The Collegian, Sept. 1, 2023

A rivalry returns

Football preps for Westminster SPORTS

Learn the lingo

Crash-course on all-things GCC COMMUNITY

Fresh change for all Freshman arrive admist renovations

THROUGH THE LENS

Collegian The

New faculty includes 2 alums

Hannah Welker Copy Chief

Among Grove City College’s nine new full-time professors are two alums.

Dr. Peter W. Foster ’13 is an assistant professor of Chemistry and teaches general and analytical chemistry. He received his bachelor’s degree from Grove City where he triplemajored in chemistry, physics and applied mathematics and earned his doctorate in chemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Grove City’s unique learning environment is what brought Foster back to the college. He said during his undergraduate years, he “came to appreciate the environment for learning created by the connection between faculty and students.”

While he worked as a professor at other universities, Foster said he “realized how unique and special Grove City is” and was excited “when an opportunity arose to return and teach alongside the great professors here.”

“I hope students see that

Review: College one of the best

Isaac Willour Staff Writer

According to the most recent Princeton Review college guide, Grove City College continues its legacy as one of America’s best institutions of higher learning.

Grove City is in the top 15 percent of America’s colleges and universities included in the Review’s “The Best 389 Colleges,” which examines more than 3,000 institutions based on institutional and student-reported data.

“Grove City College owes its own students a word of thanks,” said Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of the Princeton Review. “Their reports of their campus experiences speak legends to those who are considering choosing the college.”

Grove City’s Christian community, campus life, focus on student flourishing and academics, as described by students, has an impact on admissions, Franek indi-

New on the menu Dining changes come to campus

Emily Fox Community Editor

The Grove City College dining experience has undergone major changes this past summer with the addition of the Chick-fil-A restaurant to the Breen Student Union and hiring a new catering service, Parkhurst Dining.

Parkhurst has been serving students this fall and President McNulty officially announced Chick-fil-A will be opening Sept. 11.

According to Susan Grimm, vice president of Operations, the transition from the old catering service, Bon Appetit, to Parkhurst Din-

ing has involved renovations to both dining halls, including the construction of Hicks Market and The Garage at MAP cafeteria. The remodeling of both cafeterias was largely funded by Parkhurst.

Grimm explained one of the biggest changes to Hicks cafeteria, Hicks Market, will serve as a new 24/7 to-go option for students. Students will be able to use Crimson Cash or a credit card to buy retail products or use a meal swipe alternative offered that day.

The Market area will depend on the integrity of students, and will not be run by employees, only monitored

by security cameras. Students will be responsible for scanning their ID or using

another accepted payment.

Renovations going Rock-well

Violet Whitmore News Editor

Don’t judge a book, or Rockwell Hall, by its cover. Although the exterior of the oldest building at the college will remain architecturally gothic when its renovation is complete, its interior will feature sleek new facilities and state-of-the-art scientific equipment.

Sponsored by the Impact 150 Anniversary Campaign for Grove City College, the renovations to the 92-yearold building started in June will bring advancements that benefit current and prospective students.

The $48 million project is the biggest in college history. It will include new workspaces, equipment, labs, offices, heating, ventilation,

air conditioning and power systems necessary for advanced scientific exploration. The renovations also include a climate-controlled corridor that connects Rockwell Hall and STEM Hall, adding nearly 67 thousand square feet of new space.

Landau Building Company, leading construction managers and general contractors in western Pennsylvania are the head of the operation. Their previous projects include contributions to the award-winning and newly renovated Henry Buhl Library, as well as the new Chick-fil-A in the Breen Student Union.

Over the next two years, Rockwell will undergo both exterior and interior con-

The Award-Winning Grove City College Student Newspaper

GRACE DAVID

A student scooping vegetables onto their plate at Hicks Dining Hall. Parkhurst’s new menu highlights ingredients from every food group.

GRACE DAVID

Dietitians from Parkhurst at “Ask the Dietitian” in Hicks Dining Hall.

GRACE DAVID Rockwell Hall’s 100 foot tower undergoing construction.

FOSTER

JOHNSON FACULTY 6

From the Tower Opportunities abound

It’s crazy to say I am now on campus for my last semester at Grove City College. As a senior who is graduating one semester early, I begin this final season filled with gratitude, excitement and a plethora of nerves. I am not quite certain of what is next to come for me, but being the sentimental person I am, I have been reflecting on my time here at GCC.

