Family Weekend Edition Man of the Year Chesterton Cobb
Woman of the Year Chloe Smiley
Sportsman of the Year Peter Riley
Sportswoman of the Year Emily Rabenold
Collegian Collegian
The
Saturday, May 2, 2015
The Grove City College Student Newspaper
Vol. 101, No. 14
Changing of the guard Molly Wicker Staff Writer
It has been a momentous year for the Grove City College English department. The impending departure of three of its most highly lauded faculty members, Dr. James Dixon, Dr. Diane Dixon and Dr. Janice Brown signals the end of an era. All three faculty members have seen the department through several different transitions, most notably the College’s return to its conservative roots in the early seventies. Dr. James Dixon, who has been professor at Grove City College for 39 years and the chair of the English department for 37 years, acknowledged the fact that for those that chose to retire this year, they knew their time at the College was coming to an end long before they made their plans public. “The department has been in transition for years,” he said noting that before this year, “the transition wasn’t as concrete a reality as it is now.” His leadership in the department has been key since he began teaching at the College in 1976. Despite his young age and limited experience, he was promoted to department chair after only two years at the school. His presence was instrumental in guiding the College as it made the deliberate choice to revisit the historic Christian roots and conservative values that set it apart from other institutions. Now, as the College continues to pursue excellence in its English departments and elsewhere, it will look to a new leader to take over the role in which Dixon has served for so many years. Dr. H. Collin Messer will be the chair of the department beginning in the fall of 2015. His leadership will coincide with the arrival of several new faculty members, most notably Drs. Sarina Moore and Kristen Waha, who will be taking over the responsibilities of the deENGLISH 2
ARIELLA CARTER/COLLEGIAN
Track and field makes a splash
Men’s track and field took sixth place at the PAC Championship. Read the full story on page 6.
A family tradition
Connor Smith
Contributing Writer This weekend of May 1 - 3, 2015 features one of Grove City College’s longest and most memorable traditions – Family Weekend. Our campus is once again alive with students, siblings, parents and close relatives. Multiple events will be taking place throughout the weekend, and there will be continuous chances for students and their families to experience this annual celebration. While the formal name has changed several times over the years, the original purpose has remained constant. In 1916, the College began the annual event known as “May Day.” Its purpose was to crown the Spring Queen, and hold dances in her honor. Forty years later, the tradition expanded to include a Recognition Convocation, which honored students for their achievements, and Greek Sing. The event has continued to expand with every passing year. In recent years, the event has been called “Parents
LIESL MCCLINTOCK/COLLEGIAN
Independent group Hardcore Parkour rehearses for All-Campus Sing, a staple of Family Weekend. Weekend,” giving a chance to honor and recognize the parents who support and inspire their students to do great things. This year will mark the first of the occasion being known as “Family Weekend.” According to Family Weekend Coordinator Megan
Krimmel ’08, “During the 2014–2015 academic year, Parents’ Weekend was officially renamed Family Weekend to account for the presence of many siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents at related events.” “Family Weekend is a time to celebrate the cumulative
academic, service, musical, athletic and social achievements of students throughout the school year and honor all those who support and encourage students along the way,” Krimmel said. This event will continue FAMILY 2
Life
The Lens
E!
Perspectives
Sports
Meet the man and women of Spring Court 2015. Page 11
See all the best photos featured in The Collegian this year. Pages 8-9
Paper Sky Theatre presents “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Page 5
Editor-in-chief Josh Evans and Managing Editor Marissa Candiloro bid farewell. Page 13
Men’s tennis wins 25th straight PAC Chamionship. Page 14
The Collegian is now online! Check us out at collegian.gcc.edu
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The Collegian
Serving up spikeball Caleb Harshberger Staff Writer You may not have noticed, but a new sport has been growing across America. Spikeball was invented in the early 1990s and has been sweeping the nation ever since its recent revitalization by seven friends in Illinois. The sport has become a growing industry, with numerous websites selling spikeball equipment and merchandise. The sport is relatively easy to start. All you need to play is a spikeball set, which is essentially a small trampoline, a ball that is 12 inches in diameter and four willing people. There are two teams per match, each consisting of two people. The two teams line up opposite one another, with the trampoline, called a spikeball net, in the center. The ball is served off the net to the other team. After the serve, players can move anywhere they want. A team is allowed three touches to return the ball, although the same player cannot touch the ball twice in a row. The goal is to hit the ball so that the other team cannot return it before it hits the ground. The winner of rock, paper, scissors gets the first serve. Serves must be below the servers raised hand. If the ball takes an unpredictable bounce, the other team can call “let,” and the serving team gets one more attempt.
If the ball hits the rim at any time, it is the other team’s point. After a server wins a point, the two teammates switch positions. Throughout the match, the four players serve in the same order. The server changes each time a rally is won by the opposing team. The ball can be hit with any part of the body, but it cannot be caught, lifted or thrown. Defensive players must get out of the way of players attempting to return the ball, and cannot return a ball that they last played. If a player contacts the net in any way that moves it or disrupts play, that team loses the point. Spikeball is growing predominantly on college campuses. In an interview with The Collegian, Memorial Hall Residence Director Justin Jose said that before he came to Grove City College he worked at Covenant College, where spikeball is extraordinarily popular. With his spikeball gear in tow, he came to Grove City College and found it peculiarly lacking in spikeball. There were surprisingly few students who had ever heard of it. He influenced more students to try it and soon few students could claim that they had not seen a game of spikeball on the campus lawns. This was when freshman Sam Calhoun decided to pitch the idea of making spikeball the next intramural sport at Grove City
College. “Sam was one of those guys this year who already knew about it,” Jose recounted. Ultimately, Calhoun took his idea of an IM spikeball league to the recent Shark Tank competition and won. Calhoun scored $1,000 in funding to make his dream a reality, and he has been working on it ever since. Currently he is working with Andrew Toncic, Director of Student Recreations, to prepare intramural spikeball for the fall. Students will have to eagerly wait until then to register. The new league is expected to garner much media attention and play a role in marketing the College. Until then, impromptu tournaments have been springing up across campus. Jose recently put one together sponsored by Residence Life last Wednesday. By the time of his interview with The Collegian, 14 teams had signed up, and he hoped to reach 20 by the time of the tournament. The great thing about spikeball, Jose said, is its versatility. “It can be played on gym floors, on grass, on concrete,” essentially wherever a trampoline can be placed. This makes it ideal for colleges with winters like those experienced by students at Grove City College. If spikeball catches on here like it has at other colleges, there will be no shortages of trampolines on the quad next year.
New courses come to college Kelleigh Huber Staff Writer Perusing the course catalogue in preparation for scheduling for the upcoming academic year, students might have noticed several new classes now being offered during both the fall and spring semesters. Perhaps the biggest change in the curriculum is in the Humanities department. Incoming freshmen will be required to take different courses than what is expected of the classes currently enrolled at Grove City College. The largest change is the result of combining Humanities 101 and 302 into the new Humanities 200 course titled “Western Civilization: Historical and Intellectual Foundations.” This course is designed for students to take the fall of their sophomore year, while Humanities 201, Speculative Mind, will have a course code 303 and be moved to the junior year. Writing 101 will take the remaining Humanities spot, a course focused on the basics of college composition that all freshmen, regardless
FAMILY to be a chance to recognize students in all areas of study, and those who are involved in a variety of extracurricular groups and activities, without forgetting the incredible amount of support provided to the student body by their parents and close family. The weekend’s festivities will extend from Friday afternoon through Sunday at lunchtime. Apart from some special meals on campus,
of major, will be required to take. While Grove City College offers a class currently called Effective Writing, the aim of this new course is different, as the Foundations of Writing Discourse will teach grammar, information literacy, writing for different genres and critical thinking. “The purpose of the course is to lay a solid foundation in academic writing upon which students can build other writing skills and practices that will help them be successful in their HUMA courses as well as their major coursework,” Dr. David Hogsette, professor of English, and director of the writing program, said. The writing course is only open for freshmen students at the present time, but if seats remain open after all freshmen have been scheduled, there may be room to add upperclassmen. In addition to the changes in the Humanities block, many study courses and programs are being expanded to appeal to a variety of students, including the Art and Philosophy departments, and general liberal arts courses
specific to the teaching professor. For example, in the fall of next year, courses will be available in Chinese Film, Visual Communication Design, Financial Modelling, and Counter Factual History. Dr. Christopher Franklin will also teaching a class titled “God, Evil, Narrative,” in the Philosophy department. In the spring, Economics of Information and Privacy, Sacramental Lit, International Social Development, Urban Ethnography and Global History of Warfare are some of the many study courses being offered. To see a complete list of the new courses being offered, search the 290 and 390 course numbers under “Course Search” on myGCC. These are a few of the many opportunities for students in the next academic school year, and students are encouraged to see what courses are being offered in the different departments. It might be time to use an elective to broaden your education in one of the areas presented in the 2015-2016 year, by taking a chance and trying something new.
every event is free and open to the public. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s Business Plan Competition kicks off the activities at 9 a.m. on Friday, followed by Tau Alpha Pi One-Act Plays, Student Art Exhibits and a Symphonic Band Concert. Highlighting a few additional events, those in attendance can also take part in the Photography Club Student Gallery and Free Family Portraits, various Family Luncheons and sporting events such as
a baseball doubleheader vs. Bethany, a rugby match and a track and field mini-invitational. The weekend’s activities will conclude with AllCollege Sing and a Sunday Morning Worship Service in Harbison Chapel. To see the Full Weekend Schedule see GCC.edu. Whether you attend one event or take part in several, Family Weekend is full of rich history and, for nearly 100 years, has been creating memories which will last a lifetime.
May 2, 2015
World News Roundup Compiled by Taylor Lennox
Earthquake hits Nepal; thousands killed, hurt Last Saturday, an earthquake hit Nepal and nearby countries. The 7.8 magnitude earthquake killed more than 3,700 people and injured thousands of others. Buildings and historic landmarks fell throughout Nepal while its rural areas experiences landslides. Furthermore, the quake caused avalanches on Mount Everest that killed at least 18 people. It was historically the most dangerous day on the mountain ever. There were numerous aftershocks in the days to follow, which forced people to sleep in the streets for safety. Additionally, search-and-rescue efforts suffered due to the aftershocks. Researchers reported that this event was predictable; in fact, just days before, experts were helping Nepal prep for such a disaster, since it sits on a fault line that experiences a quake about every 75 years. Although efforts to aid victims continue, Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world, and its already weak infrastructure is failing.
