Collegian
The
Friday, Febuary 6, 2015
The Grove City College Student Newspaper
Take a bite out of halftime Pg. 8 Vol. 101 No. 7
Wolverines looking to stay alive Team struggles in conference play
Bradley Warmhold Staff Writer
A winter’s tale
ETHAN TURNER
Congratulations to Ethan Turner for winning this year’s winter photo contest! See pgs. 6-7 for runners-up and and other submissions.
After knocking down conference opponent Washington and Jefferson 68-49 on Jan. 24, the Grove City College men’s basketball team suffered two straight losses in President’s Athletic Conference play this past week. The Wolverines have now fallen to 3-8 in conference action, and now stand at 8-12 overall. Grove City began their week by facing off against PAC powerhouse Thomas More in a rematch down in Crestview Hills, Ky. After suffering a 79-46 loss to the Saints earlier in the season, the Wolverines responded by taking a 24-17 lead midway through first half. The advantage would be short lived, however, as Thomas More fought back in explosive fashion by outscoring Grove City and ending the first half with a 40-34 lead. The lead stayed with the Saints for the rest of the game as Grove City fell 65-81. Senior guard Mitch Marmelstein led the Wolverines in scoring with 15 points, while freshman center Cory Huff and senior forward Brian Giesler also added 14 and 13 points respectively in the losing effort. Grove City then traveled back home to play a weekend home game against Waynesburg University. The two teams battled each other for the lead for the duration of the game, but the Yellow Jackets ran away with the game during the end of the second half while the Wolverines struggled to put points on the board. Marmelstein once again led the team in scoring with 19 points and senior guard J.T. Schwartz contributed with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Despite their current losBASKETBALL 11
Down to business Reagan for millennials New changes implemented to annual competition
Liesl McClintock Staff Writer The time has come for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s 13th annual Business Plan Competition. The Business Plan Competition is an opportunity for students to design a business that they would like to see come to life and get professional feedback on how to put that plan into effect. The Center will be implementing several changes for this year’s competition. In the past, business plans ranged anywhere from 50-
100 pages. This year there will be a 20 page maximum limit. Also new to this year’s competition are professional mentors who will help groups refine their ideas. Cash prizes will also be increased with 3rd place receiving $2,000, 2nd place receiving $3,000, and 1st receiving $5,000 with additional services such as legal, financial, and web design help. Yvonne English, Executive Director of The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation said, “The Business Plan Competition gives COMPETITION 2
Liesl McClintock Staff Writer
How would Ronald Reagan appeal to young people today? That was the question speakers at the ninth annual Ronald Reagan Lecture explored last week. The Jan. 29 Vision & Values-sponsored lecture had a discussion format hosted by Dr. Paul Kengor, Executive Director for the Center of Vision and Values. Kengor is a best-selling author and one of the country’s leading experts on Ronald Reagan. The guest lecturers were Andrew Coffin, vice president and director of the Reagan Ranch, and Ashley Pratte,
MADELINE WILLIAMS/THE COLLEGIAN
Dr. Paul Kengor led a discussion with Ashley Pratt of Young America’s Foundation and Andrew Coffin ’98, director of the Reagan Ranch. spokeswoman for the Young America’s Foundation. Coffin is a ’98 graduate of Grove City College. He has
served as a staff assistant in the communications office of REAGAN 2
News
Life
E!
Perspectives
Sports
The winners of the Spread the Word competition received free textbooks and dinner with the McNultys. p. 2
Get in the “fast” lane to spiritual growth. p. 3
Collegian film critics are divided on “American Sniper.” p. 5
See page 10 for a different perspective on Greece’s new leadership.
Women’s basketball stays strong amidst losing streak. p. 12
The Collegian
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Bowser, Brodine win recruitment contest Grayson Quay News Editor
The word has been spread. Last semester, President Paul J. McNulty ’80 launched the Spread the Word Competition as the first initiative of Project Wolverine, a program intended to significantly boost applications to Grove City College. The College administration asked students to encourage current high school seniors to apply and offered to waive the $50 application fee for anyone who listed a current Grove City College student as a reference on their application. Whoever referred the most students to apply to the College would dine with the McNultys, while the winner of a random drawing would receive free textbooks for a semester. Junior Andrea Brodine, a biology major from Rochester, N.Y., won the drawing for a semester of free textbooks. Brodine has convinced two high school students to apply to the College, but only one, a friend from home, applied in time for the drawing. Brodine said that, although she does not work as an official tour guide, she often gives informal tours of campus to her friends when they come visit. While she did not calculate exactly how much money she saved on textbooks this semester, Brodine pointed out that biology textbooks are very expensive and that she estimates that the books she received for free would have cost several hundred dollars. Brodine did not expect to win the drawing, so she had already purchased a few
books for the upcoming semester. “I didn’t get as much as I could have if it had been a fall semester,” she said, but still expressed gratitude for the money she did save. Junior Maddie Bowser, an Elementary Education major from York, Pa., won the meal with the McNultys by referring the most students to Grove City College. She said that when administration informed her by email on Saturday, Dec. 6 that she had won the competition, she was told that five applicants had listed her as a reference. “I’ll take their word for it,” Bowser said. Bowser said that she gained most of her referrals through her job as a campus tour guide and by encouraging her sister, who is a senior in high school, to talk to any friends who might be interested in the College. During her tours, Bowser said she noticed that many students who were intimidated by talk of “rigorous academics” were more likely to apply when they heard that they could apply for free. As for the meal itself, Bowser dined at the McNultys’ residence on the evening of Study Day, Dec. 11, accompanied by sophomores David Cosgrove, Molly Moses and Elizabeth Ruscitti, and juniors Laura Ames, Ellie Shaw, Manny Araujo and Abby Weber. Bowser was especially impressed that Mrs. McNulty prepared the food herself rather than having the event catered by Bon Appétit. “[President McNulty] helped her serve the food too, which I thought was really cool,” Boswer added.
World News Roundup Compiled by Taylor Lennox
Obama Proposes National Budget On Feb. 2, President Obama released his budget proposal that projected the U.S. spending almost $4 trillion in 2016. His proposal allocated money toward military maintenance and development, improving American infrastructure and programs for strengthening the middle class. Also, the proposal stated that these programs would be funded by raising taxes for the wealthy. Republicans rebutted that raising taxes is not an option. One critic used the word “laughable” to describe the proposal. Compromises could be made in when it comes to funding for the military and for infrastructure. Some view Obama’s proposal as a basis for 2016 Democrat presidential candidates to run off of, since the budget plan would have to pass through a Republican Congress.
Measles Outbreak Hits America
The CDC confirmed that a measles outbreak that began at the end of 2014 is worsening. It began at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, and has spread to more than 100 people in at least 14 states. Due to the development of a vaccine, the U.S. was reported to have rid the nation of measles fifteen years ago. However,
with a growing number of parents opting out of vaccines, the virus has a foothold in this outbreak. This outbreak has rekindled debate over vaccinations. Some, including New Jersey governor and potential Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie say that parents have the right to choose if their kids receive vaccines. Others argue that outbreaks like measles are entirely preventable, and since vaccines are proven to work, many, including President Obama, claim that refusal to vaccinate puts unvaccinated children at risk.
Hostilities Resume in Ukraine
Back in September, a ceasefire was reached between pro-Russian separatists and the Ukrainian military. There had been fighting in the region since the spring. Over this weekend, fighting broke out again. Dozens of people, some of them civilians, died in the violence. Russian President Putin has claimed to have no involvement in the conflict, and furthermore, he denies that Russia has supported the separatists in any way. However, on the international stage, sanctions were issued to Russia for its involvement. Now that fighting has begun again, President Obama is considering sending weapons to Ukraine since the sanctions were ineffective in stopping the fighting.