This place has been so unbelievably good to me. When I arrived as a freshman football player, I had no idea what God had in store for me on this beloved campus. In the weeks following my arrival, I was granted the opportunity to write for Emily Rupczewski’s sports section of The Collegian. That opportunity was amazing and blossomed and took me into an editorial position as the news editor for two years. Now, I am second-in-command as the Managing Editor behind our incredibly talented Editor-In-Chief, Emma Rossi.

Sometime during my freshman year, I also began to work for WSAJ as a DJ. I have since been on staff to experience a rebrand, now the Wolverine Broadcast Network and yet another boost onto an editorial staff. Sitting here as a senior, I hold the position of Sports Director for the station.

That same year, I also started to make relationships with the brothers of the Epsilon Pi Fraternity and was introduced as a member of the frat that spring. That opportunity has flourished into me now being the President of the fraternity, an honor I never thought I’d be deserving of.

GCC attracted me for several reasons as a high school student, and maybe none more than the opportunity I would have to continue to be an athlete on the football team. Playing college athletics was a dream of mine, and as I sit here now having done so for three and a half years, it has been such a blessing to be able to live a dream.

Much like the rest of my story, while on the football team, I was asked to take positions of leadership amongst the team. I have led bible studies for the past few years, and I can proudly say that my peers voted me as one of the four co-captains of the 2023 Wolverine Football Team – truly one of my greatest accomplishments.

So why do I say all of this? I promise it’s not to paint myself as some big deal. Something I have been studying recently is Christian humility, or as I like to call it, selfforgetfulness. On the football team, we use a plethora of phrases. One that hits home for me is, “Don’t think more of yourself, don’t think less of yourself, think of yourself less.” So, I highlight my time here not to show how great I am, but rather to express how great GCC is at providing students with opportunities to flourish as leaders.

Where else would I be able to not only play football and pursue a host of career and campus interests but be entrusted and enabled to think of myself less in service to my fellow players, journalists, broadcasters, brothers and Christians?

Our world is in dire need of strong Christian leaders in all fields. I will forever be grateful to Grove City College for allowing me to enhance my leadership abilities across several disciplines. If you’re a GCC student, these same opportunities are available to you. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of them.

Ayden Gutierrez

Collegian Staff

Editor-in-Chief

Emma Rossi

Managing Editor Ayden Gutierrez

Section Editors

News

Violet Whitmore

Community

Emily Fox

Perspectives

Grace Scheller

Entertainment

Vince Clay

Sports

Joel Sledd

Photo Chief

Grace David

Word on the street...

Freshmen: Best and worst part of GCC?

Katie Bell

The best part so far is getting to know the people here and being part of the community. The worst part is probably the super long lines for meals.

Nick Burlingham

My favorite part was the OB Carnival. It was really fun, I ate mulch. My least favorite part is breakfast, but when they only put out cereal. No protein and no carbs means no gains.

Amanda McGurk

The best part of Grove City would have to be the community and the connections that you are able to make. Even being here for two weeks, I’ve made so many new friendships with so many new people. My least favorite part would have to be the walking. I didn’t think I’d be walking this much, but hey, burning my calories

Kendal Amitie

The best part is the community. I’ve only had classes for a couple of days, but I really like how much the professors care about getting to know their students and learning their names by heart. I can tell they really, genuinely care about our success and wellbeing. The worst part has to be no air conditioning in the dorms.

Bell

Daniel

There are many different activities and ways to get involved already in my first week here. I’m very excited to see what else I can get involved in this semester and year overall as a whole. I would say I’m most excited to get involved with the club frisbee team here on campus. The worst thing is definitely how busy the dining halls are. But once I get my schedule figured out, I’m sure ill find a better time.

Bonnie Pittman

I really like the campus. It’s so beautiful and I really enjoy everything the quad, the creek and the sports fields have to offer. My least favorite part would be not knowing people right away.

Copy Chief

Hannah Welker

Business Manager

Maercy Campion

Copy Editors

Claire Josey

Eve Lee

Andrew Marston

Lauren Ness

Ashley Ostrowski

Staff Writers

Sarah Soltis

Isaac Willour

Mia Gallagher

Staff Photographers

Mia Campagna

Lydia Gilanshah

Eve Lee

Staff Adviser Nick Hildebrand

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

the Green eyeshade award

This week’s Green Eyeshade Award goes to Community Editor Emily Fox for knocking it out of the park on her first issue on the editorial staff.

The Green Eyeshade Award

honors student contributors that demonstrate consistency and excellence in their work.

