Striking back
What are those?
Bricks are back
PERSPECTIVES
COMMUNITY
SPORTS
Hot take on the ‘Star Wars’ saga
The
@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper Friday, March 19, 2021
Self-proclaimed frat enters the stage
Football returns tonight at 7 p.m.
Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper
Vol. 106, No. 17
What a year it has been
March 8, 2020: CPAC Exposure
“33 students have been asked to remain home for one additional week”
March 13, 2020: The Grove Option
“The option to stay on campus or return home is a decision for students and their families to make based on health and safety considerations.”
March 16, 2020: Evacuation
“It will be necessary for all students to depart campus as soon as arrangements can be made.”
March 28, 2020: First Community Case
“We learned today that an employee whose office is in the Carnegie Alumni center has tested positive for COVID-19.”
May 11, 2020: Fall Return Planning Committee
“Our goal is to establish a safe learning and living environment for students and employees in compliance with government directives and relevant guidance”
July 23, 2020: Fall Precautions
Pre-arrival screening and testing through Quest Diagnostics. “The move-in process will be staggered to reduce traffic flow. To reinforce this shared responsibility, you will be required to sign a “Community Agreement” prior to arriving on campus.”
Aug. 5, 2020:
Fall 2020 Health and Safety Plan released
Aug. 28, 2020: Fall ‘20 Start
MATT SCHOONOVER
Sophomore Jacob Shirk, a Hawaii resident, stayed on campus after the COVID-19 exodus in March 2020 due to travel restrictions hindering his return home. “At one point they disabled my student ID for some reason. I reached out to people to get it reenabled, but never heard back. For the last two weeks or so of finals, I had to come and go through an unlocked first floor window in Memorial,” he said.
College reflects on pandemic Collegian Staff
This week marks one year since Grove City College classes were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many students can remember the email received from President Paul J. McNulty ’80 on March 16 notifying students to “depart campus as soon as arrangements can be made.” An email from Student Life and Learning followed shortly, writing that “recent developments beyond our control have necessitated this change” and “all undergraduates who are able to return to their homes during this period must now do so.” In a whirlwind week, students packed up, and campus was deserted. A year later, the college reflects on the first of the unprecedented times that rocked the Grove. “I remember saying goodbye to senior friends, knowing in the back of my mind that I might not see them again, but also hesitant to truly be-
lieve it,” junior Lauren Ness said. “I was hopeful of our return to campus once things settled down. But the two weeks continued into three and four, then ultimately the remainder of the semester.” Transitioning from physical instruction to online learning was a huge leap for the college one year ago. McNulty was “extremely thankful for the way the employees of the college stepped up to take on this challenge.” “Every facet of our work was impacted, and there has been a tremendous amount of personal sacrifice, flexibility and creativity involved in addressing a mountain of issues,” McNulty said. “We have also learned that doing online learning well requires significant investment, which we will continue to make.” Adjunct professor of Communication & Visual Arts Tricia Pritchard recounted her experience last year learning how to teach online for the first time in her career. She said she “was terrified.”
Though she recognized the many benefits of online education, in-person education will always hold a special place in her heart. Professor of political science Dr. Michael Coulter noted that transitioning to Teams instruction was an adjustment. “I’m glad it was synchronous because the class schedule gave some normalcy to the days. But ‘Zoom fatigue’ is real. In the classroom professors react to students - both the verbal and non-verbal communication. After March and April, you realize how much you need everyone in a classroom,” Coulter said. “I lamented the sudden change for students yet agreed with the college’s decision,” resident director of Colonial Hall Apartments Liz Jose ’10 said. With Hopeman residents moved out, its resident director Bennett Potter called campus “cold and empty.” REFLECTION 9
“In such a time as this, it is even more difficult to be the peaceable community we desire and are called to be. We must be a place where, in the vigorous pursuit of truth, we can think deeply, care passionately, and discuss respectfully.”
Oct. 9, 2020:
First uptick and stricter regulations.
Nov. 9, 2020: Transition
“Herculean efforts are being made to limit the spread as more and more students are placed in quarantine or selfisolation... You may depart campus at any point between now and the 24th and switch to online classes.”
Jan. 5, 2021: Spring Precautions
“Prior to physically returning to campus, all studetns must be tested for COVID-19 and provide the College with documentation of a negative PCR COVID-19 test.”
Jan. 18, 2021: Upon the Return
“If we do not begin this new semester with a firm determination to start healthy and stay healthy, we could be in a very difficult spot in just a few weeks.”
Feb. 6, 2021: The Email
“If we don’t do a much better job with social distancing very quickly, we will be forced into some unwelcome choices.”
Editorial
Page 2
The award-winning Grove City College student newspaper, March 19, 2021
From the Tower
Bricks without straw
We’re tired. We’re burnt out. We’re ready for a break. The newness and joy of the beginning of the semester has worn off and we’re drained. Midterms have done us in, and we’re one bad day away from breaking. With eight straight weeks at the grind, it’s been a harsh jump from the two and a half months from our childhood bedrooms. While the rest of the world is suffering from Zoom fatigue, one more email from CovidUpdate, SLL might set us over the edge and into Wolf Creek. We wait like Hebrews in Egypt, making our bricks without straw, for someone to deliver us. The only bright spot in our long stretch is the sixty-degree Primavera who occasionally graces us with her warm breeze and blue skies. In a typical Grove City College academic year, we would have a week-long spring break and a long weekend at Easter. These brief reprieves allow us time to recharge and rejuvenate to return prepared for the next weeks of work. That is not the case this year. Like many other colleges, our breaks have been reduced (rightly so) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While some may argue that this restless age is representative of our workforce futures, we disagree. The future may, by the grace of God, contain a job for us. But we must draw a significant distinction between our lives and those of the average college-educated working man: clocks mean something different to the student than to the employee. Many jobs, although not all, include a clock. Clock in at the rooster crow and empty coffee cup, clock out at the setting of the sun. For many, work is contained within a time punch. For the jobs that don’t, we hope the students that fill those positions are not burnt out yet. Or else they might consider a career change. At college, we don’t go home until our breaks. Living in our work, we live and breathe college every day, 24/7. For seniors, it’s been four years of the living, breathing balance. That balance can be hard to find, especially when you’ve gone so long without a break. Breaks are natural. Rest is biblical. We are not meant to work around the clock or straight through the week. Some of this stress is personal planning. We have all had moments where we could have been wiser in the way we spent our time. We could have spent that hour reading or that hour in the library. We have places to go (on campus) and people to see. Even beyond academics, life is draining. Between being a good roommate, calling home and attending meetings, there is so much to do. Daylight savings just exacerbates the problem. Already, there weren’t enough hours in the day, and now another has been taken away. We’re losing sleep, literally. And we notice when we begin to slip. Emails go unanswered, alarms are left unset, and dinners become a bowl of Lucky Charms. These things are signs that we’re treading water, struggling to stay afloat. We see the shore, the glorious promise of an Easter break, but it is still a ways away. We can only hope that we tread long enough to be carried in by the tide.
Collegian Staff Editor-in-Chief Paige Fay
Copy Chief Britney Lukasiewicz
Managing Editor Anna DiStefano
Business Manager Kathryn Miller
Section Editors News David Zimmermann
Copy Editors Jessica Hardman Ashley Ostrowski Sam Branthoover Claire Josey Lauren Ness Kylie Jasper Joanna Thorpe Elizabeth Schinkel
Community Fiona Lacey Perspectives Clark Mummau Sports Emily Rupczewski Photo Chief Matt Schoonover Design Chief Caleb West
Staff Writers Scott Amon Noel Elvin Connor Schlosser Gabrielle Capaldo Jules Wooldridge Chris Murphy 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.
Stop wishing away your time, be present Emily Rupczewski Sports Editor
Last week I found myself sitting outside, watching the baseball game from the hill beyond the outfield. Something about the sun and 60-degree weather in early March on what is usually a cold, gray day is enough to remind us that life is worth living. The return of baseball, especially for me, is one of life’s greatest blessings. At this point, I don’t have to explain why it’s such a gift to attend in-person sports after what 2020 did. Something about finally having a sense of normalcy and a sense of peace was incredibly settling that afternoon. But what about those moments that don’t feel like sunshine and baseball? What about those moments where I’m sitting in the stacks of Buhl, overwhelmed, moments where I find myself having to choose to complete one assignment over the other because there simply aren’t enough hours in the day? Too often I’ve found myself in class, tempted to check my email or make a list of things to do after class rather than just being present in the class I’m in. I walk away thinking “this is so boring, I could be
doing anything else” and have no idea what just happened in the class because I was too busy stressing about what else I could be doing. Instead of working on my assignment in the library, I somehow end up on my phone, scrolling through Instagram, thinking about my spring break to Texas last year, wishing I was in Waco instead of slaving over midterms. I’ve even caught myself hanging out with friends, yet texting other friends. So what’s the obsession with being “anywhere but here?” It goes without saying that this year has been one that we’ve been trying to wish ourselves out of. “I wish covid would disappear,” “I wish we could be done with these masks,” “I wish things could just go back to normal.” In the last year I’ve found myself fruitlessly wishing my way through situations instead of just living in them. In doing so, I’ve found that if I spend my time wishing I was elsewhere or doing something else, I miss out on where I am. I’ve also found myself full of nostalgia for moments, that a year ago I never would have romanticized, aside from the obvious pre-pandemic reasons. Will this time that I’m wishing away now be something I want back a year from now? I’ll have my
Green Eyeshade Award This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to Design Chief Caleb West for his project management skills, sense of humor, commitment and cutout prowess. Thank you, Caleb!
