Volume28issue21

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

IslandWavesNews.com

MAKE AN IMPACT New university President addresses community

by JONATHAN FORNEY • Page 6

News

Islanders help clean up city after Hurricane Harvey Page 4

Also

September 21, 2017 Volume 28, Issue 21

Opinions Page 2 Entertainment Page 8 Sports Page 12

2 Opinion STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCORPUS CHRISTI

09.21.2017

Opportunities to help hurricane victims Catharina Garrett @imacat_moo

Many lives were changed forever when Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Gulf Coast.

ISLAND WAVES STI | ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | VOLUME ISSUE 20 | 08.27.15 People26are struggling, but it IslandWavesNews.com doesn’t have to be that way. By volunteering, the communities Editor-in-Chief affected by Harvey’s wrath can JONATHAN FORNEY find hope. Here are a few ways you can help with the afterWeb math: GERI LEMMONS, editor 1. Dress for Success in Corpus Christi Copy Editing This organization is acceptILLI-ANNA MARTINEZ, ing donations of men’s, womcopy editor en’s and children’s shoes, clothing and accessories in all sizes.

Reporters Drop off a donation anytime CATHARINA GARRETT from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1620 MICHAEL BRODE South Brownlee Blvd. or volunERIN NASH teer to help with their efforts.

AMBER CASTILLO For more information call 361232-5226.

Layout 2. Habitat For Humanity ISABELLA MOON, (HFH) layout assistant The non-profit organization that builds homes for people in need, is always accepting new Advertising volunteers. They have locaALYSSIA CRAWFORD, tions representing and serving assistant San Patricio County and AranQUYNHCHI QUACH, sas County and have recently assistant launched a campaign to help Graduate Assistant the victims of Hurricane HarTAIWO AGBAJE, vey rebuild. Donations are also advertising manager accepted through their website.

To learn more and register, visit Faculty Adviser www.habitat.org.

WENDY MOORE 3. Team Rubicon This group works with miliABOUT ISLAND WAVES tary veterans and first respondIsland Waves is a studenters to quickly and efficiently deproduced publication at Texas ploy emergency response teams A&M University-Corpus Christi. to areas in need. They are acThe newspaper is printed weekly, cepting volunteers through their except during summer sessions. website to help with spreading word about their emergency reAny student or University emlief efforts. They also accept doployee may submit material and nations through their website. opinions for publication To learn more and register, visit consideration. To become a www.teamrubiconusa.org contributor, e-mail or call the 4. The National Voluntary OrIsland Waves editor. ganizations Active in Disaster CONTACT US (NVOAD) 6300 Ocean Drive The NVOAD program aims to Unit 5783 help victims of disaster in any Corpus Christi, TX 78412 way possible. Whether they are (361) 825-5862 providing supplies to the comeditor@tamucc.edu munity or rebuilding homes, ads@tamucc.edu this volunteer-based organiza-

JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves

Some of the organizations helping out victims of Hurricane Harvey. Those interested in helping, themselves, can reach out to these organizations or others like them for more information.

tion gives a helping hand during hardships caused by disaster.

To learn more and register, visit www.nvoad.org.

5. The American Red Cross The famous organization needs volunteers to help in shelters, cleanup efforts and supply distribution. You must apply to become a volunteer under the organization. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, offer a minimum 10-day commitment, work 10 hours a day, and be able to authorize a background check upon completion of the volunteer application. To learn more or apply, visit www. redcross.org.

6. Convoy of Hope Another group helping the relief effort is this non-profit organization that aims to help areas stricken by disaster. Through feeding initiatives, disaster response and community outreach, Convoy of Hope is accepting donations and volunteers of at least 13 years of age. They are currently offering disaster relief for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. To learn more and register, visit www.convoyofhope. org.

There are many opportunities to help those who need it most.

One person can make a world of difference in the wake of disas-

ter. The recovery process begins by getting started.

Getting involved can mean volunteering, making donations or any number of other things.

The important part is the desire to help.

Every little bit helps and together, as a community, we can take the necessary steps to help those affected by these recent disasters. Together, we can make a difference and rebuild for a better tomorrow.

More information on volunteering and getting involved can be found through the organizations listed or via local resources.