MENU continued from 1

The MAP Garage will serve pizza, ice cream and coffee during later hours of the evening. Tex Mex and bowl stations allow students to request the kinds of food they prefer in the dining halls each semester.

Pop-ups are temporary food stations serving snacks like nachos, trail mix and hot pretzels.

Hicks and MAP have new allergy-conscious food stations called Inspired Eats and all meals prepared there do not contain the top nine allergens.

MAP will open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays but will be closed on weekends. However, the Garage will serve students from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and will remain open on weekends

from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Hicks will operate from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

Students who have purchased a meal plan will have three meal swipes every day and may use them once during each of the four time zones throughout the day.

Chick-fil-A will be open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be closed on Sundays.

While the catering service has changed, students will still meet familiar faces in both cafeterias as Parkhurst has hired many of the former Bon Appetit employees to work for the new dining service.

Students have had mixed reactions to the new food service. Junior Josh Fleming said, “The dining hall

experience is a hopeful thing because it’s so new and exciting. And of course, there are pros and cons to both the old catering service and the new one.”

Fleming is hesitant to make any judgements until more time has passed, but he thinks the food has been “on par if not better” than the food provided by the old catering service.

Junior Abi Ruhl said, “Yes, I would say that the food has gone up in quality.”

She said she likes how Parkhurst prepares meals, specifically asking students what they would like when it comes to their meals. S he also thinks the new system of serving food is better for preventing any crosscontamination or food allergies.

Sept. 8

STEM Patio

OB Freshman

Talent Show

8 - 10 p.m.

Sept. 8

Crawford Auditorium

OB All Campus Street Dance

8 - 10 p.m.

Sept. 9

HAL Courtyard

Welcome freshmen Class of 2027 officially moved in

Vince Clay Entertainment

This year, Grove City College welcomes over 600 new faces to its student ranks.

The newest collection of Grovers are about to embark on four of the most lifechanging years of their lives as they navigate choosing a career path, growing their personal faith and finding new friends for life. This semester is a great opportunity to get to know these promising college students as they fill the corridors of campus.

The Class of 2027 contains upwards of 570 students, in addition to 40 transfer students, according to a news release from the College. Nearly half of this new class comes from out of state, calling 35 different states home. This has created a noticeably diverse body of students when it comes to background and upbringing.

“This class is quiet but adventurous,” said Orientation Board member Ava Fahs.

“I talked to a lot of students who are especially keen on participating in sports or are already on a team. They are super down to try new things, which is exciting for a freshman class.”

Lessons for new Grovers

Emily Fox Community Editor

OB welcomed the class of 2027 this past week with open arms as the freshmen and transfer students officially joined the Grove City College community. More than 600 Grover-achievers are beginning their first year at the college this fall.

But wait, what’s a Groverachiever?

As first-year students adjust to moving away from home, navigating the campus, forming relationships with new friends and balancing activities with heavy class loads, they must also learn the new language and culture of the Grove.

Junior Orientation Board

Social Executive Callie Conner offered advice she wished someone had given her when she arrived at Grove. “There’s a lot of really great things about Grove City, and you do have to conform slightly to some of the norms and culture just because you live here and you’re a part of the community. But something I love about Grove City is how many opportunities there are to connect with people who are different than you.”

This may seem like a challenge, but, thankfully, this article full of upperclassmen’s wisdom will serve as your guide as you begin your journey through this new frontier.

First, let’s return to the term “Grover-achiever.”

Students here are known to commit to many sports and activities on top of a full course load. “Grover-achiever” refers to students’ efforts to do their best to excel in all these diverse commitments. Clubs and activities are some of the best ways to get

involved with the campus community. Junior OB member Jonah Yingling suggests new Grovers, “Try lots of groups that you’re interested in, even if you don’t want to so that you can meet people.”

It is always okay to take a step back to ensure you can have a healthy balance within your schedule; you don’t have to sign up for every club at the Org Fair.

Another common phrase used on campus is “ring by spring.” Christian colleges have a reputation for having a lot of proposals each year; Grove City is no exception.

“Ring by spring” is the phrase used to describe the frequency and typical time of year students tend to get engaged at GCC. And while it’s common for people to celebrate when their friends decide to get hitched, Grove City students have a special way of celebrating.

It is inevitable that you will witness the process dubbed “creeking” in your first year of college. It starts with a slow chanting, “Wolf Creek! Wolf Creek!” Then you’ll see the crowd of students led by a group of the future groom’s friends carrying him down to lower campus.