West
answer in time, but this way of thinking has woken me up with a single command: be present. Be present. In my classes, relationships, walks to class, my work, in the memorymaking and in the mundane. Sometimes the ways my time is spent is out of my control, but I am in control of how present I am in those things. I’m just another burned out college student. We’re a dime a dozen this time of year. No matter what I do, the work is not going away. It’s not going to do itself. But I can only do so much. Part of what is getting me through, besides daily prayer is my awareness of my attitude. It makes all the difference. Instead of grumbling “ugh, have to go to class,” I now find myself thanking God for the privilege of having an education. Instead of complaining about having to do my laundry, I’ve been thankful for access to clean water and clean clothes. Wherever you are, whatever you find yourself doing, I encourage you to be aware of your surroundings, be fully present with the people in your life. Be fully engaged in that class, or that assignment. Whatever it is, don’t wish your time away. Instead, focus, evaluate your attitude, and be present.
This week in history...
Athletes and singers
March 18, 1931 Grovers Close Successful Season Laycock Leading Scorer of Year Fans of Grove City basketball, be proud of the Wolverines of 1931, who won 12 out of 17 games of the season, making the most successful Grove had seen yet. The Grovers took both ends of its series with Thiel, Duquesne, Waynesburg and St. Francis and one each from Allegheny, Geneva, Juniata and John Carrol.
the
The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.
MATT SCHOONOVER
March 17, 1961 Loren Driscoll, Well-known Tenor, To Appear in Crawford Tuesday Many popular and entertaining musicians and musical groups have performed at Grove City over the years. This week 60 years ago, Loren Driscoll performed in our own Crawford auditorium, to the delight of faculty, students and visitors. Driscoll was a tenor of great renown, with a 30-year career performing many a modern opera as well as his fair share of Broadway hits.
Jules Wooldridge
Staff Writer
News The Collegian,
March 19, 2021
Page 3
Students set eyes on break
Gabrielle Capaldo Staff Writer
Grove City College spring breakers travel near and far for their spring vacations. According to new research from the College Crisis Initiative at Davidson College, about 60 percent of colleges have done away with spring break this year. Grove City, however, is not one of them. Many students are traveling home, serving on InnerCity Outreach (ICO) trips and more. Senior Courtney Mattey, leader of ICO Philadelphia, is leaving March 26 after classes along with the rest of her team. “I did this trip my first time sophomore year and loved it and knew I had to do it again,” she said. The trip ends April 1, giving Mattey some time to relax at home as well. “I’ve been having social media memories popping up from last year,” Mattey said, “and it’s been very taunting. I can’t wait to take a break, sleep and relax!” On the other hand, some ICO members are not going home after their trip. Senior Hannah Elder, a leader of Outer Mountain Outreach, a trip that travels to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, is planning on visiting friends after her trip. “My family lives far away, so I wouldn’t go home anyway,” Elder said. “It’s my senior year, so I want to hang out with my friends!” Other students are using this spring break to be with their families. Sophomore Nathan Fuguet is making his way back home to West Chester, Pa. “I’m excited to go home and see my family,” he said. “I’m planning on just chilling and seeing high school friends.”
Collegian Staff
Students serving on ICO Philadelphia over spring break pose for a group photo. Similarly, senior David Criswell is staying in Cleveland, Ohio to spend time with his family. “I wanted to save money and go home to do some rock climbing and other activities, so I’m really excited for spring break,” Criswell said. Senior Alyssa Ward is also planning a spring break vacation with her friends. “A bunch of us are camping in the Outer Banks for two nights in North Carolina,” she said. “I’m really excited to take a break from school and just hang out with them.” In addition to different plans, each student is also taking different COVID precautions during break. According to Mattey, the ICO Philadelphia trip will be very cautious. “Philly is still very strict on the mask man-
date, so we will be wearing masks around everyone except each other,” she said. Every member of the team has also decided to self-isolate two weeks prior to their departure. “We have a contingency plan in place in case anyone on the trip is infected,” Mattey said. Elder’s trip is also taking precautions. “The ranch that we are working at is very isolated, so we are more worried about bringing COVID there rather than bringing it back,” Elder said. “We are all going to get tested before we leave.” Those going home are more relaxed. “I’m not taking any precautions,” Fuguet said. “My entire family has been vaccinated, and I’ve already had it so I’m not worried.” “I’ll be wearing a mask
COURTNEY MATTEY
when I go out because I have to, but other than that I won’t wear one around friends and family,” Criswell said. The question still lingers of what testing will look like when students return to campus. According to Vice President of Student Life and Learning, Larry Hardesty, the college is still “working on a plan as President McNulty mentioned, but those discussions are ongoing.” Student emotions range from hopefulness to expectancy regarding our return. “There will probably be a few more cases,” Fuguet said, “but not many.” “I’m not super optimistic,” Elder said, “but I’m hopeful that it will just be a rise in cases and not something so drastic that we have to go home.”
Bees buzz into big success
Grove City College
Twenty-twenty was a beebuilding year for the Oliver Apiary, the honey bee yard and certified pollinator garden on Grove City College’s campus. The Bee Project at GCC and the apiary are the brainchild of Dr. Tracy S. Farone, a professor of Biology and veterinarian. A year and a half ago, the apiary wasn’t much more than an undeveloped plot of land on the edge of “Siberia,” littered with chunks of concrete dumped there over the years. This fall, the certified pollinator friendly garden yielded troves of data for farmers and scientists, invaluable experience for student researchers, an opportunity for interdisciplinary cooperation – and a modest harvest of the GCC Bees honey. “Bees are responsible for pollinating one third of the food we eat. They are the most important agricultural animal in the world and contribute $15 to 20 billion to the national economy,” Farone said. The industrious insects are also a bellwether for something bigger. “The health of bees is a sentinel of how well our environment is doing.” But veterinarians trained to care for pets and livestock had little experience
New film festival seeks entries
with bees. A desire to correct that problem led Farone to spend the spring of 2019 on sabbatical from her teaching work at Grove City College to study beekeeping in Europe, where hive health has been a priority for decades, and in the U.S. “I’ve had my nose in thousands of hives,” she said, from commercial and research apiaries in France and Scotland to huge agricultural operations that haul thousands of bee colonies from harvest to harvest across the country like migrant workers, to her own backyard, where she has several colonies. She came back to campus with plans to set up a research and teaching apiary to study pollinator and honey bee health and provide information about bees to beekeepers, veterinarians, and the general public. In the summer and fall of 2019, with the approval of the college, help from her husband, and a cadre of bio majors, seed money from apiary namesake (and former Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary) John Oliver, and donated seedlings from Meadville, Pa.-based Ernst Conservation Seeds, the garden was cleared, planted, and began to take shape. By midsummer, Farone and her student research
assistants were deep into studying and caring for the bees. Clad in white beekeeping jackets and veiled hoods, they regularly inspected the hives, one bee-laden honeycombed frame at a time, to track the overall health and progress of the industrious insects. Their data and observations, along with BroodMinder technology that tracks the hives on an hourly basis, are contributing to ongoing international research through two mega studies with Penn State University’s Center for Pollinator Research. That larger work will help predict survival rates for bees in similar locations and provide an understanding of how landscape impacts bee health. Their ongoing research has already been featured in professional journals including the “Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association” and Farone has become a “go to” source for the industry. She writes widely on the subject and now contributes monthly to “Bee Culture” magazine. The academic harvest and the continued flourishing of the college’s colony would be enough to point to a successful first year for the garden. But this fall, the apiary produced about 25 pounds of honey, despite a drought that impacted production and the very conservative call to
leave the bees more than enough honey to survive the winter. It was donated to the Alumni Office to present as special gifts. While the garden is primarily a Biology research project, several other academic departments have been involved in the ongoing work. Communication and Visual Arts students were able to create box designs attractive to bees utilizing color theory and begin shooting video for a documentary on the garden. Electrical Engineering students are designing and testing solar panels to provide electricity at the site and the Physics Department’s electron microscope was used to photograph bees. Botany students helped out with a plant survey of the area and entomology students evaluated insect species collected at the garden. That transcendent, interdisciplinary aspect of the GCC Bee Project reflects the big idea behind the work Farone and her students have been involved in. The garden, she said, is dedicated to the concept of One Health, an approach based on the idea that the health of people is connected to the health of animals and the environment. “Everything under creation is interrelated,” Farone said.