Campus 3

09.21.2017

Hurricanes and recent storms explained MICHAEL BRODE @michaelbrode

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estruction, devastation and tragedy stricken, the Texas Gulf Coast has begun rebuilding from Hurricane Harvey, watching neighbors in Florida and the Caribbean as they prepared for a similar impact.

“We’re currently in the peak of hurricane season,” Kevin Wagner, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said. “This usually occurs around Sept. 10 and 11 and although it’s very powerful, it’s nothing unusual.”

Understanding how these forces come about can be tricky.

In order to fully understand what we know about hurricanes, it’s important to also comprehend what we don’t know.

Because of how unpredict-

able the changing planet can be, much weather and climate data is incomplete. Although scientific measuring equipment is advancing every day, experts still do not have the instruments to fully comprehend the power and patterns of nature.

Next, we can focus on what we do know: how hurricanes are formed. Originally, each hurricane develops from a tropical disturbance; characterized by a cluster of thunderstorms starting to spin in a low-pressure area above warm ocean water. This grows into a tropical depression, then a tropical storm and, finally, a hurricane once wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour.

Once a hurricane is formed, it creates three main parts: the eye, the eye wall and the rain bands. The eye wall surrounds

the calm eye of the storm but carries with it winds and rains capable of incredible destruction. Outside of the eye wall, the rain bands pour nearly-inconceivable amounts of water down from the sky. In cases like Harvey, these rain bands continue to pull moisture from the ocean and can flood entire cities.

Data used to determine hurricane seasons and sizes has allowed us to understand and prepare for hurricanes better each year. However, research as to whether or not hurricane frequency or intensity have increased remains largely undetermined and debated within scientific communities.

Some people speculate hurricanes have recently become more intense. “It’s tough to say without getting into too much

detail,” Wagner said, There’s much research still ongoing about intensity over the years.”

Wagner also said 2017 is the first hurricane season in decades during which two hurricanes have made landfall in the U.S. Hurricanes can greatly affect the lives of people, communities and areas stricken by them.

The Island University narrowly missed getting hit hard by Hurricane Harvey, allowing many students to return to school unaffected. With that being said, it’s important to remember those who weren’t as fortunate.

As Texans, we each need to do what we can to help those affected by this storm. For those who want to help the relief effort, remember texting “HARVEY” to 90999 can make a one-time $10 donation to Red Cross.

Islanders clean up university after Harvey GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons

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tudent Volunteer Connection (SVC) hosted a university wide clean-up for students who wanted to help clean the Island University after Harvey.

The clean-up was originally scheduled to happen during Waves of Welcome before the storm, but was rescheduled to Sept. 9 because of the storm.

Sophomore pre-nursing major Megan Greige said there was a lot blown around and many items for students to find and pick up.

“There was obviously a lot a debris that was brought in because of Hurricane Harvey and everyone who came was really eager to come and collect trash,” Greige said.

Students were instructed to clean the hike and bike trail, the university beach and were also told to clean up some of the areas around campus. As people were cleaning up, large wooden and plastic items had all washed up on the university beach.

“We definitely found a lot of big items,” Greige said. “A lot of plastic and trash; I think we re-

ally helped in beautifying the campus after Harvey.”

SVC member Alex Puentes said it was important to clean up things people see when they first come to the university.

“We had the hike and bike trail and the bridge you go over when you get to campus,” Puentes said. “That is just one of the first things you see when you get on campus, as well as the hike and bike trail where many utilize it and it needed to be clear for them to use it.”

Greige said this event was important for students because it was a way to give back to a city that has given the university a home. She said it was important for everyone to pitch in. If another natural disaster strikes, residents can feel better knowing the university has their back.

“We need to show we care about our community,” Greige said. “We need to become active members of our community because you never know when something like hurricane Harvey is going to happen.”

Puentes said it is important for students to come to events like this after Harvey because the

Students pick up trash along the university grounds.

university is a home away from home.

“As Islanders, this is our home and it is important for us to take care of that home,” Puentes said.

Student Volunteer Connection has been at the forefront of help-

O N L I N E

Island Waves News .com

Students have returned and the semester is just getting underway.

This week, Island Waves spoke with the university’s registered dietician and learned how a referendum is improving nutrition services here at the Island University. There is also a guide to cheap, easy meals for students on our site.

In our back-to-school issue, there are several stories to help freshmen adjust to their college experience. A few weeks into the semester and that advice could help someone out. Learn something new at islandwavesnews.com.