If you stand on the bridge, you’ll get to watch his friends set him down in the creek as the group cheers. Then his fi-

ancé must bring him a towel, if she fails to do so, she will also find herself soaked in the creek.

Continuing our briefing on the language of Grove City College, let’s get all the building acronyms straight.

With Chick-fil-A opening soon, the SAC is sure to be a popular spot. Or is it the STU? What’s up with that?

The Breen Student Union is

known by both acronyms, though neither matches its official name. SAC is a holdover from many years ago, when the student union was known as the Student Activities Center. STU, we think, is just short for student union.

Right across from the SAC is the Staley Hall of Arts and Letters. One of the hottest

GRACE DAVID/COLLEGIAN

The class of 2027 moved in August 24. Almost half of the freshmen are from out of state.

GCC

A newly engaged Grover gets “creeked” back in 2017.

GCC

Let’s play a matching game. Which of these buildings is HAL and which is the SAC?

FRESHMEN 6

Welcome week wonder

The class of 2027 arrives on campus amidst campus-wide change

Grove City College brings a whole new world to the class of 2027 this week as they jump into the chaos of college life. From early-morning practices to late-night Orientation Board events, new students have had plenty to do after moving in.

So much newness in people, classes, and events is a lot to take on at once, bringing waves of joy, anxiety, sadness, and anticipation.

Campus doesn’t just appear new to the freshmen class, however. Returning students, staff, and faculty can relate to new students as Rockwell gets a face-lift and Parkhurst redesigns the dining halls.

These changes can be as confusing as they are exciting. Don’t be afraid of it—embrace it and explore it together! What will Grove City College look like when these new students are seniors and guiding the class of 2030? How can we walk alongside them to best help them develop into strong leaders who take over when we leave?

Buildings may change, students will come and go, and the landscape will develop. Regardless of what structural differences come to campus, our goal can remain the same—to pursue academic excellence and follow the footsteps of Jesus.

by Grace David, Photo Chief

FACULTY

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chemistry is not scary,” Foster said. He encourages them to “embrace a growth mindset” even if they don’t understand everything at first. His favorite thing about teaching is “the look of dawning realization when a student understands something in a new light.”

Assistant Professor Ethan J. Johnson ‘15 joins the Computer Science department to teach courses on cybersecurity and low-level systems software. He earned his degree in computer science and mathematics at Grove City and is currently finishing his PhD at the University of Rochester. “I had a lot of reasons for wanting to return to teach at Grove City, not least of which is that I was profoundly blessed and enriched by my time here as a student,” Johnson said.

“I’ve seen first-hand how the college’s unique approach to a Christ-centered, liberal arts education, blended with strong competence in science and engineering, can transform students into well-rounded professionals and community members,” he said.

FRESHMEN

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These students also have their t’s crossed and i’s dotted. Academically, over 70 percent of the class placed in the top 90 percent nationally. Even better, half of them scored in the top 10 percent. This should come as no surprise, given the College’s prominent emphasis on academic excellence. Additionally, almost half of these new students come from private, classical, and homeschool backgrounds, lending their unique perspectives to the College’s already diverse learning atmosphere.

In fact, this is one of the reasons why these students chose the College in the first place. Of the five most common reasons to pick Grove City College, the most common was the college’s nationally ranked liberal arts and STEM programs. Just under half of incoming students plan to pursue degrees in these STEM programs, especially in engineering, exercise science and com-

GROVERS

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debates on campus is whether the building, which was renamed in honor of donor Richard Staley a few years ago, should be called by its old acronym HAL, or its new one SHAL. Students are extremely loyal to their side of the debate.

Then there’s the Physical Learning Center, usually referenced as the PLC, and Pew Fine Arts Center, better known as PFAC.

Now that you’ve started to master the language, let’s talk about some of the required practices of the college.

Chapel services are held every Wednesday and Friday. Full-time students must attend at least 12 services each semester to receive their required chapel credits. A phrase commonly associated with chapel is, “no card no credit.”

This means that students must bring their student ID with them to be scanned to get credit. Students will be prevented from registering for classes if they are six or more credits short of 12 two weeks before their time slot for registration according to the chapel policies found on

Johnson sees Grove City’s model of education represents a solution to the brokenness of modern higher education.

“I wanted to be a part of the solution, not the problem – and I realized GCC was one of the precious few places where I could truly do that as a computer science professor,” he said.