US alters hostage negotiation policies Recently, the U.S. policy concerning hostage negotiation has received criticism. While the U.S. does not negotiate with terrorists, U.S. officials are beginning to advocate a shift in policy when it comes to the families of hostages. In the past, it has been illegal for families to negotiate or make ransom payments. In recent incidents, however, the families of U.S. citizens being held by ISIS have been publically criticizing the policy stating that they felt negotiation and ransom payments were the
ENGLISH parting professors, along with Dr. David Hogsette, who joined the department this past September. Moore is a graduate of Wheaton College and will be teaching both British Literature and Literary Theory and Criticism, which Dixon referred to as “the two cornerstone classes of the program.” Moore studied philosophy at Wheaton and her interest in both the theoretical and literary aspects of the program will serve her well as she transitions into her new role. Waha, who specializes in non-Western literature, will travel all the way from California to assume her new position. The arrival of both of these new faculty members will be a time of celebration as well as fond remembrance. “We are very excited to have two remarkable teacher-scholars – Professor Sarina Moore and Professor
only option left. The White House ordered a review of the U.S. hostage policy, and stated that soon families will be able to negotiate in hostage situations with terrorists without prosecution from the law.
Police brutality protests turn violent in Baltimore On April 25, Freddie Gray ran as police on bikes approached him. During the next 45 minutes, Gray suffered a severe and ultimately fatal injury to his spinal cord while in police custody. Last Saturday, demonstrations began peacefully in Baltimore but quickly turned violent that night, as protestors broke windows and threw garbage cans at police. At one point on Saturday night, baseball fans were trapped in the Orioles’ park Camden Yards until the standoff with police in a nearby intersection resolved. Dozens were arrested, and six police officers sustained injuries.
Clinton Foundation under scrutiny As the 2016 presidential election campaign heats up, the Clinton Foundation’s finances have come under scrutiny. Last weekend, the Foundation responded to accusations about how it discloses donors and tax information by stating that their original claim was later found to be inaccurate and that the organization would be refiling several tax forms. Additionally, the Clinton Foundation promised to be more transparent. Specifically, critics asked questions regarding a donor with ties to a Russian uranium company. The State Department, headed by Hillary Clinton, had to sign off on the transaction, leading many to call for a closer examination of the financial records. Kristen Waha – join our already stalwart English faculty. However, we are also frankly grieving the retirement of three legends,” Messer said. He continued, “With the departure of Dr. Dixon, Dr. Mrs. Dixon, and Dr. Brown, we are saying farewell to a combined 78 years of teaching, mentoring, creativity and service for the good of our department and the College. All of us who remain have a lot to live up to, but we are looking forward to an exciting new season in the English department.” For many, it will be hard to imagine the English department without the people who have become its foundation. Dixon spoke on behalf of his colleagues, citing the “privilege it has been to serve at an institution such as Grove City” and noting the age-old proverb that everyone and everything must come to an end. “We are leaving the program in good hands,” he said.
The Collegian
May 2, 2015
Page 3
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Entertainment
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May 2, 2015
Pick of the Week
As Tall As Lions Nic Giorgi WSAJ Contributor
A troubling trailer Batman vs. Superman Abby Messinger Contributing Writer
While the purpose of a trailer is to ignite interest, and much of the plot is meant to be left for speculation, the recently released trailer for Warner Bros.’ “Batman v. Superman” leaves audiences with many pressing questions and few answers. What the trailer does promise, at the very least, is that the film is going to be cool. Rife with dramatic, heavy music, nighttime shots, rain and the stoic faces of our two heroes, the film promises to take on a serious, dark tone. For female audiences, the trailer guarantees at least two unrealistically muscle-clad men to swoon over. On the other hand, what the trailer does not say brings up a myriad of questions. Immediately as the trailer opens, we are led to wonder why people have come to hate Superman. His giant statue, sleek black in the night rain, has red graffiti across its chest: “FALSE GOD.” Later, Ben Affleck, playing the role of Batman, is
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shown with a dark, brooding gaze and a voice-over that describes how good men can begin to turn “cruel.” This moment alone sparks a thousand questions. Who is turning cruel? The long shot of Bruce Wayne and then a slow zoom on his slightly evil-looking Bat-suit seems to suggest that Batman himself has fallen. Or could the voice have been referring to Superman? Or is there an unnamed villain to consider? The direst question of all, however, is rooted in the very name of the film. The audience cannot help but ask why two superheroes are fighting each other. The trailer shows the beginning of the great confrontation between Batman and Superman, featuring a frightening new electronic version of Batman’s voice. “Tell me. Do you bleed?” he growls. “You will.” It is unusual and somewhat unsettling to see two heroes opposed like this. Could the filmmakers honestly be attempting to set up Batman and Superman as true enemies? Such a move would undermine the fundamental
idea of a superhero. Traditionally, the most defining element of any superhero story is the clear distinction between good and evil. The hero saves the day, always. Superheroes do not fight one another, except in two occasional cases: either they are actually only fighting to deceive the enemy (and not the audience), or there has been a misunderstanding between them that must be resolved. In the case of this film, at least as the trailer represents it, the former seems unlikely. If the latter is the case, then it appears that the fight itself, and not the resolution, will be the focus of the movie.
that will help him on his mission. All of these escapades occur before the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. The story mode in this game was a nice way of giving a backdrop on the events that have already happened; however, it left much to be desired. Because of this, Monolith Productions, the company who created the game, offered downloadable content that added ten more missions to the story’s plot. The missions in the game cause the player to have to think strategically about how to proceed in the action. For example, one such side mission involves defeating the
War Chiefs. These are the heads of Sauron’s army, and in order to defeat them, you need to know their weaknesses. The game is creative in this sense, because it allows you to track down members of that War Chief squadron, and force him to give you intel. When you gain intel on the War Chief it allows you to pass judgement on how to execute missions, and this in itself is a great asset, and gives the game depth. The graphics are jaw dropping, from the flowing of Talion’s cape to the creasing of grass beneath his boot. Even the dirt and grime on the Uruk Captains leaves you
MOVIEPILOT.COM
If it is the long-term purpose of this film is to begin a full-fledged Justice League series, then Batman and Superman will have to be reconciled eventually. However, even if that is the intent, and regardless of how a reconciliation will play out, it appears from the trailer that this movie will ultimately confuse the idea of what hero is, what is good, and what evil means. At this point, one can only hope that all the troubling questions raised by this trailer will be settled satisfactorily with the release of the film.
One game to rule them all
Zach Ferguson Contributing Writer
The “Lord of the Rings” franchise has come to a nextgen console with its new game, “Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor,” and it is making a statement. “Shadow of Mordor” is a third-person open world video game where the player controls a Ranger by the name of Talion, who is seeking revenge on Sauron and his forces after his family is killed. Talion is helped by the Elven Lord Celebrimbor who gives his power to not only keep Talion alive, but also gifts him with abilities
breathless. The free flow combat is similar to other games like the “Batman: Arkham” series. This type of combat proves to be entertaining and effective, and ultimately, made the gameplay beyond pleasurable. Open worlds in games have traditionally been desirable for video game lovers across the board, and “Shadow of Mordor” does not disappoint. You can ride wolf-like beasts named Caragors, that allow you to travel faster, or you can utilize fast travel stations after you unlock them. This makes travel across the large map much easier, and incredibly efficient. The health system of the game was another disappointing feature. At the beginning of the saga, your health seems incredible and long lasting, but shortly after the first few missions you realize it only takes about five or six blows before you are defeated. This problem continued to persist, even after upgrading Talion’s health. “Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor” is an outstanding next-gen game, developed for people who enjoy action, adventure and Tolkien fantasy. While it does have a few issues, it’s no wonder that it won game of the year for 2014 not only on the Playstation 4, but on the Xbox One as well. “Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor” has set the bar for games of the future.
The beginning of the “indie” genre is fairly unclear. Some might say that it started with the Pixies or something of that variety. Generally this seems correct but that doesn’t make them archetypically “indie.” As Tall As Lions is a band hailing from Long Island, New York, and they should be the honored among the “the patriarchs of indie.” Active between 2001 and 2010, As Tall As Lions bolster so many qualities of the indie genre that it’s cliché. Their instrumentals are plain and simple, a guitar, a bass, a drum kit, a piano/keyboard, and various samplings. A prime sample for examination would be their self-titled album, “As Tall As Lions,” released in 2006. The album, over all, is an account of heartbreak; the writer is enduring the trials of a recent break-up and the after-shock that comes from an expired relationship. Throughout the course of the album, we learn a significant amount about the writer. Every track offers different bits of insight into the writer’s struggles with a lost love, drug use and potentially the loss of a child. Though many tracks are up-beat, they garner a certain weight that begins to drag down, causing the listener to gain clarity to the self-loathing nature the writer has found himself trapped. The album is very well rounded; each track uses its space adequately, provided different viewing angles into the writers pained life. This makes it a bit difficult choose the most valuable tracks. To effectively get a feel for the album, one track can be finely examined. “Milk and Honey” opens up with vibratoheavy guitar and light and airy back-up instrumentals. Moments later, Dan begins singing. “I’m sick of waking up alone / Honey I’m pleading / let’s put away the sticks and stones / be human beings/ I have the sense to be afraid to be a fool.” From these lines, we can almost immediately foresee the sentiment of the track, longing, sorrowful, and desperate. The track continues and this sentiment sheds slowly, comparing the dying relationship to a child; in this, we can begin to feel his pain. In the last third of the album his compassion is gone; he’s throwing his disdain around with full force, referring to the “to whom it may concern” as a “perfume covered helpless louse.” “As Tall As Lions” is a tiresome trek, but every second of track time lends well to the credibility of the artist.