Grove City College is accepting student-made films for the Lux Mea Film Festival, premiering at the Guthrie theatre on April 30 and March 1. The Lux Mea Film Festival was created this semester by the new communications arts class, Special Events and Promotions. The class is taught by Professor Gregory Bandy, who previously taught this class at Asbury University. Lux Mea is accepting student film submissions until 11 a.m April 14. Submissions will be judged based on technical professionalism and storytelling strength. All applicants are encouraged to submit their films, but Lux Mea would like to emphasize that they will be accepting only those which showcase the best talent Grove City has to offer. The Lux Mea Film Festival is open to many creative expressions but is dedicated to maintaining a standard for truth. “I decided to host a film festival at Grove City, because I believe there’s a lot of storytelling talent here,” Bandy said. “I think that talent can be developed, and a film festival is the best way to do that.” The film festival is debuting as the “Lux Mea” Film Festival, which means “my light” in Latin. This is because Lux Mea’s mission is to illuminate the truth through film. “Our mission,” Bandy said, “is based on values of telling the truth of what it means to be a human being made in the image of God.” Bandy hopes this class will create the foundation for years of future Lux Mea Film Festivals, putting Grove City College on the map. “There’s something very magical about pouring yourself into telling a story that you think matters,” Bandy said, “so tell it.” In 2008, the class at Asbury University created a film festival called the Highbridge Film Festival. Over the past 13 years, the festival became a smashing success, gaining the attention and attendance of over 40 film professionals and Hollywood judges such as “The Shape of Water” actor Doug Jones, the “Braveheart” sound designer Peter Lehman and “Mulan” director Barry Cook. Now, Bandy wants to bring this same success to Grove City. To be a part of this journey, enter your films by going to the Lux Mea Film Festival submissions page website at www.luxmeafilmfestival. com.
Community The Collegian,
March 19, 2021
Page 4
Dudt starts marriage seminar Fiona Lacey
Community Editor Last semester during a book study, senior Caroline Dudt and her friends had the idea of starting a weekly seminar on marriage. So they did, and Dr. Jim Thrasher, Dr. Jan Dudt, Dr. Seulgi Byun, Dr. Carl Trueman and the McNultys are taking part, too. Since Feb. 8, a group of students have met every Monday night in Sticht auditorium to listen to a professor talk about marriage–anything and everything on the table. It started out of a conversation she had with her friends. “We thought we’d invite some other friends to join, and somehow it jumped to the idea to ask certain professors to talk to us about whatever they cared to talk to us about,” Dudt said. “Many students have an unrealistic view of marriage, and some have a ‘Disney perspective’ of marriage,” Thrasher said. “I think it is wonderful that Caroline organized these seminars.” “I was unsure at first. I almost decided not to do it,” Dudt said about starting the seminar. It was a friend who saw the mission too that con-
vinced her to finally do it. “She remined me how cool it would be.” Dudt has no agenda with these seminars. She only wants to start more conversations relating to the topic. “It’s the second most important decision of life and we do most of the talking about it amongst our peers.” To Dudt, we are missing out on a lot of wisdom that sits right at our doorstep: our professors. “I thought hearing from professors who have been faithful followers of the Lord might give us insight into what God says about marriage,” Dudt said. The professors she asked were happy to oblige. “With all the current cultural pressures, we sometimes struggle to know how to apply God’s purpose for and presence in marriage,” Thrasher said. “Marriage is a challenge. I applaud the students’ initiative.” The Byuns spoke last Monday to a crowded auditorium, and they made it clear they were no experts. “It was by no means a lecture on marriage– I’m not qualified to do that,” Seulgi Byun said. “But wisdom often comes from people who have gone before us, so I hope stu-
CAROLINE DUDT
Senior Caroline Dudt (left) and her friends started a weekly marriage seminar early this semester. dents can glean a few helpful nuggets from the stories of the various presenters.” Most of the professors agree: when it comes to marriage, they don’t have all the answers. But at least they’ve experienced it. And to Dudt and most who attend, that is enough. “The world we live in affects our view of marriage, even the views of Christians
who strive to live by the word,” Dudt said. “A Christian’s entire life is supposed to look different, and if the way we think of marriage is the same as the world’s, give or take a couple Bible verses, something is wrong.” To get a wiser, and somewhat older, perspective on all things marriage, come out to Sticht on Monday night at 7 p.m., and grab a brownie and
a seat. To many, it has been worth it. “Hearing the professors talk about their love they have for their spouses is beautiful,” Dudt said, “from Dr. Thrasher saying he doesn’t deserve his wife to Dr. Edwards saying, ‘I cannot remember what I was like before my wife was part of my life, and quite frankly, I don’t care to.’”
Finding your worth
What if a student were to go out on a date, but walk away feeling unworthy? Tragically, Melancholy Grover Dear Melancholy Grover,
GCC ARCHIVES
Always all-inclusive Fiona Lacey
Community Editor Though Focus Week’s “Racial Reconciliation” talks have been cancelled, the school’s history regarding such topics remains an important matter to the student body and staff of GCC. Grove City College itself was free to all races from its founding in 1876, claiming all genders and races welcome to attend. “It was never strictly all white,” GCC archivist Hillary Walczak said. The egalitarianism of its founder, Isaac Ketler, made sure all races were invited to attend Grove City College, an idea not all colleges held. Based on very few historical records, the town of Grove City and Mercer County contained a large anti-slavery group of individuals and institutions. Mercer County was even known to
be a part of the Underground Railroad. With Grove City being a mostly Presbyterian area, most individuals were proabolition as the official Presbyterian Church’s (predominantly Northern) stance was pro-abolition. As reported in the Allied News, a community for freed African Americans existed in Mercer of what is now U.S. Route 90, called “Pandenerium.” Founded by a pro-abolitionist Dr. Charles Everett in the early 1800s, the dozens of houses on a 50acre farm eventually turned into a thriving group of families spread across 100 acres of land until the 1930s. Many from this group left to help fight for the Union during the Civil War. Ketler himself tutored emancipated slaves in the area, according to Walczak. “He felt that everyone should be able to read.”
Surrounding the area of Grove City were mostly all Anglo-Saxons, according to Walczak, and accordingly the college gained very little African American attendance solely based on its rural location. Arkansas native Hugh McCullum was the first African American to graduate from Grove City College in 1909. The college’s first black Editor-in-chief of the Ouija Yearbook was Marcia Hammond in 1960. With the roll-in of the 60s and 70s, the college hosted Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, The Temptations, the Delfonics and even Maya Angelou. Though hard to track, the college and its surrounding neighborhood have played a mostly positive role in the development of racial equality.
The first question is how much money did you waste? I’m being facetious, my Charlie Browned friend. The real question is: what were you looking for? Were you expecting to start a relationship, or did you go into the date with an open mind? When we go looking for love, it seems it enjoys playing some sick game of hide-and-seek that makes you count down the seconds until it has found the perfect place to shroud itself and leaves you as frustrated and disappointed as a young Grover freshmen on scheduling day. When we expect to get things, they are no longer a gift but something we feel entitled to. Perhaps change your mindset and remember you’re not guaranteed a relationship, especially on your timing. God works in mysterious ways and we must remain open to His timing and understand that His plan will be more fulfilling than anything we could imagine if we just patiently listen with humility. Finally, are you putting your identity in your relationship success? That’s a
Dear Dr. Love no-go, junior. Any identity in an aspect of life that fades, disappoints or is constructed by us will eventually fail and leave us feeling as empty as before. Put your identity in Christ and hold fast to His everlasting redemption as you open your heart to the gift that is His plan for you that will come in His timing. Be grateful for the good time on the date, the time you had with the other person, reflect, learn and move on. An attitude of gratitude, as my good friend Zig Ziglar likes to say, will keep any date on the bright side. Keep it real, kid.
Auspiciously,
Dr. Love Love M.D.
The Collegian,
March 19, 2021
Page 5
Seven questions with…
Dr. Kimberly Miller
Professor of Communication Arts What do you listen to on the ride home? GAVIN EBERLIN
In fall of 2020, the men on third-floor Memorial created Gamma Mu Pi, their own fraternity as a way to keep their hall connected.