Athletics is getting into its fall swing, as well. The Islanders soccer team is off to one of its best starts in school history. We’ve got a feature story with senior goalkeeper Jordan Wainwright online now.

This year, there is going to be an emphasis on in-depth feature coverage of our Islander student athletes. Be on the lookout in upcoming issues for more.

Our website will be getting its share of exclusive content this year. Check out a video recap of Islander Clean as well as our recurring content: The Current and The Riptide.

The semester is still in its infancy. There are plenty of exciting things yet to come for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The university has a new president, record enrollment figures, new facilities are under construction and so much more. Follow Island Waves on social media for the latest updates.

Photo by GERI LEMMONS

ing students get connected with volunteer work after Harvey.

The organization has more plans to help with disaster relief. For more information about SVC and their plans visit: http://studentactivities.tamucc.edu/SVC.

ON THE COVER:

PHOTO BY CARLOS HINOJOSA

4 Campus

09.21.2017

Community service fair helps students find organizations AMBER CASTILLO @ambercastillo27

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etting involved in organizations and making connections can be a good way to get started networking and helping out the community in the process.

On Sept. 7, Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi held a community service fair to help students gain volunteer connections and get a foot in the door to an internship. The fair lasted from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Center Lonestar Ballroom. The event had different organizations, ranging from the aquarium to major hospitals in Corpus Christi.

Megan Greige a sophomore prenursing major and one of the event’s coordinators, said attending the event and making connections with differ-

ent organizations the fair brought to the campus would only be beneficial in the long-run for students.

“Volunteering is very important because it gives students the opportunity to apply what they are learning into the community, like real life situations,” Greige said. “Not only do these organizations offer volunteering opportunities, but they also offer internships which could lead to job opportunities in the future.”

Senior criminal justice major Crystal Quevedo said she encouraged any able bodies to give back to the community and to take advantage of the different opportunities that the events offer.

Quevedo is also involved with Student Volunteer Connection.

“The Student Volunteer Connection is a student organization that aims to get students actively involved in the

community,” Quevedo said. “We host a lot of different events such as the Big Event, Islander cleanups, as well as Hurricane Harvey opportunities. Our main goal is to really just give back to those who have been less fortunate then we have.”

Junior athletic trainer Sabrina Gonzales attended the fair and said she felt it was great for anyone who is looking for volunteer hours and recommendations.

“The fair was an extremely good resource for anyone who is a nursing major or anyone related with the health field because there were more opportunities towards that,” Gonzales said. “They did have other organizations that would be able to benefit others as well so I think they did a good job planning it.”

The fair was a first step to getting

people involved by helping them find resources.

“This event was a really nice way to learn how I can help people,” senior communication major Joshua Hunter said. “I just want to get out and do my part.”

For those who missed the community service fair and are still looking to volunteer in different organizations, you can go to studentactivties.tamucc. edu to sign up for various opportunities. There will be another opportunity to attend the community service fair in the spring semester.

The university also hosts a number of fairs in addition to its community service fair. Throughout the semester, students can learn about potential careers in their desired fields at various career fairs. Contact career services for more information.

Career schedule by JONATHAN FORNEY

Campus 5

09.21.2017

On-campus dietician helps students with health JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

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exas A&M University-Corpus Christi Recreational Sports has been known for its fitness and wellness resources available to students. With an increased focus on helping establish a healthy lifestyle, more ways to help students are on the way.

“Students in college have a huge opportunity to create healthy habits that will last them a lifetime,” Rec. Sports registered dietician Marcelina Garza said. “I feel like taking this window of opportunity to focus on all aspects of wellness, especially nutrition with a licensed and registered dietician is a huge opportunity.”

A major emphasis of Garza and her department is giving people the opportunity to play a role in their own health.

“As a student, we don’t have a huge amount of control over our lives, but our health is something that we kind of do,” nutrition intern Elizabeth Brodine said. “I don’t think [students] realize these services are available and if they did, they would probably use them.”

Garza echoes this sentiment, especially for her primary demographic,

college students.

“We can’t control the assignments our professors give us,” Garza said.

“We can’t control the financial aid office, but we can control our health.”

Garza has served as the dietician to students through Rec. Sports for over a year now. She was brought to the university after the passage of a referendum to help students get the best health experience for their money.

This referendum was intended to allow for student recreational fees to go toward new gym equipment, facilities, programs and a dietician to provide nutritional services.