May 2, 2015
The Collegian
Page 5
Laughing for Africa Liesl McClintock Staff Writer
Paper Sky Theater goes Wilde
Grayson Quay
News Editor
Prepare yourselves for Victorian clothing, British accents and urbane, dandified humor. Paper Sky Theatre, the Grove City community theatre group, will present Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy “The Importance of being Earnest” at ArtWorks on Broad Street. Shows are scheduled for May 6, 7, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. The show, first performed on Valentine’s Day in 1895 and referred to by Wilde as “a trivial comedy for serious people,” mocks Victorian ideals of earnestness and propriety. The events of the play follow the foppish Algernon Moncrieff and his best friend Jack, who uses the double identity of Jack and Ernest Worthing to conceal his improprieties, as they trade quips, search for love and eat lots of food. Several Grove City College students are involved in the production. Junior John Laurie and freshman Sam Kenney, both of whom appeared in Paper Sky’s production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” play Algernon and Jack/Ernest, respectively. Senior Susan Thomas, who served as Assistant Stage Manager and played a role in “Twelfth Night,” will be serving as ASM once again, while junior Rosie Duguid, a veteran of last spring’s TAP One Acts Festival, plays Jack’s ward Cecily Cardew. Sophomore Sarah Tomlinson and senior Noah Rasmussen play mutual love interests Miss Prism and Rev. Dr. Chasuble. Rasmussen, who participated in theatre in high school but has not done any acting at the College, described Chasuble as “very pompous” and “a hopeless romantic,” adding that Chasuble is “hopelessly in love with Miss Prism and will do or say anything to win her affection.” Rasmussen said that rehearsals started the week
MEGHAN CLEMM
before Easter break and are proceeding smoothly. “The chemistry among the cast is improving … Everybody is absolutely in love with the show … It’s a lot easier for us to get into character when everybody loves the show as much as we do,” Rasmussen said. Rachel Anderson is the Managing Director of Paper Sky in addition to playing the role of Jack/Ernest’s fiancée Gwendolyn Fairfax, who Anderson described as “very lovable but also extremely manipulative.” “Gwendolyn is like a cross between Rose from ‘Downton Abbey’ and Lucy Steele from ‘Sense and Sensibility’ … Most of what she says is nonsense, but that’s also true of most of the characters in this play,” Anderson said. Anderson explained that after ending last year’s theatre season with Martin Mc-
Donough’s depressing dark comedy “The Cripple of Inishmann,” which starred Grove City College alum Josiah Cavanaugh ’13 alongside Anderson herself, Artistic and Executive Director Dr. Marianne DiQuattro declared 2014-2015 to be “The Year of Joy,” selecting joyous comedies that would please audiences. Following this program, Paper Sky presented “Sylvia,” a recently written comedy, in September, and “Twelfth Night” in March. Anderson also served as Costume Designer for “Twelfth Night” and is serving in the same capacity for “The Importance of Being Earnest.” She described the costumes as “Victorian with a few modern touches.” Anderson explained that the inspiration for Paper Sky was a theatre located on the
campus of her alma mater, St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada. Students from the University, including Anderson herself, were able to take part in productions alongside local high school students and
“My dad used to be a conjoined twin. We called him my uncle on my father’s side….Don’t worry, they were separated; now he’s my uncle once removed.” This gem is just one example of all the wonderful jokes that Johnnie W. brought to Grove City College at Project Okello’s Laughrica. The event took place last Thursday, Aril 23 at 7:00 in Crawford Auditorium, and attracted about 50 attendees. Johnnie is a well-known comedian who knows exactly what to say to have the audience in stitches. On his website, Johnnie says about himself, “Once in a generation, someone comes along with the power and eloquence to inspire us all. Jonnie W. will entertain us while we wait for that person.” On his Facebook page, Johnnie says his interests are, “My lovely wife Curry, Writing, My iPhone (but I’m not an Apple fan-boy snob, I promise), Eel wrangling, Trying to get that last piece of Fruit Roll-up out of my teeth, My ‘89 Toyota Van, Fear of failure, Fear of success, Fear of being mediocre.” Johnnie has also traveled with Tim Hawkins, who had great things to say about Johnnie: “Johnnie W. annihilates audiences. He speaks softly, strikes smoothly and carries a big six-string comedy stick. I’m a friend and a huge fan.” Joshua Bockus, president of Project Okello, said, “Laughrica is intended as a comedy event in place of the typical guilt trip charity event. It is meant to bring joy to the campus in the process of bringing joy to those in Uganda we are serving as well.” Laughrica is a fundraiser that supports the Kamwenge Secondary and Vocation School in Uganda. Reverend John, a Ugandan pastor, started the school in 2o07 with only 16 children. The school has since grown to over 600 students. The money from this event will go to growing the computer lab at this school. Bockus concluded, “Interacting with Jonnie W. was really cool. He is a great guy and it was great seeing everyone laughing and having a good time.”
older members of the community. This “town and gown” focus has been evident in Paper
Sky’s
productions,
which have featured local elementary and high school students, Grove City College students, Grove City College professors and administrators, local professional actors and other community members. Tickets are available online at paperskytheatre.com.
Connect with us!
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Life
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May 2, 2015
Spring academic awards Bechtell Award Anna Lehman Business Department Senior Excellence Award Reagan Cerisano Philip Carpenter, Sr. Math Award Ashley Miller and Zachary Wheeler Elinor Caruthers French Prize Sarah Horton and Peter Riley Allen Crombie Prize Chesterton Cobb Dawes Prof. Engineering Award John Binion J.P. Hassler Award Jared Billings
Grayson Quay News Editor
After 39 years as a professor and 37 years as chair of the English Department, Dr. James Dixon is ready to embark on the new adventure of retirement. Dixon’s retirement closely parallels this year’s performance of “The Tempest,” in which Shakespeare announced his retirement from theatre in the guise of the aging magician Prospero giving up his magic. Dixon described performing Shakespeare’s final play in his final year as “the fulfillment of a career-long dream,” but admitted that for a time, he was undecided as to whether or not to undertake the arduous task of memorization, rehearsal and performance. “Do I really want that much work in my final year?” he remembered asking himself. On the afternoon of the final performance of “The Tempest,” Dixon attended a special dinner celebrating his long history at the College. About 150 alumni were in attendance, spanning five decades. As the representative of the 1970s, President Paul J. McNulty ’80 wore a Travolta-esque leisure suit and recounted his experiences with Dixon in 70s jargon. McNulty played the part of Lucky in Dixon’s first production at Grove City College, Samuel Beckett’s absurdist drama “Waiting for Godot.” Dixon, who sat on the search committee that eventually chose McNulty as the College’s ninth president, joked that the role helped prepare McNulty for “the theatre of the absurd that we call Washington, D.C.” Looking back on the role of Lucky, McNulty said that his lines consisted entirely of a “four-page single-spaced gibberish monologue.” He admitted that he was often tempted to ad-lib, figuring that the audience would not notice the difference, but
Ross Foster Scholarship Fund Benjamin Crelin and Matthew Geary
Frederick Kring Leadership Award Elijah Coryell
David McKillop Scholarship Benjamin Leavitt
Senior Woman of the Year Chloe Smiley
Phi Alpha Theta History Prize Cara Cristenberry
Music Education Award James Allison and Sarah Lapp
Dr. John T. Shaw Memorial Emily Tharnish
Kappa Delta Pi Award Kathleen Silvashy
Hilda Adam Kring Award Mary Grace Brown
Permelia Baldwin Shoemaker Drew Cypher
Franklin Ketler Math Award Ashley Miller
Jonathan B. Ladd Award Paul Sundman
Edward and Sara Naegele Award Jonathan Hoyt and Abigail Mathes
Andrew S. Korim Family Heritage Endowment Elizabeth Parsons and Samara Wild
Lambda Epsilon Delta Award Megan Peaco
PICPA Excellance in Acct Award Kathryn Claudy
Robert H. Sister Memorial Award Laura Booher
Senior Biology Award Allison Buchalter
Sportsman of the Year Peter Riley
Richard Leo Scholarship Ian McAlister
Senior Molecular Biology Award Derek Shirey
Syd McCormick Memorial Award Julia Menarchek
Senior Man of the Year Chesterton Cobb
Institute of Management Accts Mary Milheim
Thelma Baltz Morrow Award Daniel Chapman, Julia Connors, Erin Pechacek and Grayson Quay
Sportswoman of the Year Emily Rabenold James D. Thorne Education Award Hannah Sansom
The final bow
soon found that “Dr. Dixon didn’t want me to say my nonsense; he wanted me to say Samuel Beckett’s nonsense.” McNulty also played the role of Gollum in a Children’s Theatre production of “The Hobbit,” which Dixon also directed. When interviewed by The Collegian about the experience, McNulty briefly quoted a few lines in his Gollum voice, an occurrence that unfortunately was not caught on camera. Another highlight of the reception for Dr. Dixon was a special performance of “One Day More,” by the cast of “Les Misérables,” last fall’s musical. Except for Collette Sackman ’14, all of the original leads were present, including Emily (Peterson ’14) Merow who returned from New Jersey to reprise her role as Cosette. Senior Emma Sibilla sang Eponine’s part in place of Sackman. In addition to the testimonies given by representatives of each decade, each table was able to appoint one person to share a favorite memory of Dixon. “The whole afternoon was just a mind-blowing experience … Normally you don’t get those kinds of tributes until after you’ve died,” Dixon said, adding that it was a rewarding and humbling experience to see how many lives he had touched over the years. At the actual performance of “The Tempest” that evening, hundreds of additional alumni packed Ketler Auditorium’s central seating section for Dixon’s final performance, which was an emotional experience for cast, crew and audience alike. Senior Ethan Mitchell, who played Ariel, altered the blocking of his character’s final farewell to Prospero, embracing Dr. Dixon rather than bowing to him. Dixon reported that he could “hear sniffling in the audience” as he performed his final soliloquy.
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.
Dr. Dixon plans to take advantage of retirement to do more traveling. He and Dr. Diane Dixon are planning an eight-week, 10,000-mile road trip to various national parks beginning in late August. He is also considering narrating audiobooks, an occupation that several students have urged him to take up over the years. He has already recorded paraphrased versions of the stories of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” to serve as bedtime stories for his young grandchildren, who live in Seattle, Washing-
ton. Dixon cites his background in theatre and his experience in teaching Oral Interpretation of Literature as having inspired this passion for storytelling, although he admits that his life could have gone in a different direction. At Dixon’s alma mater Wheaton College, Dixon’s freshman year was the first year in which students were allowed to attend the theatre and participate in theatrical productions. “I love to make literature come alive … to make it reveal all of its imaginative potential,” Dixon said.