Feb. 6, 2015
The power of the pen New writing program begins interviews
Kelleigh Huber Staff Writer
For students wishing to better their writing skills, whether for college or for the future, the developing writing program here at Grove City College will be able to satisfy that need and many others. Led by Dr. David Hogsette, the program seeks to both expand and evolve the skills of students here at the College by offering a variety of courses dedicated to different branches of writing. During the 2014-2015 school year, Hogsette has been teaching the Effective Writing class, which is intended to teach the basic foundations of writing and help students to better know how to prepare, organize and write a collegiate paper. Hogsette also teaches the Technical Writing class, offered in both fall and spring, as well as Gothic Literature in the fall, and is currently teaching Science Fiction Literature. Developing the Technical Writing class was only the beginning of this program’s goals, however. In the upcoming years, Hogsette
COMPETITION students the opportunity to build out an idea, to work on a team and, if they make it to the finals, to present their ideas to an esteemed panel of judges. In some cases, the Business Plan Competition has led to real companies being formed.” Students can submit a plan for either Social or Commercial Enterprise. Business plans will be due March 27. The plans will then be reviewed, and around five plans in each category will be chosen to move on to the final round. English said, “I want to stress that the Business Plan Competition is for all students – not just business and entrepreneurship majors. In fact, we have made some significant changes this year to make the competition more accessible to our busy students. These changes include the lowering of the minimum number of pages and access to real-world mentors.”
REAGAN the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives and as a correspondent for WORLD Magazine. He has worked for the Reagan Ranch for 10 years, and has been involved in student outreach programs as well as communications, development and the completion of the Reagan Ranch Center. Pratte served as Executive Director for Cornerstone Policy Research & Cornerstone Action, a conservative group in New Hampshire. She has also served as Project Director & Press Assistant to Congressman Frank Guinta (RNH). She now manages the communications and media outreach for Young America’s Foundation. The Lecture was titled “Reagan for the Millennials” and sought to explore how Reagan would appeal to young people in this day and age. Pratte said that Reagan won the youth demographic, as seen in his 45 percent lead over Walter Mondale in people ages 18 to 25. Pratte also said that even today Reagan
hopes to increase the variety of course, and establish concentrations and minors, including both new courses and some existing courses. Some of the ideas include journalism, rhetoric, composition, and business writing. The idea for a writing program has been considered for years, but it was more avidly pursued and studied by committees with the addition of Hogsette to the faculty. “[The writing program] was an institution idea being revisited. [They decided] the writing isn’t where they wanted it to be,” he said. One of the most prominent reasons for the development stems from problems with the current writing requirement, which consists of Writing Intensive courses. These courses are found in liberal arts departments as well as the Humanities core. “You have content specialists being asked to teach writing as well,” Hogsette said. There is the possibility of a freshmen writing course being introduced. This is not official yet, but would be a mandatory course taught in order to further the writing skills of students here, and
better prepare them for writing on the collegiate level. The interviewing process for the new writing staff is currently taking place. Two candidates have already come for on-campus interviews, and two more will be interviewing shortly. The committees hope to hire three new faculty members for the program and hope to have the hires secured by March or April. The committee in charge of the hires is chaired by Provost Robert Graham and also includes Hogsette and members of both the Calderwood and Hopeman schools. “The courses serve the whole college; it is a neutral program,” Hogsette said. While many think that the writing program will be a subset of the English program, it is intended to be a separate entity and to serve students of all majors. The titles of the staff will correlate with which branch of writing they represent, such as English, communication studies, art or Business. The writing suite is located on the bottom floor of the Henry Buhl Library, alongside the new Writing Center.
Lynn Stillwaggon, Program Manager for The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation said that it is wonderful to see the students’ creativity and that she loves how the Competition enables students from different majors to harness their creativity and create something very impactful. The final round of judging will take place on the Friday of Family Weekend, May 1. Students will present their plans to a panel of local judges. Plans will be judged on many criteria including their clarity and their financial soundness. According to English, “The Business Plan Competition gives students a platform to address the world’s problems from a commercial or a social enterprise standpoint. I believe in our students’ ability to truly impact the world, and, if the Business Plan Competition is where they start, then that’s an exciting thought as well.” Students are welcome to work on their own or in
groups. The Center says that students who are interested in participating but are not sure how to get involved should email the Center and they will be able to connect you with a potential team. English’s advice to someone interested in the Competition is, “To follow Nike founder Phil Knight’s slogan, and ‘just do it.’ This is a failsafe way to pursue a dream or passion. It’s also a great item for a résumé. Future employers love to see that a potential employee has participated in this type of activity as it exhibits the ability to work on a team, to put together a strategic plan, and to present.” The deadline to register for the competition is Friday, February 20. Interested parties should attend the informational meeting next Thursday, February 12 at 5 p.m. in Sticht Lecture Hall. For more information, go to www.gccbusinessplans. com.
still ranks very high among young people, polling higher than Bill Clinton and in the range of George Washington and J.F.K. Pratte noted that there has been an explosion in the number of people on food stamps under President Obama. She also said that young people are desperately searching for someone to hear them and address their very present problems with debt and unemployment. She believes that educating people about Reagan will show them practical solutions to these problems. During the lecture, videos put together by the Young America’s Foundation were aired contrasting President Obama and Reagan and their respective beliefs on the size of government. Pratte said that 60% of young people today believe that government is too big and that it spends too much. This is why she thinks Reagan is so popular. Kengor said that Reagan was someone that everyone liked, adding that this is a problem for him as a historian because readers have trouble believing that anyone could be as genuinely good as
Reagan. Coffin told a story of a young liberal who came to see the Ranch with a friend and afterward said, “I got up [to the Ranch] and I just couldn’t hate him.” Kengor wondered how effective programs like the Reagan Ranch actually are and asked Coffin if those at the Ranch are preaching to the choir, given that those who visit the Ranch are usually already very strong conservatives. Coffin’s response was, “No, I don’t think that a choir exists,” due to the extensive liberal bias in universities and the media. The goal of the Reagan Ranch and organizations like the Young America’s Foundation is to show young people Reagan’s leadership and a different way of addressing their pressing issues while putting a humanizing face on conservatism. As President McNulty said in his opening remarks, “I hope that as the years go on that the generation coming will take the time to appreciate what Ronald Reagan has to teach us about leadership.”
Feb. 6, 2014
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Let’s get philosophical
Phi Sigma Tau honorary reinstated at GCC
Jenne Mante
Contributing Writer Beauty. The nature of goodness. Truth. Existence. Free will. Have any of those ideas given you pause or kept you awake at night, lost in thought? Have they captured your mind or your voice in a debate with friends or classmates? If the answer is yes then you can find a place to discuss them further in the Grove City College Philosophy Department. The college’s chapter of Phi Sigma Tau, a national philosophy honorary, has been reinstated in the 2014-15 academic year. The honorary is under the advisement of Dr. David DiQuattro and led by student officers: president Ethan Deitrich, vice-president Mark Mariani, secretary Sarah Horton and treasurer Ben Crelin. The honorary gives philosophy majors or minors with a 3.3 cumulative GPA and a 3.5 GPA an “environment of inquiry, discourse, and research, as well as an outlet for their own philosophical work,” said Deitrich. “The discipline examines some of life’s most fundamental questions, such as ‘Who am I?’ and ‘How do I know what I know?” said Crelin, a senior Biblical and Religious Studies/Philosophy double major. “Most of us have asked these or similar questions at one point and we can wrestle with them by dialoguing with history’s best philosophers and their ideas.” The Philosophy Department invites students interested in these topics to join them in their wide range of classes, and to consider adding a philosophy major or minor. “Philosophy is valuable
Life The fast track
because it promotes critical thinking, a better understanding of the human condition, and thoughtful engagement with ideas,” said Horton while explaining her reasons for becoming a Philosophy major. “I strongly encourage students in Biblical and Religious Studies, Political Science, English, or any other field of study to consider philosophy as an additional major or minor,” said Deitrich. For those who cannot add any more classes but are still interested in philosophical ideas, there are other options. “We are planning a series of student-led talks on the value of philosophy … as well as, tentatively a debate-format discussion between Drs. DiQuattro and Christopher Franklin on the topic of free will,” said Deitrich. The events, which the honorary plans to hold during the month of April, will be open to the general student body and geared towards the general public, even those with no philosophical background. “Our goal for the series is to introduce philosophy in general as well as some specific philosophical fields to a wide audience – absolutely no prior knowledge of philosophy is needed to enjoy the talks. My speech will be called ‘What We Can Learn from Nietzsche,’” said Horton. The honorary also plans to publish a journal of students’ papers in mid-April. Students of all majors are welcome to submit papers on philosophical topics. Interested students should keep an eye out for flyers seeking paper submissions. For more information on Phi Sigma Tau or the philosophy major/minor Ethan Deitrich can be contacted at deitrichep1@gcc.edu.