There’s a rogue fraternity? Noel Elvin Staff Writer
As of last semester a group of freshman guys have been walking around campus wearing purple letters, ΓΜΠ, outlined in pink on tan sweatshirts; and no, they are not part of Greek life. During the fall of 2020, freshman Jivahn Crenshaw decided that he wanted to do something crazy during freshman year, and so he decided he was going to start a frat. It all began with a simple desire to unite his freshman hall and give them a sort of identity. Crenshaw met with his RA, sophomore Gavin Eberlin, to start exploring the idea. Crenshaw, Eberlin and another hallmate, freshman Darren McCleery, came together to begin conceptualizing sweatshirt designs and
decided on the letters Gamma Mu Pi, which they refer to as “3MP.” They choose their colors based on a survey they sent out to all the guys on their freshman hall in Memorial. Everyone on the hall is welcome to join, and most people have sweatshirts. There are no mandatory meetings or dues, and they do not take part in the common rushing and pledging traditions that typical Greek life does, although they do have optional Bible studies: “We just keep it simple,” Crenshaw explained. “Eberlin has done a fantastic job making everyone feel at home,” sophomore Thomas Botkin, Eberlin’s roommate, said. “Intentionality is something that RAs need to strive for when dealing with their hallmates especially on a freshman hall.”
Although it is not officially recognized by the college, to Crenshaw and many other members, Gamma Mu Pi is their legitimate fraternity. “In comparison to regular Greek life, this group came together by complete chance and is a testimony to God’s faithfulness in uncertainty,” Eberlin said. “The Lord is at work and it’s been a blessing to witness it.” Botkin feels that this a group of guys that can rely on each other. “Even though we are not documented as a fraternity, I still think it is special for the freshman guys to be together in a brotherhood that they will hopefully remember their whole college career,” Botkin said. Currently, Crenshaw doesn’t want to join a traditional fraternity because he likes the group of guys he
is with right now. Although some are joining the Alpha Sigma housing group, Crenshaw and Eberlin are hoping to be able to keep some guys together on next year’s hall. “3MP is still standing, just combining forces with the A Sigs,” Crenshaw said. Crenshaw feels no pressure to make Gamma Mu Pi into an official Greek group for the time being and, for the most part, Greek groups don’t seem to mind that they have created a fake fraternity. “Simply put, this hall began as a group of strangers and, through the Lord’s grace and guidance, became a group of brothers,” Eberlin expressed. “It’s crazy. It’s fun. It’s challenging, but in totality, living with these men has formed and shaped me in ways I could’ve never imagined it would.”
Alum helps win Supreme Court case Scott Amon Staff Writer
Travis Barham, class of 2002, is well acquainted with the law. While he was enrolled at Grove City College, he had a double degree in History and Mathematics. After graduating, Barham received his J.D. from Washington & Lee University and joined with an organization that GCC students are well familiar with, the Alliance for Defending Freedom. A couple of weeks ago, Barham was part of ADF’s legal team that argued and won a case before the Supreme Court. Barham said, “By God’s grace, this was our twelfth victory at the Supreme Court in the last ten years.” What drew Barham to ADF, however, was not ADF’s court victories but the vision of Alan Sears, one of the founders of ADF. “I was impressed by Alan’s commitment to defend religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the definition of the family and by his calm but firm confidence that these fights could and would be won,” Barham said. The scope of ADF mixed well with Barham’s interest in constitutional law. When ADF launched the Blackstone Legal Fellowship program, Barham applied and was accepted into the program. Eventually, Barham would be hired by ADF. Currently, Barham works in the Center for Academic Vision branch of ADF where he focuses on “suing public universities to defend free speech and religious freedom.” Given the widespread crackdown on free speech at public institutions within
the last several years, Barham has plenty of material to work with. Most recently, Barham was part of a legal team that argued and won a case before the Supreme Court. The case revolved around two students who tried to hand out religious literature at their college, Georgia Gwinnett College. The two students were told to stop by campus police. Religion, according to campus policy, could only be talked about in free speech zones. “These ‘speech zones’ were only open 10 percent of the week and made up far less than 1 percent of the campus,” Barham said. He used a useful analogy to describe the free speech zones, “If the entire campus were the size of a football field, these two zones combined would have been the size of a piece of paper.” The two students signed up to use a free speech zone, but when the students began to use the zone, campus authorities ordered them to stop saying “that he had violated the college’s speech code. So he could not speak anywhere, in or out of the speech zones,” Barham said. The two students sued Georgia Gwinnett College, and to the college’s credit, they reversed their policy and allowed students to speak more freely about their beliefs. The problem, however, was that the college would not pay the nominal damage fees that were part of the two student’s case. The Supreme Court ruled in their 8-1 decision that when constitutional rights are violated, damage charges must be paid. Barham quoted Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, “Because ‘every violation [of
It varies from contemporary Christian to classical to rock. Depends how the day went. Recently I’ve really been enjoying Jon McLaughlin (you might remember him from Enchanted- he sings ‘So Close’ in the film) What are you currently reading? Recently finished (and highly recommend) John Eldredge’s “Get Your Life Back.” Now halfway through Tiffany Yates Martin’s “Intuitive Editing” What’s something you’ve been pondering lately? Ever since the pandemic started and we moved to a hybrid/online format, I just wonder if my teaching is as good as it could be. I understand the need for online instruction, but it’s entirely different from what happens in the classroom, so I’ve been wrestling with how to do both well at the same time so students who are remote and in-person have a similar experience. I’m not sure I’ll find the answer, but I’ll keep trying. Favorite restaurant? Just one? I suppose it depends – but I love Monroe Hotel and Villa Grande – both are in Butler What movie makes you emotional? You’re asking a film prof to name one movie? Cruel, and I refuse. Here are a few – “Little Boy,” “Sophie Scholl: The Final Days,” “Selma,” “Big Fish,” “Get Low,” “Hacksaw Ridge.” I’ll stop there, but I could keep going.
ADF.ORG
Travis Barham ’02 played a role in a recent Supreme court case win as part of ADF’s legal team. a right] imports damage’ . . . nominal damages can redress Uzuegbunam’s injury even if he cannot or chooses not to quantify that harm in economic terms.” One of the most surprising aspects of this case was that bilateral support was given in the Supreme Court. The only dissenting voice was Chief Justice John Roberts. Barham said that 22 groups filed in support of the students, “from groups as varied as the ACLU and the Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty—asking the Court to hold government officials accountable when they violate our liberties.” While Barham has worked with ADF, the group has won numerous cases including high-profile cases such as successfully defending the
Christian cake artist, Jack Phillips, in the Supreme Court. Barham said that his branch of ADF continues to do well. “[The] Center for Academic Freedom has been blessed with over 400 victories in the last 15 years against universities nationwide,” he said. Barham emphasizes that one of the primary purposes of colleges is to have a free exchange of ideas. However, Barham said, “That cannot happen when college officials censor speech that they do not like.” Overall, Barham sees his work at ADF as helping to counter potential abuse. “After all, a government that can tell us what to say and what not to say has unlimited power,” he said.
What are you looking forward to today? I hear it’s going to be sixty degrees. I’m looking forward to a long walk around my neighborhood to say hello to all the dogs. Favorite class you’re teaching right now? I’m enjoying all of my classes so much this semester. I’m finding that students are thrilled to be back together in the classroom and discussions are better than ever before, especially in my Christian Faith and Cinema course. Because I love writing, I always have a soft spot for my screenwriting course and the developing characters class too. It’s a wonderful semester!
Through the Lens The Collegian,
Page 6
March 19, 2021
The miracle on stage Grove City College’s theatre department hosts in-person events for first time since 2019
Photos and Text Matt Schoonover Photo Chief
While COVID-19 has challenged every aspect of our lives, it has been especially difficult for the GCC Theatre Program. For the first time since the pandemic began, the Theatre Program is hosting in-person performances in Ketler Auditorium. The program has overcome several COVID-19 related challenges that come with in-person events. When asked about the stuggle, sophomore Justin Folger said, “The whole process was a little bit different, obviously, for the majority of the time. We were rehearsing with masks because you know, we don’t want to get each other sick.” The Theatre Program has been a balancing act between public saftey on one hand, and the cultural benefit for society on the other. “It’s unique but I think we do want to make it a little bit extra special because there’s not a lot of schools getting this opportunity,” Folger said. Despite the odds, the college’s Theatre Program has been able to approach 2021 with positivity.
Through the lens,
March 19, 2021
In addition to the acting and rehersal, the planning, scheduling and the showing of the in-person plays has been the largest accomplishment of the program since COVID-19 broke out. What seemed to be such a simple task before the pandemic transformed into an insurmountable task. Director Betsy Craig said, “I am extraordinarily grateful because I am the only person, I know of my colleagues around that is doing live theater. We have been very adamant about covid procedures and so I think it’s only because the students so much want to do their art … we’ve been able to accomplish that.” One of the crucial aspects for the visual arts are the performances, and for the theater program these performances are the premier showcases for its students.