CAMERON HOLLOWAY THE COLLEGIAN
Dr. Dixon as Prospero.
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The Collegian
May 2, 2015
Miller time
Lauren Sestrich Contributing Writer
Dr. Kimberly Miller has been teaching at Grove City College officially for 10 years. She specializes in writing classes, such as Writing for the Media, Journalism and Screenwriting. Miller began her career at Grove City College in the spring of 2004, when she was hired as an adjunct professor to teach Advanced Film. In 2005, she was officially hired by the college as a full time professor. Pittsburgh born and raised, she has lived around the city her whole life, starting near New Kensington and ending up in Butler, where she now lives with her husband and two daughters, one of whom was featured in the College’s 2014 production of “Les Misérables” as young Cosette. She received her undergraduate degree and her master’s degree in English Writing from Slippery Rock University, and then went on
to Indiana University for her PhD. Miller never intended to use her degrees for teaching. However, when her husband fell on hard times in his career, she had to find some way to make money for the family. That’s when she found the adjunct position at the College teaching Advanced Film. “I actually took public speaking in a two week summer course because I never thought I’d actually have to really do it,” she said. Soon after that the college hired her full time for several writing classes, and she has loved teaching here ever since. Although she loves all the classes she teaches, Miller has always been the most excited about teaching Screenwriting. “Screenwriting is more creative and fun than my other classes,” she said. “It allows for surprise, and for a chance to get away from jour-
A century of news
Graduation Breanna Renkin Staff Writer As the semester comes to a close, the underclassmen will take their final exams, pack their bags, and say goodbye to their friends…until next semester. However, this year’s graduating seniors will perform this ritual for the very last time and reflect upon the last four years that they have spent at Grove City College.
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Although we all like to complain about hours of homework and studying each night, we cannot deny how our experiences at the College have shaped us to be the people that we are today. Whether it’s the unbreakable bonds of friendship that we created on our freshman halls or accomplishing something in the past three years that at one point seemed impossible as a college freshman, our experience has
nalistic writing.” Miller has even written several screenplays of her own, which are now in the hands of an agent, waiting for the right people to turn them into films. For Miller, the best part of the job is interacting with students. She said that the students at the College take joy in their learning, are pleasant toward everyone and enjoy the class material. She also appreciates the fact that she is not only allowed to bring her faith into the classroom but is encouraged to do so. There is one problem Miller has encountered in her classes, one that several other professors have struggled with before. “The students here rely too much on their laptops for note taking,” she said. “Now I see the value in keeping up to date with technology and certainly don’t want to ban it, but the students just jot down all the notes [when they’re on their laptops] and
challenged us and allowed us to grow. In the May 22, 1964 issue of the Collegian, the Editorial Opinion advises that we focus on the positives of our experience at Grove City College as the semester draws to a close and suggests that we will always feel the effects of experience at the College, despite forgetting the small details of our experience.
Editorial Opinion
Now that another school year is nearly over, each student will soon be putting aside college life. For some, it will be just for a summer, after which the fall will bring another college experience. For others, however, college life will be left behind, never to be experienced again. These are the seniors, who
Miller has even written several screenplays of her own which are now in the hands of an agent, waiting for the right people to turn them into films. don’t actually hear what I’m saying.” Miller is not alone in calling for more awareness of the distracting nature of using laptops for notes. Miller has been loved by the students of Grove City College for ten years, and does not plan on leaving anytime soon. If you have a passion for writing or for the media, you definitely do not want to miss out on taking a class from Dr. Miller.
will soon either be working, attending graduate school, or serving in the military. For those individuals, college will soon be a part of the past. After hearing the various dissatisfactions expressed by the typical senior during his four years here, an outsider might conclude that most individuals, by the time they were graduated, had gained little through the college experience. Just how often do we as students over express the advantage of importance of college concerning our lives present and future, while we are in college? Not very often. But we cannot deny that the important effects of college on each student will never be left behind, because it is during college that many students’ reli-
gious philosophies change, many to a very great extent, because it is where they begin searching out their own avenues to truth. It is in college that we gain confidence through accomplishing tasks that once seemed insurmountable, and it is in college that we gain our firmest foundation, that of knowledge, not simply of particular subjects, but an appreciation of the educational disciplines necessary to continue the acquisition of knowledge. True the seniors are leaving very soon, and they’ll never experience college or anything similar again. Of course, each will forget the small details of this experience, but the effects they will never, can never shed.
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Through the Lens
May 2, 2015
ANDREW IRVING
CAMERON HOLLOWAY
LIESL MCCLINTOCK
A year in photos PATTY FOLKERTS
A celebration of some of the best photographs featured in the Collegian over the course of the 2014-2015 school year. Thank you to all of our photographers and everyone who contributed to each issue!
JULIA WILLIAMS
GROVE CITY COLLEGE
May 2, 2015
Through the Lens
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ANDREW STEIN
ANDREW STEIN
CARRIE ANDERSON
CAMERON HOLLOWAY
CARRIE ANDERSON
JENNA HERSHBERGER
ETHAN TURNER
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The Collegian
May 2, 2015
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The Collegian
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Meet the spring court
Allie Hull
Frank Snyder
Fond memories at Grove City: My fondest memories at GCC are the ones that I made with my IM soccer team, the Honey badgers, and my sorority Alpha Beta Tau. Favorite class/professor: Research Methods with Dr. Mobley. I feel as if I learned a lot and it sparked my interest in composing questionnaires and performing research. Plans after graduation: I am going back to Pine Valley Camp as a head counselor. While there I will be applying to various places in Pittsburgh.
Favorite class/professor: Dr. Ketler. He has a lot of real-world knowledge and he uses it to make his classes relatable and interesting. Plans after graduation: I plan to go into hardware manufacturing.
Spring Queen
Abbey Henshaw Lady in Waiting
Fond memories at Grove City: Being part of Orientation Board has afforded me so many laughs and weird outfits, as well as an excuse to make new friends each year. Favorite class/professor: Freshman year I had a class with Dr. Roger Mackey and he was incredible. He gave me some great encouragement about my strengths that stuck with me through the rest of my time here. Plans after graduation: Next fall, I’ll be getting my Master’s in Higher Education from Geneva College and working as a Graduate Assistant.
Tasha Landis
Lady in Waiting Fond memories at Grove City: A couple of highlights from my time at Grove City are being a part of Theta Alpha Pi sorority, Grove City Club Lacrosse and going on ICO Dominican Republic. Plans after graduation: I plan to work in the Human Resource field after graduation.
Spring King
Michaela Carter Lady in Waiting
Fond memories at Grove City: My involvement and leadership of ICO Guatemala, playing on the Women’s Soccer team for two years and working in Dr. Stauff’s research. Favorite class/professor: My favorite classes include microbiology, organic chemistry, immunology and civ lit. Plans after graduation: After graduation I am taking a year off of school to get clinical hours as an EMT, and then going to graduate school to be a Physician’s Assistant.
Danielle Barlett Lady in Waiting
Favorite class/professor: Dr. Bibza’s Theology of Spiritual Life. The class helped me grow personally in my faith because it was practical to my life and ministry with teenagers. Plans after graduation: I will be a High School Female Associate at a church in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Maggie Englehart Coronation Officer
Emily Bartlow Junior Queen
Fond memories at Grove City: I’ve been blessed with an abundance of fond memories at GCC, so many, in fact, they could fill a book…or two. Let’s just say, there is more to Grove City than meets the eye. Plans for the future: I will be graduating a semester early (Fall 2015). I’m currently pursuing an internship with The Walt Disney Co. as an ABC Affiliate Relations and Marketing Intern.
Bethany Mittelman Bearer of the Crown
About Bethany: I am a sophomore English Education major, and I will miss my older sister when she graduates this year! Plans for the future: I am excited to be involved in Project Okello and Poet’s Anonymous next year, as well as leading the OMO trip to Tennessee over Spring Break.
Tabitha Walker Herald
Fond memories at Grove City: Oh goodness. I have too many to name! Favorite Class/Professor: Marketing with Dr. Powell. Plans for the future: I look forward to life this coming year as I have no doubt that God is going to do amazing and unexpected things.
Paige Foley
About Maggie: I enjoy journaling, thrifting, dabbling on the piano, trying different kinds of foods and spending time with her close friends and girls in her sorority, Theta Alpha Pi. Plans for the future: Maggie aspires to go into media broadcasting and to live in a big city.
Amber Coryell
Bearer of the Sceptre Fond memories at Grove City: Late night adventures all over campus with friends Favorite class/professor: Civ/BibRev with Dr. Campbell, he is a fantastic professor who I can tell really cares about his students. Plans for the future: I am looking forward to continuing to build lasting friendships here.
Christianne Goodwin Herald
About Christianne: I am a sophomore English Secondary Education Major from Farmington Hills, Michigan. Fond memories at GCC: I enjoy my involvements in Polk Christian Outreach, Project Okello and the Arts Festival. Plans for the future: I will be pursuing teaching in an urban setting or internationally.
Kristen Starkey Herald
About Kristen: I am a freshman Accounting and Finance major at Grove City College, and come from Akron, Ohio. I am involved in the community by serving as a Young Life leader at Grove City High School. Plans for the future: I plan on becoming a CPA when I graduate.
Herald
Fond memories at Grove City: This year I really enjoyed all of the OB events, getting to know all of the girls on my hall and on campus, and joining the Tri-Zeta sorority. Favorite class/professor: My favorite professor is Dr. Falcetta who teaches Chemistry for Engineers. His stories are hysterical and he always makes class interesting. Plans for the future: I am looking forward to the many years to come with all of my great friends as well as possibly studying abroad in France my junior year. After college I hope to work for Disney World and design their roller coasters and rides.
Kristin Thomas
Marshall of the Day Fond memories at Grove City: I have been blessed to be part of the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team and to serve on the leadership group. Similarly, I have enjoyed getting to know other athletes on campus by participating in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I am also a member of the Pre-health society and a member of Mortar Board, I have helped co-lead bible studies for freshmen girls as well as being involved in off campus bible studies.
