Oil Creek State Park, which has its own trails, waterfalls and overlooks.

“The Kennerdell Overlook is a beautiful scenic spot with a gorgeous view of the Allegheny River. At night, stars, constellations and planets can be seen there. When it is peak autumn, the leaves on all the trees are incredible,” said junior Meg Daughtery.

Grove City Memorial Park If you’re looking for something lowkey that’s closer to campus, Grove City Memorial Park is a great choice.

Its main entrance is on West Main Street, which is only a little over a mile away.

The park is perfect for some off-campus studying on a warmer fall day and even a picnic, with a gazebo in the main park and several pavilions and picnic tables along the trail.

If it’s too chilly for a walk, then a drive through the park is just as enjoyable. During the days before Halloween, the town of Grove City cel-

the scientist and the general behind the Manhattan Project.

Leo has been presenting “The Story behind the Manhattan Project: a First Person Dramatization“ for physics students and the public for decades. Channeling Robert Oppenheimer and Gen.

Helena Ritenour Contributing Writer

What made you decide you wanted to become a professor at Grove City?

I am passionate about equipping college students with the tools to be Gospel-saturated men and women who strive to bring excellence to the workplace. I also love the community that has been so welcoming and believes in the mission.

If you could choose any job for one day, what would you pick?

I think I would try being a radio host who interviews people. I believe there is a real art to making guests feel comfortable and bringing out the personality in someone throughout a conversation, so I would give that a whirl.

What is the most recent podcast or book you’ve been enjoying?

A student of mine recommended “Ten Minute Bible Talks,” which is a podcast that reads a passage from the Bible and talks about contemporary applications. I have also been listening to “Footbahlin” with Ben Roethlisberger and “The Woman in White,” which is a novel

by Wilkie Collins (I have a long commute).

What is your favorite fall activity?

WOLF CREEK NARROWS NATURAL AREA FACEBOOK

View from Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area. ebrates fall with a scarecrow contest in the main center of the park.

“People from the community and local businesses can create a scarecrow or fall scene which are put in the main loop of the park. Then, at any time, you can drive through to see the creations and vote for which one is your favorite,” junior Anna Dueker said.

Miller Woods Trail Miller Woods Trail is just three miles west of Slippery Rock, making it the perfect

spot for a half-day hike. The trail is known for its wildflowers in the spring, but it offers plenty of colorful autumn naturescapes.

The trail features two main paths: Wolf Creek trail hike and the Miller Woods tract.

Wolf Creek trail hike will take you through dense woods with rock clefts bordering the trail, while the Miller Woods tract crosses the flood planes of Wolf Creek.

For more information on the Miller Woods Trail, visit www.slipperyrock.com.

Oppenheimer meets GCC Before Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy, and Matt Damon, there was Richard Leo. Long before “Oppenheimer” hit theaters, Leo, a retired professor of Physics, dramatized the story of the atomic bomb with a one man show in which he portrays

Professor of Management

Lesley Groves – portrayed in Nolan’s film by Murphy and Damon – Leo discusses the significance and history of the unprecedented effort.

The film’s success inspired Leo to revive his presentation for a special event at 5 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 23 in Sticht Lecture Hall in the Staley

Hall of Arts and Letters on campus. It is sponsored by the Grove City College Physics Club.

“Don’t miss this chance to hear a GCC icon speak about this historic enterprise,” Physics Club advisor and physics professor Dr. DJ Wagner said.

The many fall festivals that go on in Western Pennsylvania. I seek out all the maple-flavored treats I can find and fill my kitchen with them.

What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given?

A mentor once told me, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” After all, a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

What’s your favorite animal?

Easy. Ducks. Imagine if you could fly, swim and walk on land. On top of that, you get to go on a long vacation during the cold months.

What are you most looking forward to this semester?

Getting to know all my students. I am excited to support them through their whole educational journey.

Through the Lens

Through the lens, Feb. 22, 2019

Page 6

The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2023

Rocky Mountain high A journey through the wonder of Colorado

As the end of September brought the beginning of Autumn vibrancy, I took a trip out west to the rocky beauty of Colorado.

For years, it has been one of my biggest dreams to sit in wonder of the great mountains that decorate the state. The views, the air, the color, and the people blew past my mountainhigh expectations.

I love how much diverse beauty our country has to offer, from the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to the sandy deserts of Arizona and the snowy caps of Colorado.

It’s incredible to think about the insane creative handiwork of God in his creation. How even more beautful must we be, in His image!

by Grace David, Photo Chief

The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2023

Page 7

Perspectives The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2023

Page 8

Opportunity gap?

GRACE DAVID

Comm major left discouraged

Ayden Gutierrez Managing Editor

As I enter my final semester at Grove City, there was still a Grove City first I needed to check off my list: the Career Fair.

As a Communication Arts major, I have never felt the incentive to attend due to the lack of communication-represented jobs in attendance.

As a freshman, I was told to not even bother with attending because it would be, “a waste of my time.”