CALEB WEST
Page 7
Perspectives The Collegian,
Page 8
March 19, 2021
Cowboys, princesses and mysterious evil Analyzing a cinematic wonder
Gresham Smith Contributing Writer
Few movie franchises excite more discussion than “Star Wars.” Ever since George Lucas’s groundbreaking movie in 1977, the galaxy far, far away has been rife with controversy. In recent years, the blame has come to rest repeatedly on Disney and Kathleen Kennedy. But, at least artistically, the fault of this particular charlie foxtrot can be laid to rest on George Lucas’s front step. And the problem started all the way back in 1978. “A New Hope” and “Rogue One” represent what “Star Wars” movies could have been, and television would have been revolutionized had “The Mandalorian” appeared 40 years ago. But in 1980, Lucas directed one of the most detrimental sequel movies of all time: “The Empire Strikes Back.” Ironically, the second installment in the franchise is heralded by many as the crown jewel, the defining moment of “Star Wars.”
Regarding the latter, they would be correct. But not in a good way. Why Lucas screwed the pooch is not entirely clear, but what is clear is how he did it. The first movie represents the poten-
coherent and legitimate was an amazing work of cinema. But sadly, that was quickly pushed aside by “The Empire Strikes Back.”
tial of
“Star Wars.” “A New Hope” is a space swashbuckler—”Pirates of the Caribbean” with intergalactic travel. War on the great frontier: cowboys, shamans, princesses and mysterious evil, “Star Wars” had it all. To draw from the mystical knights of the round table, the cowboys of the wild west and the burgeoning frontier of space, and to produce a movie both
Nicholas Barber published an excellent piece in the BBC drawing out the incoherence of “The Empire Strikes Back” in detail. In summation, the movie doesn’t track with the final events of “A New Hope” and changes thematically. The focus becomes aggressively interpersonal: the thesis ringing out conclusively with “I am your father.” As enjoyably dramatic as the scene may be, every
When claiming ultimate tradition Clark Mummau Perspectives Editor
For many Christians, worship is a key part of the Sunday routine. Worship is often one of the large differences between churches and one of the things that causes people to join or leave a church. With the many types of worship come many opinions about that worship, but I think that most of these opinions are unhelpful or inaccurate. I would hope all Christians can agree that our patterns of worship, and the whole service, should be informed primarily if not singularly from Scripture itself. However, the Bible does not explicitly provide a prescriptive service order, sheet music or liturgy, so we should be gracious in our disagreements with others. The Bible does not prescribe our worship, but it does provide valuable insights into how the early church functioned that I think we should model our worship after. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers… And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and gen-
movie since has sought to legitimize, explain and unpack this statement. The prequel movies are an attempt to explain the clone wars and the Skywalker family tree. (I’m
erous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved,” Acts 2:42, 44-47 says. The first εκκλησία, as this is the first gathering of Christians beyond the apostles and their immediate circle, was focused on learning from the apostles, fellowshipping with one another, charity, praise and the Lord’s Supper. Breaking of bread is likely synecdoche for communion, but if you would disagree with that, 1 Corinthians 11:18-20 shows that communion was a regular part of church. Pliny’s circa 111 A.D. letter to Trajan says that Christians “were accustomed to meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing responsively a hymn to Christ as to a god,” and Justin Martyr’s First Apology 155-157 A.D. also describes weekly teaching, prayer, communion and offering. Today, only some denominations practice weekly communion, but I think all feature teaching of the Bible and caring for the church community. Praise, though, is nebulous and varied among churches and not as well attested to in Scripture and the early church as the other elements of the service. Some argue that we should only sing the Psalms as praise, and while I think there is nothing wrong with that, it is certainly not biblically mandated. Ephesians 5:19 says that we should be “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiri-
tual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,” as a sign of being filled with the Spirit, but the Psalms are only one of those things. Others argue that we should only sing hymns, but I also think this argument is inadequate. If it claims to tradition, it is not what the apostles and the first Century church did, and therefore we should not sing hymns. If it claims to “better theology,” then I appreciate the argument, but there are also songs in hymnals that lack a deep theology such as “In the Garden” or “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” that would be a less than ideal inclusion to a service. I think hymns are a vital aspect of Spirit-filled life, but if you are singing a spiritual song in a Spirit-filled manner, I think your worship is valid and good, and some modern songs certainly do, or at least they can, accomplish this. As long as it’s more than trivially biblical, I think it’s probably fine to sing. So, as you worship, and worship you should, remember that your tradition can’t claim ultimate tradition, that the Bible sanctions more than just Psalms and hymns for worship and that preaching the Bible, caring for the church and the Lord’s Supper are a bigger deal to the Bible than how or what you sing. Ultimately, according to Paul, spiritual worship is “to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,” (Rom. 12:1).
sure the sequels didn’t focus on that, right?) Perhaps, George should have left the past in the past. “The Phantom Menace,” prior to the sequel trilogy, had been panned as the worst of all six movies. “Attack of the Clones” felt like (and is) a hastily thrown together bridge to bring us to what the prequels were really about: the rise of Vader in “Revenge of the Sith.” But they were all soap opera as much as they were space opera. In contrast, “Rogue
One” takes us back to 1977: espionage, love and sacrifice. No twisted family tree, no grotesquely emotional acting. Just love and war. “The Mandalorian” and “The Clone Wars” are as much Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau saving George’s bacon as they are fantastic shows. “The Clone Wars” tethers the Star Wars universe together better than Lucas could have ever hoped after “Revenge of the Sith,” and “The Mandalorian” is quintessential good cinema: a lone gunslinger with a deadly agenda, as much religious as selfish. The future of “Star Wars” cinema, political agendas notwithstanding, is bright. As long as Filoni and Favreau remain at the helm, they will continue to replicate the success of the episodic installments of the franchise. Lucas revolutionized the visual aspect of film. However, he was a terrible storyteller. The same cannot be said for Filoni or Favreau, and it’s likely that their format episodic will continue to provide greater dexterity for the scope of the “Star Wars” universe and serve to improve upon the story from a galaxy far, far away.
Cutlery chaos Harmony Rivers Contributing Writer
Plates are back and the freshmen are confused. From the minute we stepped onto campus last semester, the dining halls have had grab and go meals in plastic containers and individually packaged snacks. When plates and silverware appeared suddenly in Hicks a couple weeks ago, many freshmen did not know what to do with themselves. Going to eat with friends, more often than not, means asking for take-out but still eating in the dining hall. The setup of Hicks stayed the same all last semester, but this semester has brought many changes that never seem to stay consistent. Hopefully, this change will stay, and all the newbies can learn the ways of the college dining hall. Personally, I was quite confused about the change in Hicks, and I avoided using plates or cutlery at all until recently. It may have been helpful if the school had sent out an email to inform us of the change, and I also think that some signage in the dining hall to make things clearer for students and for visiting families would be even more helpful. I was not able to figure it out on my own. One of my friends had to show me where the dirty dishes go, and she had previously avoided using plates until an upperclassman showed her how things normally run. While I under-
stand it now, not having a guide like we may have had at the beginning of a normal freshman year discouraged me from adapting to the changes, even if they are usually considered the “normal.” While this is one more learning curve freshmen have to tackle coming into a new environment, the fact that matters are slowly returning to normal is a comforting and encouraging thought. Efforts are being made to move away from at least some of the restrictions from the beginning of the school year, and this small change brings some hope for lifting of more restrictions as we move into springtime. It is also worth mentioning that making these changes will start to bring down the amount of trash that we are generating as a school. It is honestly a little shocking to see just how much trash piles up in the dumpsters over the course of a week, most of it in plastic shopping bags with “thank you” written across the front. Cutting back on trash even in a small way can make a huge difference in the amount of waste created on a daily basis, and it helps to push back against some of the more negative results of the pandemic. While partially moving one dining hall back to normal may not seem to make a big change to the numerous effects of COVID-19, hopefully small changes like this will start taking place across campus, though it may take some patience on the part of the upperclassmen as the freshmen slowly get used to what life as a college student really looks like.
