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@Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The GCC Newspaper Friday, November 12, 2021
A little friendly competition Baja team races Saturday in Butler
COMMUNITY
Collegian The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper
Vol. 107, No. 9
College crime Students capture fall beauty falls in 2020 Campus Safety reports stats Haley Steele Staff Writer
Vandalism, drinking and dating violence reports have decreased on the Grove City campus in 2020, according to crime statistics reports covering the last three years. The reports show theft instances have stayed relatively consistent over the last three years, but in 2018 the college recorded six instances of vandalism. In 2019 and 2020, they recorded only one. Alcohol violations are more prominent with 20 instances reported in 2018 and 18 instances reported in 2019. However, in 2020, only five incidents were reported. Relating to the sharp decrease in alcohol incidents, Seth Van Til, director of Campus Safety at Grove City College, says much of it has to do with COVID-19. The pandemic cleared the campus in March 2020 and led to restrictions on gathering and eating out in the fall of that year. “Fewer opportunities to consume alcohol and less time on campus for students translated to fewer incidents,” he said. According to Van Til, the college did discuss an increase of alcohol incidents
as a possible by-product of COVID-19, but the numbers suggest this was not the case. Drug use violations in 2020 stayed nearly the same from the previous year, and the record shows that most on-campus drug incidents concerned marijuana. The college also experienced a decrease in Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) crime statistics. VAWA encompasses dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. In 2018 and 2019, there were three instances of dating violence reported each year, but none in 2020. However, in 2020 the college reported a single instance of disorderly conduct, which had not happened in the previous two years. “Historically, we have had far fewer and less serious crimes at GCC than state schools like SRU, Clarion, etc. Our theft numbers vary quite a bit year to year but are usually fewer than private schools in our area,” Van Til said. Slippery Rock, which has a student body of approximately 8,500 students, certainly had far more instances of alcohol and drug violations in the last year, CRIME 3
LUKE GREENWAY
Senior Luke Greenway took first place in the fall photo contest with this photograph of Rainbow Bridge. To see the other photo submissions, check out Through the Lens on pages 6-7.
More than the uniform Jake Aspacher Contributing Writer
When first thinking of Campus Safety, students may think of many things: party poopers, mall cops or maybe a bad experience. Regardless of one’s experience, there are many interesting individuals behind the uniform. Some students may think of the college Campus Safety Department as unnecessary, or they aren’t quite sure what the purpose of Campus Safety is. Junior Jansen Dudt said that he’s always thought there was a use and purpose behind Campus Safety, but that he was not quite sure what exactly they do or what the scope of their responsibilities are. Meet Cpl. Todd Yeager. Yeager has been working for Campus Safety for almost five years. He lives in the Grove City area on a family farm with his wife and three kids. Some of his interests include coffee, cigars, his family beef farm, gardening and family time. On average he drinks about 8-9 cups of coffee a day. According to Yeager, Grove City Campus Safety officers are Pennsylvania ACT 235 certified. The Pennsylvania State Police website, states that the
Students launch political podcast Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
Cpl. Todd Yeager is seen working the Homecoming events. ACT 235 certification “provides for the training and licensing of watch guards, protective patrolmen, detectives and criminal investigators, carrying and using lethal weapons in their employment; imposing powers and duties on the Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police; and providing penal-
GCC
ties.” Campus Safety officers are not active police, however, they work very closely with the Grove City Police department, and their ACT 235 certification minimally impacts what they can and cannot do as enforcement officers, Yeager said. YEAGER 3
Senior Elizabeth Krieger and junior Aaron Jenks, alongside the Institute for Faith and Freedom, started “Liberty Mail Podcast,” a show that covers a variety of political topics. “We created the podcast to communicate where the conservative movement is making strides in order to encourage fellow conservatives in our generation and beyond,” Krieger said. “By focusing on the ‘conservative wins of the week,’ we wanted to break up the constant negativity of the news cycle and provide an alternative perspective of conservative college students.” Krieger and Jenks are the perfect hosts for the show. Krieger, a political science and communication arts double major, and Jenks, a political science major with a sales minor, have an abundance of knowledge on the issues they discuss. The two agreed that “Liberty Mail” can be categorized as a political podcast, since they focus on the top three conservative wins of the week; they often dissect the intersection between faith, politics, and policy. So far,
the duo has done eight podcasts, one of which featured guest Margo Weller. According to Jenks, the three wins can be, “anything from protests against vax mandates or President Biden standing by Taiwan against an encroaching militaristic China.” Jenks added that the two are looking to have guests on more frequently. “We are currently looking to have student guests on the podcast and for them to talk about a topic they are passionate about,” Jenks said. “These topics ought to relate to politics, policy and the intersection of faith.” Krieger hopes that as more episodes are produced, the demographic of listeners will also expand. “I would love to see this podcast have a broader audience among students here at GCC especially and even get more interaction with questions from students and man on the street videos,” Krieger said. “With more students listening, I think it would be helpful to get feedback and fine-tune the content to what more students would be interested in hearing.” Jenks hopes that the podcast can be used to mesh the PODCAST 3
Editorial
Page 2
The award-winning Grove City College student newspaper, Nov. 12, 2021
From the Tower
The problem with Disney
As a child, I grew up with Disney movies and became fascinated with its fantastical worlds and personal storytelling. Animated classics, such as “Aladdin” and Pixar’s “Toy Story,” captured my imagination. I can hardly say the same today. On the annual celebration of Disney+ Day, I find myself exhausted from the sheer amount of content Disney boasts. The magic that the beloved media company once had in my life is now gone. With Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and now 20th Century Fox under its belt, Disney has become an entertainment powerhouse, producing a multitude of films each year. Though technically not a monopoly, it sure does seem like Disney’s influence in our lives becomes greater and greater every day, especially within the film industry. Competing studios slowly lose their sway over audiences, and Disney+ only exacerbates this gap even further. Convincing people to subscribe to the streaming service for its plethora of content, Disney is no longer solely concerned with telling an original story. Now they’re in the business of making a profit, cashing in on their valuable intellectual properties, namely Marvel and Star Wars. Despite my love for both franchises, their approach to storytelling is disingenuous…and it shows. It’s like Disney is trying to sell consumers a product rather than tell audiences a story. Instead of creating meaningful art that provokes thought and imagination, Disney takes the opposite route by producing all-too-familiar content repeatedly. I fell in love with Disney movies in the first place because of the deeply personal and innately human stories, “The Lion King” being my favorite. This animated film not only entertained children but conveyed deep truths about the challenges of growing up. A kid’s movie on the surface, “The Lion King” tackled themes that children would only understand later as adults. Heck, Mufasa dies right in front of Simba, who ends up blaming himself for his father’s death. That’s some pretty heavy stuff for a five-year-old to watch, but many did. Why? Because the story was genuine and relatable, not merely a cash-grab. Now compare “The Lion King” to any Marvel or Star Wars project. Despite critical and commercial success in both franchises, Disney’s flaw resides in its inability to touch the same emotions I felt as a kid. Because many of these movies and TV shows are obsessed with their interconnectedness, they often feel impersonal and irrelevant. The studio, for the most part, is not concerned with creating personal, one-off stories anymore. Rather it’s focused on setting up different universes for multiple stories to take place in because they’re afraid to come up with something original that will bring in new audiences. Genuine art should not demand that you see every movie or TV show before you can watch the next one. Only content does that. With upcoming shows like Marvel’s “Hawkeye” and Star Wars’ “The Book of Boba Fett,” Disney will undoubtedly draw viewers into its streaming service with hours of endless content. But is it worth it?
David Zimmermann
Editor-in-Chief
Collegian Staff Editor-in-Chief
David Zimmermann
Managing Editor Caleb West
Section Editors News Ayden Gutierrez
Community Noel Elvin
Perspectives Clark Mummau
Sports
Emily Rupczewski
Photo Chief
Matthew Schoonover
Design Chief Chris Murphy
Copy Chief
Joanna Thorpe
Business Manager Kathryn Miller
Copy Editors
Claire Josey Eve Lee Andrew Marston Lauren Ness Syd Travis Zachary Wood
Staff Writers
Scott Amon Emma Rossi Connor Schlosser Sarah Soltis Haley Steele Isaac Willour Emma Whiteford
Staff Photographers Mia Campagna Grace David Dan Kabakjian Eve Lee Maya Lindberg Nolan Miller Olivia Ortman Max Pargeon Gracie Turnbaugh Caleb Warrick
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 the
This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to Design Chief Chris Murphy for his newsroom enthusiasm and attentive eye to detail. The Green Eyeshade Award honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.