Denying self, focusing on Christ Stephen Dennis Staff Writer
The campus cafeterias have recently been invaded by plaid trifold brochures, which resemble picnic table covers. This coloration becomes exceptionally ironic when one realizes it is an advertisement for a fasting program. The “On the Road to Spiritual Renewal” program features three fasts, three meetings and a journal. The three fasts featured in the program are the Daniel Fast, the Lenten Fast, and a Personalized Fast. The Daniel Fast is based on the diet that Daniel undertakes in the first and tenth chapters of the book of Daniel. According to Daniel 10:3 “I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” The Daniel Fast will follow the outline made in this text, allowing the faster to eat fruits, vegetables and water, while bread, meat and sweets will not be allowed.
The Lenten Fast traditionally begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Easter, which is roughly six weeks. The Lenten Fast will require a fast on Ash Wednesday, followed by no meat on the Fridays of Lent. The third and final fast is the Personalized Fast. This will be based on the faster’s choice of refraining from social media, cell phones, or limiting their time on the computer to class room essentialities. The goal of “On the Road to Spiritual Renewal” is to “re-focus on Christ and the Word and eliminate sinful habits and excess.” The program also wants to help participants “unplug” for alone time or social time and to physically cleanse the body. Sophomore Sarah Robinson said that she is interested in the fast and hopes to attend one of the informational meetings, “I would like to know more about the significance of fasting,” Robinson said. According to Robinson, “I’m looking to improve my prayer life and I wonder if fasting is a good way to do
A century of news Like a girl? Breanna Renkin
Staff Writer
After the Super Bowl, nobody could stop talking about Always’ new campaign, “Like a Girl.” The campaign strives to build a woman’s confidence in herself, and to show that doing something “like a girl” is something to be proud of. Just as women today struggle with forms of oppression, women at Grove City College in the 1970s were also dealing with the problem, which this piece from the Feb. 17, 1971 edition makes clear. Oppression found at GCC Ran Feb. 17, 1971
GROVE CITY COLLEGE
People’s choice
This replica of Rainbow Bridge won the People’s Choice award in the community Christmas display in Memorial Park, which was sponsored by the Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce. The replica was built by the Grove City College maintenance department.
that.” Robinson said from the list of fasts available she thought the Daniel Fast would be the best fit for her. Junior Alex Hooten said that she has fasted before. “I think it is important and really hard to do,” Hooten said. Hooten is not sure if she will participate in the fast, but is “considering doing it.” For Hooten both the Daniel Fast and the Personal Fast are appealing options, but she is uninterested in the Lenten Fast. “I don’t really eat meat anyways, so it wouldn’t be meaningful at all,” Hooten said. There will be two informational meetings on the program, the first is on Monday, Feb. 9 and the second is on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Both meetings will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Student Union Great Room. Guest speakers will include Dr. Harvey and Mrs. Gruber. “A lot of times people think it’s just about what you’re not doing, but it is about what you’re putting in its place,” Hooten said.
Grove City students will be blessed with a real-live militant this evening. Ti-Grace Atkinson will tell us all just how oppressed the American woman is. She is correct. The sins of oppression can be found even here at Grove City. We force women students to eat in a brand new dining hall. We make them live in Mary Anderson Pew dormitory alongside those inconvenient ironing and washing room, and terrible recre-
ation facilities, while men are oppressed by no such inconveniences. Men have the great privilege of walking down to Grove Burg and the laundromat. The oppression goes even deeper. Men have the audacity to expect women to attend school functions even if they are not accompanied by men. This is unfair; Men cannot expect to exploit women who would rather study in the dormitory on Saturday night. Women must be protected from these attempts at further exploitation. Women must have hours in the evenings, for they will not be exploited early. Open house hours must be limited, for women will not be exploited between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends. Women are oppressed. Men must cease this oppression. Stop opening doors, go dutch treat on dates, do not treat a woman as though she were something special – something feminine. Most importantly, do not let this militant disturb the quiet, stagnant atmosphere we all treasure. (2015 Editor’s Note: Ti-Grace Atkinson is an American feminist author who in 1971 was a leading advocate of radical feminism. She is still active in gender politics.)
Live without regrets, Learn without borders.
Letters to the Editor policy Letters to the Editor should be sent to collegian@gcc.edu. They must be received by midnight on Sunday and must not exceed 300 words. The Collegian reserves the right to edit or hold any letter. Anonymous letters will not be printed.
Write for The Collegian Interested in writing for The Collegian? The Collegian provides excellent opportunities for students who are interested in journalism careers, in writing and in exploring campus events and issues. All sections welcome new writers. Email the Collegian at collegian@gcc.edu.
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The Collegian
Feb. 6, 2014
Feb. 6, 2015
Entertainment
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American Sniper Opposing views on a controversial film
Hero romanticized
Grant Wishard
Contributing Writer
cdn.collider
Masterful story Mark Blank
Contributing Writer Clint Eastwood’s latest film “American Sniper,” which tells the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, has ignited controversy all over the country. Some call the film worthy of “Best Picture,” while others compare it to Nazi propaganda. One thing is certain: Clint Eastwood has everyone’s attention. The film follows the life of the deadliest sniper in U.S. military history. Chris Kyle is a good ol’ boy from Texas who gives up his life as a bronco rider to join the Navy SEALs. In the tumult of battle-torn Iraq, Kyle serves four tours while trying to juggle his personal life back in the States. The film masterfully portrays the effects of war on a human being and how returning to a normal life is virtually impossible. “American Sniper” wrestles with challenging subjects, such as the psychological effects associated with the taking of human life. While Bradley Cooper’s character does seem to have a passion for his job, it is not for the killing. Eastwood makes it clear that Kyle loved his job because he had an opportunity to serve his country and save American lives. When questioned in the film about his 160 confirmed kills, Kyle replies, “I am willing to stand before my Creator and answer for every shot that I took.” Instead of glorifying the job as a Navy SEAL sniper, the film shows the harsh realities and problematic decisions that Kyle would have to face on a daily basis. At one point Kyle is forced to shoot a young Iraqi boy and his mother because they are about to throw a grenade at a group U.S. Marines. Kyle grimaces in pain and yells at his spotter for congratulating him. Eastwood’s message in the film is a somber one. It is not your typi-
cal war film that paints a picture of the horrors of modern combat. While “American Sniper” certainly does that, it also shows its audience the evil that makes war necessary at times. The pain that Kyle experiences, both during the war and long after he returns home, is a testament to the severity of killing. But the film also depicts characters like “The Butcher,” a fictional Taliban leader who slaughters innocent Iraqi civilians with power tools. According to Eastwood, this is the evil that makes soldiers like Chris Kyle necessary. “American Sniper” has received harsh criticism for its political agenda, with celebrities such as Michael Moore even calling it propaganda. But to view the movie as a political film trying to justify the Iraq War is to miss the point entirely. Eastwood’s Oscar-nominated film is a cry for respect on behalf of the men and women who perform the daunting task of serving in the military. Eastwood does not seem to label Chris Kyle or other soldiers as heroes. In fact, the movie portrays Kyle as very uncomfortable when people praise his work. Even so, the movie highlights the extreme sacrifices that members of the military make, including the extreme emotional and psychological baggage that they bring home. Despite any political opinions that you may have associated with the film, “American Sniper” is a powerful story of bravery, sacrifice and the emotional toll of war. As Michael Totten of “City Journal” says of the film, “Unlike most films in the genre, it sidesteps the politics and focuses on an individual.” Do not go see “American Sniper” as a Republican or Democrat. Instead, go see this film as a human being.