From his courses, Johnson hopes students gain, “an excitement and love for the usefulness and creativity inherent in what we do as computer scientists” and that students appreciate that security isn’t just following a checklist but a pursuit that requires wisdom.

The seven other new faculty members will bolster several academic departments.

Assistant Professor of Biblical and Religious Studies

Dr. Josiah D. Hall grew up in Kenya where his parents were missionaries. He aims to encourage joyful curiosity about the Bible through his courses this semester.

Cedric E. Lewis, a longtime adjunct, is now an assistant professor of Entrepreneurship, bringing his skills in legal studies, digital marketing, entrepreneurship and the music/entertainment in-

puter science. The College’s great track record of career outcomes for alumni was another major attractor in this regard.

This incoming class certainly has much to offer the Grove City College community in the classroom, on the athletic field and in their various extracurricular pursuits.

To further enrich the experience of these newcomers, the College is implementing a New Student Engagement department with the goal of creating a society-building student body. This work has not gone unnoticed ─ the welcoming and supportive campus here at the College is one of the main deciding factors for this new class.

“I personally chose Grove City College for its good foundations,” said freshman Ben Reaggs. “What the College believes in with regards to Godly community and fellowship was really promising to me.”

Look out, Grovers. The freshmen are coming, and they are ready to overachieve!

MyGCC.

Students visiting a dorm of the opposite sex must be signed into the building when they arrive and out when they leave. Be aware, there are times that open hours may change, such as during breaks. Sophomore OB volunteer Drew Pelesky explains open hours are every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. He advises freshmen to reference the sheet hung up in each hall that lists all the times for open hours throughout the week.

You’ve reached the end of our guide, which is by no means definitive. Hopefully, you are feeling more confident about transitioning into the culture at Grove City College.

Sophomore OB member

Clare Schuller reminds freshmen, “It’s all going to be okay. Everyone who is here has been where you are.”

Conner encourages freshmen to, “be patient in the Lord’s timing because He will bring the right people to you and the right opportunities if you trust Him. Remember growth does not happen inside your comfort zone.”

dustry to the classroom this fall. He is also the owner of Unashamed Clothing Co.

Before teaching, Visiting Professor of Biology Dr. Enzo Campagnolo worked at the CDC as an epidemiology field officer and Acting State Public Health Veterinarian. Campagnolo takes regular summer trips to Italy with his wife and is passionate about sharing his professional knowledge with students.

Dr. Peter D. Hill is now an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering after 30 years in different research, innovation and product development industries. Hill has helped develop several medical devices and therapies.

Dr. Ryan S. Kelley is an Assistant Professor of Management and will teach management and marketing. His specializations are in management, leadership, human resources, organizational management and strategic management.

Dr. Russell D. Kosits, a Professor of Psychology, specializes in history and theory of psychology. He worked at Redeemer University in Ontario Canada for 17 years where he served as the chair of the psychology program.

REVIEW

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cated. “It’s Grove City College’s inclusions on so many of our student survey-based ranking lists that may have contributed the weightier influence on applicants choosing the school,” he said.

“Millions of students who use our education services and college search features via our website and/or our books have access to those profiles,” Franek said.

The Princeton Review, founded in 1981 to help students with academic prep and college admissions, has listed Grove City among its “Best Colleges” for more than three decades. The college also holds regional and “Best Value” honors.

While Princeton Review doesn’t numerically rank schools in its guide, it uses student survey information to rank schools in a variety of categories concerning campus life. Grove City College showed up on six top 25 lists this year, with the College ranking fourth for “Most Conservative Students.” Other student survey rankings

continued from 1

struction activity, according to Landau Building Company’s project manager John Kamer.

“The current phase… focuses on cleaning and remediation to the building’s brick and limestone exterior façade, alongside the replacement of all the existing windows. The beautiful stained-glass windows in the Tower have been carefully removed and are currently undergoing restoration by a specialty contractor on Pittsburgh’s South Side,” he said.

Over the next few months, the team will begin work on the three-story corridor connecting STEM to Rockwell.

The structure will be made of steel and feature a glass exterior with elements of limestone and clay tile. Construction starts in spring 2024 and is expected to finish within a year.