Murphy
GCC
A case for competition Chris Murphy Design Chief
I am one of the most competitive people that I know. I thrive on it. I played IM football for years after playing in high school and middle school. I will gladly throw myself on the dirt behind Hopeman trying to keep a rally in volleyball. I’ve attempted multiple dayone raids in “Destiny 2,” even after the sun came back out. The sense of accomplishment that comes with a hardfought victory, or the thrashing of a good opponent, really can’t be matched for me. For the most part though, I can stay cool when I’m competing with or against others. Most of the time it’s not worth it for me to get emotionally invested in a simple game or argument. If I had a meltdown every time the Lions lost on Sunday, I’d have to be admitted to a psych ward. There have been times when I’ve gotten unreasonably committed to a dinner game with my family, though. It only escalates when I’m matched against my similarly competitive dad, but sometimes it’s fun to get into it with him over Codenames. Aside from even games though, I tend to get competitive when it comes to arguments and my beliefs. If anyone has ideas about which they aren’t able or willing to fight, they shouldn’t hold those beliefs.
But I actually make good on this principle and engage with others about our respective creeds. I’ve spent years studying Christian apologetics and worldviews so that I can have a better understanding of my values and God; I am prepared to defend those ideas as a result. Thank goodness my roommates can hold their own regarding theology and philosophy. I’m reminded every time I study apologetics that it’s meant to instill tools for discussion and not weapons against others. Sometimes, I find myself just being argumentative, as if I were studying debate instead. At what point does the competitive spirit become too intense? Am I in the wrong for applying competition to something as sanctified as religion? Having the discernment to judge other beliefs surely has to be warranted. I think I’ve been struggling to find the balance in valuing truth and relationships. If I overemphasize truth, I become callous towards others and how they perceive the world. I look only to share what I know is right at the cost of personability. If I lean too much towards relationships, I sacrifice my values for the sake of nonconfrontation. I allow myself to be more amicable, but I essentially become a mirror for others, reflecting what they see in themselves and their world back at them. I have to be resolved or else I am hollow. I have to be affable or else I am cold. All interpersonal connections
depend on this give and take, including that which we have with God. Too much emphasis on truth and we are legalistic. Too much emphasis on relationship and we are defenseless. I can’t spend every interaction with others fighting over what it means to be a human being, and I can’t let myself be preached to with ease. This even applies to our Christian institutions and instruction. If I stay committed to what I believe to be true, I only allow myself to take in certain messages. If I open myself to every passing thought, I am easily corrupted by the doctrines of the world. Neither extreme is ideal or constructive for the Christian. In this way, a relationship serves as a competition of the self. It is the challenge to be two things at once: a guide and a friend. The Church must find this balance in searching for the best methods of being in the world but not of it, which has misdirected plenty of fellow believers. We must be ready to defend our beliefs without belligerence or hostility towards those outside ourselves. So, while I may take a game of poker a little too seriously from time to time, I posit that competition is a virtue that can be harnessed and expressed with love. It is an excitement to express earnest encouragement in good spirits. There is no shame in supporting what is noble, if not at the cost of righteousness. Just don’t get too upset with me for yelling over Uno.
This week in history...
Military service and hotlines
November 13, 1922 Noted aviator speaks at Armistice Day banquet at Memorial Hall Armistice Day was to celebrate World War I veterans, so it is fitting that Memorial invited the aviator Lieutenant Kelly and Dr. Keter as well as many faculty and exservice students. Kelly was the holder of the endurance record, the non-stop record and the record of having lifted the heaviest plane. He spoke and also answered the questions of those present. In the same issue, The Collegian reflected on individual Grove City students who gave their lives serving in World War I. Students entered military service from all walks of life. Some had been football, baseball and track stars during their time at the college. Many
had graduated and gone on to be successful doctors, lawyers and engineers before becoming aviators, marines and infantry for the United States. All gave their lives for their country. November 9, 1971 Dignitaries inaugurate MacKenzie The Collegian reported on the upcoming inauguration of Dr. Charles Sherrard MacKenzie, the fifth president of the college. The inaugural service was to take place in Harbison Chapel and was attended by 175 people representing different colleges and honor societies. The ceremony was performed by Albert A. Hopeman, then Vice President of the Board of Trustees. Reverend Edward L.R Elson was to give the inau-
gural address titled, “The Christian College in the Big Room.” November 7, 1972 Hot line stresses helping The Collegian announced the planning of a “Campus Crisis-Intervention Hotline.” The hotline was slated to operate daily from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the Health Center on campus. In addition to offering counseling help, this hotline was to provide medical, financial, transportation, legal, academic, social and community services, as well as to serve as a “general information and rumor control service.”
Haley Steele
Staff Writer
News The Collegian,
Nov. 12, 2021
Page 3
College staff member takes new role
Orchesis on the main stage
Ayden Gutierrez News Editor
Senior Jess Ewing, junior Kamryn Brunner and senior Kylie Syska rehearse for Orchesis.
PODCAST
continued from 1
opposing political sides. “We hope that this podcast finds the ears of moderate listeners as well as conservatives who feel uneasy about having conversations with those on the Left,” Jenks said. “Liberty is a tenet held by virtually all Americans, no matter their political creed. I hope this podcast enables conversations that both liberals and conservatives can
CRIME
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even though they also noted a sharp decrease in drinking incidents and VAWA-related incidents throughout 2020. SRU still reported 71 alcohol incidents in comparison to the five at Grove City, and 49 drug incidents to the two at the college. Grove City had no incidents of rape, domestic violence or stalking reported in the last three years. Compared to Westminster, a private college of approximately 1,100 students nearby, Grove City College (with approximately 2,300 students) reported lower occurrences of assault, theft, vandalism and disorderly conduct. Westminster reported one
YEAGER
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Prior to working for the college, Yeager worked as a corrections officer and prison manager in Australia for 17 years. He has also worked as a behavioral support specialist in Butler. Talking about how he got into law enforcement, Yeager said, “I was always a bit of a square bear growing up, I saw a chance to make a difference.” Yeager said his time as a corrections officer and prison manager gave him many opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. This experience correlates directly into his role with Campus Safety. Some may think that Campus Safety is only here to enforce the rules or punish students. However, Yeager emphasized that Campus Safety strives to keep our campus safe and provide a positive experience for all students, impacting stu-
CALEB WEST
agree upon.” Krieger added that the podcast allows her and Jenks to be able to conduct healthy debate amongst their similar views. “My favorite part of the podcast so far is when Aaron and I butt heads a little bit,” Krieger said. “Even though we are both conservative, we have slightly different takes on certain topics; having a good-natured debate is always enjoyable.” The audio version of the
podcast is available on Spotify, Apple podcasts and Anchor. The video version is available on YouTube. Each episode is roughly 20-30 minutes long. Jenks discussed the reasoning behind the consistent time frame. “We try to keep it this length, because the podcast is specifically targeting students,” Jenks said. “Being a student is mighty busy, so anything longer seems not to fit into our demographic’s schedule.”
instance of sexual assault in 2018, two instances in 2019 and seven instances in 2020. Concerning theft, they reported 10 instances in 2018, seven instances in 2019 and four instances in 2020. Vandalism elicited three reports in 2018, two in 2019 and three in 2020. The Westminster Clery Report cites one instance of disorderly conduct in 2018, one in 2019 and three in 2020. “We are really fortunate to enjoy a place where we look out for each other,” Van Til said. He encourages students to be active, engaged members of the community and to report any suspicious person or situation to Campus Safety at 724-458-3000. “If the voice in your head
says that something is wrong, call us immediately,” he said. The college is required by the state to provide campus crime statistics, Van Til stated, but goes beyond that and voluntarily provides information required under the federal Student Right-ToKnow Act. “We provide a summary of security and safety measures that includes all crime stats to comply with Pa. law. We also provide the information required in the federal law even though we are not required to do so,” Van Til said. “The consensus is that students and parents benefit from having access to this information when selecting a college.”
dents’ lives in the long term. “We are here to help and guide in a certain direction,” Yeager said. “Everyone is going to make bad choices, but it’s what you do with that choice from there on that counts.” Dudt says that from his experiences, Campus Safety officers “really care and want to help students.” He emphasized that “they take their job seriously and want students to be comfortable.” When asked about the hardest part of his job, Yeager joked, “When the coffee machine breaks. I told them emphatically, if the coffee machine breaks, I won’t be coming in to work.” He said, “The hardest part is when you just can’t get through to somebody, or it really hurts when you see another person hurting. Some of the mental health calls or medical calls can be really tough. The threats don’t really phase you that much, but it’s the personal bits that can really get to you.”