The majority of Grove City College’s patriotic students will likely answer the call of “American Sniper” at some point, but there are some points to consider before enlistment. “American Sniper” tells the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, who is considered the most lethal sniper in U.S. history. During four tours of the Iraq War, Kyle accomplished 160 confirmed kills and was justly awarded with numerous commendations for his service. A symbol of omnipresent protective force, Kyle was known by his enemies as the “Devil of Ramadi,” but known by his comrades as “Legend.” Kyle was wounded twice but survived to retire a hero. He returned traumatized but unscathed to his wife and children, even beginning to work as a volunteer with disabled veterans. The tragic irony is that Chris Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield were murdered by a veteran they were trying to help. Chris Kyle is a hero and his story needs to be told. But I believe the finished product, “American Sniper,” reflects the inherent difficulties of telling such a story. Kyle was murdered in February of 2013. His alleged killer Eddie Routh is still awaiting trial. Furthermore, Kyle is survived by his widow, his kids, his friends and his comrades, not to mention the hundreds of mourners who recently paid their last respects. It is these pressures which have decided the trajectory of “American Sniper,” which is a presentation of “Legend,” but not Chris Kyle. Chris Kyle may be a hero, but he was also human. This means that he possessed flaws and battled temptations which the film does not preserve. We are shown only the marksman who never missed, never second-guessed himself, and sacrificed everything for our country. Whether at the bar or just about to pull the trigger, “Legend” always has the perfect line. We are shown the perfect father and husband, who calls his wife in the middle of a firefight. He is the poster-illustrated patriot who never questions his duty. “American Sniper” and any Superman movie are uninteresting for the same reasons, but at least Superman has kryptonite. Furthermore, for a movie that is focused entirely on Kyle for more than two hours, there is a lack of character development. The film does promise
some kind of transformation, especially when Taya Kyle, played by Sienna Miller, says, “If you think that this war isn’t changing you, you’re wrong.” But the war does not change Kyle, and even after 10 years of service he is the same as when he enlisted. In fact, he explains himself to the enlistment officer the same way he explains himself to the psychologist after his retirement. To both men he essentially says, “I just want to kill bad guys and protect the good guys.” Kyle’s post-traumatic stress proves that the war has affected him, but this is a natural response rather than a change in character. Unfortunately, “American Sniper” is the uninteresting picture of a perfect hero who, despite everything he has endured, remains unchanged. Does it matter if “American Sniper” fails in its character development? After all, you didn’t come to see “Jane Eyre,” you came to see headshots and Humvees. But I believe that “American Sniper” also misses the mark as a war film. The movie fails to ask, much less answer, the tough questions that war necessarily prompts. Questions of morality and duty, the questions that make war films worth watching again, are ignored by Kyle. His understanding of the conflict before him could not be simpler. There are good guys and bad guys, and the bad guys need to die. In one of the final scenes, Kyle’s psychologist asks him, “Do you ever think that you might have seen things or done some things over there that you wish you hadn’t?” Kyle responds, “Oh that’s not me. No.” As a war film, “American Sniper” is unimpressive because it fails to present the physical and philosophical harshness of war. If you must see “American Sniper,” you ought to understand the film as you would a eulogy. At a funeral we recount only why we loved and will remember the deceased. The purpose of a funeral is not to pick apart someone’s life in search of failings. The close timing of the movie to the death of the real Chris Kyle explains the flawless and simple portrayal of our hero. Similar challenges have been faced by “Captain Phillips,” “Lone Survivor,” and “Zero Dark Thirty.” Some films have handled the pressure better than others, but it is clear that grief has shaped “American Sniper,” and the final result is unengaging and uninteresting.
SOCIAL MEDIA STUDENT ASSISTANT Social media can be a full time job. It’s not just about posting a few tweets to your followers, it’s about engaging with past, present and potential audiences. And we would like your help. The Office of Marketing & Communication is seeking a social media student assistant to support our expanding digital presence while responding to increasing demand across all social media properties including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube, LinkedIn and others. You’ll get to be involved in all aspects of the strategy behind social media outreach to spread the word about the great things happening at Grove City College. THIS IS A PAID POSITION AND REQUIRES APPROXIMATELY 10 HOURS PER WEEK. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: • • • • • • • •
Ensure an optimal experience for our social audiences Develop content and strategy Create and maintain a social media posting calendar Publish social media postings in consultation with staff Identify and vet new platforms and tactics Assist with management of existing platforms Monitor social interactions and commentary Build and increase relationships with social influencers, followers
REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: • Demonstrated familiarity with the use of social media marketing tools, excellent written communication skills, high level of commitment to the role and organization, and ability to manage projects independently
Please send your letter of interest and related experience to: Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, Carnegie Alumni Center, no later than Friday, Feb. 20. This position is for students of Grove City College only.
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Through the Lens
Feb. 6, 2014
EMILY ROTHBARD/SECOND PLACE WINNER
CHRISTIAN FIFIELD
Winter wonderland
ANDREW STEIN
Congratulations to our winners and honorable mentions for your breathtaking submissions!
CHRISTIAN FIFIELD
CHRISTIAN FIFIELD
CHRISTIAN FIFIELD
Feb. 6, 2015
Through the Lens
Page 7
ANDREW STEIN/THIRD PLACE WINNER
CHRISTIAN FIFIELD
JENNA HERSHBERGER
CHRISTIAN FIFIELD
NICK HINER
LAURA COUNIHAN
ANDREW STEIN
Entertainment
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Super Bowl Halftime Show
Jonathan Fisher
Katy Perry returns to Crawford
Contributing Writer
Last Sunday, pop star Katy Perry performed for the halftime show of Super Bowl XLIX. While Perry’s face appeared on multiple screens across the Grove City College campus that evening, there was one of certain significance: the screen in Crawford Auditorium. Perry’s broadcasted performance shown during the Alpha Sigma “Superb Owl” party was reportedly not her first appearance in that building. According to Internet records, back in 2001 when Perry was a Christian music artist by the name of Katy Hudson, one of her scheduled tour stops was at the College’s very own Crawford Auditorium. Though Grove City College probably has not changed much since then, Perry has certainly transformed from the low-key gospel singer she once was. Perry opened her Super Bowl performance by singing her recent hit “Roar,” all while dressed in a fire-
inspired outfit and riding a large, golden lion robot with ruby eyes. At the finish of the song, the lion itself let out a big roar. Perry then proceeded to perform another of her latest hits, “Dark Horse,” complete with a pulsating chess board that later turned into a tornado-like storm projected onto the stage along with dancing chess pieces. Lenny Kravitz then appeared onstage and joined Perry in rocking out to her single, “I Kissed A Girl,” along with some provocative dancing from Perry. Subsequently, the scenery changed to a colorful, cartoony beach scene with giant dancing beach balls, palm trees, and sharks – all complete with smiley faces. Perry came on the scene in a beach ball dress and sang two of her 2010 hits, “Teenage Dream” and “California Gurls.” During the first song, all the happy, dancing beach objects sang along with Perry, and during the second she was joined by a group of girls dressed in polka dot bikinis to dance along with her. The vibe then changed to
a dark club tone as Missy Elliott joined Perry onstage, both dressed in black, to sing “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It,” and “Lose Control.” Finally, Perry, clad in an outfit covered in stars, climbed aboard a massive shooting star lift contraption that spouted numerous sparks. She flew over the crowds as she sang the uplifting lyrics of her song “Firework” and was accompanied by numerous fireworks in the sky. The song finished strong, completing the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show. The show was definitely theatrical. From the colorful and unique costumes to the constantly changing mood, it was fairly easy to stay attentive to what was occurring in this great spectacle. The music provided lots of nostalgia. Perry toured through the stages of her three main albums, “One of the Boys,” “Teenage Dream,” and “PRISM,” each of which has a unique flavor, varying from rock ‘n’ roll to sugarcoated bubblegum pop. Even though the portion with Missy Elliott seemed to slow down the show at first,
the last song with Elliott and Perry picked the tempo back up. A few viewers seemed to have enjoyed having a 90s throwback in the show. The many sights during the production captured the audience’s attention so much that some viewers may not have paid too close attention to the vocals. Although they sounded decent enough, it was pretty clear that most if not all of the vocals were prerecorded. It is understandable for a performer to take this route when his or her show also involves things like flying through the air and riding giant animal robots, but the question still remains of which is more important in a performance: theatrics or vocals? The answer to this kind of question really boils down to preference, but today’s culture seems to take more interest in all the bells and whistles that go along with a singer’s performance rather than the person’s actual singing ability. Thus, we were given the halftime show that we got, not one resembling the performance Perry gave in Crawford back in 2001.