After not going for three years, I decided that it

wouldn’t be wise to graduate without having attended the career fair, so I went last week. I left feeling quite disappointed with the lack of opportunities for me.

In the hour I spent at the event, I was handed a flier for a videography position with a company, and I took home a packet for the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Business.

Now, I don’t do this to complain, rather I’m simply writing as a calling card to have more diversity in which majors are represented.

Specifically, requesting that there be more representation for comm. majors.

From my experience, if you are an engineer, a finance major or plan to go

into ministry, the career fair is an amazing way to find post-grad opportunities.

However, I feel if you study anything else (and there are a multitude of other degrees at Grove City) you probably left with somewhat of the same feeling I did. When you read that 160 organizations would be represented from 27 different states, you would think that a vast majority of the degrees would be represented.

As a Comm major who plans to enter the media world, there was an utter lack of representation. Personally, I look to pursue a degree in the media world.

What that exactly is, I am not sure yet. But for anyone else with broadcast journalism

dreams, I know they left with the same disappointment that I did.

My disappointment is bigger than just my own interests. Yes, personally I was frustrated, but I am more so upset with the lack of variety for Comm majors to pursue.

The Comm department offers a degree with endless possibilities. Students can explore careers in PR, HR, social media, videography and photography, media services, broadcast journalism, radio and so much more.

That doesn’t even include the Design and Innovation side of the department. The fact that almost none of those fields were represented at the fair is disappointing to me.

If you were looking for

jobs within the major, you were stuck with maybe a few opportunities with the MarComm side of things, i.e. being stuck in the press release world. Which, if that’s what you want, then that’s great.

But there is so much more to the comm degree that simply needs and deserves to be represented.

Again, this is not an attempt to bash the CSO. I think the career fair is a great event and they do an amazing job with bringing over 100 different organizations to campus. I just wish future Comm students were able to partake in this incredible opportunity as well.

Speaker’s ouster sign of times Brae Sadler

Contributing Writer On Tuesday, Oct. 3, American history was made. For the first time, a Speaker of the House was voted out of office.

Matt Gaetz, a republican congressman, moved to vacate the speakership, and with the support of House Democrats and fellow Republicans. He ousted then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. This revolutionary action marks the beginning of a new era in American politics.

Gone are the days when Republicans and Democrats were identical in their policies and beliefs. Today, we face increasing conflict but also a chance to make America a radically better country.

In the twentieth century, the Republican and Democrat parties grew similar in their policy stances. Eventually, the differences between the two became negligible.

For a hundred years, American politics was in a state of equilibrium. However, Donald Trump broke that when he won the 2016 election.

Since then, populism has become a major force within the republican party. Shap-

ing politics on a local, state and national level. In fact, the populists held so much influence that McCarthy had to strike a deal with them to become Speaker of the House. Obviously, this fell through, and McCarthy was removed as a result.

On Wednesday, republicans nominated his successor: Representative Steve Scalise. Interestingly, he was able to secure the support of the populists while still being an establishment figure.

Though, like his predecessor, Scalise will have to listen to the populists or face the consequences. While not the most powerful faction in politics, any major republican must work with populists to succeed.

The price of populist support is moving policy further to the right. McCarthy made this deal and failed. If Scalise wants to avoid McCarthy’s fate, he will have to make republican policy on the federal level more conservative.

No doubt this will increase conflict with the democrats who are trying to pull the country to the left. However, this conflict is good because it means policy improvements may happen. Congress will become a battleground where conflicting ideologies will wage war. Expect to find

WINA.COM

issues like abortion, transgenderism and foreign intervention fiercely debated.

But, with conflict comes an opportunity.

Republicans will be pushed into making more conservative policies. If they regain the White House in 2024, Republicans will be able to face America’s biggest challenges head on.

This process is already playing out on a state level.

Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, 22 states have either banned or severely restricted abortion. Addition-

ally, 21 states made child gender transition surgery and drugs illegal. These policies are saving thousands of babies and protecting children from harm. On the other hand, liberal states have kept on strengthening their laws, making abortion legal. Much progress has been made toward countering the problems our country faces.

But abortion and child gender transition are still legal in many parts of the United States.

The only way to end these practices is through federal

policy. National law supersedes state laws on these issues. Thus, a more conservative republican party can fight for and pass these measures, which have succeeded on a state level.

Yes, Kevin McCarthy losing his speakership was a first in American history. But we are on the precipice of many firsts.

The future will be full of hardships and conflict; the battle is uphill. But a republican party pushing for conservative ideas can change the course of America’s future.

The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2023

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The glamorization of evil Abigail Kengor Contributing Writer

With the chilled beauty of October inevitably comes the chilling rise in horrific delights. To what extent is this appropriate for Christians? I’ll deal here with two forms of entertainment: horror films and true crime shows. Beyond squeamishness, there ought to be a resistance to the glamorization of evil sparking spiritually dark forms of entertainment.

I have heard compelling defenses of true crime from a psychological perspective.

It is fascinating to look at case studies to observe traits of human behavior more effectively, and, if one watches a crime documentary purely

for sociological analysis, I do not outright object.