The Collegian,
March 19, 2021
Page 9
Racial reconciliation, justice and the Gospel
Zachary Pitcher
Chapel Ministries Coordinator The Chapel Ministries Department seeks to deepen the biblical knowledge of all students, show them how the Christian faith applies to all areas of life and equip all students to engage their communities with the message of the Gospel. These three aims inform chapel programming, including this year’s emphasis on race, reconciliation and justice. Ignoring these would narrow our perception of the scope of the Gospel, distort our reading of Scripture and make us ill-equipped to apply our faith to the societies in which we live. The Bible’s teaching on race, reconciliation and justice is rooted in the doctrine of sin. The first chapters of the book of Genesis describe how sin corrupted all parts of creation, from the land to childbearing, in addition to separating humanity from God. The Lord then embarks on a plan to make all things new. This restoration of creation involves God working through his people to restore humanity to right relationship with himself, with each other and with the created order. In the Old Testament,
REFLECTION continued from 1
“After it became very clear that students would not be returning, except to grab the stuff they left behind, my wife and I packed up and headed out to Missouri to work on my parents’ property,” he said. The sudden exodus created a campus wasteland, with only staff around to enjoy the turn from winter to spring. “We had a gorgeous spring and summer and I often went for walks outside thinking, ‘Man, students would love being here right now!’” Jose said. At the time, students were not sure how seriously to take the virus. “I remember talking to friends about not thinking we needed to freak out over the virus but not thinking we should just ignore it,” senior Mary Campbell said. “I read about covid in an article shortly before leaving with the outing club on spring break. We were out in the middle of nowhere, so I didn’t keep up with the news until i got back from the break,” senior Adam Cramer said. “Once we got back from the break, I started to realize that this was going to be a serious thing and I began to keep a tab open to the Johns Hopkins Covid tracker.” Effects of the virus spanned beyond the academic and residential, cancelling spring sports mid-season. Softball coach Kristen Cramer praised the team’s ability to maintain its community amidst the loss. “Our softball team handled the change with fortitude and grace. Even though we weren’t on campus together, the team connected with each other via video calls, texts, emails, notes and social media… it’s remarkable how they stayed united through the hardship of suddenly los-
MATT SCHOONOVER
God’s work of redemption is focused on the nation of Israel who are to live as a light to the nations. Deuteronomy 4:6-8 describes how Israel’s justice and peace should be a critical part of their witness to their neighbors. God’s law was in part designed to show Israel what a just society should be, though Israel could never live up to that standard. Laws of justice included practices like Leviticus 19:9, where God commanded landowners not to harvest all of their fields but leave the edges of their fields for the poor. Israel eventually turns away from God causing God to send prophets to call them
back to obedience to the Lord. Several of these prophets point to the violence and oppression of Israel as being evidence of her spiritual bankruptcy (Isaiah 10, Amos 5:10-15, Hosea 4:1-4, 8-10; 12:7-8). Turning away from the Lord meant also turning away from his justice. God does not only call Israel to be just, but also commands that Israel be a light to the nations and reached out to the racial and ethnic other. This theme is introduced in the Abrahamic covenant of Genesis 12 and continues throughout the Old Testament narrative, as Israel attempts to be an attractive,
ing a season. That makes a coach proud,” Cramer said. A year later, the pandemic has affected everyone to varying degrees. “From friends who have lost loved ones, to postponed weddings celebrated with only family, to women who had to give birth without their partner present, it’s been such a hard year for so many people,” Jose said. “I look forward to the day when God sweetens every bitter and rights every wrong.” With all these changes and uncertainties, some were wary to return to campus. “My biggest fear coming into this year was that right as we were starting to get comfortable, we would have to leave again,” Hicks resident assistant junior Wes Gray said. “I was very worried that COVID would affect how relationships were built and how the community on my freshmen hall would form. It has been amazing to see God work. Even in the middle of all the COVID craziness there are some awesome friend groups that have formed on my hall who have grown closer with each other and the Lord this year.” Vice president of Student Life & Learning Larry Hardesty credited McNulty for his unwavering commitment to the student body, saying “he was the engine behind keeping us here.” With the Presidents’ Athletic Conference moving all sports to the spring, teams have had to navigate new protocols for practices and competitions. “It’s a unique experience to be playing a sport right now. The softball team is doing more problem-solving and adapting than ever. But there’s something really special about a group of young women who love softball, love the challenge, love the Lord and love each other,” Cramer said. “It means a
great deal to us to be able to practice together and ultimately play this spring.” Since students’ return for the 2020-21 school year, there have been 239 positive cases distributed among students and employees. The spring semester has contributed 102 cases to this total, and the running total has been updated biweekly on the Positive COVID-19 Dashboard on myGCC. Since March 10, the college has reported zero positive cases. According to Hardesty, the college in its effort to prevent more cases, is currently using only part of the second floor at the Holiday Inn Express near the Grove City Premium Outlets and on-campus houses for quarantine. To mitigate the spread, students have followed strict contact tracing guidelines, as instituted by SL&L. However, as students test positive or get vaccinated, they become exempt from these processes. The quarantine and isolation experience has shaped many students’ perspectives from quarantine including bonding in the mole hole, outdoor time at the hotel and waiting for an email to set you free. “Yard time: it was definitely the time I looked forward the most. I could talk with friends and avoid going insane from lack of social interaction,” junior Carlos Orozco said. Though the pandemic still lingers, McNulty said this spring is considerably different compared to last year. Where last spring was “a time of disappointment and fearful uncertainty,” this semester is filled with “hope and expectation.” “It’s actually a pretty good picture of Christ’s death and resurrection. Such redemptive narratives are beneficial to our faith.”
alternative community that welcomes all who seek to follow the Lord. The New Testament picks up the themes of justice, race and reconciliation in the stories of Jesus’ ministry. The Gospels repeatedly show Jesus going out of his way to bless and care for the poor, the oppressed and the foreigner. Jesus reminds us that the people of God are called to be those who seek to restore all of creation to right relationship with the Father. He reminds us that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and that we are to be a foretaste of the just and diverse people of God worshiping the Lord in Revelation
7. If we overlook the topics of justice, race and reconciliation we miss the scope of God’s activity and his desire to right all of the effects of the Fall. Christians should strive to apply the reconciling effects of the Gospel to all parts of our lives and society. We should strive to connect the Gospel to underfunded schools, discriminatory housing policies and police brutality because these are expressions of sin. If we do not consider issues of justice, race and reconciliation, then we will fail to bring the Gospel to bear on many parts of our lives. Finally, we must address issues of race, justice and reconciliation in order to answer the questions of our day. The current justice discussions in our country reveal our need for a savior who can bring true reconciliation and justice. If we do not understand the Gospel’s call for just societies, then we will miss one of the greatest evangelistic opportunities of our day. We must show our world that the Gospel provides answers to these questions of race, reconciliation and justice that plague us. If you want to hear more about these topics, I would invite you to attend Vespers this week where my wife Abbey Mae and I will be discussing this topic further.
march 24-26
ALL clothing and gifts, including clearance! Textbooks not included. In-store only. Can be combined with employee discount but no other discounts or coupons.
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.
Sports The Collegian, Mar. 19, 2021
Page 10
Softball splits series Women start season 3-3
Gresham Smith Contributing Writer
The last week has been a busy one for Grove City softball. After a year away from the diamond, the Wolverines are back at it, having played three double-headers in the past eight days. Wednesday, the Wolverines split a double-header against the Franciscan University Barons in Steubenville. In the first game, senior pitcher Ashely Cornelius notched her third win of the year, her best performance to date. The Wolverine starter allowed just one hit, a walk, over seven shutout innings. Offensively, it was a bit of a party. Freshman Emily Smyth, batting in the designated hitter spot, blasted her first career collegiate home run in the top of the seventh, a three-run capstone to an all-around, 9-0 Wolverine romp. Senior outfielder Hannah Dietz and senior first baseman Haley Dietz both added homers of their own, a threerun shot for Hannah in the fourth, and a two-run blast for Haley in the sixth. Sophomore third baseman Maddie Clark also notched two hits and a run in the win.