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Bad is the new good Jacob Sziráky
The ‘untold’ stories of villains
Entertainment Editor
There seems to be a trend among entertainment venues of portraying the “bad guys” as not all that bad. Often these movies or plays are based upon classic tales of good and evil, but will tell the
familiar story in a new light, adding background and nuance in order to weave a defense for the story’s villain. A prime example is the popular Broadway show “Wicked.” “Wicked” is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, one of the most hated film antagonists of all time. The story reveals, however,
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how the so-called “wicked” witch, named Elphaba, was really a well-meaning misfit whose actions were twisted by the Wizard of Oz and the Ozian media. The show was a smash hit, with a film adaptation currently in the works. The essence of this apparently infectious sort of plot is found among many movies as well. Take the movie “Hoodwinked,” for example. This animated children’s film portrays the Big Bad Wolf, that infamous villain of “The Three Little Pigs” and “Little Red Riding Hood,” as a good and honest individual who goes undercover for the sake of justice. Apparently today’s storytellers deem no one too evil for a moral makeover. This trend of justifying villains continues today with the recent films “Maleficent” and “Dracula Untold.” Disney’s “Maleficent” promises to tell the untold story of Maleficent, the antagonist of “Sleeping Beauty” and one of the most vile and decidedly malicious of all Disney villains. This new tale presents King Stefan, father of the
sleeping beauty Aurora, as the true villain, and the kind fairy Maleficent as his victim – a very stark contrast to the original movie. In a similar fashion, “Dracula Untold” portrays Count Dracula, the king of classic movie monsters, as a victim rather than a villain. In this most recent retelling of the legend, Dracula chooses to take on a vampire’s curse in an attempt to save his family. This is quite a contrast from traditional origin stories in which Dracula becomes a vampire in order to spite God. But though this new Dracula may appear nobler than the old, can any character ever be morally justified for selling his soul, whatever the reason may be? While there is more to every story than a single viewpoint can express, let’s not confuse complexity with moral confusion. Keep the monsters scary. Keep the witches evil. And keep our heroes riding victoriously into the sunset.
Feb. 6, 2015
Pick of the Week
Zaba
Samuel Farley WSAJ Contributor
Getting back into the swing of things is often a hard transition. It is one that can be very abrupt as well as very abrasive. Sometimes, one just needs to get away. “Zaba,” by The Glass Animals, provides this kind of playful escape that transports you into a dream. The Glass Animals is a small indie band out of Oxford, England. The band consists of four members, all who have known each other since high school. They come across as whimsical and perhaps even goofy, but not childish. They have a sound that has slowly developed and been refined until their album’s release. “Zaba” is their debut album, but comes across as one with potential and an inventiveness that keeps you asking for more. The album itself is greatly influenced by the children’s book “The Zabajaba Jungle” by William Steig, partially explaining the playful yet serious tone running throughout the album. The Glass Animals seem to provide not only a musical representation of this book, but also a mature interpretation of the book in all its facets. The band incorporates many simple drums and underlying beats with the synthesizer to create a sound reminiscent of a jungle. This is all covered by the male vocals of Dave Bayley, whose audible whisper keeps the listener enticed, building intensity as the instruments creep up on you in an ominous confusion that becomes apparent only once he falls silent. The original single released for this album was the song “Gooey,” which emphasizes their “peanut butter vibes” and “tipsy topsy turns.” The song is a reflection of the sound characteristic of The Glass Animals and the relaxed vocabulary that they use, while still showing their lightheartedness and willingness to expand upon what they have made. They create a fluid mixture of sounds that seem to only start at the beginning of the album and end once the album is over. It is a continual sound that develops itself throughout the album, telling a story and leaving you feeling as if you, yourself, have just journeyed through the Zabajaba jungle.
Feb. 6, 2015
Perspectives
Page 9
What good is a veto? Thomas Kutz Staff Writer
In the wake of President Obama’s State of the Union Address to Congress, and on the verge of Congress passing several bills to send to the President’s desk, the question of the veto rises. The Washington Times reports that Obama’s four separate veto threats are the most ever given by a president in an address to Congress. Republicans in Congress have passed the Keystone XL Pipeline in the House and in the Senate, are slated to repeal Obamacare (again), defund Obama’s actions on immigration, and likely pass new immigration legislation this term. The irony is that though Congress will pass many bills, few will become law. Why? Vetoes. Now that the Republicans control both houses in Congress, Obama does not have the luxury of a Democraticled Senate to stop bills from even reaching his desk. He will finally have to use the threatened veto pen. The problem is that this pen works just fine. Every Republican in the country is crying wolf now, as the recent executive actions
and now looming vetoes infuriate Americans who wish to see the legislators legislate and the executive execute. After all, the titles that the branches have been given do reflect the nature of their responsibilities. According to the Constitution, Congress alone “shall have the power to … make laws.” The executive branch is to execute, or enforce, the laws passed by Congress. Many people are left asking why the president is able to veto in the first place. The answer: checks and balances. Ah, yes, those three glorious words that make American government great, yet leave Americans clenching their fists hoping something else could be done. The acts Congress passes must benefit the majority of Americans. The president’s job is to ensure these acts are widely beneficial. For those not familiar with parliamentary procedure, a veto is only overridden if the president either refuses to sign a bill and it becomes law after a period, or if two-thirds of both houses of Congress vote to override it. Securing two-thirds of Congress for one party is often referred to as having a “super-majority,” a rare oc-
currence in American politics. Super majorities enable the Congress to “filibusterproof” legislation, override vetoes and even makes the process much easier for adopting a constitutional amendment. The Republicans made significant gains in both houses in the 2014 midterm elections, giving them the largest majorities they have held since the Reagan administration. The gains, however, were not large enough to constitute super majorities in either house. Many Americans agree that the laws that Congress passes should be enacted. After all, what legislation could possibly be accomplished in “gridlock” when Congress and the Presidency are controlled by opposite parties? The veto is in place, though, to ensure that when major legislation is passed it benefits the whole of the nation. The office of the President is the only office that represents a national constituency. Every member of Congress is elected from their home districts or states. They have a limited constituency to which they are loyal and held accountable.
The president’s job is to protect his constituency, the citizens of the United States. In order to do so, the president may issue a veto to ensure that none of his constituents are unfairly treated in legislation. Checks and balances allow for compromise. It is necessary to ensure that all interests are represented in major legislation. Compromise is the middle ground that ideally draws legislation closer to the best interest of all Americans, rather than a small part of the whole. Vetoes may be inconvenient for Republicans this term, but they should be reminded of the system that the Framers crafted with partisan politics in mind. Checks and balances provide a balanced and stable foundation for America, one that many hope will prosper forever. Checks and balances unite more Americans by working together. After all, a house divided against itself cannot stand.