Historians might argue the profit from studying such cases. Crime documentaries may have unique educational value in certain fields, but what about the likely larger audience percentage who does not have such a clinical fascination? Because of their horror, these shows have gained wide popularity in the entertainment world, moving from education to an obstruction of morality.

Are crime and horror ethical sources of entertainment for the common public?

The answer seems plain to me. Entertainment based on the horrification of its audience is warped, and entertainment based on the fascination of its audience with said horror is, perhaps, even more distorted. It appeals to the sinfulness of man to bid

him delight in gore, horror, deceit or any less shocking crime.

It builds, in the soul, an appetite for evil and thus bids a man regard evil as a good: something that it is right that the human being should possess or pursue. This is why, at its core, the appeal of evil in a narrative is not something desirable, but shameful. I do not deny the appeal, only its righteousness. Such entertainment is, in short, perverted.

In literary morality, the presentation of evil is a topic of contention. After all, life is full of conflict with evil, and any story needs an antagonist or some lack of good to overcome it compellingly.

But often, evil is glamorized and glorified; you might see this through supervillains like Deadpool in secular media. Of course, it’s necessary

to make one’s villain a pernicious force and to point out the threats of evil’s hold in the world.

This can be accomplished masterfully without giving any false qualities to evil.

Look to the Bible or numerous fairy tales. King Herod or the serpent in the Garden.

The serpent depicts the allure that evil can simulate, and it could be easy to entertain the audience with the appeal of his temptation, but that’s not done. He is cunning, but his wickedness is clear to the audience, as is the lack of true goodness in his wiles.

This is more complex than examples such as Deadpool because it reveals the appeal of evil, and often, it is difficult to determine when the line is crossed in manipulating the reality of temptation into the glamorization of evil.

But horror films certainly

cross this boundary when their characteristic feature and appeal is the exploitation of that darkness.

While the presence of evil in a story does not poison it, the glamorization of it does.

The appeal to true crime and horror films as entertainment is perverted, whether we realize it or not. If a thrill from evil is what you pursue, then cease to watch such items and honor your God-given soul; do not fill your beautiful minds with baseness, but instead, “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Netanyahu’s announcement marks the first time that Israel has declared war since the 1973 Yom Kippur War and is the first conflict within Israel’s border since the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. In the hours following Hamas’s blitzkrieg into southern Israel, the world began to divide into two camps, one pro-Israel and the other pro-Hamas. Much of the international community was horrified by scenes of carnage and sheer brutality as Hamas militants went through Israeli homes, killing, raping and kidnapping innocent Israeli civilians and foreign nationals, including nine Americans. President Joe Biden issued a statement condemning Hamas’s assault on Israel and stated, “We stand ready to offer all appropriate means of sup-

port to the Government and people of Israel.”

While some would argue that this is merely a conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians, this view does injustice by ignoring the main instigator of the conflict, Iran. Iran has supported Hamas with financial support for many years. Now, someone might ask, why would Iran support Hamas in this barbaric act? The answer can be traced back to the rise of Iran’s Islamist Mullahs.

Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the Iranian Mullahs have held sway over the Iranian regime, seeking to create a world governed by their radically extreme view of Islam. The Mullahs have always sought to destroy Israel, calling Israel “little Satan” as part of what they view as being a cosmic war be-

tween the forces of good and evil. In the eyes of Mullahs, Israel is a heretical state supported by a darker entity, the United States, whom they call the “Great Satan,” which must be wiped out regardless of the costs.

Now, simply recognizing Iran as the perpetrator is one thing, but what matters now is confronting Iran head-on.

For decades, Iran has been responsible for the deaths of innocent lives in the region, as illustrated by their state sponsorship of terrorism and brutality against those who criticize their regime. For too long, American leadership has tried to negotiate with Iran, hoping to change Iran diplomatically, but like Winston Churchill once said, “You cannot reason with a tiger when your head is in its mouth.” To say that Hamas

alone took the step against Israel ignores the barbarity of Hamas’ key ally. While Iran and Hamas may seek to destroy Israel through their barbarism, their attack, if anything, has merely awakened a sleeping giant.

The time has come to face the reality that if peace is to be achieved in the region, America must confront the very source of this barbaric and cowardly attack. As James Madison said, “Peace is better than war, but war is better than tribute.” While peace is desirable, we can never surrender to Iran’s genocidal Mullahs, and if it is a choice between giving tribute to the Mullahs or waging war, then war is the only way to achieve peace.

acters from time-tested authors.

Harry’s character, although relatable for many readers, goes no further than his relatability. He is a coat for readers to slip on and off, but his character has little depth on its own. Similarly, Katniss’s character seems morally gray. While her character seems heroic, her actions and decisions do not add up to the traditional picture of a hero.

In both examples, the characters seem to be fighting for some form of good, but they don’t know what it is. Harry wants to defeat Voldemort, but we soon realize some of the characters in the book have traits in common with the villain. As the books progress, Harry begins to become petty and weak.