Cornelius was responsible for the sixth Grove City run when she singled left, driving in Clark. In the second game, the Wolverines lost a close one, 8-6. Smyth homered once again, going 3-4 at the plate, with two runs scored. She, along with junior middle infielder Cara Polese and Haley Dietz also smacked doubles. The Barons jumped out to a 8-0 lead by the end of the third, but the Wolverines fought back, scoring one in the fourth and the seventh, along with a four-run sixth inning. Saturday, the Wolverines faced-off against rival Geneva, splitting the doubleheader. Cornelius was solid once again, pitching another complete game, and holding the Golden Tornadoes to three earned runs in a 5-4 Wolverines win. Smyth, playing catcher, was a force at the plate, going 2-3 with a double and two runs driven in. Polese and freshman infielder Maralee Caldana both added two hits apiece. In the second game, Geneva emerged victorious, 5-1. Dawson threw a solid seven innings, but Geneva’s Nicole West surrendered only six hits and no walks. For
the Wolverines, freshman catcher Lauren Harris went 1-2 and drove in Grove City’s sole run. Junior shortstop Lexi Buck added a hit and a run scored. Opening day was Tuesday the ninth, at home against Waynesburg. Cornelius was terrific in the first game, a 4-1 Grove City victory. The three-year starter went 2-4 at the plate and stifled the Yellow Jacket offense to the tune of seven hits and one run in a complete game victory. Hannah Dietz finished with two knocks and a run batted in and Polese added another two hits and a run scored. The second game was much higher scoring, as Waynesburg rallied late to win, 8-6. For the Wolverines, junior centerfielder Morgan Prouty went 3-4 at the plate and sophomore starting pitcher Janessa Dawson went 2-3, drove in three runs and gave up two earned runs in five and a third innings pitched. The Wolverines’ next matchup is on the road in New Wilmington against the Westminster Titans. The first game of the doubleheader is slated for 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Goal after goal
MATT SCHOONOVER
MATT SCHOONOVER
Junior outfielder Morgan Prouty goes up to bat against Geneva College Saturday. The Wolverines split the series. Sophomore defender Aaron McFeaters keeps Waynesburg from scoring in last Saturday’s game. Soccer is officially in season and both men’s and women’s team are off to winning starts. The women’s team took the win over Waynesburg, 3-0. Junior Tirzah Lloyd earned conference recognition for her defensive work, keeping Waynesburg to only three shots in the game. Lloyd added security for the Wolverines and scored the final point of the game with a penalty shot. Freshman Gianna
D’Amato earned PAC rookie of the week honors as she scored the first goal of the game as well as contributing an assist. The men’s team earned a 2-0 victory over Waynesburg later in the evening. Junior goalkeeper Luke Greenway also won PAC defensive player of the week, as he kept Waynesburg’s scoring to a minimum, making two saves and earning his ninth career shutout. Both teams return to the field tomorrow as they face Thiel on Don Lyle field. The men will take the field at 1 p.m. and the women at 4 p.m.
National Sports Column
Marvelous
Connor Schlosser Staff Writer
Boxing legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler passed away unexpectedly in his New Hampshire home Saturday at 66. Born in Newark, N. J., Hagler always fought to get to the top. He opened his boxing debut in 1973 in Brockton, Massachusetts with a knockout, a common theme to be seen throughout his illustrious career. Emerging as a force in the Middleweight class all while fighting southpaw, a young Marvin punched his way through fighters in New England to build a name for himself. Hagler entered the ring in 1980 at Wembley Arena in London to fight the defending middleweight champion, Alan Minter. Hagler dealt significant damage to Minter’s face, resulting in a
technical knockout in favor of Hagler. Now in possession of the belt and undisputed title, he fled a disgruntled London to return to his home in Brockton, where he was presented with a key to the city. As an amateur, Hagler had been given the nickname “Marvelous” from a local reporter from Lowell, Mass., but now that Hagler was on top of the world with the belt in his possession, everyone knew he had earned it. The nickname evidently grew on the boxer, because when he was introduced simply as “Marvin Hagler” without the prefacing “Marvelous” nickname, he decided to legally change his full name in Marvelous Marvin Hagler in 1982. A duel with Thomas Hearns in 1985 was Hagler’s finest hour. The fight has become known as “the War” in boxing history. With Hearns’ clear height advantage and Hagler’s previous fight with Roberto Du-
CNN
ran going fifteen rounds over a year ago, many thought the defending champ’s time was up. The first round was one of the most thrilling of the era. The two were beating each other to a pulp, exchanging blows equally. Into the third round a physician examined a cut around Hagler’s eye. Upon asking the boxer if he could see, Hagler wittily replied, “I ain’t missing him, am I?” Hagler then sent Hearns to the canvas in the third round. With Hearns in no condition to continue, the fight was over and Hagler
had won again. In his final fight in 1987, Marvelous faced off against fellow legend Sugar Ray Leonard. It was reasonably a fight of hype and spectacle which went all 12 rounds. In a controversial split decision, the belt was given to Leonard despite many believing Hagler was the rightful victor. Upon his defeat, Hagler decided to leave the sport he loved and retire. Marvelous reigned as the undisputed middleweight champion of the world from 1980-87 with an impressive
record of 62 wins, three losses and two draws. Knockouts comprised 52 of his 62 victories. In 1993 he was inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Hagler never looked back after retiring from boxing, unlike many other legendary boxers. He pursued acting after his boxing career, but never found much success in that endeavor. Marvelous will always be associated with his boxing dominance. He defined an era of international sports and inspired millions more.
The Collegian, Mar. 19, 2021
Page 11
Sports at a Glance
News
The football team plays at home tonight at 7 p.m. versus Saint Vincent. This will be the first home football game since the team won the ECAC James Lynah Bowl on November 23, 2019. Students are encouraged to attend and support the team and must follow outdoor attendance guidelines.
GCC
Senior guard Justice Rice dunks the ball during Tuesday’s quarterfinal versus Chatham University.
Men’s basketball secures semifinals Ayden Gutierrez Staff Writer
The Grove City men’s basketball team entered the President’s Athletic Conference championship tournament as the defending conference champions. Wolverines entered this year’s tournament as a fourth seed and played host to the fifthseeded Chatham Cougars on Tuesday night. The Wolverines were firing on all cylinders, as they claimed a resounding 78-57 victory at the Grove City College Arena in the quarterfinals of the PAC tournament. The Wolverines’ success came from a collective effort of sharpshooting, as the team shot 52 percent from the field during the contest. Grove City shot 50 percent from behind the arc, an exceptional feat. To put this in perspective, the 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors went 73-9 and were arguably the greatest three-point shooting team in the history of the NBA. That team only shot 41 percent from three-point range. The Cougars only shot a
subpar 34 percent, which can be accredited to a swarming and exasperating defensive effort by Grove City. Grove City scored 12 points off of 10 Chatham turnovers. The Wolverines were led by a familiar face: senior Justice Rice. Rice scored 18 points, leading all scorers. Luca Robinson added 10 points on 5-6 shooting from the field. Elijah White and Ben Rose each scored eight points, Chris Brooks scored six and Erik Meiners scored five. The first 10 minutes of the ballgame were back and forth, with Grove City leading 18-15 at the halfway point in the first half. A 26-7 run to end the half would give the Wolverines all the momentum that they needed, as they entered the half with a 44-22 lead. Chatham never once led in this game, as the second half was an onslaught. The Wolverines lead by as many as 29 late in the second half. The bench play by Grove City has been a factor all season long, especially on Tuesday night. The Wolverine bench outscored Chatham’s
bench 35-17. The Grove City style of consistently substituting a whole new five-man rotation early and often allows for an abundance of bench points and a fresh, healthy, and complete squad. The Wolverines dominated the boards all night long, as they out-rebounded Chatham 47-25 on the night. Grove City had 19 secondchance points, while Chatham only had six. When one dominates the boards, that often means that they dominate the paint as well. Grove City scored 38 points in the paint, while Chatham only scored 24. Tuesday’s win puts the Wolverines at 7-3 on the year. After the time of publication, Grove City competed in the semi-finals against second-seeded Geneva last night. On the other side of the bracket, the sixth seeded Thiel Wildcats will go up against the one-seeded Westminster Titans. The two winners will face off on Saturday at the higher-seeded team’s court.
Women’s basketball season comes to end Gresham Smith Contributing Writer
The women’s basketball season came to a close in the semifinals of the PAC tournament Wednesday night. Grove City lost at Washington and Jefferson 62-40. It was a tough night offensively for the Wolverines as they shot 25 percent from the floor. Freshman forward Kat Goetz finished with a doubledouble, scoring 14 and grabbing 10 rebounds. Senior guard Jess Bowen scored seven, as did sophomore guard Emma Vezzosi. The Wolverines led by two, 19-17, at the end of the first quarter. However, the Presidents’ PAC-leading defense only surrendered 21 points through the next three quarters. Grove City won the turnover margin by seven but struggled to find a shooting rhythm. Monday, the Wolverines faced Geneva at home in the quarterfinals of the PAC conference tournament. The week-long break seemed
to have been beneficial for Grove City as the Wolverines roared to a 101-69 victory over the Golden Tornadoes. Bowen was the offensive catalyst, finishing with 26 points, seven assists, and nine rebounds, as well as four steals on the defensive end. Goetz was dominant as well, shooting 8-11 from the floor in route to scoring 16, grabbing six rebounds, and a team-leading four blocks. Vezzosi and Allison Podkul both scored in double figures, and Jordan McConnell added five assists, three steals and four points in 21 minutes. Off the bench, Jess Kimbrell and Megan Kallock both scored eight, two of nine non-starters to score Monday night. Grove City’s bench outscored the Geneva bench 34-15. Geneva hung tough through the first quarter, but the Wolverines were up 5135 at half before hitting the afterburners in a 34-point third quarter, stretching the lead to 33 points. The Wolverines split their last two regular sea-
son games. On Monday, the game was a match-up of two of the PAC’s best; Saint Vincent and Grove City were a combined 13-0 on the year. The game was competitive throughout, stretching into overtime. In the end, it was the visitors who pulled out a win, 78-74. Bowen and Vezzosi both finished with 17 points, and Goetz led the Wolverines with nine rebounds. Two days prior, Grove City pulled out a six-point win on the road against Bethany. Bowen scored 24, and McConnell and Vezzosi both scored in double figures. The team finished their season at 8-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play. They remained undefeated at 7-0 until Monday’s overtime loss to Saint Vincent. Bowen and Goetz received numerous conference honors and Bowen notched 1000-points. The team graduates eight seniors this year and will see a strong roster of returners and recruits next season.