Some of Yeager’s favorite parts of working for Campus Safety are the new challenges and opportunities presented every day; they are never boring. “Making a difference in somebody, getting to know some of the students, seeing them succeed and move on, even though seeing them move on is hard,” he said. “It’s like your kids, and you watch them grow, that’s one of the best things. You take it personal, and you’re personally invested in the kids.” Although some people may have preconceived ideas or hesitations when it comes to getting to know the Campus Safety officers, Yeager made it clear that all the Campus Safety officers want to get to know students. “We’re only human,” Yeager said. “We love to laugh and joke around just as much as anyone else, we have a strange sense of humor sometimes but just say ‘hello.’”
The college recently announced that Mandie McCreadie ’03 will be transitioning to the role of Program Coordinator for the Department of EducaMCCREADIE tion. McCreadie was known by many as the Assistant Registrar in the Academic Resource Center. In the registrar’s office, McCreadie was responsible for running day-to-day operations and managing many processes for the Registrar. Now, McCreadie will have a significant role for the education department. “One part of my role will be to assist the department in strengthening current programs – both undergraduate and post-baccalaureate – and to help develop new programs including anticipated graduate programs,” McCreadie said. After 12 years working with the Enrollment Services Department in Crawford Hall, McCreadie is ready for something new. “I am excited to move ‘up the hill’ so to speak,” McCreadie said. “Seven of my years with Enrollment Services were spent in direct student support, and I’m looking forward to again being in a position where, while with different focus, I’ll be working directly with students. I am also looking forward to shifting my perspective from policy oversight to that of the work of an academic department; how its programs, curriculum, and student impact can be grown and what visions they’ve cast that I can now play a role in implementing.” McCreadie is very appreciative for the opportunity to continue working at her alma
mater. “Grove City College is a very unique place,” McCreadie said. “… new perspective of that comes as a graduate who has had the opportunity to step beyond the bubble and then return as an employee.” As a student, McCreadie explained, she never thought she would come back to work at the college. “But God has a way of bringing you full circle and blessing you in that process. I find such joy in interacting with students and knowing that in a small way my work with them will be of benefit and help in their success at GCC and beyond,” she said. Although noting that there have been changes, McCreadie is pleased with how consistent the college has remained since her time as a student. Throughout the years, the college has tried to maintain its foundational purpose of quality education in a Christcentered environment, McCreadie explained. “There are many things that are similar – buildings, classes, staff, professors, organizations – but there are also many of those same things that have changed,” she said. New buildings, majors, professors, technology and organizations exemplify some of the expansions of the college in recent years. McCreadie cherishes the fact that she gets to serve students each and every day. “Serving students is a calling. I believe each and every role I’ve held on campus from actual job to volunteer opportunities has been what the Lord has called me to do, even this transition to a new office and role,” McCreadie said. “And when called to something, it stops being “just a job” and becomes a ministry.”
Looking for a great holiday read or the PERFECT Christmas gift for your parents?
by John Derr, GCC Class of 1985
“Derr has accomplished a great feat, taking a well-known story and making it feel fresh and new but still keeping the emotional impact of the original. Another Christmas Carol will be enjoyed by those who love Dickens’s version and those unfamiliar with the original. Derr has written a story that could become a new Christmas classic.” - Kristine Zimmerman for Readers’ Favorite Reviews
Get your copy at the also
BOOKSTORE Signed copies available at johncderr.com
Community The Collegian,
Nov. 12, 2021
Page 4
Upcoming Events...
What’s fresh at the Grove? On Campus:
Orchesis: Timeless 7 p.m. Friday- Saturday, Nov. 12-13 Ketler Auditorium
Battle of the Bands 6-10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12 Ket Rec
Pop-Up Thrift Shop 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 STU Great Room
CONTRIBUTED
GCC Racing races in “The Magic School Bus,” a yellow, manual baja car, or “dune buggy,” at Midnight Mayhem in Louisville, Ky.
GCC to race against six other colleges
Baja Butler Bash 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Switchback Motor Cross
Broadway Revue
GCC Racing hosts their first Baja SAE race
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Arnold Recital Hall
Noel Elvin
Community Editor
Isaac Stolpe and Laresa Pimm Senior Recital
The first Baja Butler Bash, which is also the first Baja SAE race hosted by GCC Racing, the college baja team, will take place tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The baja team is an oncampus club that races in numerous baja races, including Nationals in Rochester, N. Y. and Midnight Mayhem in Louisville, Ky. Additionally, the club tests and maintains their three baja cars. “The Magic School Bus” is a yellow, manual car, “Lady Liberty” is a blue, automatic car and “Red October” is their newest, red car with four-wheel drive. The Baja Butler Bash will take place at Switchback Motor Cross, hosting six other teams from colleges, including Purdue University, Penn College of Technology, Ohio Northern University, Miami University of Ohio, University at Buffalo and Pitt-Johnstown. Teams may consist of as many students and cars as desired for a flat fee per team. “What makes our race in-
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Arnold Recital Hall
Olivia Kane Senior Recital
2-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13 Arnold Recital Hall
Fall Choral Concert: Gloria 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 Harbison Chapel
All-Athlete Chapel 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14 Crawford Auditorium
One Story: John Wishing
8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17 Sticht Auditorium
teresting,” Senior Zachariah Sprys, president of the college baja team, said, “is the fact that we’re inviting them to bring as many cars as they want. In previous races they’ve been limited to about two cars per team.” The event will begin with a tech and brake inspection, ensuring the safety and ability of all cars to participate in the race. Spectators are encouraged to arrive around 11 a.m. and admission for spectators will cost $3. Following inspections, the hill climb race will begin at 11:45 a.m. This race will be a timed event with only one car racing at a time to determine the lineup of the cars for the endurance race, the event of the day. The car with the best time in the hill climb will start from the primary position in the line-up for the endurance race. The endurance race will begin at 2 p.m. and conclude at 6 p.m. The college’s team will be alternating drivers every hour. Sprys will be one of four drivers driving “The Magic School Bus” in the endurance race. There will be a total of 20 members of the
baja club representing the college at the event and only 12 of those students will be driving, while the others will be working on the maintenance crew in case of crashes. “You go out, race it as hard as you can, and then it inevitably breaks,” Sprys said. “And when that happens, we have to rush it back to our trailer, fix it up at the track and then head right back out racing… Our goal is to be a smooth machine so that way if anything breaks, we’re all coordinated and know what’s going on.” Sprys has been a part of this club since his freshman year and appreciates both the teamwork and competitiveness that racing provides. In addition to racing and maintaining the cars, the club also goes on tours of different car facilities. In the past, these tours have included automotive repair shops, a turbo manufacturer and the auto show in Pittsburgh. This club is open to all majors and requires no prior experience. “Some of our best welders have been bio majors,” Sprys said. Senior Shelbi Henkle, a
political science major, will be one of four drivers operating “Lady Liberty” for the endurance race. Henkle has also been a part of this club since freshman year. “It’s definitely been such a fantastic experience to get comfortable around a car and be able to do maintenance on it and work on it,” Hankle said. “It’s definitely built my confidence in a way.” Reflecting on his experience in racing while in college, Sprys mentioned how he has learned patience through working on a team. “When working with a whole bunch of different people, there’s a lot of things you can’t control,” Sprys said. “So, you have to be able to be very flexible with your plans, be patient with circumstances that arise that are outside of your control and be able to deal with them in a calm and collected manner.” The winner of the Baja Butler Bash will be determined by which team makes the most laps during the four-hour endurance race.