In addition to her by-appointment one-on-one consultations, Garza and Rec. Sports offer a variety of other wellness services to students.

“I do the one-on-one, we do group cooking classes, group seminars and we’ve also been trying to do a guided grocery store tours,” Garza said.

The grocery store tours were suggested previously but eventually scrapped due to low enrollment. Garza would like to get the program going in the near future for the opportunity to teach students how to make better shopping decisions.

“We tried it last semester, but we didn’t get a lot of people to RSVP,” Gar-

Courtesy of RECSPORTS.TAMUCC.EDU

One part of the recent referendum to put more of student fees toward health resources is the introduction of a beginner’s cooking class. The four-week course will help students take a more active role in their health and wellness.

Photo courtesy of RECSPORTS.TAMUCC.EDU

Registered and licensed dietician Marcelina Garza poses for her official staff photo.

za said. “But if you take a moment to have someone show you some other items that are healthy, convenient or nutritious, then you might try something new.”

Garza said students come to her for a variety of reasons and she treats every student and recommendation as its own case. Students often ask her for help when they want to start living healthier lives.

“Most of them are trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle or managing conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure or even mental health conditions,” Garza said. “I also have students and athletes that come for sports nutrition; how to take their game to the next level. There’s a wide variety.”

In each instance, Garza considers the student’s major, academic year, cooking skill level and many other factors when consulting with students for their dieting recommendations.

“I’m talking about ‘what are lifelong lessons you can take from here?’” Garza said. “We talk about their exercise regiments. I don’t judge. We work in preferences. I take the full picture into consideration.”

This attention to detail is something Garza believes makes her a good fit for her position.

“I think one of the things that makes me feel like I was meant for this role is that I take into account everybody’s situation,” Garza said.

Garza said she recognizes that the healthiest option may not always be

the easiest and suggests thinking of diet decisions on a spectrum.

“Think of good, better and best meal ideas,” Garza said.

In addition to her consultations, the nutrition services offered through Rec. Sports extend into other activities. A four-week non-academic beginner’s cooking class will be available to students for a $10 fee, starting Sept. 27 on Wednesdays.

The university tested this idea during the 2016-2017 school year with a couples’ cooking class hosted on Valentine’s day, and the success of the event led to the class’ inception.

“You’d come into the rec sports office to register [for the class],” Garza said. “There’s a small fee. We’re trying to make sure that students buy into the class and come all four weeks. So that’s what the fee is really about.”

Rec. Sports also offers fitness classes, which work hand-in-hand with nutrition efforts.

“I’ve been able to work with our personal trainers and fitness instructors closely and now they’re aware of our services,” Garza said.

The fitness staff refers clients to nutrition services and vice versa.

“They are always making recommendations to us if their clients ask them nutrition questions,” Garza said.

“That’s where they draw the line and say ‘actually, we have a dietician, you should visit with her’”.

Having an all-encompassing approach to healthy living is key to Garza and her staff.

“Most people want to live a long time and live well, that requires focusing on all aspects of wellness, not just one,” Garza said.

Garza is available for one-on-one consultations by appointment, either by e-mail, phone call or stopping by the Rec. Sports’ office. Appointments are typically an hour for her to understand the student’s situation before making a recommendation.

For more information on nutrition services, including the new cooking class and other programs, visit the rec sports office inside the Dugan Wellness Center or their website, https://recsports.tamucc.edu.

At the time of this article’s writing, the nutrition-related links on the Rec. Sports’ website do not lead anywhere, but content will be added in the near future as more definitive schedules and information become available to students.

6 Campus

09.21.2017

University president addresses campus, community

JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

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op figures from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and its community sponsors packed into a sold-out University Center for the 2017-2018 State of the University luncheon.

The event served as an opportunity for newly appointed university president and chief executive officer, Dr. Kelly Quintanilla, to address the student body, university faculty and community. The event’s theme was making an impact and in particular, what the Islander Impact represented.

“Our students realize the value of the Islander Impact. True Islander Impact comes down to the individual,” Quintanilla said.

The impact Islanders made was demonstrated in every facet during the event. From athletics, to the contributions of each of the various colleges and programs and to the volunteer efforts of students in wake of Hurricane Harvey, the university demonstrated how it helps shape the community and the world.