After Ron and Harry’s many arguments, they never apologize to each other, instead falling into their schoolboy relationship without show-

ing any maturity or growth.

When Harry is in dire circumstances, he uses the same “forbidden” curses the dark wizards use without question. Throughout most of the books, Harry seems to be in a perpetual bad mood, and when he gets out of the moody tween-age years, we’re supposed to accept that as personal growth. Harry does not show the traditional characteristics of a hero, like personal growth and putting others first.

Likewise, Katniss is just as flawed as the people in the capital. In the first book, she is forced into the games. But instead of standing against the capital’s regime, she plays their games. When she finds herself in a difficult situation, she drops a nest of poisonous wasps onto the heads of other tributes. The readers are made to think she had no other choice, but in that moment, she became just as bad as her enemies.

At the end of the first book, Katniss almost eats the poisoned berries rather than killing Peeta. Everyone sees this as an act of heroic rebellion, but in truth, it is an act that sets a precedent for Katniss’s behavior in the rest of the book. She cares only for a few people; she would die or kill for them and forget about the greater good. While Katniss’s character has more originality than Harry’s, both illustrate the moral confusion that the authors are perhaps under. Katniss is not a sacrificial hero who would die for a stranger; she is an antihero who only cares for herself and a few others.

A well-rounded, well-written character is someone who should stand alone. Characters should model real life and live and breathe in their own right. Characters should be relatable, but they must be grounded in the reality of the world. Good is good, and bad is bad. So, when a

character makes a morally gray decision, there must be consequences for those decisions because that is the real world.

However, when Harry makes a bad decision, there are few consequences. Life goes on as normal when he uses a forbidden curse or snaps at his friends. When Katniss kills her fellow tributes in the Hunger Games without question or sits by while other tributes die, she becomes the heroic face of the rebellion. Characters like Aragorn, Edmund Pevensey, Curdie or Joe March are relatable and struggle through various obstacles, but they are good characters because they face trials and overcome them. To be a hero is to be willing to sacrifice one’s life and comfort for not just one’s friends but the unknown stranger.

Israel’s defense against barbarism

Hunter Oswald Staff Writer

While many of us were enjoying our Saturday morning with friends and family, no one would have expected that it would be a day marked by scenes of carnage half a world away in the state of Israel. In the early morning of Oct. 7, 2023, nearly 2,200 rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel by Hamas, proceeding to invade the southern portion of Israel. In the wake of the all-out assault by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Citizens of Israel, We are at war, not in an operation or in rounds, but at war.”

Moral ambiguity mars literature

Emma Richards Contributing Writer

Most childhoods have been shaped by characters like Katniss Everdeen and Harry Potter. Many of us followed Katniss’s harrowing journey through the Hunger Games or wanted to sneak around Hogwarts at midnight with Harry himself. But earlier this summer, when I was bored and looking for a book to read, I tried to pick up Harry Potter again. I couldn’t get through it; I was bored, annoyed and wondering what made me love it when I was 12 or 14. These books are technically aimed at younger audiences, but I never felt bored by books like the Narnia series or Lord of the Rings. Katniss and Harry do not have the same compelling depth as other char-

Entertainment The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2023

Page 10

Is Drake down with the dogs?

Vince Clay

Entertainment Editor Drake is back. Those three words, once ceremonious and laden with excitement, now bring shrugs and groans.

To be completely fair, Drake’s career has formed and shaped a major piece of Hip-hop culture in the last decade or so. It was Drake who pushed Hip-hop into a melodic, alternative R&B space with projects like 2009’s “So Far Gone” and the following year’s “Thank Me Later”.

The white girls of “One Dance” and “Champagne Problems” seem ignorant of Drake’s genuine lyrical and topical prowess on his streak of mixtapes between 2011 and 2015. The angsty “Marvin’s Room”, Futurefeaturing “Jumpman” and career-defining “Energy” are undeniably legendary moments for the culture.

However, with fame comes a cost, and Drake’s time in the white-girl pop mainstream has aged poorly.

While “Passionfruit” and “One Dance” are retrospectively passable thanks to nostalgia, Drake’s recent run of albums have been overlong and have pandered to

RAP ALERT

a worldwide audience. It’s ultimately a pool that Drake is not built to swim in. Hence the groans when the general public hears he is going to try again.

The promotion for this new album seemed bent on that same crash course of cringe. He released a poetry

book earlier this year, and as with all celebrities who write a cash-grab book of poetry, it was of poor taste. However, inside this book was a message: “They say they miss the old Drake, girl don’t tempt me.” So, does “For All The Dogs” resurrect the old Drake? Was he at least suf-

ficiently tempted?

By all standards, the old Drake is not back at all. Production on the album is good in the first and last sections, which feature beats that are lush, resonant and expensive-sounding. The middle chunk of the project is painfully bland, which is shame-

‘Reborn’

Dom Puglisi Staff Writer

NEW YORK TIMES

‘Dumb Money’ brilliantly delivers David Smith Staff Writer

I distinctly remember when Keith Gill led the short squeeze against GameStop stock in late 2020 and early 2021. It wasn’t until GameStop’s stock soared that I finally believed that this guy was on to something. Per usual, I was late to join the bandwagon. Still, as soon as I heard that Paul Dano would be starring in a film based on the short squeeze, I knew that it would be a movie worth watching.