“The interior renovations inside of Rockwell Hall will be a highly coordinated effort by hundreds of highly skilled tradesmen as the new classrooms, laboratory and office spaces are created and fitted out. The interior renovation process will be complete in

Assistant Professor of English Dr. Virginia C. Rawl, teaches courses on 18th-century British literature and gothic fiction. Her areas of

included: 25th in “Most Religious Students”, 10th in “Cancel the Keg”, 17th in “Pot’s Not Hot” and 12th in “Scotch and Soda, Hold the Scotch”.

Grove City’s Student Counseling Center is ranked 18th in the nation for “Student Support/Counseling Services.

President Paul J. McNulty ‘80 asserted that Grove’s status with Princeton Review is more than a validation of the college’s academics, but a vindication of decisions to forego federal funding and emphasize a wide range of academic majors.

“We appreciate that Princeton Review identifies genuine quality in higher education rather than being confined to the federal government’s database like the Wall Street Journal and other ranking services,” McNulty said. “Similarly, unlike the U.S. News & World Report, Princeton Review doesn’t demote liberal arts colleges with strong pre-professional programs such as business, health sciences, engineering and education, programs that are in high demand by employers.”

Those high-demand pro-

July 2025 as we turn over the entire project to the college,” Kamer said.

The project is intensive and will affect regular campus life, but both the college and Kamer noted procedures to manage distractions.

“Anytime there is a project this magnitude of size, there are inconveniences and disruptions. The additional portion of the project will create noise outdoors and during the actual connection to STEM. We are attempting to manage the disruption so as to not impact classes in STEM, but we should recognize that noise will be present during the day,” according to Vice President for Operations Susan Grimm.

“During this project, our team’s top priority is to ensure a safe and secure job site, minimizing disruption to campus activities. We will continue to work closely with the Campus Safety and the Operations Team to maintain constant communication and coordination over the course of the project,” Kramer said.

“We are hopeful that the students see the inconvenience as a process to get something that will provide such benefit to them in the

interest include narratology and genre theory, the rise of the English novel, 18th-century satire and the fiction of sensibility.

grams are listed as some of Grove’s most popular major choices in the new guide. Students also said they like the college’s career services office, internship support services, theater programs, dance clubs, intramural sports, campus ministries and student government, according to the guide. The admissions office was highly evaluated with a score of 87 out of 100, and the college’s financial aid services earned 78 out of 100.

The Review’s report highlights the college’s continuing Christian legacy: “The majority of the students here apply their spiritual relationship with God to all activities on campus, whether it be academic or social.”

Student quotes in the Review noted Grove’s social climate in a way that students, faculty, and alumni alike would likely find familiar. “Peers I’ve never even met smile at me as I pass them on the sidewalk.” “Many people overcommit themselves to the various on-campus groups.” And the obvious: “This is in no way a party school.”

future,” Grimm said. Displaced faculty who were in Rockwell are temporarily located on the north end of Alumni Hall, and classes have been redirected into STEM, SHAL, PLC and Hoyt for the time being.

GCC

Grove City College’s new faculty at orientation in Rathburn last week.

The men’s soccer team celebrates a 4-0 victory over Waynesburg on

RANKINGS

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nition because of their hard

FOOTBALL

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will compete with Washington & Jefferson for homecoming week.

The Wolverines will play their hardest opponents all in September: a rigorous test for Grove City’s football team right at the start of their season.

Coach DiDonato comments on this, stating, “We encouraged our guys not to think about who we’re playing in September but to take it one game and one play at

Women’s tennis

Nine returning letterwinners and five talented newcomers comprise the 2023-24 Grove City College women’s tennis team as the Wolverines seek a return to the top of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference.

Two seniors and two juniors who earned All-PAC recognition last season will help lead Grove City this year. Senior Lexi Chappel returns at the top of the lineup after playing primarily at No. 1 singles and doubles as a junior.

Chappel earned All-PAC honors in singles and doubles action following her sophomore season and is expected to be at or near the top of both the singles and doubles lineups this year Juniors Emily Ivory and Janel McCray each return after earning All-Conference recognition last fall.