“Islanders have stepped up and for as long as it takes,” Quintanilla said.

“Islanders stand ready to help.”

Many statistics highlighted the ways the Island University is making an impact at various levels. Steadily rising enrollment numbers and high percentage of students finding work postgraduation in fields such as theater and nursing were front and center.

Photo by CARLOS HINOJOSA

Newly appointed university president, Dr. Kelly Quintanilla, gave her keynote presentation at the State of the University luncheon on Sept. 13.

According to university records, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is the 14th largest employer in Corpus Christi. The university contributes $464.5 million to the city annually while the fall 2017 enrollment figures

Photo by CARLOS HINOJOSA

The sold-out University Center was host to Islander faculty, alumni, students and local sponsors.

show 12,472 students; the most in university’s history.

Current and former students shared success stories where they kept the Island University as the primary factor in their successes.

“I knew if I went here, I could get involved in ways that were not possible elsewhere,” graduate MBA student Erin Longoria said.

Quintanilla touched on the campus’ construction and parking situation, citing them as growing pains toward to a better outcome.

“We always have construction going on and that’s a sign of our growth and development,” Quintanilla said.

Quintanilla also spoke about a recent legislative decision that had the potential to cost the university a large portion of its state appropriations, and how the financial blow was minimized. The university was slated to lose more than 30 percent of its appropriations. However, after negotiations, the number was brought down to a little more than five percent.

“In this economy, a small reduction in new resources is a big victory,” Quintanilla said. “A victory that occurred because members of our com-

munity came to Austin with us to help us talk about our initiative.”

Quintanilla has been with the Island University for many years, first starting as a professor. She took the opportunity to acknowledge her appreciation for the campus, its staff and students.

“I’ve worked at this university for 24 years and during that time, I have always been incredibly grateful for the support that I have seen since day one,” Quintanilla said.

With her new role as university president, Quintanilla’s appreciation for the institution has only increased.

“Over the last nine months, while serving as interim president, that gratitude, that pride and that joy I felt from teaching have expanded immeasurably.” Quintanilla said.

The event’s keynote presentation concluded with a promotional video that demonstrated all the ways Islanders made their impact felt in the classroom, post-graduation and around the world.

“I promise you that that [sic] Islander Impact, as incredible as it is, with your support is just beginning,” Quintanilla said.

Campus 7

09.21.2017

Students’ lip syncing skills take center stage CATHARINA GARRETT @imacat_moo

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n Sept. 7, University Center Programs (UCP), in partnership with Barnes & Noble, held a Lip Sync Battle as part of the Waves of Welcome (WOW) program.

The WOW program not only greets new and incoming students to the Islander community, but also exposes them to on-campus opportunities for entertainment and involvement.

Richard Owens, a university faculty member who hosted the event, said the battle was held as an opportunity to let students out of their comfort zone in a fun way.

“Seeing the creativity and enthusiasm that students put into their performances was my favorite part,” Owens said. “I admire and respect the courage it took for all our performers to get on stage.”

The Lip Sync Battle was free to attend, with rewards for the top three contestants in both individual and group categories. The first-place win-

ner received a long board, the second place winner received a backpack and the third place winner received a hat and T-shirt.

“I would advise students to attend as many University events [as possible],” Owens said. “Get involved, [and try] an event or program on campus you never thought you would attend or participate in.”

Justin Bucholtz, a student competitor in the Lip Sync Battle, said getting up on stage was fun for him.

“I love to perform in all kinds of different ways,” Bucholtz said. “Karaoke, acting, or in this case, lip syncing, [are all ways] for me to get out of my head and enjoy myself.”

Bucholtz said although socialization brought him some anxiety, performing on stage gave him a way to get past that.

“I had a ton of fun, and I’m sure it would be fun a second go around,” Bucholtz said. “Give me a chance to perform and I’m there.”

Mahogany Tas Echevarria, the graduate assistant for UCP’s programming

Photo by CARLOS HINOJOSA

First place solo winner, Idania Garza, lip syncs Selena Quintanilla’s “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.”

board, said the event was a success in letting students discover things on campus to get involved with.

“There are many student organizations and events [that] students can participate in,” Tas Echevarria said. “[These] experiences can help them build relationships, have fun and even build up their resume.”

Tas Echevarria said her favorite

part of the event was feeling the energy of the students on stage, and seeing how the crowd motivated participants.