“Dumb Money,” directed by Craig Gillespie, is an atypical underdog story. The film follows Keith Gill, also known as “Roaring Kitty,” a financial analyst from Brockton, Ma. who deciphers a trend in GameStop stock. He decides to spend his savings to win big on his investment.

Keith is a relatively poor man. He lives near his family and has a wife and a child.

Basically, Keith is just your average Joe who got a bad break in life. After spending months analyzing GameStop

stock and reading Reddit posts, Keith is sure that he is on to something special, and he has all of the hedgefund billionaires shaking.

Also starring in the film are Shailene Woodley as Caroline Gill, Keith’s wife, Pete Davidson as Kevin Gill, Keith’s humorous brother, and Seth Rogen as Gabe Plotkin, the chief investment officer for Melvin Capital Management.

The beautiful aspect of “Dumb Money” that makes it worth the watch is that it is eerily similar to David Fincher’s “The Social Network.”

It is like a rollercoaster ride, even considering we all know how the story ends. But unlike Fincher’s film, “Dumb Money” is laugh-out-loud funny throughout its entirety and Dano’s performance is compelling. Both he, Shailene Woodley, and Pete Davidson encapsulate the typical American family: they are close, dysfunctional, and downright hilarious. There is no way that characters like that could be conjured up from thin air; however, they are also just like you and me.

Gillespie does an excellent job at orchestrating the stack of A-list actors. They all seem to have a specific place and function and work well together, especially the chemistry between Woodley and Dano. Their roles seem to come off so naturally that I could be convinced that they are a couple in real life.

Pete Davidson even shows off some of his acting chops, proving that he isn’t one-dimensional.

Whereas “The Social Network” provides answers to complicated questions, “Dumb Money” doesn’t quite dig in as far; but that is a part of its charm. “Dumb Money” is a comedic biopic that is essentially an underdog story.

The film provides a snapshot of downtrodden middle-class and working-class America during the Covid pandemic. “Dumb Money” doesn’t have to go hard in the paint and compete for Academy Awards. It serves its purpose and serves it well. I know that I would love to see it again!

ful considering that each song on the album boasts a team of up to ten producers.

Perhaps the best instrumental is opener “Virginia Beach”, which is built on a gorgeous string passage and a soulful Frank Ocean sample of unreleased deep-cut “Wise Man”. It is one of the few genuine surprises the album has to offer. Other surprises, like the beat switches on tracks “Calling For You” and “First Person Shooter”, come off as mere gimmicks to hold listeners’ attentions.

Lyrically, the album fares even worse. Making heads or tails of the bad-boy poetry on this album is damn near impossible. “Yeah, I’m anti ‘cause I had it with you / Okay, I’m auntie like your daddy sister / Auntie like a family picture,” he raps on “Fear of Heights”. The most painful bar is on “Members Only”: “Feel like I’m bi / ‘Cause you’re one of the guys, girl”. It’s 2023, and Drake is still trading genius for cheap headline-grabbing jokes. He may be one of the dogs, but he has enough exotic cars and girls to keep him occupied a good while. Listeners might as well carry on- the old Drake is still in the grave.

Reborn by Kids See Ghosts, the supergroup comprised of Kanye West and Kid Cudi, is a perfect song about perseverance.

Every aspect of it lives out this theme, starting with the production. The Kanyeproduced beat starts with almost lullaby-like piano keys twinkling amid dreamy synths and the warm hums of Kid Cudi. This instrumental is soothing, engaging and borderline hypnotic with the rolling suppressed drums grabbing hold of your attention.

Kid Cudi begins the song’s chorus, singing, “I’m so reborn, I’m moving forward, keep movin’ forward.” This chorus encapsulates the theme of this song, one of perseverance through trial.

The song does not approach it like a stadium anthem, however, attempting to pump you up through soaring ballads of your inner power. Rather, the song conveys a meek acceptance that things have not gone right in the past and yet time goes on, we can change and become better if we just keep moving forward.

Kanye’s verse continues this theme as he raps about how the world sees him as a clown. However, he real-

izes that although he may be perceived this way he is not stuck. He can change, accept what is wrong with his life, and keep moving forward to better things. He raps, “What an awesome thing, engulfed in shame, I want all the rain, I want all the pain.” He accepts his current shame and tries to turn his life around for the better.

Kid Cudi’s verse continues these sentiments as he gently sings, “Peace is something that starts with me.”

He cannot wait for anyone else to get past his mistakes, he must move forward.

Suddenly the production changes, the drums become sharper and Cudi begins to sing the chorus again. The dream-like feeling is gone, it feels like we are waking up and that this chorus is no longer gentle advice but rather a command, to go out into the world, move past your mistakes and be reborn.