KAYLA MURRISH
Inside the March for Life 2015 Every life is a gift
Kayla Murrish Staff Writer
I joined 650,000 pro-life people of all ages and backgrounds to rally on the National Mall on January 22 in America’s largest recurring civil rights march. Largely ignored by the news media, this annual pilgrimage proves that America’s pro-life heartbeat is strong. For 42 years since Roe v. Wade first legalized abortion-on-demand, thousands have gathered in peaceful, prayerful protest. For Julia Johnson, a senior from Fargo, N.D., whose entire high school student body attended the event, the march is far more than a political rally. “We are the pro-life generation,” she called from the National Mall’s speaker podium, “and we need to be!” According to Students for Life of America, 59 percent of millennials think abortion is “morally wrong,” and 64 percent think the abortion rate is “higher than it should be.” Most of the attendees were young people from colleges, church groups and high schools. I marched with 200 students from Ave Maria University. The marchers were peaceful, gentle and familyfriendly, leaving very little trace on the Mall grounds
and showing no hostility to police or the public. Religious conviction inspired the day’s events; the pre-march rally began with prayer by the President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and ended with Reverend Sammy Rodriguez from the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. He emphasized the value the Bible places on every human life and encouraged the crowd to stand up to the injustice of abortion. With rousing lines referencing survivors of infanticide in the Bible, he proclaimed that “for every Pharaoh, there will be a Moses, and for every Herod, there will be a Jesus.” Several orders of Catholic monks and nuns attended the march, as well as a society of priests and a group of Jewish rabbis. Watching many religions and denominations join together to protect human rights filled me with hope for the future of the pro-life movement. This year the theme was “Every Life is a Gift.” Jeanne Monahan, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, explained that 90 percent of unborn babies diagnosed with Downs Syndrome are aborted. Babies who receive diagnoses of Trisomy 13 or 18 and Spina Bifida are also much
more likely to be aborted. In a society that claims to value those with disabilities, these chilling statistics need to be addressed so that these priceless human beings have a chance at life. Raising a child with a disability is not easy, as Students for Life of America’s president Kristan Hawkins attested in her talk at the rally. Her six-year-old son Gunner suffers from cystic fibrosis, and while his illness has been a difficult journey for her family, the joy and unconditional love he pours out to those around him serve as a constant reminder of God’s blessing, making her deeply thankful that she chose life. Nancy Kreuzer, founder of Silent No More, a ministry which serves women in postabortion trauma, shared her story of abortion, grief, and healing in a courageous and moving way that brought me and many others in the crowd to tears. She brought a valuable perspective to the rally, showing the pain of women facing unplanned pregnancies as well as the need for compassionate, helpful services to come alongside these women and to bring hope, healing, and community to those suffering from the grief of abortion. Two dozen Congress members also joined the march and four spoke at the rally, including pro-life Democrat
Daniel Lipinski (D-Ill.) and Republican Cathy McMorrisRodgers (R-Wash). The day before the march, Congress failed to pass the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which would have banned abortions after 20 weeks when the baby can feel pain. Several Congresswomen in the GOP had dropped their support for the bill because they argued it would hurt the Republican Party’s platform with millennials and women. This argument is ironic given that the march consisted largely of millennials, and it underscores the importance of exercising our First Amendment rights to hold Congress accountable to protect life. As one of the speakers offered as her closing, “Hope to not see you next year,” because by God’s grace we will see abortion end in our lifetimes so that the March for Life is no longer necessary. Until that day, I challenge you, Grove City College students, to jump on a bus next January and kick off 2016 by speaking for those who have no voice. Let’s take our place in history as the pro-life generation.
Problem with posterity
Thomas Kutz Staff Writer
All too often in life, people act based on what they might be remembered for rather than what might necessarily be right. “Oh, posterity,” they cry. How one will be remembered often overshadows how one should act. People are worried about their legacy and the future instead of the proper action for today. An example is in the world of politics. Presidents and congressmen all wonder how they will be remembered; it is the nature of the beast. Sweeping legislation is put forward so that people will remember the names of Franklin Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson more than an equally deserving James K. Polk. An important line exists between wondering how actions will be interpreted by posterity and acting to please posterity itself. John Adams was the first to understand this dichotomy and to act despite his legacy as America’s forgotten father. Adams put the sake of the nation in front of his own by passing up the opportunity to propose a resolution for independence and even write the Declaration of Independence himself in favor of the best interest of the country. Adams wrote in a letter to Dr. Benjamin Rush, “Mausoleums, statues, monuments will never be erected to me … to transmit me to posterity in brilliant colors. No, nor in true colors.” Yet passionately at the forefront of the American Founding, Adams acted in the best interest of the country instead of the interests of his own legacy. As Christians, we too must observe the futility of acting so selfishly by putting our legacy above our actions. Going through each day, we think about the jobs we will have, the family we will raise, the accomplishments that we will claim, the honors that will be bestowed upon us by our friends, families, and communities for generations to come—for posterity. As Christ is our model, it matters not what riches to which we may lay claim nor to what position we may hold. I think we often forget our purpose here in favor of our own selfish gains. We think about what we will leave behind and not what we must do to get to where we will ultimately end. We should seek first the kingdom by putting aside our own posterity and making sure Christ is the forefront of our cause and not ourselves. For most Americans today, John Adams is not among the names of those most important to the founding of America and the advancement of its cause over the past 200 years. They do not associate him immediately with Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Lincoln. It is almost just as likely that none of us will be named with the likes of Martin Luther, John Calvin, CS Lewis, or Billy Graham. Our goal should not be to have our names etched in history or to be associated with greatness. Our goal should be that, like Adams, we do all that we could to advance the cause for Christ for the betterment of the kingdom and not the glorification of ourselves.
The Collegian
Page 10
Feb. 6, 2015
Could the left be right? Caleb Harsberger Contributing Writer
Last month, leftist Syriza Party President Alexander Tsipras was elected Prime Minister of Greece during a time of great national tension. For the last five years, Greece has bworrowed €245 billion from the Eurozone countries, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Central Bank. These three are referred to as the Troika. In 2010, Greece was facing a sovereign default on its loans which would have resulted in a swift exit from the European Union. The only way to prevent this was a massive bailout from the countries that still had the wealth to do so, primarily Germany. The bailout was not without conditions, however. Strict austerity measures including drastic wage reductions, asset privatizations and employment terminations were all required of the Greeks if they wanted their
desperately needed billions. Greece, in no position to refuse, accepted and began carrying out the terms. They continued to do so, until last month when Tsipras was elected. He promised an end to the policies that many Greeks blamed for worsening the situation. In his addresses to the nation, he has made clear his stance that nothing but the forgiveness of debt will resolve the deficit. Germany has stated that debt forgiveness is not something they are willing to discuss. Tsipras’ arguments are convincing. In 1953, Germany owed a copious amount of debt that it accrued in the aftermath of World War II. When it became apparent that the debt was unpayable, the terms were re-negotiated and large portions of it were forgiven. Greece is proposing a similar settlement, but Germany is not so inclined. The German-led Troika has been working with the same party for years and has proven to be more concerned
with cutting costs than reforming a clearly flawed system. Athens’ economic and industrial think-tank IOBE has stated that “the concept of reform has been gradually discredited during the current crisis.” Reform is what Greece needs, because if the same policies are kept in place, it will never regain fiscal independence from Germany and the Troika. But more importantly than its fiscal independence, Greece needs to regain its pride. From the brutal interference of the British at the close of World War II, to the inflexible economic meddling of the Troika, Greece’s political climate has been the victim of European political games for decades. The recent bailout of Greece is largely seen as a catastrophe with some accusing the Troika of silencing critics, ignoring red flags and using the crisis for their own ends. Numerous critics and journalists have declared
the Greek recession a failed German experiment in the effects of austerity and one with clear results. The people of Greece do not take these accusations lightly and the days of a guinea-pig Greece are coming to an end. The election of the radicalleftist Tsipras and his group Syriza is just another case of Europeans looking to the far left in times of great financial crisis, from towns such as Marinaleda in Spain, to entire nations such as Denmark. As globally concerned people we need to ask ourselves why this keeps happening. Is it simply the result of fear and ignorance in tragically non-American societies? Or could there be something there that actually appeals to them? Could there actually be something the radical-left has to offer?
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The McNulty Memo A message from the Grove City College president A few thoughts for the week:
Staff Cartoonists Rachel Leung Brandon Ferris
* Heartfelt thanks to everyone who signed the giant birthday card left at our backdoor on Saturday. The card, the balloons, the freshman carolers and the snow word art really made my day. * You may have noticed the new banners on the lampposts referring to the Inauguration on March 23. All the hoopla is a little embarrassing, but I hope this will be an historic opportunity to focus on our mission at GCC. Stay tuned for further details. * I know it’s been a tough winter so far and we have more to go. But don’t get discouraged. God has a gracious purpose in winter. No one may have understood this better than C.S. Lewis, who reminds us in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:
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Live without regrets, Learn without borders.
GREEN EYESHADE AWARD
“Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight, At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more, When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death, And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.” President McNulty shares his thoughts with Collegian readers in this new feature.