Last week marked the return of soccer, and both men’s and women’s teams posted opening day home wins over Waynesburg. Softball, baseball, tennis and water polo have also kicked off their seasons, joining the rest the teams in the expanded spring season.
Results
Women’s Basketball (8-2) L, W&J (62-40)
Men’s Basketball (7-3) W, Chatham (78-57)
Volleyball (4-1)
W, Saint Vincent (3-1)
Men’s Lacrosse (2-1) W, W&J (18-2)
Baseball (4-0)
W, Waynesburg (3-1), (4-2), (13-3), (2, 1)
Softball (3-3)
L, Franciscan (8-6) W, Franciscan (9-0)
Water Polo (0-2) L, Mercyhurst (26-10) L, Wittenberg (20-11)
Men’s Tennis (0-1) L, Carnegie Mellon (8-1)
Women’s Tennis (1-1) W, Thiel (9-0)
Men’s Soccer (1-0) W, Waynesburg (2-0)
Women’s Soccer (1-0) W, Waynesburg (3-0)
Upcoming Football
Mar. 19, 7 p.m. vs. Saint Vincent
Volleyball
Mar. 19, 7 p.m. at Franciscan
Lacrosse
Mar. 20, 11 a.m. at Chatham
Men’s Cross Country
PAC Championship Mar. 20, 1 p.m. at Bethany
Women’s Cross Country
PAC Championship Mar. 20, 1 p.m. at Bethany
Men’s Soccer
Mar. 20, 1 p.m. vs. Thiel
Women’s Soccer Mar. 20, 4 p.m. vs. Thiel
Softball
Mar. 20, 1 p.m. at Westminster (DH)
Baseball
Mar. 20, 1 p.m. at W&J (DH) Mar. 22, 1 p.m. vs. W&J (DH)
Water Polo
Mar. 20, 1 p.m. at W&J
WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS Tirzah Lloyd Women’s soccer PAC defensive player of the week Gianna D’Amato Women’s soccer PAC rookie of the week Luke Greenway Men’s soccer PAC defensive player of the week Elaine Miller Water polo CWPA defensive player of the week Reese Trauger Water polo CWPA player of the week Clarie Lochstet Water polo CWPA rookie of the week Tate Ostrowski Baseball PAC pitcher of the week
Danny Stone Lacrosse PAC rookie of the week Gabby Lucas Volleyball PAC rookie of the week Anna DeGraaf Volleyball PAC defensive player of the week Michael Moosa PAC Swimmer of the Year Liz Hasse Swimming PAC Newcomer of the year Coach Dave Fritz PAC 2x Coach of the Year Rachel Wallace PAC swimmer of the year
Sports The Collegian, March 19, 2021
Page 12
Swing, but don’t miss Baseball sees strong start Gresham Smith Contributing Writer
One can only imagine that the Waynesburg Yellow Jackets have seen enough of the Wolverines by now. Grove City swept two double-headers against their conference foes at home last Wednesday and then on the road last Saturday. On the road, the Wolverines won the first game thanks to stellar efforts on the mound from senior D.J. Newby and Freshman Nick Guidas. Newby gave up four hits and a run over five and a third innings to record his first win of the year, while Guidas recorded the final 11 outs, eight by way of strikeout. Offensively, the Wolverines scored three runs in the fourth thanks to a tworun single from junior right fielder Joey Kolb and a sacrifice bunt from junior center fielder Matt Knauer. The latter contest was as equally competitive, a 3-1 victory for Grove City. On the mound, sophomore Calvin Burns gave up only four hits over five shutout innings, and sophomore Austin Basham closed out the win with two innings of work. Six Wolverines recorded base hits, including senior shortstop Bobby Abbot and senior catcher Tanner Orner, both of whom scored, and sophomore centerfielder Kaz Hoffman who drove in a run.
The Wolverines did the majority of their scoring early, knocking out Waynesburg’s starting pitcher, freshman Ryan Sullivan, after two innings. Orner and Abbott opened the second inning with back-to-back singles, before advancing on a passed ball. Sophomore third baseman Noah Cyphert was thrown out at first on a groundout, but not before Orner scored and Abbott advanced to third. Hoffman would then drive Abbott home on an infield single. On Wednesday, the first game was a nail-biting, 2-1 victory for the Wolverines. In his first collegiate start on the mound, junior pitcher Tate Ostrowski was brilliant, striking out 12 Yellow Jackets and surrendering only one walk and four hits in seven innings, a complete game. Grove City scored early on a first-inning single from senior first baseman Bubba Hamilton, who drove in Tambellini. Waynesburg answered in the fourth on a passed ball, but the Wolverines would take back the lead in dynamic fashion in the fifth. Tambellini led off the home half of the inning with a rocket over the left field fence, a decisive home run that would prove to be the winning score. In the second game, the Wolverine offense exploded with 13 runs. In the designated hitter spot, Abbot went 3-4 with three runs scored
MATT SCHOONOVER
Junior pitcher Tate Ostrowski pitches in the game versus Waynesburg March 10. Ostrowski struck out 12 batters and gave up one walk in seven innings. The Wolverines went on to win the series. and another three driven in. Freshman shortstop Lucca Baccari went 3-5 with three RBIs. Seven Wolverines collected hits and two finished with multiple walks. The game was competitive, a 4-2 Grove City lead until the Wolverines broke the game wide open in the bottom of the fifth. Tambellini lead off
Not my Presidents Ayden Gutierrez Staff Writer
The men’s lacrosse team battled President’s Athletic Conference foe Washington and Jefferson on Saturday afternoon at Robert E. Thorn Field and took home a resounding 18-2 victory to put their record at 2-1 on the season. The junior tandem of Jed Speers and Brett Gladstone led the way with four goals and two assists each. The Wolverines came out of the gate on fire, scoring seven goals in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead. The Wolverines controlled the momentum for the duration of the contest, which was largely attributed to the defensive dominance that was on display. The Wolverines’ defense shutout the Presidents in three of the four total quarters; W&J scored their only two goals in the third stanza. Freshman goalkeeper Danny Stone earned his first collegiate win after holding the Presidents to only two goals. Stone was also recognized as winning the President’s Athletic Conference’s Rookie of the Week nomination. “W&J only scoring two
goals is a huge testament to our team,” Stone said. “As a goalie, the defensive guys made my job really easy, as they held them to only 14 shots on goal with very few high-quality chances to score.” Stone also credited the offense for their complete domination on the opposing half of the field. “Our face-off guys were also amazing at the dot. Our offense kept putting up goals and our face-off guys kept winning faceoffs, keeping the ball off our defensive side of the field,” he said. The Wolverines continued their scoring prowess in the second quarter, putting five balls into the net to take a 12-0 lead into the break. Speers, Blaise Bishop, Jack Carpenter and Michael La Forte all scored in the second quarter, with Speers scoring twice. La Forte and James Petrolle scored twice on Saturday for the Wolverines, while Aidan Morse and Patrick Mark each scored once. Junior Grant Evans won eight out of eleven face-offs for the Wolverines on Saturday and tallied a team leading seven ground balls. Bishop had six ground balls,
while Gladstone and Mark both had five. Grove City dominated this game in almost all statistical categories, including shots. The Wolverines tallied 55 total shots to W&J’s 28. Grove City held a 31-14 advantage in the shots on goal category. The Wolverines also capitalized on their man-up opportunities, as they won three of those four chances. The Presidents scored their only two goals in the third quarter, but Grove City continued their domination after the break, tallying three of their own goals in the period. The final stanza saw three more Grove City shots find the back of the net to set the final score at 18-2. Although it was a conference matchup, this game will not count towards the overall conference standings. The Wolverines will face Washington and Jefferson again on April 24 in Washington, PA. It still however counts in the win column, so the Wolverines now sit at 2-1 as they head to Pittsburgh to battle Chatham University at 11 a.m. tomorrow for another President’s Athletic Conference showdown.
the inning with a single, advanced to third on a Hamilton double. Cyphert drove Tambellini with a sacrifice fly, Abbott drove in Hamilton on a double and Baccari punctuated the inning with a two-run single. The Wolverines would add another four runs in the sixth and a run in the eighth on a bases loaded
hit-by-pitch. Grove City will visit Washington and Jefferson at 1 p.m. tomorrow for game one of the double-header. The Presidents will travel to Grove City to complete the series with another doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on Monday.