I find this song to be unique and poignant because of this message. Kanye and Cudi know that you can’t overwrite your mistakes and pretend as though they never happened; this song reflects that more nuanced view. This is why it is a perfect song, a realistic, human view of struggles and the maturity it takes to persevere through them.

Sports The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2023

Page 11

Good to great each rep Emma Rossi Editor-In-Chief

After a 48-21 win over the Geneva Golden Tornadoes, Wolverine football is 6-0.

The offense was led by junior quarterback Logan Pfeuffer, who finished the day with 289 yards.

Fifth-year running back Clayton Parrish finished with a season high 139 yards and two touchdowns.

The Wolverine defense put on an equally impressive show. Sophomore linebacker Ben Bladel had two sacks, nine tackles, one forced fumble and broke up one pass.

The Wolverine secondary had two interceptions. Senior safety Cole DeFillippo’s interception became a picksix after taking it 36 yards to the house. Senior cornerback Gabe Dunlap contributed the second for a return of four yards.

The road to 6-0 was not easy. The Wolverines opened their season facing off against the PAC’s toughest competition, meeting Westminster, Carnegie Mellon, Case Western and Washington & Jefferson, as well as Waynesburg, in their first five weeks.

“Our mindset is always ‘Good to Great each Rep, 1 and 0 Each Week.’ This allows us to remain focused on our vision, and never the circumstance. When our schedule was first released, we weren’t focused on who our week four opponent was, or who we had in week five,” coach Derrick Baney said.

“The mindset was, take it week by week, one play at a time, and focus on who our opponent was in that week. We often talk about “be where your feet are,” and our feet are currently in week seven and focusing on Allegheny College.”

Head Coach Andrew DiDonato ‘10 well-established mantra of ‘Brick by Brick’ is evident on the field and off.

The program is deeply rooted in their principle of living out their vision.

“We knew coming into the season that if we wanted to accomplish the goals we set out for ourselves we would need to go 1-0 each week… which we have done a great job of living out thus far,” junior center Brady Brungard said.

“To continue that success, we will have to continue to

Sports at a Glance Results

Men’s Soccer (4-4-5) Loss, vs. Allegheny (1-2) Loss, at Geneva (0-1) Tie, vs. Thiel (0-0)

Women’s Soccer (8-4-1): Win, vs. Allegheny (6-1) Win, at Geneva (2-1) Win, vs. Thiel (8-0)

Volleyball:

Loss, at Westminster (2-3) Loss, at Allegheny (0-3) Win, vs Waynesburg (3-1) MEGAN EISENTRAUT

Junior center Brady Brungard and fifth year guard Vinny LePre live and grow in our positional visions, which will allow us to control what we can control and go good to great each rep and 1-0 each week.”

Brungard is a member of the Wolverines’ formidable and seasoned offensive line.

Across their six games, the line has allowed only three total sacks and made way for over 1000 rushing yards.

Brungard plays on the line with fifth-year right guard Vinny LePre and junior right tackle Dylan Lane to his right, and senior left guard Nate Brady and junior left tackle Dalton Foore to his left. The group has played two full seasons together.

“When you play that many games together it allows for all five offensive linemen to work together as one…

They work well together, and things just become second nature after playing together for so long. They’re a very disciplined group which allows them to have freedom when they play in games,” Baney explained.

“We have a program vision, a unit vision (for) Offense, Defense (and) Special Teams, and our first year having a positional visions.

The offensive line positional vision is to ‘Man the Box”.

With that in mind we make a lot of calls, checks and reads

that effectively put us in the best position to ‘Man the Box.’” “As an offensive line we know that our offense starts with us. We must set the tone early. It’s also each of us needs all of us and how us 5 are working together. At the end of the day when we man the box and give number 8 time, our offense has great success,” said Brady.

“We work all week at manning the box during practice to best prepare us for Saturday so that we can go out and play fast and free. We also pride ourselves upfront with the physical brand of football that we play,” Brungard said.

“We know that if we go out on Saturdays and man the box in a fast and physical fashion, we are giving ourselves and our teammates a great opportunity to have success.”

By striving to live out their positional visions, the team has exemplified one of their Brick phrases, “each of us needs all of us.” The team acts as a well-oiled machine when the clock is running on Saturday afternoon and is a disciplined and focused unit in the days leading up to their games.

The Wolverines will hit the road to take on the Allegheny Gators tomorrow at 4 p.m.

NBA free agency buzz Ayden Gutierrez Managing Editor

We are officially just under two weeks away from the start of the 2023-2024 NBA Season. This past offseason was filled with free agency moves, so I see it fit to summarize some of the biggest splashes that took place this summer as we anticipate the start of the regular season.

One of the summer’s biggest stories was the trade rumors surrounding star point guard Damian Lillard. Lillard, who had spent all 10 years of his career in Portland, requested a trade at the beginning of the summer. Lillard reportedly gave a list of preferred destinations, with Miami being his top choice. As the summer went on, less and less was be-

ing discussed of a trade, and it seemed as if Lillard would yet again suit up for the Trail Blazers.