Finding your ‘first date’ charm
Dear Dr. Love
I just asked the girl I like out on a first date - I want to make a good first impression but don’t know where to start. How do I win a girl over on the first date? Interestingly, Struggling Grover
Dear Struggling Grover, The key to making a good first impression is pretending to have a lot of money and faking confidence. That way when you get exposed as a sell-out, the bar will be nice and low and anything else you do will be a step-up. While that advice is classic
for a clueless man from his dingdong of a best friend in a rom-com or chick-flick, the real world doesn’t usually allow for healthy relationships to blossom from that facade. My priceless advice to you: Keep it real. Making a good impression has nothing to do with you being who you think she wants you to be but presenting your best self. There are some key aspects of making a good impression to provide an essential framework, but that framework isn’t a golden ticket. There is a need for reciprocal interest, compatibility and chemistry to get the ball rolling, just to name a few of the key ingredients
for a successful first date. I would prescribe a few things to keep in mind as you head into your first opportunity of presenting yourself: confidence, genuine interest and conversation. Confidence in yourself is perhaps the most important aspect of making a good impression; this doesn’t mean arrogance or not caring at all about how you are perceived, but simply being sure of who you are. Confidence in who you are, your hobbies and how you engage your date allow for a true snapshot of who you are. Being easy to laugh and not taking yourself too seriously also helps take the pressure off you and your
date to maintain a more professional vibe. Genuinely engage in your date’s interests and life. Don’t pretend to be overly interested in something they’re talking about or enjoy, if you really don’t care; you should, however, be polite and seek to understand why they like it. And thirdly, work to have a conversation that is balanced, relaxed and appropriate. Balanced conversation focuses on asking questions, talking about yourself and returning the questions you’re asked. Relaxed conversation avoids interrogation, promotes laughter and explores more than one topic, as you bounce around to different topics. Finally,
don’t confess your greatest sin habits, life regrets or other aspects of your life that might be too much too soon. Remember, my Grover, the first date isn’t an interview for you to sell yourself. The first date is about seeing if you connect with someone, so enjoy the process. Go get ‘em, Grover. Best regards,
Dr. Love Love, M.D.
The Collegian,
Nov. 12, 2021
Page 5
Students raise $4,200 for Uganda
Dr. Susan Cramer
Sarah Soltis Staff Writer
The typically chaotic Breen Student Union donned a revitalized sense of community on Saturday as members of the Project Okello ministry group banded together with local vendors and student musicians to raise money and awareness for the Ugandan Water Project (UWP) at the Wells for Hope event. Grovers and townies gathered under Ugandan flags and decorations to support student and local vendors of handmade goods, including clay jewelry and temporary tattoos, to listen to live music and talk over Bon Appetit coffee and seasonal donuts. “I liked the music a lot, and I loved the geo-bracelets and all the jewelry,” sophomore Sophia Smokowicz shared. Seniors Noel Elvin and Laruen Moneymaker performed an acoustic set of both Elvin’s original songs and cover songs by artists including The Beatles, Johnny Cash and Billie Eilish. Centrally, however, Wells for Hope celebrated the cause of the UWP, one of Project Okello’s three missionary partners. Through constant prayer, increased awareness and financial support, Okello supports two ministries in Uganda and one in Kenya. According to Project Okello President Claire Fischer, UWP is a nonprofit organization based in Rochester, New York with “extreme ties” to Uganda. UWP works to “give life by giving water,” creating sustainable sources for clean water in Ugandan communities. UWP achieves this purpose through a multi-faceted approach; the organization does not simply insert itself into Ugandan communities, attempting to solve water issues without relationship. The organization works, instead, from an intimate “partnership” with the community, facilitating communal and spiritual connection and teaching sustainable skills, as Fischer relayed. UWP both teaches the community to rehabilitate water sources and helps them to build new sources, including borehole wells, rainwater collection systems and water
Seven questions with…
Professor of Chemistry What do you listen to on the ride home? K-Love
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Senior Lauren Moneymaker performed at Wells for Hope last Saturday evening. filtering systems in churches, schools and communities. Fischer explained that “there was a push to just build a ton of wells” in Africa to counteract the historic water crisis, but mere wells could not solve the community-spanning crisis, especially in Uganda. In 2020, the Joint Monitoring Program, the United Nations and World Health Organization, using their programs for examining water safety, estimated that around 51 percent of Ugandans “live without basic access to safe drinking water.” Around 21 million people either rely each day on “unimproved or surface water” or “limited water” over 30 minutes away. Freshman Khush Agrawal expressed excitement about the event and cause, saying, “I think charity is one of the proper uses of wealth.” Retrieving water each day remains a full-time job for many Ugandan women and children, who often leave school early to ensure that their families can survive and strive for sanitation. Such a life stands far removed from many Americans, who take constant water access for granted. “I have a water bottle in front of me right now,” Fischer said, “and I was able
to so quickly go to a water fountain and just get water. I’m so quick to… wash my hands, flush the toilet, take a shower, use water in cooking.” Through Project Okello and its partners, Fischer hopes to remind the community of their own blessings and potential to bless others. “We just so easily forget how blessed we are,” Fischer said. Project Okello is one of many ministry groups from the college that builds “some of the best community on this campus, and some of the most genuine, most real people,” as compared to other campus communities that sometimes “lack depth,” Fischer said. “I could really see how passionate and dedicated the members of Project Okello are to informing the campus community and raising money to help combat the issue,” senior Sunari Missouri said. “I think Project Okello leadership is so creative in how they go about hosting this fundraiser event, in a way that uplifts Grove City College students and invites a night full of community.” Okello makes an impact across the globe while still being in the small town of Grove City, according to Fischer. Although members
of Okello will not behold “every life we impact,” the group exists as a “by-faith group,” trusting that Christ will “do whatever he wants with our events, with our group… we’re his vessels.” Wells for Hope exemplifies the group’s trust in God and readiness to be used by Him. Since Covid, Project Okello has struggled with member commitment. Fischer said that they are rebuilding still and that has brought a sense of excitement in making new relationships. Connections could hardly be avoided Saturday night. Adrienne Orris, who crafts and sells jewelry herself after making jewelry alongside her former students in Guatemala, encourages students to contribute to Wells for Hope. Orris sold some jewelry of her own and some crafted by her Guatemalan friends. Project Okello’s own table sold Ugandan goods like multicolored bags, paper bowls and beaded jewelry, with all proceeds directly supporting UWP. Fischer shared that the event raised $4,200 for UWP and they are still receiving donations. “With this money we can fund a rainwater collection system or give water filters and hygiene and sanitation stations to communities,” Fischer said.
What are you currently reading? “It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way” by Lysa Terkeurst What is something you have been pondering lately? Why so many people switched churches during the last year and a half. Favorite restaurant? Applebee’s Name a movie that makes you emotional: I’m not much of a movie watcher – “Titanic.” What are you looking forward to today? Time to cook dinner, and not spending my evening grading. Favorite class you are teaching this semester? Organic Chemistry – Although, I must say SCIC 203 (Atoms, Molecules and the Material World, or “Baby Chem”) has been fun so far this semester!