Perspectives
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May 2, 2015
100 Campus Drive Grove City, Pa. 16127 collegian@gcc.edu gcc.collegian@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief Josh Evans
Managing Editor Marissa Candiloro
Section Editors
The McNulty Memo Paul J. McNulty
Grove City College President
• In case you missed it, our women and men both won PAC Track and Field Championships on Saturday here at the Grove. While the women cruised to victory, the men were tied up in a nail-biter. They beat second place Waynesburg by one point, 121-120! So here’s the deal: 19 different events and in each one first place was worth ten points and eighth place was worth one point. This means that everybody mattered and the slightest extra effort made the difference between the team
winning the championship or finishing second. It was the quintessential team effort. And it was also a great illustration of how we should look at our callings here at GCC. Everyone matters, and when we give of ourselves selflessly, we are a stronger and better community. So thank you for all the big and little things you do every day.
Everyone matters, and when we give of ourselves selflessly, we are a stronger and better community.
• Speaking of the big things you do, Mrs. McNulty and I were amazed by all of the service this past weekend: Relay for Life, Orchestra, the Gala, Chapel Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and those are just the highlights. What a remarkable demonstration of commitment, giftedness and dedication to excellence. We’re blessed to be a part of such a purposeful community. •����������������������������������� ���������������������������������� And now we move on to Family Weekend and the demonstration of even more extraordinary achievements in the classroom, the arts and the playing field. May God give us the grace to always seek His glory in the use of our many talents.
Peace through strength Thomas Kutz Staff Writer
International relations and diplomacy are perhaps some of the most discussed and most relevant national policy topics when it comes to government affairs. Foreign policy under each administration takes its shape under a slew of different leaders all hoping to leave the world a little bit better place. Historians and professors have long debated strategies of foreign relations that yield the greatest result for the good of mankind: peace. World peace has become a term that is seen as too idealistic and unrealistic. The realist model of international relations, indeed, sees it as such. Perhaps complete and total world peace is an unlikely scenario, but a healthy discussion on what strategy one might employ to work toward that end is reasonable. Many different models exist on how to achieve the ultimate peace for which we all strive. I would like to consider one, however, that comes from an era in which the importance of this principle arguably saved the world from nuclear war. President Ronald Reagan campaigned on the foreign policy principle of “peace through strength.” Dr. Paul Kengor calls it one of the “11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative,” but what is it? Peace through strength is a model of international relations in which through building strength militarily, the outcome of peace is possible. In the case of the United States and the Soviet Union, peace through strength is seen in the form of mutually assured destruction. Each country’s threat of using a nuclear weapon ultimately deters war between each other and, in turn, results in a lasting peace. Throughout the Cold War era, the individual military capacities of NATO and the Warsaw Pact prevented a potential outbreak of nuclear war. Member countries were pledged to strike the other side if they were hit with a nuclear weapon, setting off a chain reaction of
nuclear events. Peace is the outcome of this threat, however, because so many nations had the capacity to assure the destruction of one another. The idea that peace would be achieved through a strong military rather than no military at all is counterintuitive to some. The principle, nonetheless, is effective because military strength acts as a deterrent for violence worldwide. With regard to rational state actors, the United States is able to achieve peace with other nations because of its military strength – even between countries who are simply U.S. allies. Case in point, North Korea has often threatened an invasion of South Korea. If North Korea ever followed through on that threat, however, its actions would surely be met with severe retaliatory action from the United States on behalf of South Korea. Though South Korea itself is a small country whose military pales in comparison to its northern counterpart, the backing of the strength of the U.S. military is of paramount importance in order to maintain peaceful relations on the 38th parallel between the two countries. The “Peace through Strength” model is difficult to employ, however, against extra-state and non-rational actors. For this reason, combatting radical Islamism and other terror groups is especially hard. Negotiations with Iran are progressively difficult because they have expressed a non-rational sense of will to destroy Israel if it acquires a nuclear weapon. Peace through strength only works when the other side fears the consequences of its actions. The assured destruction is not a deterrent to combat terror groups who are content to lose their lives and have no allegiances to a state or land. Many lawmakers have suggested that a new strategy must be employed. The principle of “Peace through Strength” though may still be applied to the present situations. Peace through strength makes peace for the whole by
Peace through strength makes peace for the whole by standing up to those who threaten it. standing up to those who threaten it. In this manner, in order to ensure peace, an offensive effort is in order to combat the threat to it. Military action must not always be defensive, or a nation runs the risk of a catastrophic loss, like on September 11, 2001. Specific measures may be debated, but most people agree that something must be done on the offensive. Instead of waiting, peace through strength tells the world that the evildoers who wish to destroy peace – people like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Saddam Hussein, and Osama Bin Laden – should not have the opportunity to complete their plan. Peace through strength shall employ for the preservation of our liberties, and it is indeed the best way to provide for the common defense.
News Grayson Quay Life Stephanie Pitman Entertainment Jacob Sziráky Perspectives Scott Alford Sports Joe Setyon Photography Julia Williams
Design Chief Patty Folkerts
Copy Chief
Michayla Wicker
Copy Editors
Mary Grace Brown Erin Pechacek Angell Fonner Becky Tzouanakis Gabrielle Johnston
Section Designers Caleb Harshberger Arianna Johnson Bri Doane Laura Counihan Jess Smith
Staff Writers
Emily Bartlow Stephen Dennis Thomas Kutz Liesl McClintock Kayla Murrish Breanna Renkin Samantha VanSlyke Annabelle Rutledge Bradley Warmhold Tim Hanna Meg VanTil Colin Combs Elizabeth Broderick Jon Matt Josh Fried
Staff Cartoonists Rachel Leung Brandon Ferris
Photographers Andrew Irving Rebekah Wheat Cameron Holloway Kirsten Malenke Laura Counihan
Advertising/Business Manager Reagan Georges
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.
GREEN EYESHADE AWARD
This week’s award goes to juniors Liesl McClintock and Caleb Harshberger. We are excited to pass on the titles of editor-in-chief and managing editor, respectively. The Collegian Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors who have demonstrated consistency and excellence in their work.
You don’t need to write to join our team! For more information about being a Collegian photographer or artist, email collegian@gcc.edu.
The Collegian
May 2, 2015
Hate be thou my love
images.clipartpanda
Caleb Harshberger Staff Writer The special interest groups in America have had it too easy, and why? Because American Christians are failing to effectively hate sin. Too often I find myself in churches that preach “hate the sin, love the sinner.” It must end. Relationships and love may have worked in the past, but politics is the new way to reach the sinner. After all, how will sinners know we are serious if we fail to protest? What kind of example are we setting if we allow evil people to run amok all across this great nation with no threat of arrest or incarceration? Enough of the soft stuff; Christians need to engage in politics. The world needs to know that homosexuality must be illegal and that marijuana is the Devil’s dandelion. In the modern world average Christians don’t have time to connect on a personal level with those around them. They are busy people with kids to raise, money to make and stuff to buy. They can’t be wasting their time on sinners. Politics is efficient. It’s quick. It’s morality mass produced. If it works in industry, why wouldn’t it work in society? Further, politics makes us safe. Sin is a disease that must be fought with more than hugs and warm feelings. The good fight needs political backing. It needs white men in suits with the gravitas to tell the country “no” when it is getting too rambunctious. Gay marriage, for example, is the greatest threat to democracy since the Cuban Missile Crisis. So why are so few reacting? Christians must condemn sin by banning it entirely. By this we will be safe, and public safety is one of the few, few jobs the government was meant to handle. Politics gives Christianity teeth. The kind of teeth that demand respect and strike fear in the hearts of sinners across the globe. Without engaging, talking heads like Bill O’Reilly, Christianity would simply be seen as just another spiritualist religion, held in the same regard as Rastafarianism or the Green Party. Many will be tempted to recount times when legislating morality failed. But we must not look to past failures. This is the future we are talking about. Do not recount the failures of Prohibition or the War on Drugs, and certainly do not research the results of Portugal’s recent drug legalizing policies. It doesn’t matter. What matters is fighting sinfulness and debauchery the best way we know how: with ballots and bills. Love makes for nice rhetoric and all, but is it really that practical? Do we really want our sinful neighbors to see us as loving, caring people who will forgive them their sins as Christ has forgiven ours? Is that really the message we want to send? It wouldn’t be easy, and it would take a great seal of sacrifice. As Christians, we need a dialogue on where our outreach should lie. Should we be investing in relationships or Washington?
What a waste
Jake Sziraky
Entertainment Editor There are just some “parentisms” that are so widely popular that virtually every American child is familiar and plagued by them, such as “If all your friends jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge, would you jump too?” or “If you keep making that face it’s going to stick that way!” But perhaps the most famous and the most hated is “Don’t waste your food, starving children in Africa would be happy to have that!” We thought we had escaped such ideas when we came to college. When we entered campus we thought we were free from these guidelines and slogans. We thought we were free to jump off bridges, make faces and do whatever we wanted with food. Well, we got two out of the three. Two weeks ago was Food Awareness Week here at Grove City College. In a nutshell, it was an entire week of the school host events to highlight various forms of waste within the cafeterias at Grove City College. The most noticeable representation of the event was a set of tables erected in front of the tray depository, displacing the dessert trays. Students could place comment cards giving their reasons why they think food is wasted at the cafeterias and ideas on how they could reduce their own personal food waste. Along with the set of tables set up at the cafeteria, the cafeterias implemented other protocols to raise aware-
ness. The one that made the biggest impact was “Trayless Tuesday”. The cafeteria removed all trays from the premises, which required students to rely exclusively on plates for the transportation of food. On the one hand, the students here should be able to do whatever they like in regards to how they consume their food. That, however takes a purely egocentric standpoint. As creations of the most High God, are we not called to be stewards of the earth? We have been tasked to take care of the things that we have been trusted with. The Food Awareness Week was an excellent reminder of how we forget what we are in charge of. If we don’t think we’re going to eat something, don’t just let it sit on the tray, don’t take it. Worst case scenario we go back and get one later. If we only have a bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee, you don’t need a whole tray. It’s all about awareness. We owe it to ourselves, our brothers and sisters around the world, and God to take care of what we have been given. Food Awareness Week has done an excellent job reminding us all to take better care of the blessing we have.