However, just as it seemed free agency was over, Lillard was traded on September 27 to Milwaukee to team up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and create arguably the best one-two punch in the league. Portland received Jrue Holiday and Deandre Ayton in the three-team trade that saw the Phoenix Suns acquire Grayson Allen, Keon Johnson, Nassir Little and Jusuf Nurkic.

Phoenix, who acquired Kevin Durant during the trade deadline of last year’s season, also signed All-Star guard Bradley Beal in free agency, forming a big three with Durant, Beal and Devin Booker.

The Los Angeles Lakers were busy during the offseason, resigning rising star Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura.

They also acquired Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, Cam Reddish and Christian Wood to surround Lebron James and Anthony Davis.

The Boston Celtics, who resigned Jaylen Brown to the largest contract in NBA history, went an acquired Kristaps Porzingis to form a big three with Brown, Porzingis and Jason Tatum. Boston did however lose key point guard Marcus Smart, as he signed with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis, who was bounced in the first round as a 2-seed to the 7th-seeded Lakers, will be without star guard Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the season.

Football (6-0):

Win, at Geneva (48-21)

Women’s Tennis (10-3): Win, at Saint vincent (9-0)

Win, vs. Washington & Jefferson (8-1) Win, vs. Franciscan (5-4)

Men’s Cross Country:

28th/40, Dickinson Invitational (841)

Women’s Cross Country: 27th/42, Dickinson Invitational (748)

Men’s Golf:

6th/12, Westminster Invitational (330) 16th/16, Mercyhurst Invitational (662)

Women’s Golf:

5th/8, Westminster Invitational (398) 3rd/11, Grove City Fall Invitational (388)

Upcoming Men’s Soccer:

Oct. 14, 7:00 p.m. at Bethany Oct 18, 6:00 p.m. at Waynesburg

Women’s Soccer:

Oct. 13, 7:00 p.m. at Bethany Oct. 18, 8:00 p.m. at Waynesburg

Volleyball: Oct. 14, 1:00 p.m. vs. Franciscan Oct. 18, 7:00 p.m. at Saint Vincent

Football:

Oct. 14, 4:00 p.m. at Allegheny Oct. 21, 1:00 p.m. vs. Saint Vincent

Men’s Cross Country:

Oct. 28, TBA at PAC Championships

Women’s Cross Country: Oct. 28, TBA at PAC Championships

Men’s Golf:

Oct. 16-17, 10:30 a.m. at PAC Fall Championship

Women’s Golf:

Oct. 16-17, 10:30 a.m. at PAC Fall Championship

WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS

Cayla Lawrence Women’s Cross Country Newcomer of the Week

Max Ware Men’s Cross Country Newcomer of the week

Tori Stevenson Women’s Soccer Newcomer of the week

Sports The Collegian, Oct. 13, 2023

Page 12

Women finish season in style Joel Sledd

Sports Editor As the fall athletics season comes to an end, the Wolverines will march their way through another gritty postseason as the varsity women’s tennis team contends for the title of PAC Champion.

In the last game of the season, the Wolverines swept Saint Vincent, winning 9-0.

As the final game of the regular season, the women exit the year 10-3 overall and 7-1 in conference games. Grove City is second in the PAC, preceded only by Allegheny.

The Wolverines won at home for their senior day game on Oct. 7 against Washington & Jefferson College.

Prior to the match, seniors Lexi Chappel and Kelsey Coleman were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the program. Chappel and Coleman would go on to win their singles matches with straight-set wins. The team swept all six singles matches and finished the day winning two of the three doubles matches.

This win guaranteed the Wolverines the No.2 seed for the PAC women’s tennis tournament.

The women held their closest match of the year the day prior, Oct. 6, beating Franciscan College 5-4. Three of the six singles matches ended in favor of Grove City, with junior Janel McCray, freshman Nicolette Rosati and sophomore Courtney DeCarlo se-

curing these key victories.

In this heated match-up, it all came down to the doubles play where the Wolverines succeeded, winning two of the three doubles matches.

Second-team partners freshman Catherine Petrovich and junior Alyssa Good won a close match 8-7. Third-team partners freshman Peyton Joines and DeCarlo closed out the match with an 8-6 win.

The only conference loss of the season came against Allegheny College on Oct. 3.

With a final outing of 7-2, Allegheny clinched the No. 1 seed for the PAC tournament. Joines earned the only singles win for GCC, winning the tiebreaker 10-3. First doubles partners McCray and junior Emily Ivory would win their match 8-1.

“It didn’t fall in our favor, but everybody that was there including Allegheny knows how close that match was.

We get to do it again in two weeks and we get to play these teams again at some point,” head coach Nathanial Horner said.

The Wolverines have secured their No. 2 seed in the PAC while preseason favorite Allegheny sits on top undefeated. The PAC remains a very competitive conference for women’s tennis. Four different schools have won the PAC championship in the last five years.