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.
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Kelleigh Huber This week’s award goes to sophomore Kelleigh Huber for her consistent and reliable contribution to the paper. The Collegian Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors who have demonstrated consistency and excellence in their work.
Feb. 6, 2015
Young guns Baseball team firing on all cylinders Thomas Kutz Staff Writer
Grove City College’s baseball coach Rob Skaricich has high hopes for the upcoming season. “I’m very excited to get to work,” Skaricich said last week. “We had a very young team last year that went through a tremendous learning experience.” The Wolverines are coming off a 9-25 season in 2014, but after a promising fall and the return of almost all of their key players, the team is poised for significant improvement with the goal of winning a berth in the PAC Tournament at the end of the season. Last year’s record is a bit deceiving, however. The Wolverines lost several onerun games, which can make or break a season. “Last year the guys learned how important the little things are… They understand what it takes to be successful at this level now,” Skaricich said. The Wolverines will open up their season in Myrtle Beach, S.C., at the Ripken Baseball Complex, where they will play a total of 10 games over the College’s spring break. When they return, they will face tough PAC competition and will hopefully have figured out the remaining question marks in the lineup. But Skaricich isn’t worried about the guys failing to step up. The Wolverines return some of their top leaders in batting as well as pitching. Following the graduation of ace right-handed starting pitcher Erick Locker, the Wolverines are left to fill a hole. But Skaricich is confident in the returning talent of starters Mason Stephens (LHP) and Ben Finlan (RHP) at the top of the rotation. With a typical four man rotation, the Wolverines have several options, as sophomores Andrew Taylor (RHP), Anthony Marnejon (LHP), and Doug Donatelli (LHP) will look to give the Wolverines a balanced mix from the mound. Skaricich is also encouraged by the progress sophomore Cameron Lawson is making in his return from injury, since he may factor in the rotation and elsewhere for the Wolverines. The bullpen is also looking strong, held together by veteran anchor Ryan Gallagher. Gallagher, a junior, was voted team captain last year as a sophomore. Skaricich had nothing but praise for the 6’0” right-hander out of Pittsburgh, Pa. “[Ryan] is one of the best relief pitchers we’ve ever had. He’s a jack of all trades, with a tremendous work ethic and tremendous leadership ability,” Skaricich said. Do not be surprised to see Gallagher anywhere for the Wolverines. Skaricich is hoping to utilize Gallagher in every way possible to benefit the team, including closing, short relief, long relief or even as a spot starter when needed. Competition in the bullpen will help improve the arsenal for the Wolverines, who welcome promising freshman Matt Cottrill and senior Chris Curran (RHP) and sophomores Johnny Ross (RHP), CJ Hills (LHP) and Bradley Warmhold (RHP). Additionally, sophomore Jimmy Palmer will fit in somewhere either in the rotation or more likely closing games for the Wolverines.
Backing up the pitching is an impressive group of fielders, starting behind the plate with two outstanding catchers in sophomores Nick Fryer and Andy Fritz. Skaricich is excited to have two hardworking and capable catchers to be dependable and keep each other fresh. Around the diamond, it only gets better for the Wolverines, starting with sophomore Matt Waugaman at first base. Skaricich called Waugaman “by far the best defensive first basemen we’ve had” since he started with the program. Behind him is another capable player in senior Reese Swatsworth, who will continue to be another important piece. Moving to the middle infield are players “with about as much athleticism and range you will see,” Skaricich said of sophomore SS David Laylock, who led the team in batting average (.327) as a freshman last year, and his counterpart, senior Josh Hodges, who will make the move to second this season. The depth in the middle is impressive as well, with huge potential from freshmen Cameron Smails and Josh Dennison. The hot corner at third base is seemingly the only real question mark in Skaricich’s infield. There is no question that there will be a quality player at third; the question is which player it will be. The Wolverines will have to replace a great third baseman in Matt Corner, who graduated in the spring. Junior Travis Royer and sophomore Brandon Gresh will battle for the spot to start the season. Much is left to do before opening day in the outfield for the Wolverines. Sophomore Nolan Myers returns with his gold glove-like ability and cannon for an arm in right field. Ryan Vero adds depth in right field with a big bat to bring to the table as well. Center and left field could see a variety of characters, most likely sophomores Palmer and Kyle Witzberger, with tremendous upside potential from a plethora of incoming freshmen as well, including utility man Drew Landis, who Skaricich said has a great shot at starting in the outfield. Junior Kenny McCracken is another great option for the Wolverines in left field as well. Sophomore Luke Vorce, who is recovering from labrum surgery, will return to the outfield, and will be joined by freshmen like Tyler Graham. Skaricich is equally as excited about his chance to interact with the team off the field. “The entire team are guys that you want to be around, which makes them fun to coach. They are all character guys, and it makes it fun to go out and work with that high quality of an individual on a daily basis.” The Wolverines hope to turn the corner this year as they look forward to starting their season soon. Their home opener is a double header versus Waynesburg at 1 p.m. on March 21.
Sports
Page 11
Greatness at Grove City
A look into the head of men’s basketball star Mitch Marmelstein Connor Lowe Staff Writer
Every so often a special player arises from the pack and defies anything any player before him has accomplished. One such player would be Grove City College basketball star, senior Mitch Marmelstein. His story, from his beginnings to his overcoming of adversity is one any collegiate athlete can look to for inspiration. “I have always had a passion for basketball ever since an early age,” Marmelstein His path to greatness has not always been easy, though. When he was in high school, Marmelstein spiral fractured his hand during the season that would be important to potential college recruiters. “Breaking my hand in high school has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to go through, but that’s the reason why I am here today,” he said. Marmelstein attributed finding Grove City College after attending St. Margaret’s High School in San Juan Capistrano, Ca., to his faith. “It’s really a story of how God has worked in my life, opened up doors and taken me to places where I never thought I’d be,” he said. When he was beginning to look for a place to play collegiate basketball, Marmelstein stumbled across Grove City College, which he found by “searching ‘affordable Christian colleges’ into Google. After contacting Coach Steve Lamie and discovering his willingness to help me achieve my dreams while challenging me to be the best player I could be … I knew Grove City was the place to be.” Marmelstein was a major contributor to the Grove City College men’s basketball team right away in 2011, when he started out averaging 11.5 points per
game. “The seniors were a big impact on me. Brett Matson, Cody Fleeger, Kris “Bird” Verderber, and Mike Grist we are real fun to play with, taught us freshmen a lot about the game��������� and provided lots of laughs on and off the court,” Marmelstein said. He also attributed inspiration to Evan Schell ’14, who was captain one year ahead of Marmelstein. “I really respected the way he lead the team vocally and relationally,” Marmelstein said. “I’ve always been more of a leader by example, but Evan really taught me how to connect with teammates, get them to buy into the system by being a vocal leader as well as a leader by example.” His success continued all through his college career, as a result of his hard work on the court and in the weight room. “Had it not been for the countless hours spent correcting and perfecting my shot and game, I would have been just another average basketball player. Another thing that goes hand in hand with hard work is weight lifting and physically preparing your body for the season. Without putting time and effort into sports-specific weight training and conditioning, there’s no way I can play 30 minutes a game and have the energy and power to score.” One may wonder where Marmelstein finds the motivation during the off season to train and practice every single day, and for that Mitch had a very simple answer: “Love. That’s all. I love to play basketball. Not only love for the sport but also love for my teammates and my coaches.” Marmelstein is currently 5th on the College’s all-time point scoring list and is still rising. “I try to view stats and records as a by-product of giving 100 percent effort on the court. I know that as long as
I play as hard as I can, the stats will come.” In the rare times Marmelstein is not working on his game, he enjoys spending time having fun with his friends and doing outdoor activities. “I love to sing and play guitar, dance. I also love to skim-board. It’s my alternative to surfing; just because I’m from California doesn’t mean I shred on a surfboard.” When asked what advice he would give to an aspiring basketball player, Marmelstein gave a clear answer. “I would ask that young basketball player how bad he/she wanted it. I would ask him/ her how many hours are you willing to put into getting stronger/faster. How many shots you are willing to put up a day? What are you willing to give up in order to make room for basketball training? I would tell that player that there are no short cuts to success. If you want to play college basketball, you have to train like a college basketball player.” Although Marmelstein has no definitive plans after his graduation from Grove City College, it is clear that someone with his strong faith and work ethic will be successful no matter what path he chooses to take. He said, “It’s important to realize that when you fail, when things don’t work out your way, you have to keep persevering. You never know what God has in plan for those who fight through adversity and have faith in Him through it all.”