Choosing classes troubles students Contributing Writer
Springtime at Grove City College is a bittersweet season for many students. The excitement of the thawing weather and end of the year festivities is often overshadowed by the dreaded Thursday of course scheduling. Ask any student on campus and you will be hardpressed to find anyone who has anything positive to say about the scheduling system. “Scheduling at Grove City is equivalent to slamming your head into these cinder block walls over and over again,” junior political science major Grace Meakem said. The current scheduling system involves an entire class logging onto the GCC website at a designated time. This means about 600 students are attempting to access a server that is not equipped to handle such high traffic. Because of this, students are prevented from securing the classes they need due to a faulty system that constantly produces errors. This phenomenon is nothing short of disastrous when suc-
Last words
We owe it to ourselves, our brothers and sisters around the world, and God to take care of what we have been given.
Scheduling stresses
Kaitlyn Russell
Page 13
cessful scheduling is timesensitive and the student is at the website’s mercy. Responsible students could take the initiative to meet with their advisor, spend hours planning out their course schedule, log onto the system promptly at 6:00 p.m. and have their efforts rewarded by locking into zero of the classes they need. “This semester I was connected with my Ethernet cord and I wasn’t able to schedule my first class until 6:53 p.m.,” junior biology major Rebecca Caswell said. “It kept redirecting me to the homepage and I got so frustrated I almost just gave up.” While no one seems to have a brilliant alternative, it is undeniable that the current system demands change. It is time for administration to adapt the system to function in a way that serves the needs of both the students and registrar and eliminates the stress, panic, anxiety and frustration for good.
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.
Josh Evans Editor-in-Chief
The end of the academic year is always a time for reflection. As I prepare to graduate and leave behind The Collegian, I’ve been thinking back more and more on my experiences, especially during my time as editor-in-chief. For me, and for much of the staff, The Collegian is more than just a student organization; it’s a deeply personal project driven by a passion to sharpen our journalistic skills and to create a record of life here at Grove City College. The record-keeping part of our work has been especially relevant to me as we’ve spent this last year celebrating The Collegian’s hundredth anniversary as a weekly. Looking back on old articles from the last century has made me hope that in another hundred years the future Collegian editors will be able to look back on our work and see how far we’ve come from the start, and also see how far they will have come from the paper as it is now. As proud as I am of the work we’ve done this year, my time as editorin-chief has taught me that there is always room for improvement.
Marissa Candiloro Managing Editor
The time has come for me to do something incredibly difficult. Today I must say goodbye to The Collegian and to all of the friends I have made by being a part of this incredible organization in the past four years. Additionally, I want to try to impart some of what I have learned from working on The Collegian staff, which is no easy task, because the lessons are innumerable. If my time at The Collegian has taught me anything, it’s that some of the greatest things in life are the unexpected ones. I was brought into this organization as a freshman English major with aspirations of copy editing articles. I had no idea of what I was stepping into. I never foresaw learning InDesign and Photoshop, becoming a designer, becoming Design Chief and ultimately being asked by our previous editors to take over the role of Managing Editor. That being said, I constantly thank God that His plans are so much greater than anything I could come up with. Our first issue seems like just yesterday, and what an issue it was. That first week we were severely short staffed, and Josh and I wound up working on the paper until 6 a.m. I’ll never forget walking back to my dorm and smelling breakfast cooking in MAP. It was at that point that I seriously questioned what I had signed up for but, looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every late night, every crazy article, every letter to the editor and every beautiful final copy sitting on the stands Friday morning, it was all worth it. Being able to be involved in
While we’ve been looking at the past, we’ve also been looking toward the future with the long-overdue launch of our new website just a few weeks ago. I’m excited to see how our successors use this new platform to advance into the future of journalism. I’ve learned countless things working with The Collegian, the lesson that stands out most is the importance of passion. Any amount of work can seem insignificant if you care enough about what you’re doing. Until recent changes to our production schedule, we would routinely work late into the night past 3 or 4 a.m. Many of my friends have expressed surprise that I would be willing to put myself through that each week, but the simple fact of the matter is that it never felt unbearable; I enjoy what I do. Our first issue of the fall semester best exemplifies my relationship with the paper. Because of a staff shortage and computer issues, we ended up working until six in the morning to get the issue finished. It was stressful, exhausting and miserable, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. the publication of our hundredth issue as a weekly, as well as seeing the birth of our website, has been an honor. To my successors, love this establishment. The people you work with will become your friends, maybe even for life, if you’re as lucky as I am. You will get to know many different people and hear so many stories. Your eyes will be opened to perspectives that you wouldn’t have ever considered. Appreciate every meeting and every single issue. Even when you’re tired and frustrated, stop and remember how awesome this is, remember that you have the ability to put something together that you can truly be proud of. This is something that will be looked back on for years to come, and you are making history. To Nick, our adviser, you have been such a blessing to The Collegian. Thank you for working with us to take the paper to levels we never thought possible. Thank you for always encouraging us to be our best, for having fun with us, and for knowing that brownies are the best encouragement for getting through production night. And to everyone, if you’re going to pull something from this brief, sappy and memory-laden message, I heartily encourage you to get involved, either with The Collegian or with a group that will showcase your talents and abilities. You won’t regret it and who knows? Maybe you too will one day find yourself wiping away a tear, remembering some of the happiest times of your life, with some of the best people you will ever encounter. Good luck, and God bless.
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Sports
May 2, 2015
Player Spotlight: Emily Rabenold Humble of Heart, Fleet of Foot
Julie Fijal
Contributing Writer Emily Rabenold, star cross country and track and field runner, has been taking the PAC competition by storm all year. Rabenold is a junior biology major from Alison Park, Pa., who competes for Grove City College. She began running in 4th grade, with a Girls on the Run program and ran her first 5k in 23:45 then, compared to her personal best of 17:41 today. She has run every year since, except for during the cross country season during her freshman year at GCC. It was not until her sophomore year in collegiate racing that Rabenold “broke out” and became the runner she is known as today. During her first cross country season she began taking iron for a suspected deficiency. In her next two races, she surprised herself and the team by placing 18th in the Oberlin 6k (22:18), and then subsequently 1st at the PAC 6k (21:45). Rabenold has since then received an impressive collection of awards.
Golf & Glory Michael Cole Staff Writer
The Grove City College Men’s golf team participated in the Westminster Invitational on April 20 at the New Castle Country Club course. The Wolverines had just come off of a third place finish at the Saint Vincent Invitational, and were hoping to improve on recent play. “This tournament proved to us the point that hard work pays off,” senior Christian Locher said. “At the beginning of the season we were all trying to figure out our own games and areas we needed to work on, but this tournament was the culmination of all of that hard work.” The Wolverines finished the tournament with a first place victory and a full head of steam going into the PAC conference tournament. The effort was spearheaded by seniors Brian Giesler and Locher. Both of these players are team captains and would be key during the conference playoffs hosted on the weekend of April 24. “This tournament is only four days away from the President’s Athletic Conference tournament and it is monumental that we stay focused throughout play,” Locher said. “The tournament kept us all mentally sharp and in a competitive mindset as we geared up to compete in the biggest event of the season.” Going into conference tournament weekend the Wolverines finally had their chance at the PAC conference title. The tournament was hosted at the Cedarbrook Golf Course in Belle Verne, Pennsylvania. “The conference tournament (PACs) are just a great bonding experience for both teams, both guys and girls,” senior Austin Wenger said. “It was a great time even though we did in the end come up short of our overall season goals.” The PAC conference tournament was the last golf outing of the season for the Wolverines. They will take the summer to try to improve in order to once again make a run at the conference title in the fall.
Her achievements in the past two years include an All-American in Cross Country (2014), Track and Field MVP (2014, 2015), All-PAC MVP (2013, 2014), and three-time ECAC Athlete of the Week for both Track and Cross Country. Rabenold has also qualified for Track Nationals (2014), where she placed 15th in the Steeple Chase. Last weekend at the Track and Field PAC Championships, Rabenold ran a total of 13 miles by participating in all four distance track events: 10k, 5k, 1500m, and Steeple Chase. Rabenold’s favorite memory to date is when she raced in Nationals for cross country in November 2014, when she made All-American. In her own words, she was “not expecting to make All-American,” especially because she placed 279th out of 300 runners when she raced last year. This year, when she thought “it would be great just to place in the top 100,” she placed 28th. Surprisingly, Rabenold confesses that she used to hate competition because “[racing] was terrifying, and I put my whole identity in it.” Since then, she has been inspired by
“people who made running fun,” specifically the upperclassmen from her first year in Grove City track and her parents. Now, Rabenold said, “It’s not really about the racing anymore. I feel close to God when I run.” Ultimately, running has taught Rabenold that “life can’t be up all the time.” “I haven’t had a season where I haven’t had hurting legs, or anxiety, or panic … but God uses those things to make me stronger,” she said. “I just remember that I am blessed to run, and I say to God, ‘Let your will be done here.’” Looking forward, next year will be Rabenold’s senior year in cross country and track. She says “I’m really excited to help lead the team. I’ve been able to watch the leaders through the years and I want to do all the senior stuff… to encourage the younger girls and teach them what I’ve learned.” Rabenold will also be leading an ICO trip to the Bahamas (winter 2016) and applying for nurse practitioner school next year. After college, Rabenold plans to continue running but not competitively. She has “no deep desire to run as fast as [she]
25 in a Row
Men’s Tennis Wins PACS Jon Wagner Staff Writer
Grove City’s men’s tennis team completed their season on a high note last weekend. For the 25th time in a row they won the President’s Athletic Conference Tennis Championship. The team had high aspirations with the goal of taking home this title and they went and got the job done. Before traveling to Erie, the men traveled to face conference opponent Westminster College on Monday. The team did not have much trouble winning this match and essentially cleaned house, winning all singles matches played in straight sets, collectively only dropping 7 of 50 games, and winning first and second doubles 8-0, 8-0 respectively. The team won the sixth singles and third doubles matches by forfeit. Resulting in a 9-0 win, this was the last regular season match for the Wolverines giving them a 7-0 conference record. Next, the team was ready to start their postseason run at the PACs, traveling to Erie on Friday to play their matches at the Pennbriar Athletic Club. The men first would play their singles matches. Number one singles player, senior Peter Riley, ended his conference collegiate tennis career in amazing fashion. He cruised to the finals in Erie where he played Washington and Jefferson’s Sean Carrick and won a close first set in a 7-5 tiebreaker and took the second set over 6-1. After a tremendous season for the third time Riley was named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Senior Colby Beighey, Grove City’s strong and reliable second singles player, also closed out his conference career in a great manner by winning the championship conference title match at his position for the second year in a row. At third singles, juniors Dan Schafhauser and Jon Graber also battled through all of their matches to win the conference titles at the third singles and fourth singles spots respectively. To get to the finals, Schafhauser had to overcome his first set loss of 6-4, after which he went on to win the second and third sets 6-0 and 6-3
respectively against Phillip Littlejohn from Waynesburg University. Graber, playing at the fourth singles position, also lost his first set in the semi-finals 6-4, but like Schafhauser, still came through with a victory to get to the finals by winning the second and third sets 6-0 and 6-4 respectively. Freshmen Matt Lynch, at fifth singles, and Jon Fleet at sixth singles, ended their first seasons on the team triumphantly by winning all of their matches to earn the conference titles at their spots. Lynch cruised through all of his matches to win the final without dropping a set the whole weekend. Fleet also showed his strength over the weekend by not dropping a single set against any of his opponents. Next it was time for the team to begin their doubles matches. To win the first doubles title for the second year straight, Peter Riley and Colby Beighey were victorious in all of their matches, winning a total of 34 games over the weekend and losing only 3. Senior Chris Collins and Graber, who played as the second doubles team, put in a tremendous effort coming in second place for over all, losing in a very close 9-8 finals match. Finally, net specialists Schafhauser and freshman Zack Sprunger came away with the third doubles title after winning every match, dropping few games in the process. Overall for this tournament, Grove City’s closest opponent was Washington and Jefferson, who the Wolverines played in eight of their nine finals matches. Grove City ended the tournament with 52 points while W&J placed second with 37 points. This level of success is common for the Grove City men’s tennis team, which has been one of the most successful teams on campus for the past two decades, having now won the conference a total of 26 times.