“Looking at posts from students on social media, and getting the glimpse of how much they enjoyed it is [what is] awesome about [these] events,” Tas Echevarria said. “[It] makes me feel that all the effort we put into this was worth it.”

10 Entertainment

09.21.2017

Foo Fighters still putting out solid music JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

The ninth album by the Foo Fighters, “Concrete and Gold,” shows the band hasn’t lost a step in the years since the rock band’s last major release.

As a preface, I am not a huge Foo Fighter fan, by any means. I don’t dislike the band, but I’ve never really gone out of my way to listen to their music.

For context, the last song of theirs I remember really enjoying was “The Pretender,” which came out in 2007.

“Concrete and Gold” was an interesting listen. I think, thematically, it was separated into two parts: a more upbeat, fast-paced introduction and a slower, more somber conclusion. I enjoyed the former more than the latter, but overall, I think the separation helped make for a better product, especially when listening straight through without shuffling.

My favorite song was “Dirty Water,” then I’d say I really liked a little more than half the other songs. “La Dee Da,” “Arrow” and “Make it Right” come to mind as others I enjoyed. At its best,

ALBUM REVIEW “Concrete and Gold” sounds like the music an ’80s action movie star would ride his motorcycle off into the sunset to.

Dave Grohl’s vocals help maintain this aesthetic.

The only song I disliked was “Happily Ever After (Zero Hour),” but that was more because the song acts as the transition between the segments I mentioned earlier. It felt like it broke the continuity I’d come to expect from listening up to that point. On the second listen, though, I better understood what it was trying to do. But from an enjoyment standpoint, I still didn’t think the song was anything special. The other songs were tolerable, in my eyes. They weren’t bad, but I don’t think I’ll add them to any of my rotation playlists.

Lyrically, there isn’t much to write home about. Mind you, I’m not a huge fan of this band, so maybe there’s some

context I’m missing, but a lot of the time, it felt like Grohl was singing pretty words that didn’t really mean anything in the context of the song. There’s definitely a place for that sort of music and

lacking lyrical meaning isn’t necessarily a knock, the way I see it.

I feel this album needs to be listened to in one sitting as it flows pretty well from start to finish.

It eases into its conclusion with the song the album is named for “Concrete and Gold.” At times, it got a little repetitive, but all things considered, I enjoyed the album. I’d call this album good activity music, meaning these songs are good to listen to while doing something else, but not necessarily good enough to make an event out of listening to.

For a Foo Fighter novice, like myself, I think “Concrete and Gold” was a good starting point to remind me what the band is all about. I think it does just enough to convince those who are unfamiliar with the band to check them out.

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09.21.2017

Entertainment 11

Theatre schedule by JONATHAN FORNEY

8 Entertainment

09.21.2017

‘IT’ keeps emotions high, fizzles at end

BY ERIN NASH @ErinJohnnae

“I

T: Chapter One” revisits the classic supernatural horror as in Stephen King’s prized 1986 novel, previously portrayed in the 1990 film.

The emotions and feelings I experienced during the film were like a rollercoaster ride, filled with highs and lows. However, at the end it faded and became boring.

Released Sept. 8 in the U.S., “IT: Chapter One” retells the gory details of the 1986 novel where seven young children living in an unfortunate town are terrorized by an evil being in the form of a clown that feeds off the fears of young children, then the children themselves. As portrayed in the novel, IT will be told in separate parts. The first will be the introduction of the malicious entity and the children, and the second will be told 27 years later when the children are adults.

Portrayed in the novel and the 1990 film, Bill Denbrough helps his younger

FILM REVIEW brother Georgie make a paper boat, giving it the name S.S. Georgie. As the rain falls heavily, young Georgie is adamant about sailing his wax-covered paper boat down the street.

Bill stares into the window watching Georgie as he begins to sail his boat on the streams of the street, this is the last time he saw his little brother.

The protagonist or lead in the film centers around Bill Denbrough, role played by Jaeden Lieberher, trying to find out what exactly happened to his little brother Georgie. Over the course of the Summer, Bill receives the help of his friends to avenge the life of his brother Georgie and the other missing children of the small town of Derry, Maine.

The film’s conflict centers around the appearance of an evil clown, Pennywise,

Photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC.