Ivory earned Second Team All-PAC in singles action, then teamed with McCray to earn All-PAC Second Team as a doubles pairing. Ivory went 8-5 at No. 2 singles last year and finished with 10 singles wins. McCray recorded a team-best 11 singles victories last year. Both players are expected to be key cogs in Grove City’s lineup in singles and doubles competition. Horner also expects newcomers Peyton Joines, Jacqueline Marriott, Cath-

Sports at a Glance

Upcoming Wolverine Athletic Events

Women’s Volleyball:

Sep. 1, 2:00 p.m. @ Bluffton

Sep. 1, 6:00 p.m. @ school

Sep. 2, 8:00 a.m. @ Case Western Reserve

Sep. 2, 12:00 p.m. @ Hiram

Sep. 5, 6:00 p.m. @ Chatham

Sep.6, 4:00 p.m. vs. Thiel

Sep. 6, 8:00 p.m. vs. Allegheny

Men’s Soccer:

Sep. 1, 6:00 p.m. vs. Lancaster Bible

Sep. 2, 6:00 p.m. vs. Mount Union

work. We were excited to be recognized by our peers, but now we have to compete.”

a time. Our schedule is a lot of great teams, so we try not to get caught up in anything other than the week in front of us.”

Athletic Director Todd Gibson ‘02 states, “We’re going to find out quickly where the direction of our football season is going to go.”

The major game of the season is the night game against Carnegie Mellon on Sep. 23. Carnegie Mellon is currently ranked 17th in the nation for NCAA Division

The fall sport’s regular season games begin today with games at home and away.

III football. The Wolverines are hoping to make a statement by challenging their toughest opponent for the biggest game of the season.

“We’ll have an opportunity to have the biggest Division III game in the country, but we have some work to do to make that happen,” said Gibson. “People will be paying attention.”

The race for the PAC championship starts with a matchup between the Wolverines and Westminster on Robert E. Thorne Field tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Sep. 6, 5:00 p.m. vs. Oberlin

Women’s Soccer:

Sep. 1, 5:00 p.m. @ Lynchburg

Sep. 2, 7:30 p.m. @ Roanoke

Sep. 6, 7:30 p.m. vs. Mount Union

Women’s Tennis:

Sep. 1, 4:00 p.m. @ Pennwest Edinboro

Sep. 6, 4:30 vs. Carlow

Women’s Cross Country:

Sep. 1, 6:15 @ Akron

Men’s Cross Country:

Sep. 1, 6:45 @ Akron

Men’s/Women’s Golf:

Sep. 5, 9:30 a.m. @ Geneva

Fall sports roundup

erine Petrovich, Nicolette Rosati and Cana Severson to compete for starting spots this season. The 2023-24 season begins September 1 at PennWest Edinboro. Grove City hosts Carlow at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6 in the home opener at WaltersZbell Courts. Conference play begins Friday, Sept. 15 against visiting Thiel.

Women’s golf

The Grove City College women’s and men’s golf teams recently released the fall portion of their respective 2023-24 schedules as both programs will again have a split schedule over the fall and spring semes-

ters. The women’s team will compete in six events this fall while the men are scheduled to compete in eight fall tournaments.

Both teams will begin the fall season at the Geneva Invitational, which will be held September 5 at Connoquenessing Country Club in Ellwood City. The women’s team then returns to action six days later at the Thiel Invitational, held at Avalon Buhl Golf Course in Hermitage.

Grove City’s women’s team will then have its first Saturday event of the season September 16 as the Wolverines compete in the Franciscan Invitational. That event will be held at Steubenville Country Club. Grove City resumes

action with its annual home Fall Invitational, scheduled for Thursday, Sep. 28 at Grove City Country Club.

Eight days later, Grove City concludes the regular season portion of the fall schedule at the Westminster Invitational. The Wolverines will then compete in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Fall Championships on Oct. 16-17 at Squaw Creek in Vienna, Ohio.

Men’s golf

After opening at the Geneva Invitational, the Grove City men’s golf squad will host its annual Fall Invitational at Grove City Country Club on Sept. 14. Five days later, the Wolverines will

travel to Oglebay in Wheeling, W.Va., for the Bethany Invitational.

Grove City will compete in the first of three multi-day events in the fall Sept. 2425 as the Wolverines head to Meadville Country Club for the Allegheny Invitational. The Wolverines return to action Monday, Oct. 2 by competing in the La Roche Invitational at Wildwood Country Club in Allison Park. Grove City caps that week with its second two-day tournament of the season, the Mercyhurst Invitational at Lake View Country Club in Erie. That event will be held Friday-Saturday, Oct. 6-7. Grove City’s final tuneup for the conference tournament will be the following Monday, Oct. 9 at the Westminster Invitational in New Castle.

The Presidents’ Athletic Conference Fall Championships will be held Oct. 16-17 at Avalon Lakes Golf Course in Warren, Ohio. the Cedar Point Tournament. The home schedule begins Tuesday, September 5 with a non-conference match against league foe Chatham. The 10-match round-robin conference schedule begins Wednesday, October 4 against visiting Waynesburg.