Connect with us! @Collegian_GCC @gcc.collegian The Collegian: The Grove City College Newspaper
Dr. Piastro sings in the Pittsburgh Opera Scott Amon Staff Writer
“Once Upon a Mattress” is not the only opportunity students have in the month of November to cultivate their musical tastes. Dr. Sasha Piastro-Tedford, a voice instructor at the college, is participating in a performance of Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute” with the Pittsburgh Opera. Piastro has taught voice lessons and classes at the college for the past ten years, such as studio voice lessons, Vocal Diction, Vocal Literature and several other courses. No stranger to the opera, Piastro is well prepared to tackle her latest endeavor. “This is my eighth season with Pittsburgh Opera Chorus,” Piastro said. “I sang with them in the ‘03-04 season, took many years off to finish my master’s and doctoral degrees and then returned in the ‘13-14 season.” Piastro is singing in the Choral group this season. “The Magic Flute” is the last opera that Mozart com-
posed before his death in 1791. According to the Pittsburgh Opera, “The Magic Flute” is Mozart’s “mostcelebrated opera.” Those who have never attended an opera before might wrongly believe that all dialogue in an opera is sung. “The Magic Flute,” however, is not a normal opera. “It is a “Singspiel” opera,” Piastro said, “which is a genre of German opera where there is dialogue in between the musical numbers, the plot includes comedic and romantic points, and there is often an element of magic or mysticism.” Preparing for an opera takes plenty of preparation. Lead roles tend to prepare long before the opening night. The chorus will also prepare several months in advance of the first showing. Once rehearsals are underway the time until opening night arrives quickly. “After an adequate number of music rehearsals, we have staging rehearsals for two to three weeks, then a piano and tech rehearsal, two orchestra dress rehears-
als and then opening night,” she said. For her own part, Piastro does not have a large number of lines to sing but they are critical, nonetheless. “This opera has minimal singing for the chorus, but the singing that happens is powerful. The soprano and tenor parts are written in a difficult area of the vocal range, so we have all been working hard to maintain a good sound,” she said. Often unexpected difficulties sneak up when preparing for a theater performance. Fortunately, no insurmountable difficulties have occurred for the Pittsburgh Opera, although two minor problems did present themselves from the outset. The first was COVID-19 regulations: “We wore masks for all rehearsals except the final two dress rehearsals, and we must wear masks backstage and in the dressing rooms,” she said. “It wasn’t too bad, just a change to what we did two years ago, preCOVID.” The second difficulty the cast encountered was Mo-
Dr. Sasha Piastro-Tedford
GCC
zart’s language. He wrote in a way that modern listeners may not find agreeable. “Since the original libretto is rather misogynistic, our stage director has adapted the staging and included the chorus in ways that work against that issue,” she said. By performing in the opera, Dr. Piastro is modeling for her students ways to share music with those outside of college. “One thing that I have personally learned… is that as a music educator you are a teacher and a performer,” junior Lindsay May, a student
of Piastro, said. “I look to Dr. Piastro as an inspiration to continue to perform, take opportunities and to seize moments like these to continue doing what I love, as I finish my time here at GCC and take that with me as I enter into my field.” Senior Olivia Kane agreed, saying, “She serves as a great example as to the importance of still finding opportunities to perform, even when you are teaching music full time.” The Pittsburgh Opera had their first two showings of “The Magic Flute” earlier in November and will have two more showings at the Benedum Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, and at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14. Piastro encourages students who are interested in opera to stay tuned for the next semester where the Pittsburgh Opera will perform “Carmen” by Georges Bizet. “That is a great first opera to see – many well-known melodies, a compelling story and interesting characters,” she said.
Through the Lens
Through the lens,
Feb. 22, 2019
Page 6
The Collegian, Nov. 12, 2021
Capture the Grove
Photographers on campus show off their skills in recent contest
Emily Clark
Sara Layton
Grace David
The Collegian,
Nov. 12, 2021
Page 7
Luke Greenway
Sara Layton
Text
Mia Campagna
Mia Campagna
Matthew Schoonover Photo Chief
Grove City College hosts a photo contest twice during its academic year, once in the fall and once in the spring. This semester’s contest is full of rich, exciting colors and elegant compositions. The top submissions from the fall contest are Luke Greenway (see front page for his photo), Emily Clark and Roben Pitcher. The winners were chosen by the followers of the college’s Instagram page. This semester’s submissions were full of creativity and attention to detail. They say a photo is a thousand words, and if that is true then the recent contest has a lot to say about the skilled photographers on campus.
Roben Pitcher
Perspectives The Collegian, Nov. 12, 2021
Page 8
A time for thankfulness
PREACHING IN PUMPS
Clark Mummau Perspectives Editor
We have truly been blessed so far this year, and we have much to be thankful for. First off, simply being on campus and not being required to wear masks is a great blessing, because many other people around the world are still forced to wear masks or to be online for work and school. I think of PA public schools in particular as they are in the midst of constant debates, and teachers and administrators are facing threats due to Governor Wolf’s mask mandate several weeks ago.
We should be thankful that we have been mostly spared from such outrage and division. We should also be thankful for the decrease in cases from before Homecoming and for no spike after Homecoming. The removal of the mask mandate on campus after only two weeks should also be a reason to give thanks to God. While we haven’t been able to have all of the dances we normally would like to attend, we should still be thankful that God has blessed us by allowing us to have many other social events as well as the ability to meet with people and build relationships face to face again. Last year was a challenge, and for many, the situation
remains the same. We must remain vigilant, yes, in preventing future spikes, but more importantly, in giving praise to God for the work He is doing on our campus. Thanksgiving was a key part of the Mosaic law, and God gave direction for how the Israelites were to show thanksgiving to God through their various offerings (Lev. 7:12-15). Praise and thanksgiving are also frequently paired in the court singers as listed through Chronicles and Nehemiah. Paul also frequently discusses how Christians should be marked by giving thanks to God. He says that we should be “abounding in faith,” (Col. 2:7), and that we should “give thanks in all circumstances,” (1 Thess. 5:18).
Thanksgiving is not just for a Thursday in November; it should mark our whole lives. John also witnessed how thanksgiving is a key feature of the praises being sung to God in Heaven. “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen,” the 24 elders cry out (Rev. 7:12). Yes, we have been greatly blessed temporally through our relationships, the education we are receiving, and good health, but we have been blessed eternally all the more through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, as Peter writes. Salvation, that God has poured His just wrath for our
sins on His Son rather than on us that we might be reconciled to Him, is a great gift for which we cannot praise God and thank Him enough. Let us consider all the ways in which God has blessed us, both as we approach Thanksgiving, and every day. If we take our blessings for granted, we are robbing God of the glory He deserves, and we will grow discontent by not having our desires fulfilled when changes inevitably come. It is easy to miss the blessings we have because we are focused on our homework or clubs, but we are called to live lives of thanksgiving, and so let us praise the Lord and thank Him for the mighty works He has done, is doing and will do.
On vaccine mandates and principial sacrifices Isaac Willour Staff Writer
My position on political opinion-signaling is somewhat clouded by the fact that I do not place as much importance on rallies and protests and such things as I otherwise might. It is hard to see phenomena like BLM or Jan. 6 (and yes, the most extreme factions of both are morally equivalent) as accomplishing worthwhile political goals. To me, such arguments run something like this: You got mad and some of your fellow demonstrators did some really illegal stuff. This will definitely convince your fellow Americans of your point. (sarcasm) Although I do not see this
kind of behavior as useful, it does bring up a moment of reflection on what truly constitutes a principial sacrifice. Principial sacrifice requires giving up something for a higher purpose, and many of the political sacrifices Americans are being asked to make are not worth it. For example, federal vaccine mandates are a terrible strategy that will hurt Americans. (They are also a massive constitutional overreach, as the Fifth Circuit noted in its Saturday decision to stay the current mandate.) Yet such possibilities elicit a question: What will vaccine-resistant Christians have done if a federal vaccine mandate becomes a reality? While “Do Not Comply” has become a rallying cry for some prominent conservative media outlets, slogans only matter if people are willing to put their money where
their mouths are. If a federal vaccine mandate comes down on America, that carries real consequences for those Americans unwilling to get the shot. How does one decide if this hill is worth dying on? If such a mandate becomes effective, many Americans are going to make a supposedly principial sacrifice that they arguably do not need to make. Without knowing specific circumstances, a great deal of people are literally going to walk away from paying jobs, throw themselves into financial ruin and jeopardize their future over this vaccine business. Is it worth it? Many people will say it is. They will say all kinds of things about #DoNotComply, go on “sheeple” rants, and quote some out-of-context Ben Franklin writings about liberty and safety for
good measure. The lunacy of some of these people aside, is it wise for every single American to be vaccinated? No. But is throwing away a career and a future on the altar of “avoid vaccination at all costs” always a wise decision? Equally no. Regarding #DoNotComply ideologues, it is all very well and good to yell slogans about resistance. In some cases (read: very few) it is even useful. But it is significantly harder to support the people you are urging to make moral sacrifices. Calling for people to throw away their careers and futures over vaccines while doing nothing tangible to support those who make such a sacrifice is a problem. Are we, as a logical conclusion of opposing vaccine mandates, required to provide for unvaccinated Americans when they get fired or
worse? No, but we should think long and hard about whether it is really worth urging people “do not comply at any cost” when the cost of noncompliance can be their future. Sacrifices for sacrifices’ sake are not wise. They must be made responsibly and viewed as an utterly last resort. Not every sacrifice supposedly made for the cause of “liberty” is wise or necessary. Just as Scripture calls us to obey God rather than men, it similarly calls us to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). Walking circumspectly means realizing that not every supposedly-principial sacrifice is worth it. Sometimes it is just political opinion-signaling. And let’s be real: That is not worth throwing away a career over.