Hitting the slopes Grovers try their hands at winter sports
Jared Matthews Contributing Writer
On Jan. 27, eleven Grove City College students – myself included – had the opportunity to go skiing at Mount Pleasant of Edinboro in Cambridge Springs, PA. Mount Pleasant of Edinboro offered a good experience for people of all skill levels. There were three items in particular that the group enjoyed about this trip. First, it was close to Grove City. Most of the other ski resorts in the area are at least two hours away from the college. While that is a doable drive, it does make for a long day. The resort is an hour from the school and a relatively easy drive north on Interstate 79. The resort also had fantastic customer service. This was evident from the moment we arrived and stepped
BASKETBALL ing streak, Marmelstein continues to be a highlight for the men’s basketball team. In his fourth year as a starting guard, the senior has already surpassed the 1,000 point milestone and is still building upon it. With his 34 points over the last week,
foot in the lodge. The workers at the ticket counter were friendly and knowledgeable, and directed us to the rental center. The employees there were very interactive and did a good job at making sure all of our boots and skis fit and were comfortable. The ski patrol and lift operators were also very helpful during our time on the mountain. Finally, the price of the lift ticket and rentals were very reasonable. It was only $15 to rent equipment, and a lift ticket cost only $30. These prices are quite fair in comparison to some of the other ski resorts in the area. Everyone felt that they got their money’s worth from the experience. Mount Pleasant did still have a few issues. First, the mountain could have been lit better for night skiing. There were some spots on the hill
that were dark, which made it difficult and potentially dangerous to ski. Another complaint was that there was no terrain park. This would be a great place for locals to come and practice their tricks or railriding, and the resort has enough space to dedicate part of a hill to a terrain park. It may be losing out on attracting some more advanced riders by not having one. Overall, Mount Pleasant was a great experience. It is a great place for beginners to learn the basics at a reasonable price. If one is looking for more advanced riding, however, they may come away unsatisfied. If this is the case, one should travel to a larger resort like Hidden Valley or Seven Springs.
Marmelstein has now passed Mark Timko ’94 and Tanner Prosser ’03 and is now the fifth highest scorer in Grove City College men’s basketball history. His career total points scored now sits at 1,275, with the next person on the list, John Cochran ’70, less than 100 points away. With five games remaining, the Wolverines still have
a shot at making the PAC playoffs if a hot streak ensues. The men’s basketball team will travel to Geneva on Saturday after playing at Westminster on Wednesday. Geneva, however, is a team that they have already beaten and will look to defeat again in order to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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The Collegian
Heads held high
Feb. 6, 2015
Wolverines keep strong despite recent struggles
Joe Setyon Sports Editor
The Grove City College women’s basketball team has gone through a rough stretch recently, but they are not letting it get to them. Though they are on a four-game losing streak, all but one of the games have been close to the end. On Jan. 21, the team’s first home game since students returned from break, the Wolverines fell to Bethany 68-66. Grove City had a sixpoint lead late in the second half, but were unable to answer after Bethany went on a 9-0 run late. Junior forward
Kathryn Erbelding did have 19 points, and three other Wolverines also scored in double digits. Senior Kelsey Shirey, sophomore Teresa Dallatore and freshman Lexie Arkwright all scored 11 each. Three days later, the Wolverines visited Washington and Jefferson, and though the box score shows a 7868 loss, it was really much closer than that. Midway through the second half, the Wolverines had a one-point lead. Once again, though, a late run did them in as the Presidents outscored them 23-6 over nearly ten minutes. Four Wolverines scored
in double figures, led by Erbelding’s 16 points. Jan. 28 was one of Grove City’s few lopsided games. Visiting 2nd ranked Thomas More, the Wolverines fell 8237, but that score was more the result of an undefeated team playing a nearly perfect game than the Wolverines giving a bad effort. Even in the loss, junior forward Natalija Galens collected six rebounds and eight points. Grove City rebounded with a good all-around effort at home against Waynesburg on Saturday. However, despite coming back from a 15-point second half deficit to take the lead, the Wolver-
ines faltered in the final minutes, dropping 69-64. Shirey scored 22 points to lead her team, while senior Cayley McClean had 12 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Erbelding nearly had a double-double, amassing nine points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Overall, things are certainly looking up for the Wolverines. At 7-12, they are in sixth place in the President’s Athletic Conference. However, even in recent losses, they have shown an ability to play hard until the end. They are doing everything a winning team should aim to do, like rebounding, playing tight de-
fense, and putting up good shots. Despite the recent losing streak, the team is staying together. Led by Head Coach Chelle Fuss, they never give up, but instead find strength in each other. Mentally and emotionally, this is a strongwilled team that does not quit. Sooner or later the Wolverines will undoubtedly get some bounces to go their way. Until then they should keep playing well, and remember that by leaving it all on the court, they are giving themselves the best chance to win.
Super scandal
Super Bowl win overshadowed by Deflategate scandal Kyle Martin
Contributing Writer The play-clock hit zero. The confetti fell. The Lombardi Trophy was passed around, kissed and hugged by players filled with adrenaline and emotion. One Malcolm Butler interception crushed the Seattle Seahawks’ dreams of another Super Bowl victory. The New England Patriots were crowned the champions of Super Bowl XLIX. It was one of the most thrilling Super Bowls in recent memory. The Patriots will travel back to Foxboro, Mass., this week where they will be greeted by passionate fans and a victory parade. While the rest of the league has begun their offseason, the Pa-
triots will begin theirs after the parade comes to a close. They will be looking forward to next season and the upcoming National Football League draft. But will they be able to completely focus on preparing for their upcoming offseason with the recent allegations against the team? The Patriots have been accused of possibly deflating 11 of the 12 footballs used in the first half of the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts two weeks ago. If this is found to be true, this could undermine all that the Patriots have tried to stand for. Ever since the team was caught videotaping the New York Jets’ practice in 2007, they have worked to try to rebuild
their image. They have not been involved in much controversy since then. So, what exactly is so wrong with the footballs being deflated by such a small amount? The NFL rules state that NFL footballs should be inflated between 12.5 and 13.5 PSI. However, eleven of the twelve Patriots’ balls were found to be below the 12.5 PSI mark. Some reports say that the footballs were deflated by one PSI, but other reports say that they were deflated by two. Deflating by one PSI would decrease the weight of the ball by a mere gram. This would not help the wide receivers’ ability to catch or impact the quarterback’s arm strength. However, a deflated ball can provide
a better grip for the quarterback and running back, especially in raining conditions like the horrible conditions of the AFC Championship game. There are several theories as to what happened that night. Patriots coach Bill Belichick attributed the deflated balls to the way they rub the footballs before the game. He mainly attributed the deflation to the atmospheric pressure, temperature, and rain. However, that argument seems to fall flat since the Colts’ footballs were subject to the same factors and they were within the legal range. Even renowned scientist Bill Nye analyzed Belichick’s explanation and concluded that his theory
didn’t make any sense. Recently, a videotape of a Patriots employee going into a room for a short period of time has surfaced which raises speculation as to whether or not tampering could have taken place. The NFL will continue to investigate this situation in the coming days. It will be interesting to see how the NFL handles this situation going forward. The NFL wants to protect the integrity of the game, so they will be working earnestly to find out what exactly happened and how they can prevent this situation from happening in the future.
Event Schedule 7:00 Intro and Opening Prayer 7:05 The Dave Buchanan Band Performance 8:05 Benefit Intros 8:15 Break – Light refreshments available in Williamson Hall 8:45 Jasmine Tate Performance 9:45 Jon Kolb Message and Call 10:10 Mary Mihara Performance 11:15 Close
The event is free.