COURTESY EMILY RABENOLD
can” and is looking forward to running marathons simply for fun Rabenold lives and runs by the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 12:9, “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” “I am a person of many weaknesses,” she said. “However, God has done and can do much through me … he takes my inabilities and my fears and does beautiful things.”
Looking up Baseball looks to finish strong Thomas Kutz Staff Writer
The Grove City College baseball team (12-20, 7-13 PAC) looks to finish the season on a strong note ahead of the President’s Athletic Conference (PAC) Tournament May 7 - 9. The Wolverines have done well this year to minimize damage, only being swept in two series. The team could not avoid a sweep at Washington & Jefferson and split a doubleheader against Penn State Behrend on April 25. The Wolverine offense exploded for nine runs in a win over Penn State Behrend on April 25, thanks to RBIs from six different players, including a two run triple by junior Kenny McCracken. McCracken and senior Reese Swatsworth led the way for the Wolverines with three hits each, while sophomore Andy Fritz and freshman Tyler Graham added two of their own. Sophomore Anthony Marnejon went 4 innings for the Wolverines, who picked up a needed win on the road. The good news for the Wolverines is that the offense seems to be in decent shape. The team boasts a .309 BA in 32 games, and nine players on a BA over .300. Run support has also been decent for Grove City, as the lineup is averaging 4.75 runs per game. Sophomores Nolan Myers and Fritz continue to be on fire. Fritz is slashing .475/.488/.538 and would lead the league in average with if he had more at bats. Fritz adds on 18 RBI, trailing only fellow sophomore Matt
The Wolverine offense exploded for nine runs in a win over Penn State Behrend on April 25, thanks to RBIs from six different players, including two run triple by junior Kenny McCracken. Waugaman, who has 19 RBI this season. Myers is hitting .364/.406/.414 and finds himself just outside the top 10 in the PAC in several categories. The Wolverines’ success at the plate, however, is overshadowed by a team 7.58 ERA. Only senior ace Mason Stephens and sophomore closer Jimmy Palmer own ERA’s under 4.00. Palmer’s 3.06 ERA in relief is a team best. Opponents are hitting just .170 off of the sophomore. Stephens continues to dominate the mound despite just a 3-4 record. His 3.53 ERA, 35.2 IP, and opponents .293 BA is best among starters. The team has also allowed five or more runs in 13 straight games and in 23 of their 32 games this season. The team will look to sweep the season series against Saint Vincent on April 29 before closing out their regular season action with three games against Bethany. The Wolverines’ final home games will be a double header against Bethany on May 2 at 1 p.m.
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Sports
May 2, 2015
Page 15
Courage in Boston Grove City’s own takes on the marathon
Connor Lowe Staff Writer
“Running marathons just feels right, like my body was designed to do it. To quote the famous Christian runner Eric Liddel in the movie Chariots of Fire, ‘God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.’ As should be the case of anything I do in life, I hope that my end in running is to glorify God.” These are the words of Grove City College junior Evan Avery on why he runs marathons. Avery recently lined up with some of the very best marathon runners in the world when he took part in the 2015 Boston Marathon on April 20. According to Avery, the difficulty of running a marathon isn’t running in the marathon itself, but all the training that goes with it. “Five mile medium intensity run on Monday,” he said. “Sprint day on Wednesday. Five miles at about race pace on Friday, and the long run on the weekend. To complement this I also cross trained by going to the gym for about an hour a day, 3 or 4 times a week. I also swim once a week for about an hour.”
signed up for the Erie Marathon in Presque Isle in September. There I “I had a rule: run inside if ran a 3:01:37 and qualified for Bosthe temperature was below ton.” Avery had been training for over 14 degrees.” a year for the race. Week after week Evan Avery through a snowy cold Pennsylvania winter, Avery ran 18- and 20-mile training runs in the snow and ice. “I Avery, who was raised in Morgan- had a rule: run inside if the temperaton, N.C., ran the 26.2-mile course in ture was below 14 degrees.” an extremely impressive 2 hours, 58 The Boston Marathon gained minutes and 54 seconds. To do the worldwide attention in 2013, when math, that’s an average of under a 7 two extremist Islamic brothers plantminute mile, for 26 miles. The Bos- ed bombs near the finish line of the ton Marathon is considered one of marathon, killing 3 people and injurthe most prestigious marathons in ing 264 others. the world. It is also the longest conAvery believes that the continuasecutively held annual athletic event tion and massive success of the marin history. Avery finished in the 91st athon shows America’s resoluteness. percentile. “It did provide some extra incen“After running a half marathon on tive to qualify for Boston, though; New Year’s Day 2014, I didn’t think just in order to show that acts of it was too bad, and that I could prob- terror couldn’t stop something so ably handle a marathon,” Avery said. important to America like the Bos“So I started asking around and Bos- ton Marathon,” Avery said. “In my ton immediately came up as one of research I found that a lot of people the biggest and best marathons. I felt the same way, as the number apdecided that I wanted to qualify for plicants rose so quickly following the Boston. However, in order to qualify bombings that the marathon qualifyfor Boston you have to run a 3:05:00 ing time had to be lowered by more marathon in an approved race, so I than 10 minutes.”
Avery attributes his success at the Marathon to a number of people. “It takes dedication and desire to do the speed work and the miles. You need the support of your family, friends and fellow runners, but you also have to be self-motivated. With this being said, you should never rule yourself out. You don’t know how fast you are until you go out and try to run it for yourself,” he said. “I would like to thank my family for putting up with my running schedule, to Mr. Wardzinski for coaching me along the way, and to all my friends who were so supportive and encouraging throughout the entire process.” This will not be the last marathon Avery completes. “There is something amazingly freeing about running. I qualified for next year’s Boston Marathon in this year’s marathon, and am planning to run it again next year. I’m planning to train this summer to run in the Erie Marathon at Presque Isle again this fall, hopefully that will earn me better starting position in Boston 2016,” he said.
Leading for the love Ready to retire Athletic Director, Exercise of lacrosse Science Chair to retire Player spotlight on Ryan Colby
Jonathan Anderson
Contributing Writer
At Grove City College in March, 6 a.m. always seems to arrive even earlier than it should. “I’m not a fan of morning practices, but they have their just rewards,” senior Ryan Colby, defensive captain of the Grove City men’s club lacrosse team, said. It is not even dawn, and the sun is nothing more than a vague, quiet glow hovering over the eastern horizon. While most students are sound asleep, Colby and the lacrosse team are already hard at work. While April brings outdoor practices on Thorn Field and a fairly normal routine, the early part of the lacrosse season takes place inside the intramural room during the lonely hours of the early morning and late night. Because Grove City lacrosse is a club sport, the team is relegated to these extreme practice times. In these circum-
HB Mertz
Contributing Writer After starting the 2015 season on a less than stellar note, that Pittsburgh Pirates have started to work out the kinks. This Sunday marked a three game road sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks, which was the first time the Pirates have swept a team in the NL West Division since 2007. This sweep is part of a five game winning streak, in which the team has started to look like the team that they were predicted to be at the start of the 2015 season. On Sunday, ace pitcher Fransisco Liriano finally got his first win of the season on a stellar two-hit, seven strikeout performance, that left the Pirates up 8-0 over
stances, being a member of the team requires a strange mixture of enthusiasm, joyfulness and dedication. Colby exemplifies all three of these qualities. “He’s probably the happiest person I know,” senior Garret Keibler, one of Colby’s teammates, said. “He’s someone you can look towards to always pick you up.” At 6 a.m. in the cold Grove City gym, Colby knows that his team can use a pick-meup. His encouragements ring out constantly during the bustle of practice, like rays of sun amidst rainclouds. As team captain, Colby has quite a bit of leadership experience to draw from. After arriving from Sewickley, Pa., he immediately started on defense for the team in 2011, and played well enough to be named captain for his second season. He has maintained that role for the past three seasons, and has earned AllAmerican Second Team honors for the past two. “I’ve learned that servant
leadership is the best way to fill the role of captain,” Colby said. He believes in leading by example and encouraging his teammates, instead of focusing on their mistakes. The results have been difficult to argue with. The team is currently ranked fifth in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association. Success is a great motivator, but Colby insists that he’s more inspired by the community of the team. He views them as the closestknit group of guys on campus, and takes satisfaction in continuing to strengthen that bond. It’s 7:30 a.m., and the lacrosse team members are heading back to their dorms as the sun finally creeps above the horizon. To enjoy being awake on these early cold mornings, you have to love what you do. Colby agrees. He ponders for a moment, then says what is certainly obvious: “I love lacrosse.”