The Collegian,
Nov. 12, 2021
Page 9
Facebook goes Meta Ashley Simpson
Does it make a difference?
Contributing Writer
According to Omnicore Agency, about 69 percent of U.S. adults use Facebook, and users spend an average of 34 minutes per day on the popular social media site. On Nov. 3, Residence Life arranged a showing and discussion of the movie, “The Social Dilemma,” for the freshman class. The documentary presents social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google and YouTube, from the perspectives of the creators, former CEOs and presidents. Through interviews and statistics these executives reveal the dangers of social media, such as data collection by media sites, addictive use of social platforms and a horrifying increase in suicide and depression rates since the rise in popularity of social media. Former design ethicist of Google, Tristan Harris, said, “If you’re not paying for the product, then you are the product.” These social media companies are selling you off to advertisers and enticing you to buy products. Data is recorded for every video watched, image liked, question searched and button clicked. With this data, companies gain insights to a user’s emotions, daily activities, agenda, likes and dislikes. Businesses can also use this data to see which ads provide the best profit and what products are most popular, which is essential information for manufacturers. On April 3, 2021, data from 553 million Facebook users’ accounts were leaked; data that exposes someone’s
TEAM
continued from 12 junior guard Megan Kallock, sophomore forward Katie Baller and sophomore guard Abby Glass. Cano was a key player for the Wolverines in her freshman and sophomore seasons, appearing in 27 and nine games respectively. “Our team has been working very hard to prepare for this season, and I think we are going to be a very tough team to beat,” Goetz said. “Though we might be looked at as a bit of an underdog because of the number of freshmen that we have, our team immediately bonded this year and is full of great athletes.” The six players that make up the Wolverines’ active returners have been an inte-
biographical information, phone numbers and beliefs. These multibillion-dollar corporations that store people’s information need regulation of what they can or cannot do with it. The U.S. court system regulates print media. The Federal Communications Commission oversees television and radio. Government regulation, however, does not impede these media outlets’ rights to free speech and does not prevent opinion pieces. Regulating content is not possible due to the 2.91 billion monthly users on Facebook; rather a new system needs to regulate these social media platforms. It should prevent platforms from becoming so addictive, control the data that is collected and improve social media apps so that they are less damaging to teenagers’ mental health. There also needs to be an increased awareness for parents and users about the dangers of social media. Thomas Biro, director of Residence Life, explained why they hosted the event to show the documentary. “We need to continually wrestle with our relationship with technology and social media, and its impact on our lives. On the heels of a fan-
tastic visit from Andy Crouch (in chapel), we wanted to continue the conversation and consider small steps to experience human flourishing and the kingdom of God outside of our devices,” he said. The event was held five days after Facebook officially changed its company name to Meta, a change whose purpose was to pull people further into their devices. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, decided to rebrand the company to prepare for the future. “Over time, I hope that we are seen as a metaverse company, and I want to anchor our work and our identity on what we’re building towards,” Zuckerberg said in a virtual conference. A metaverse is a virtual space where most users would use virtual reality headsets, glasses, devices and other tools to interact in a virtual world. Zuckerberg is placing the cart before the horse by renaming the parent company of Facebook. Many believe the name change is a rebranding tactic to distract consumers from the data breaches, leaks and corruption happening within Meta. “Changing Facebook’s name doesn’t change what
gral part of getting the team’s eleven new freshman on board with the “Wolverine Way.” “The upperclassmen have just been so good at being good mentors to the eleven freshman that came in,” Fuss said. “When I got them back on Oct. 13, they already knew our culture, standards, our principles that we live by— they knew all of this, just because of the upperclassmen leading and guiding them for the first two months and a half they were with them.” Both Podkul and Fuss believe the future of Team 46 is in good hands with this group of freshmen. “This freshmen class is very talented, funny and hard working,” Podkul said. “From day one they have bought into the program and have shown their dedication
and passion. They will not only have a lot of success this season, but also in years to come.” “They’re a very talented freshmen class,” Fuss said. “If they can get used to playing at our pace, and they can get used to the pressure of a college ball game, I think there is very few things that will limit them.” The Wolverines open their season in the Penn State Behrend tournament at 8 p.m. in Erie, Pa., as they take on the Alfred Saxons. A win will advance them in the tournament tomorrow. The Wolverines will play their first conference game at Franciscan on Nov. 17. Over Thanksgiving break, they will make their first appearance at home vs. Pitt-Greensburg at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23.
Letters to the Editor
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Space will be provided for Letters to the Editor. However their inclusion is at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor. Letters will be printed as submitted unless the editors choose to delete words or portions that are in poor taste, libelous or unnecessary to convey essential meaning. The editors may condense longer letters. Letters must include verifiable contact information, such as an email address. Anonymous letters will not be accepted. The author’s name will appear with the letter. Statement of fact and opinion in letters to the editor, editorials and commentaries are the responsibility of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of staff, the college, its faculty or staff or the student body. Letters must be received by
5 p.m. on the Monday prior to the publication. All letters to the editor will be considered for publication from students, faculty, staff and alumni. To be accepted for publication, a letter must meet one of the following criteria: it relates to an article published in or issue discussed in paper; it contains information of interest to all, or a segment of our readership (alumni, parents, donors, students, faculty and staff); it relates to college news or policy. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, correct grammar and punctuation, and length. We will not publish unsigned letters. We will not republish a letter that has appeared in another publication in part or in whole. Letters will be printed in the next edition of the paper in which space is available.
you’ve done, Mark,” Senator Marsha Blackburn warned. In addition to the repercussions exposed concerning social media platforms since the release of “The Social Dilemma” in January 2020, Facebook (now Meta) has reported leaks and recently shut down their facial recognition software. Despite Meta’s many problems, does it still have a purpose? Students at the college come from all over the country. Meta allows students to see events happening in their hometown and keep in touch with family and friends. It is also an effective platform for advertising. Instagram, a branch of Meta, is utilized by many groups on campus such as Buhl Henry Library, Career Services and other clubs and organizations to advertise programs, events, resources and student hiring. College students must remember that their time on campus is an opportunity to grow and make new friends. “These types of relationships have the potential to be more impactful than the ones in which you have online, or past relationships that you may feel obligated to keep based on being a Facebook user,” Biro said. A balance is needed between maintaining relationships with friends back home and growing a community of friends and contacts at Grove. Users must be aware of the consequences of free social media sites. Regulations are needed not to control content but to make social media presentation safer for users. We need platforms that allow free thought and the ability to share opinions but that build an awareness that you cannot trust everything you see on social media.
VOLLEYBALL
continued from 11 championship game on Saturday Nov. 6. As the PAC’s representative, Westminster advanced to the NCAA Division III national tournament and faced Otterbein last night in the first round. The Wolverines’ finished the season with a lot of hope for the future. With six upperclassmen and 13 freshman and sophomores, there is a lot to look forward to for the future of the Grove City volleyball program. “I really look forward to bonding more with the girls and really embracing my role as a leader,” Keating said, reflecting upon the potential this young team has for next year. Keating mentioned the pros and cons of a young team, “they just wanted to get out there and play volleyball with no fear.” Though some inexperience can accompany a new lineup, Keating affirmed “that these girls are talented in more than one position. With confidence now, we are able to say we are 18 deep.” The Wolverines can head into next season knowing they are full of dynamic potential. “This was another strong season, continuing to build a strong foundation for the program,” Sayles said. “We made the conference semifinals for the third year in a row and had a solid winning season. In hindsight, I believe our team learned a lot about themselves in our playoff run. If we lock in those lessons, I believe we will be a stronger, more competitive team next year.”
Word on the street...
What are you thankful for?