The character Pennywise (Bill Skarsgård) in a classic pose for his character in “IT.”

played by Bill Skarsgård, within each location of fear in the children. Each appearance of the clown is prefaced by a red balloon or a figure symbolizing what the children are afraid of.

The more the children are afraid, the stronger the evil entity gets. The children have their own interaction with Pennywise which prompt them even further to help Bill and each other confront Pennywise.

The casting selection proved to be amazing. Each character went above and beyond to help the audience understand who they were. Jeremy Ray Taylor played Ben, a young historian, new kid transfer to Derry High School.

Ben is bullied by Henry Bowers and his gang, also in love with Bev Marsh.

Sophia Lillis played Bev Marsh, leading lady of the film and the only girl in the group of friends who call themselves The Losers.

She faces abuse within her household she shares with her dad and at school being bullied by Henry Bowers.

Finn Wolfhard played Bill’s loud filthy mouth best friend, Richie Tozier, who is the last to see Pennywise.

Wyatt Oleff portayed a Jewish skeptic who only comes to terms with his fear later in the movie.

Eddie, a hypochondriac kid who is afraid of everyone and everything was played by Jack Dylan Grazer. The last to join The Losers, is a homeschooled butcher named Mike played by “Ha-

waii Five-O” actor, Chosen Jacobs.

Each moment of suspense, along with the background music, had me on the edge of my seat. The buildup of the scene intensified each moment as it made me anticipate the outcome rather than waiting for the surprise attack.

The preface of each character and how they eventually bonded together only furthered my want in paying attention to the film, fearing that if I left I would miss something important.

The quick wit and foul mouth of Richie helped diffuse the tension within the film, giving the audience a break from essentially being scared. Each character enabled empathy separately, but together not so much.

During the later part of the movie some scenes felt forced. The children continue trying to find where Pennywise lived, for example or the numerous of times Georgie was seen and heard in the film, as well as the number of times Ben was stabbed. Although it was the character choice, Stan could have been confident in more scenes than just the ending.

I have seen the original film which, in comparison to the 2017 remake, involved the adulthood of the children.

Since this is only part one, the ending makes sense when the memories of the children are fading.

The film aligned very closely with the book and did its job of bringing suspense and horror.

12 SPORTS

09.21.2017

Game room hosts billiards tournament MICHAEL BRODE @michaelbrode

R

egulars, newbies and strangers showed up to Breaker’s game room in the University Center on Sept. 13 to participate in a billiards tournament resulting in one student’s gold medal victory.

The event, organized by the UC, brought a handful of pool players to Breaker’s at noon. The three custom Islander-themed pool tables in the game room were transformed into a battleground of billiards. A few players and faculty made it to the final round. However, it was Malcom Herron who won the gold, defeating his opponent in the finals with a multiple-ball lead. Herron was awarded a one-of-a-kind t-shirt and brand-new pool cue for his victory.

Competitions and events such as the Breaker’s billiards tournament are designed to facilitate bringing students together who share common interests, Richard Owens, associate director of the University Center, said.

“Events like these give students an opportunity to engage with other students that they may never have met before in other situations,” Owens said. “People who may not know they have something in common come in here to play pool and realize they’ve met somebody else that also likes to play pool, so then they forge friendships out of that.”

Owens said these friendships can allow students to continue sharing experiences, adding to the value of hosting these events.

Assistant director of the University Center Rick Reyes used the opportunity to promote the benefits for students at Breaker’s. Reyes is fan of pool, himself, and believes the competitors were playing with quality equipment.

“There are other tables on campus but they’re not as nice as these.” He said.

He referenced the school spirit displayed by the custom table surfaces, specially noting the one on with a large logo of Izzy the Islander on it.

The event’s setting added to the competitive atmosphere.

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Photo by MICHAEL BRODE

Tournament champion, Malcom Herron, shows off his new t-shirt and pool cue with assistant director of the University Center, Rick Reyes, following his victory.

“Hosting tournaments really gets [students] pumped up,” Reyes said.

Food, drinks and music were provided to students who attended the event. The University Center staff makes it a point of emphasis to ensure that events like this will be something that all students would want to attend. There will continue to be tournaments and competi-

tions at Breaker’s all semester. Whether a student’s game of choice is air hockey, pool, “FIFA” or anything else, they can check out the Breaker’s website to find the right competition for them.

Reyes said the events usually average roughly 20 participants including the staff, noting “we let them win most of the time,” he said.