Joe Setyon Sports Editor
After 43 years working for Grove City College, Dr. Don Lyle will step down from his position as Athletic Director and Chair of the Exercise Science Department at the end of the 2014-15 school year. Lyle originally came to Grove City in 1972 to head up the men’s soccer program in addition to his duties as assistant basketball coach. He was the head men’s soccer coach until 2005, and he is the program’s leader in wins, with 277. His teams’ accolades also include six postseason appearances, an outright PAC Title in 2005, and an appearance in the finals of the ECAC Tournament. In 1978, he helped start the Wolverine Summer Camp as well as the Grove City Youth Soccer Association, both of which helped hone the soccer of skills of young players. Lyle’s accomplishments extend beyond the world of soccer. He also coached softball, and remains the all-time leader in winning percent-
Spotlight on Pittsburgh
Lyle’s accomplishments extend beyond the world of soccer. age for this sport. His tenure at Grove City also included stints as head baseball coach and assistant basketball coach. Outside of coaching, Lyle helped bring about many changes in Grove City’s athletics. These include renovations to the PLC’s fitness centers, the Grove City College Arena, Thorn Field, the tennis courts and the athletic pool, as well as the soccer pitch and baseball and softball fields. Lyle also helped establish the Athletic Hall of Fame, which he himself is part of, and has set up displays in the PLC that honor past athletes and teams. Lyle, who graduated with a B.A. from Muskingum College, currently lives in Pine Township, PA. He has three children and nine grandchildren.
Pirates begin to find their footing
the Diamondbacks to conclude the series. With big hits from Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker, who both had two RBIs on the day, the Pirates had no issue beating Arizona with a solid pitching performance from Liriano. Prior to the series against Arizona, the Pirates were struggling on both sides of the ball. Closer Mark Melancon had not let up three runs in an appearance in 144 games between the 2013-14 seasons, but managed to let up three runs in multiple appearances with the same week, costing the Pirates two games that should have been easily won. There were also concerns about the hitting slump that Andrew McCutchen has found himself in. Cur-
rently, he is hitting .186 and had gone 16 at-bats hitless prior to a hit in Sunday’s game. The five game streak in which he did not record a hit was a career streak. However, he is not going to let it affect him. McCutchen says, “That’s terrible … it’s a game of adjustments. I’ll get there, it’s a matter of time.” There are many bright spots on the Pirates right now, as they are playing great baseball. In his sophomore year, right fielder Gregory Polanco is finally stepping into the role he was expected to play. Currently he is the most consistent hitter in the lineup and is batting .288 on the year. The Pirates look to roll off their hot streak as they travel to Chicago early this week for
Pirate’s center fielder Andrew McCutchen is still trying to find his stroke early on in the 2015 season, but the Pirates are doing just fine without his usual contributions. a three game series against divisional opponent, the Chicago Cubs. They recently split a four game series with them and look to make more ground in the division.
It is early on in the season, but it looks as though the Pirates are starting to put the pieces into place that will make them a contender in the National League.
The Collegian
Page 16
May 2, 2015
A comeback story
Men’s Track and Field takes PAC Championships Hannah Steele Contributing Writer
As defending 2014 outdoor PAC champions, the Grove City men’s track and field team went into their first ever indoor season with very high expectations. At the indoor championship meet on February 26, the men’s team finished sixth but felt like they performed better than what the numbers said. Despite setbacks early in the season at the California University (PA) Early Bird Meet and the SRU Open, the team never gave up and continued to put in the work to grow closer together. At the Westminster Invitational, on April 11, the men’s team turned in one of their best performances of the season. Numerous team members jumped into the top eight (scoring position) on the conference performance list. After the Westminster meet, it appeared the Wolverines had the pieces in place to win the outdoor championship yet again. Once the heat sheets were released for the conference championship meet, Grove City sophomore, Brandon Wise, scored the meet on paper as follows: Grove City 120, Geneva 109, Waynesburg 101, Bethany 98, St. Vincent 97, Westminster 94, Thiel 68, Thomas More 39, and Washington & Jefferson 28. The Grove City coaches thought 120 points would be enough to win the PAC championship as well. The PAC championship meet took place on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at our own Thorn Field. Men’s Pole Vault kicked off the meet. Freshmen Nate Longjohn and Chase Stout came up huge for the Wolverines in the pole vault. Long-
john finished fourth with a career best vault of 12-5 ½ feet. Stout had a pulled hamstring which forced him to shorten his run up for the pole vault, but he still pulled it off for the team placing fifth in the conference with a career best vault of 11-11 ¾ feet. In the night cap on Friday evening the men competed in the 10k. The Wolverines knew going into the event that this event was going to be a critical factor in whether the team won the meet or not. Sophomore Daniel Christiansen turned in a sensational performance as he outkicked overwhelming favorite Sawyer Palonder of St. Vincent to win the 10k in a career-best time of 32:45. Sophomore Brandon Wise turned in a strong performance finishing in sixth place with a time of 33:51, a 28 second PR. Also, sophomore Andrew Mascio, was able to edge out Waynesburg’s Luke Feldner running a career-best time of 34:26 good for 7th in the conference. In total, the Wolverines amassed 15 team points in the 10k. On Saturday, the running events started off with the 3000m Steeplechase. Freshman Drew Thibault made a substantial difference for the Wolverines in this event. Thibault was having a tumultuous season after being injured for a long period of time, but he did not give up on the season and decided to give the steeplechase a try at the PAC Quad North meet 8 days before the PAC Championship. It turns out Thibault was a natural at jumping over the steeples. Going into the championship meet he was projected to finish sixth in the conference, but he turned in a phenomenal performance and placed
ARIELLA CARTER
The Grove City men’s outdoor track and field team won the PAC Outdoor Championship on Saturday, April 25, thanks to the clutch performance of freshman Quinton Reed, among others. fourth with a time of 10:18, scoring five team points for the Wolverines. The willingness and open-mindedness of Thibault to try a new event made an incredible difference for the team. Also, Mascio was able to beat out Jimmy Farnan of St. Vincent by less than one tenth of a second, placing sixth with a time of 10:21, contributing 3 team points. Team spiritual leader, freshman Graham Allen, took care of business like he has all year. Allen took 3rd in the 1500m with a season best time of 4:02.62 – only .07 off of the school record. Allen also placed 2nd in the 800m with a time of 1:57.72. Earlier in the season, Allen broke the school’s 1500m record which stood since 1987 with a time of 1:55.50. Allen was also a
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part of the Men’s 4x400 team that placed 4th. In total, Allen contributed a very critical 15.25 points to the team. Allen’s performance at the PAC Championship rounded out one of the greatest freshman seasons in Grove City Track and Field history. Sensational sophomores Nick Betz and Dan Christiansen also performed well. Betz won the 110 hurdles and placed fourth in the 400m Hurdles, amassing 15 team points. Christiansen won the 10,000m and placed 3rd in the 5,000m contributing 16 team points. There were several additional key performances that helped the Wolverines to victory. Junior Brandon Ward had an incredible finish in 400m hurdles in which he surpassed his Waynesburg competitor at the wire to take eighth. Sophomore Gabe Imhof PR’d by 4 seconds in the 1500m, posting a time of 4:09 to take sixth. Junior Dane Mossgrove also finished well, posting an unexpected fourth place finish in the 110m hurdles with a time of 16.30 seconds. Longjohn added more points in the long jump placing fifth in the conference with a jump of 20-9 ½ feet. Furthermore, Wise, after having run the 10k the night before, came up big time and finished eighth in 5k, scoring a critical point for the Wolverines. After 18 of the 19 events were scored the meet total was Grove City 115, Waynesburg 110. The meet all came down to the last event: the Javelin throw. Even though Grove City had a 5 point
lead, the chances of the men’s team winning looked bleak heading to this final event as Waynesburg was supposed to score 11 points, while Grove City was only supposed to score 5 points. If this occurred, Waynesburg would win 121 to 120. The members of both teams congregated to watch the javelin unfold. With all the pressure in the world, freshman Quinton Reed put the team on his back and placed third with a career-best throw of 181 feet, 1 inch. Waynesburg’s javelin throwers placed second and seventh, scoring 10 points for their team, but it was not enough to overcome the clutch performance of Reed who scored 6 points for the Wolverines. Reed’s unbelievable performance meant that Waynesburg only outscored the Wolverines by 4 points, 10 to 6, which was just enough to hold off the Yellow Jackets. The Wolverines repeated as PAC Champions edging out Waynesburg by a score of 121 to 120, the closest margin of victory in the conference championship meet in twelve years. Reed’s incredible performance completed the comeback story of the 2015 Grove City College Men’s Track and Field Season: a team that went from 6th in indoor to Champions in outdoor. The team stuck together and kept working through all the struggles and in the end brought home the 19th track Championship in the college’s history.
Years of dedicated service to Grove City from PAC Championships won by Grove City during the Athletic director Dr. Don Lyle. This is Dr. 2014-2015 school year. In the fall, the women’s cross Lyle’s 13th year as athletic director, and 19th country and tennis teams finished first in their respecas the chair of the Exercise Science Departtive PAC Tournaments. In the spring, the men’s tennis ment. He joined Grove City in 1972 to coach and the men’s and women’s outdoor track and field soccer and basketball, and remained a vital teams were PAC champions, in addition to the women’s faculty members for over decades. He will indoor track and field and swimming and diving teams. retire at the end of the school year. Career shutouts for senior goalie Kristi Lathrop, good enough for best all-time in the women’s soccer record Points scored by in book. Lathrop had another great season in 2014, leading his Grove City basher team to the conference finals. She will graduate with ketball career by her name at or near the top of multiple all-time lists. senior guard Mitch Marmelstein. He will graduate from the Grove City sophomore catcher Andy Fritz’s batschool as an all-time great in the program’s history. His total ting average in comparison to the other top averpoints scored is good for fourth all time in the all-time school ages in the nation. Fritz has been tearing it up record book, but he is also on multiple other all-time lists. recently, hitting an astounding .475. His amazing batting average is good for ninth place among all DIII hitters and with hits in 19 straight games, he is showing no signs of slowing up
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