Malachi Abbott “I’m thankful to be here, where there are fun things I get to do, and where COVID isn’t everywhere. It’s nice.” Elliot Eyre
“I’m thankful for having school without crazy restrictions, and also that it is cold. I love the cold.” Ruby Ramgren “I am thankful for a lot of things: family, friends, b o o k s , Jane Austen, Shakespeare.” Emily Stoll
“I’m thankful for all the opportunities at Grove City that have helped me grow, like clubs, good academics, sports teams and friendships. Libby Krieger “I am thankful for my three best friends here, E v e l y n , Grace and Victoria, and we’re just chillin’ right now, but thankful for good conversations, good friends.” Evelyn Osmond “I am really thankful to be able to attend this school and have a Christian education.” Robert Hohman “I’d say that, especially here, I’m just thankful for the community and how everybody’s so friendly and open to helping. If you ever need somebody’s help with something, they’ll be there. Especially friends or people in your dorms, there’s always a helping hand.” Mackeyla Viana “I am really thankful for my friends who have been along side me during this journey, and who have come along side me beginning a new life, and I’m really thankful for them helping me through everything that I’m going through.” John Brezinski “I guess I’m thankful for a lot of the classmates that I have here. They tend to work hard. I’m also really thankful for the resources that Grove City provides, such as the teachers, they usually tend to help you out as much as they can, and I’m just thankful for all the people here. This is an awesome community, and I’m just glad to be here.”
Entertainment The Collegian, Nov. 12, 2021
Page 10
‘Abbatar’ takes the stage
Swedish band drops new album after 40-year hiatus Emma Whiteford Staff Writer
If you were asked to name songs born in the ‘70s that continue to echo throughout our generation, Abba’s music would likely come to mind immediately. With nine albums, dozens of hit songs and a famous connection with the musical and movie “Mamma Mia!”, Abba remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time. I’m sure many of us can remember listening to Abba growing up, as our parents insisted on listening to songs from their childhood on long car trips and family events. But if that wasn’t your experience, you have surely heard and loved their songs (e.g., “The Dancing Queen”) incorporated throughout the famous musical and movie, “Mamma Mia!” And now, in 2021, they’re making a vibrant re-entrance with an album of ten entirely new yet familiar-sounding songs. Here’s what’s so incredible about their return. This Swedish pop group, com-
POLAR MUSIC
Swedish band Abba plans to go on tour next May in avatar form, reliving the glory of the past. posed of two couples, grew to be a brilliant success throughout the ‘70s. However, fame has a cost, and it took a toll on their personal lives. Both marriages crumbled, and the group disbanded in 1982. However, in 2016, Abba reunited and began to dabble in the music industry once more. And, five years later, Abba fans excitedly waited for their new album, “Voyage.” On Nov. 5, the album release reverberated throughout the music community, because the group managed to persist and survive through 40 years and
many relational obstacles. This album bridges the divide between eras, genres, people and time. In step with their reputation for innovation and risk in blending technology and music, the group plans to host a concert featuring their new album, although the members of Abba won’t be performing in the flesh. Instead, the audience will feel as if they’ve stepped back in time as they see before them the four Abba members as they were in the ‘70s. High-tech avatars, designed to look like the four members did in a previ-
ous era, will be running the show. This “Abbatar” tour, as they’re calling it, is scheduled to launch in May of 2022 and promises to continue their legacy of innovation. But how does the latest album compare to the past music that has captured the attention and love of countless fans for decades? The songs certainly don’t follow the whims of current pop culture. In comparison to Abba’s other albums, this one is both similar and strikingly unique. For one, the album contains a Christmas tune titled “Little Things.” It is sweet
and nostalgic yet maintains the traditional Abba flair. The lyrics of “I Still Have Faith in You’’ record the novelty of the situation surrounding the birth of this album. With an interesting melody, it expresses the deep bonds that prevented decades and divorces from completely dismantling the group. “Don’t Shut Me Down” steals the show with its disco flair and catchy lyrics, taking listeners right back to Abba’s original hit songs. While all ten of the songs are unique and worth listening to, the last of the hit songs on the album, “When You Danced With Me,” introduces new, intriguing elements by reminding the listener of an Irish folk song with its catchy tune and wistful lyrics. It remains to be seen whether Abba has returned even better and stronger than before their break. However, one thing is certain: They haven’t lost their touch. In short, “Voyage” continues to display the musical mastery and innovation for which Abba is known.
‘The French Dispatch’ charms and delights David Zimmermann Editor-in-Chief
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If you’ve seen a Wes Anderson film before, then you already know what to expect — quirky humor, pastel color palettes and perfectly symmetrical shots. His tenth film is no different. “The French Dispatch” may not be Anderson’s finest work, but it certainly is his most creative. A love letter to 20th century journalists, the film follows three separate storylines as the French news bureau of an American magazine publishes its final issue. Rather than telling one cohesive story, the film’s three acts reflect classic magazine articles, similar to those published in “The New Yorker.” The first short story is about a mentally disturbed prisoner who paints abstract art and becomes a sensation in the art world. The second story follows a journalist’s report on a young revolutionary who must finish his manifesto, and the last recounts the events of a private dinner interrupted by a kidnapping. As crazy as the premise may sound, “The French Dispatch” is a fun, whimsical film and only gets better as the different “articles” unfold. Despite its lack of one main character, this film really shines in its ensemble cast. All the actors — Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Benicio del Toro, Timothée Chalamet, Jeffrey Wright and Frances McDormand, among many others — add to the film’s wit and meticulously arranged aesthetic crafted by Anderson. The often-apathetic characters don’t act human at all; in extreme situations, they respond with restrained emotions rather than overreact with anger, sadness or joy. This may be off-putting at first for some audiences,
but the subdued performances make the film a comedic delight. With a focus on style over story, “The French Dispatch” beautifully blends black-andwhite cinematography with color scenes to create one of Anderson’s most richly detailed films. The change between monochrome blackand-whites to bright hues in each act appears strange at first, but the color change really makes the short stories come to life by emphasizing those particular moments. The creators even sprinkled animation throughout the film’s plot. Instead of shooting an actual car chase, Anderson utilizes animation to his advantage in the third act to convey both humor and urgency. By allowing certain scenes to pop off the screen, these intentional artistic choices saturate the film with a storybook-like quality. However, don’t think that this film is for children. Unlike his other films, Anderson’s “The French Dispatch” is skewed towards an adult audience, as displayed in its portrayal of nudity and stylized love scenes. Oddly enough, the film tackles more mature themes compared to the rest of Anderson’s filmography, which tend to convey a spirit of childhood; his latest work represents a loss of innocence and wonder, forcing the characters to deal with their melancholic emotions. “The French Dispatch” may have been created for the satisfaction of those diehard Wes Anderson fans, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it if you’re unfamiliar with his style. Serving as a thoughtful ode to the longstanding tradition of print journalism, this film is an absolute pleasure to watch. I’d give “The French Dispatch” a 7/10.