“There’s always a couple teams in the middle. Right now, we feel like it’s us, Al-

Freshman Catherine Petrovich defeating her Washington & Jefferson opponent on Oct. 7. legheny and Franciscan fighting for the top,” Horner said.

But this team isn’t focusing on the past as the post-season is rapidly approaching.

“It’s only two days of ten-

nis and everybody knows it’s about who shows up in the moment and not what happened two or three weeks ago,” Horner said.

The win against Washington & Jefferson solidified the

GRACE DAVID

top of the conference rankings with Grove City in second. Several PAC teams have yet to close out the season, so the Wolverines’ schedule is not definitive. The PAC tournament will begin next week.

Volleyball struggles in conference play Garrett Gess

Contributing Writer

Senior forward Hunter Hardin in the 1-2 loss against Allegheny.

MEGAN EISENTRAUT

Men hit rough patch Joel Sledd

Sports Editor Men’s soccer is nearing the end of their season. With a 4-4-5 record, the Wolverines are in the middle of the PAC with three wins and only two losses against conference opponents. Currently in first place in PAC men’s soccer is Geneva College.

Grove City suffered its second conference loss against Allegheny on Oct. 11 with a final score of 2-1. The first goal was scored by Allegheny at 23:03 in the first half.

Allegheny would then score again in the second half at the 78:41 mark. However, the Wolverines instantly responded, scoring their first point just 25 seconds later.

In the last few seconds, the Wolverines were close to scoring another goal, but the clock ran out before a tie could be achieved. Grove City now has a 3-2-1 record against PAC opponents.

The Wolverines played

against Geneva College resulting in a loss for the Wolverines.

Despite falling to the current PAC leaders with a final score of 0-1, the Wolverines kept up with Geneva throughout the entire match.

Geneva scored the one and only goal of the match on a penalty kick at the 40:10 mark of the first half. Sophomore goalkeeper Teddy Almeter successfully blocked the penalty kick.

But in an unfortunate circumstance, the ball rebounded directly to the Geneva kicker who would then score.

Almeter successfully stopped all other six shots by Geneva’s defense. Grove City’s offense played quite well with a total of 10 shots and five shots on the goal.

On Oct. 4, the Wolverines tied for the fifth time this season against Thiel in a scoreless outing.

The Wolverines’ offense outperformed Thiel with 19 shots and six shots on the

goal. Sophomore forward Aiden Eck would lead the men with six shots and two shots on the goal. This would also mark the fourth shutout for Almeter and Grove City’s defense.

With four games remaining in the regular season, the Wolverines need to make a statement to see a high ranking for the post-season. PAC teams have a wide range of records, with many teams around the .500 mark for conference games.

Six different schools have won the PAC championship in the last seven years. Because the competition is so tight in the PAC, the conference experiences an erratic postseason, filled with unexpected results.

The Wolverines have a good chance to make a deep run in the postseason, but there are still four more regular season games.

The men will travel to play at Bethany on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, the varsity women’s volleyball team fell in a tight match against Westminster, three sets to two.

The Wolverines are now 1-2 in PAC play.

The Westminster game presented a chance for the team to get back on track, as they defeated the Titans three sets to one in September.

The Wolverines came out strong, taking the first set 2520. The Titans came roaring back winning the second set 25-20. In the third set, the team surrendered their 2219 lead, as Westminster won it 25-23.

In the fourth set, the Wolverines started and finished strong, winning 25-18. In the fifth set, the Wolverines got off to a solid 10-5 lead.

The Titans won five straight volleys to tie it at 10-10, and their momentum was too much for the Wolverines to overcome, putting the final set at 15-13 in the Titans favor.

Despite the loss, several Grove City athletes outperformed Westminster players. Freshman outside hitter Alexis Standford led in kills with 19. Sophomore setter Brooklyn Wirebaugh led in aces with two. Senior middle blocker Anna DeGraaf had four blocks. Junior setter Kennedy Kerr led the team with 33 assists and freshman outside hitter Julia Fisher led with 57 digs.

In the week before, Grove City took down Waynesburg three sets to one. Despite losing the first set, they ral-

lied back strong, winning the fourth set 25-6.

“The freshmen class this year has made a huge impact on the program already and I know that they will continue to do so in the years to come.

It’s important to understand that people have bad games and once they are over, there is nothing you can do about it,” senior libero and defensive specialist Gabby Lucas said.

“There’s no need to linger on the losses because as soon as you know it, another game is on the way. I believe this week, having three games, we will see ourselves bounce right back up to where we were before.”

The Wolverines then stumbled against Allegheny in a three-set loss, after defeating them three sets to one in early September.

The Wolverines were 14-5 in the month of September.

The women have competed in three separate tournaments and an out-of-state invitational, where they saw a lot of success on the court.

“One thing I think we have that has allowed us to be successful through September was how well we attacked other teams in different areas. We also have such a great team culture with each other. We refer to each other as sisters because we are far closer than teammates. And though sisters can fight and argue sometimes, at the end of the day, we all love each other and support each other on and off the floor,” Lucas said.

Grove City was projected VOLLEYBALL 3