Ryan Briggs Sports Information Director

GRACE DAVID

Oct. 19, 2022.

Is this the year?

Wolverines prepare for crucial first month

Joel

Editor

Sledd Sports

Wolverines football is back for another season of competition.

For the last three and a half weeks, the team has been preparing for a challenging schedule. The athletes will get to experience some of the toughest and most competitive teams at the forefront of an exciting, new season.

The football program has welcomed 48 freshmen to the team, pushing the roster to 123 total athletes.

Head coach Andrew DiDonato talked about his experience with the freshmen, stating, “We've been blessed to bring in another class to continue building forward.

We feel we have another group with a lot of depth to continue the tradition here.”

To lead the future classes of Wolverines’ football, 15 seniors and six fifth-year students will return.

“It’s an experienced group who knows who we are and what we're trying to do. Not just our vision, but how we practice and prepare for opponents,” said Coach DiDonato.

“I think we had such a smooth camp because we had so many guys who know how we operate, and it made for one of the best camps we’ve ever had.”

During the preseason, senior wide receiver Scott Fraser earned Third Team All-America distinction for

his performance during the 2022 football season. Fraser led the President’s Athletic Conference (PAC) last year with 70 receptions, 1,145 yards and 10 touchdown catches.

The PAC ranked Grove City as fourth on the preseason football poll. Carnegie Mellon University sits at first with Washington & Jefferson and Westminster at second and third respectively.

All of the Wolverines' primetime games are scheduled against particularly tough opponents this year. Westminster will be the first matchup of the regular season and the first home game. Then, Carnegie Mellon is scheduled for dfa matchup at home for the night game. And finally, the Wolverines

PAC preseason rankings released

Joel Sledd

Sports Editor

Fall sports at Grove City College are about to kick off, and expectations are high. The official Presidents Athletics Conference (PAC) rankings for fall sports were released in late August. Many GCC sports programs earned a very high ranking with several teams earning a spot in the top three. The men’s soccer team took first in the pre-season polls. After finishing the 2022 regular season with a perfect 10-0 record against conference opponents, the Wolverines find themselves on top of the PAC again.

“We got a target on our back, but we feel blessed knowing the conference respects what we do,” said Head Coach Mike Dreves. This is the fifth year in a row the Wolverines men’s soccer team has been chosen as the preseason favorite. The men accomplished a lot last year, including Coach Dreves who earned the 2022 PAC Coach of the Year. Women’s soccer was ranked second in their respective preseason poll. In the 2022 season, the women finished 7-2-1 against PAC opponents. Several individuals also earned recognition for their performance last season.

Seniors forward Gianna D’Amato and midfielder Anna Jenkins earned second-team All-PAC while junior forward Britta Lagerquist and senior midfielder Emily White both earned first-team All-PAC. Six of the eight starters from last year’s roster will return for this season. Head Coach Leo Sayles returns for his fourth year to coach volleyball. The team earned second place in the PAC preseason polls, four votes behind Bethany College. With many starters returning, Wolverines’ volleyball has another shot at winning the PAC championship. The season starts with

the Cedar Point tournament in Sandusky, Ohio today at 2 p.m. The women’s tennis team welcomes five newcomers and nine returning athletes to contribute to another dominating season for Grove City. Women’s tennis was ranked third in the PAC preseason poll behind Allegheny College and Franciscan University. The women’s tennis team had a 6-2 record against conference rivals last year and a . Returning for his fourth year as Head Coach of the women’s tennis team is Nathaniel Horner. Women’s cross country was ranked fourth in the pre-

season polls, sitting one vote behind third place. Six newcomers and 12 returning athletes will participate in the women’s cross-country team including Junior Lydia Bennett, who earned secondteam All-PAC recognition for her performance last year. The men’s cross-country team was ranked fifth in the preseason polls, just two votes behind fourth place.

The men’s team welcomes six freshmen and 18 returning athletes, including sophomore second-team All-PAC honoree Michael Singley. Athletic Director Todd Gibson ‘02 States, “The coaches and athletes deserve recog-

GRACE DAVID

Junior cornerback Trenton Rupp attemps to tackle sophomore wide reciever Gavin Mauger during an inter-squad scrimmage.

DIDONATO FRASER

GRACE DAVID

Team Chaplain Dr. James Thrasher addresses Senior Ryan Heckathorn.

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