Sports The Collegian, Nov. 12, 2021
Page 11
Volleyball team’s season ends in PAC semifinals Karis Fischer
Contributing Writer The fifth-seeded women’s volleyball team took on the first-seeded Westminster Titans (18-0, PAC) in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) semifinal game on Thursday, Nov. 4. Going in as the underdog, Grove City had to play a nearly perfect game to beat the undefeated Titans. Both teams fought to keep their seasons going in the single elimination Championship Tournament game. From the jump, Westminster was ready to play. Their reputably good program was looking for a win to get them back to the championship game, one they had consistently advanced to for the last five years. The first set showed the dominate Titan players as well as the Wolverines’ grit and persistence. In a first set 17-25 and second set 18-25 loss to Westminster, Grove City had to turn it around after the first two sets. And they did. The Wolverines came into the third set with a big push. They rallied for every point and gained a solid lead. Key saves from both junior outside hitter Faith Keating and freshman setter Kennedy Kerr kept them in the game. The Wolverines pushed forward causing the Titans to have many forced errors. The third set finished with a Grove City win, 25-21. The teams stood at two sets to one, Westminster up but Grove City with
the momentum. Set four featured the longest rallies, hardest hits, and most important points. If Grove City wanted to win, they would have to shut down Westminster’s star seniors. The Wolverines were in a game point position to win set four with a 23-22 lead. But Westminster pulled out all the stops to flip the set and battled back to force a win-by-two 26-24 victory over Grove City. “It was more than just a stolen set,” head coach Leo Sayles said. “We have threatened Westminster in both the previous matches but were unable to finish the sets – a testament to the strength of Westminster’s team.” “I was concerned about playing Grove City on Thursday, because they were coming off a big win over Thiel,” Westminster’s head coach Tammy Swearingen said. “I knew that they were going to be a difficult match. Coach Sayles does a great job with his team. I know that they would be well coached and very prepared for the semifinal, and they were. We always have a competitive match with Grove City.” Swearingen was right. “In our semifinal match, I believe our team learned from their Thiel win and carried more confidence into the match,” Sayles reiterated. “We never stopped battling. This match was much closer than a single set.” Grove City had a total of 46 kills with Keating and sopho-
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER
Junior outside hitter Faith Keating makes a pass to the setter in the Oct. 26 game against Westminster. Grove City dropped a hard-fought semifinal match to Westminster last Thursday, 3-1. more middle blocker Anna lidifying a strong front row imagine where we would be DeGraaf both earning 13 for presence. Freshman middle without our coaches, families the team. These captains blocker Audrey Donnelly and and friends. We are so thankkept the team going with Ke- sophomore middle blocker ful to everyone who came out ating’s 27 digs and DeGraaf’s Katie Pry both contributed to Thursday’s game, let alone three blocks. Both were es- two blocks. any of our matches.” sential in the Wolverines’ The freshman setting duo After facing off against the attack on the top-seeded Ti- had a total of 38 assists with Wolverines, Westminster tans. Kerr adding 24 and Katie swept Bethany in the PAC Junior outside hitter Kenlein, 14. Robyn Collier added seven “We have had an amazing VOLLEYBALL 9 more kills to the team, so- season,” Kerr said. “I can’t
Sports at a Glance
Upcoming
Men’s Swimming & Diving:
Nov. 13, 1:00 p.m. vs. Saint Vincent
Women’s Basketball:
Men’s Basketball:
Nov. 12, 8:00 p.m. vs Alfred (PSB Tournament) Nov. 13, Penn State Behrend Tournament, TBA Nov. 17, 6:00 p.m. at Franciscan
Nov. 13, 1:00 p.m. vs. Penn State DuBois Nov. 16, 8:00 p.m. at Franciscan
Nov. 13, 11:00 a.m. at NCAA Mid-Atlantic Championships
Football (6-3, 5-3 PAC):
Men’s Cross Country:
Women’s Cross Country:
Nov. 13, 12:00 p.m. at NCAA Mid-Atlantic Championships
Football:
Results
L, Case Western (35-21)
Women’s Swimming & Diving (1-1-1): L, Geneseo (198-97); W, Fredonia (205-69)
Nov. 13, 12:00 pm. at Thiel
Men’s Swimming & Diving (2-1):
Women’s Swimming & Diving:
L, Geneseo (76.5-210.5); W, Fredonia (220-27)
Nov. 13, 1:00 p.m. vs. Saint Vincent
Volleyball (19-12, 11-7 PAC):
L, Westminster, PAC Semifinals (3-1)
WOLVERINE WEEKLY HONORS Rachel Wallace Swimming & Diving PAC Swimmer of the Week
Elias Griffin Swimming & Diving PAC Swimmer of the Week
Owen Schulze Swimming & Diving PAC Rookie of the Week
Faith Keating Volleyball All-PAC First Team
Anna DeGraaf Volleyball All-PAC Second Team
Kennedy Kerr Volleyball All-PAC Honorable Mention & ECAC Rookie of the Month
Mya Lathem Volleyball All-PAC Honorable Mention
Lillian Jeynes Tennis PAC All-Tournament
Cody Gustafson ECAC Player of the Month
Trevor Beck Football ECAC Defensive Player of the Month
Nico Flati Football ECAC Rookie of the Month
Sam Belitz Men’s Soccer ECAC Offensive Player of the Month
Courtney Lisman Women’s Soccer ECAC Goalkeeper of the Month
Lydia Bennett Cross Country ECAC Rookie of the Month
Sports The Collegian, Nov. 12, 2021
Page 12
MATTTHEW SCHOONOVER
The Wolverine way
The women’s basketball team hustles in preseason practice in preparation for their 2021-22 season.
Women’s basketball ready for a comeback Emily Rupczewski Sports Editor
Women’s basketball is back for the 2021-2022 season. After being eliminated in the semifinals of the PAC semifinals last March with their tough loss to W&J, Team 46 looks to return as a top team in the conference this year. “Team 46 is ready to roll,” ninth-year head coach Chelle Fuss said. “They are ready to make their own legacy. They’re making their way and learning the ‘Wolverine Way,’ and it’s something that is very exciting.”
This year looks to be a year of rebuilding for the team. The class of 2021 graduated eight of its star seniors, leaving this year’s team with only six returners. This year, senior forward Allison Podkul comprises the entire senior class as the sole 2022 graduate. “Being the only senior is no different than the past three years,” Podkul said. “Our team goes to practice every day to work hard and push each other to be our best no matter if you’re a freshman or a senior. Every day we strive to get better, and it’s amazing to see the progress we’ve had already early in the
season.” The shortened season last year only consisted of ten regular season games, and Podkul started for the Wolverines in all of them. She averaged 9.4 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game. “AP is a very dedicated, very committed, very passionate player, and we all feed off of it for sure,” Fuss said. “She’s a fireball.” Sophomore superstar forward Kat Goetz also returned to the women’s team. Goetz was a standout in her freshman season last year, the queen of double-doubles, averaging a double-double for the season with 11.2 points
and 10.0 rebounds per game. She ranked third overall in the PAC in rebounds and led the PAC freshman class in field goal percentage with 48.4 percent per game. Goetz’s performance in her rookie season earned her a conference-wide recognition as a member of the All-PAC Honorable Mention team. She was also a two-time PAC Rookie of the Week and Women’s Basketball Player of the Week in the 20202021 season. This winter, Goetz will suit up as an asset to the women’s lacrosse team, as they begin their first official season as a DIII team.
don’t even set goals, which sounds weird, but it’s just our mission and that’s about it. In terms of particulars of statistics, we want to be really good at field goal percentage defense and couple that with rebounding. If we do that, our defense will be good, and it really helps our offense.” The team’s mission: Play to the standard. Rose describes this standard as one of accountability and love: “The biggest part of the team culture that we are trying to drive home is playing to standard no matter what the circumstances of the game are.” Lamie echoes Rose, explaining, “It’s that mission. We want to compete; we’re looking at standards. Our guys are going to miss shots, they’re going to make mistakes, but that’s irrelevant, as long as they play to that standard, which is all within their control.” Regardless, Lamie confirms that this will not get them pulled from the game. He believes this gives his players freedom to play the game. “They’re not always looking over their shoulder think-
ing, ‘If I make a mistake, Lamie’s going to take me out; all I need to do is play to the standard,’ which is playing hard,” Lamie said. The roster this year includes eight freshmen, some of whom will be gradually integrated onto the court. “Every one of those freshmen has a mentor,” Lamie said, “an upperclassman that basically comes alongside them during the first semester to help them adjust… That’s the culture that’s been formed, because those upperclassmen were treated that way when they were freshman. It’s neat.” The team runs a flex offense and switch man-to-man defense, which drastically sets them apart from the rest of the league. The flex offense opens up field goal opportunities and scoring in the post, while the unique-to-the-conference switch man-to-man defense successfully breaks up the flow of the opponent’s offense, as defenders switch assignments throughout the play. The Wolverines play their opening game at 1 p.m. tomorrow against Penn State DuBois in the Grove City College Arena.
Redshirt sophomore forward Luca Robinson goes in for a layup in last season’s game against Chatham.
Men’s team ready to ‘play to the standard’ Emma Rossi Staff Writer
The 2021-22 men’s basketball season is set to begin with a home game tomorrow. The Wolverines are slated to play a twenty-five-game regular season after last years abbreviated twelvegame regular season due to the pandemic. More games, less restrictions and unmasked practices await the Wolverines, as they return to normal basketball this year. “The thing that we are looking forward to the most is playing a full season,” senior guard Ben Rose said. “We are also looking forward to not having to wear masks during practice.” The team also finally gets to take advantage of their newly renovated locker room, which was unable to be used last year due to social distancing and close proximity concerns. Last season, the team went all the way to the championship game, despite the limitations instituted by the virus, but fell to Westminster. When asked about the goals of the team this season, Coach Lamie, in his 24th season as head coach, said, “We
“I love being a part of a team, so being able to be part of two teams is that much better,” Goetz said. “The balance of trying to find the time for each sport is the hardest part, but with lots of communication with both of my coaches and both of my teams, everything has worked out so far. I plan on focusing on taking it one season at a time, with complete focus on basketball until it ends and then complete focus on lacrosse from there.” Joining Podkul and Goetz will be the remaining returners, junior center Nina Cano, TEAM 9
MATTHEW SCHOONOVER