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THE EQUINOX The student voice of Keene State College
Vol. 71, Issue #1
Thursday, September 6, 2018
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Rhodes alarm malfunctions twice VINCENT MOORE
nEwS Editor Students in Rhodes Hall were welcomed back to campus last week by two instances of the fire alarm going off within half an hour of each other. Fire Chief Mark Howard said that on August 27th the Keene Fire Department responded to two calls at Rhodes, the first at 1:36 p.m. and the second at 2:05 p.m.. “The first cause was workmen working on the sprinkler system, who tripped it...On the second response, the dry system had gone wet, and upon further investigation by the fire department we found a leaking pipe in the attic,” Howard said. Senior criminology and sociology major
CJ Miceli was in Rhodes during both alarm triggers. “The fire alarm went off twice. The first time we all evacuated and the second time I stayed in because I figured it was another false trigger, which I guess is against the rules but nobody came and yelled at me,” Miceli said. Electrician Derek Goodrich was on the scene with other electricians from the Physical Plant. “We had a compressor fail and we were trying to find a reason for it and we found a hole in the sprinkler system,” Goodrich said. Goodrich said that Life Safety Fire Protection Inc., the company responsible for the sprinkler systems, was working on fixing the problem.
Assistant Director of Physical Plant Marc Doyon said that despite the compressor being only a few months old, its constant use caused it to fail. “The sprinkler contractor found a small hole in the dry system, part of that system is dry in the attic because it’s a cold space. So there’s a compressor that keeps it pressurized with air unless there is a problem and then the system would fill. So there’s a compressor that was continually running and it couldn’t keep up because air was escaping out of that hole, so that allowed water to fill the dry system, and they found water coming out of that little hole, and that was the problem,” Doyon said. Doyon explained that the system was designed to sound off an alarm and alert
the Fire Department if it detects any water. “Water flowing, whether it was a sprinkler head going off, the fire department would want to know that, or flowing into a system that’s normally dry. All of the sprinkler systems have ways in which to call if there’s any kind of water flow we’d want the fire department to come, it could be going off because of a fire,” Doyon said. Howard said that the Department is required to respond to any alarms going off unless someone from fire prevention or the sprinkler contractors contact the Department ahead of time when doing maintenance or testing. Howard said that there are repercussions for too many non-emergency triggerings,
» SEE RHODES A3
Music Festival on Main Street
BRIEF
KSC receives “Green Light” for free speech VINCENT MOORE
nEwS Editor Keene State Colleges free speech rating has gone from a “red light” to a “green light” ranking according to the Foundation of Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). Keene State College has become a safer place for freedom of speech, according to a release from the Foundation of Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), which updated the college’s rating to a “green light”. According to FIRE’s website www.thefire.org, in order to have a green light rating a college or university policies must not “seriously imperil speech”. The rating’s description also contains a caveat explaining: “A green light does not indicate that a school actively supports free expression. It simply means that FIRE is not currently aware of any serious threats to students’ free speech rights in the policies on that campus.” The Equinox reported in an article published March 10, 2016, that KSC received a “red light” rating based on its discrimination and discriminatory harassment policy. FIRE describes itself as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to defending and sustaining the individual rights of students and faculty members at America’s colleges and universities. “It’s a community issue and it should be a community conversation. There were a number of policies that FIRE felt were a little bit more prescriptive or restrictive then
» SEE GREEN LIGHT A2
BRIEF
Keene State/ River Valley collaborate VINCENT MOORE
nEwS Editor
ting rid of the sizzlers would’ve gone over well with a lot of people.” Chartwells is also offering more food options that are organic and non-GMO (genetically modified organisms) due to popular concern about food health. “If you go in the dining commons you may notice that there is more fresh fruits and vegetables. That is definitely a Chartwells signature. We’re not going to have a bunch of canned fruit and vegetables,” said Ferrell. However, if students find that they are not satisfied with their dining experience, there are new ways to have their voice heard. The dining hall used to have students write their ideas and opinions on napkins that would be pinned by the dish drop-off station. students will be able to text a
A major collaboration is in the works between Keene State College and two other Monadnock Educational Institutions. According to a press release that occurred on July 10th, KSC plans on future collaboration with the River Valley Community College (RVCC) and Nashua Community College (NCC) by sharing classrooms, labs and administrative spaces; nursing and manufacturing being named as the two fields that would benefit from the arrangement. “The collaboration would position the community colleges to broaden associate degree and certificate offerings in Keene in a variety of fields, and provide seamless movement for students seeking four year or advanced degrees at Keene State,” the release said. KSC Interim President Dr. Melinda Treadwell said what drove her to take the initiative on the collaboration was her relationships with other college presidents and
» SEE CHARTWELL’S A2
» SEE COLLABORATION A2
BENAJIL RAI / MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
The Keene Music Festival took place in Keene on Sept. 1. Local bands and vendors lined Main Street to entertain passers-by and sell their wares and albums. For the full article see Keene Music Festival A8.
Chartwells replaces Sodexo as dining service provider RACHEL VITELLO
Equinox Staff There are always exciting changes to the Keene State College community with each new academic year. This year, KSC transitioned to a new dining service company. Sodexo Inc. served as the dining service provider for KSC for almost 26 years. Their contract with the school expired last May, opening up applications for other providers. Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services is the new dining service provider for KSC. According to the Director of Campus Life, Jennifer Ferrell, a committee that was made up of two KSC students and a few administrators helped make the decision of who the new provider would be. “Throughout the summer we [the committee] reviewed
proposals, we got to see presentations from the firms, and then we narrowed it down after that. The committee itself narrowed it down from all of the groups that came in, to a smaller group of options,” said Ferrell. Ferrell also said student opinions were taken into account when making these decisions. Things like sizzlers, localvore lunches and omelettes will remain in the dining commons. Ferrell said, “We wanted to keep the things that are really important to students, or we had communicated specifically about what they were going to be or going to cost. We kept as much of that the same as possible.” KSC junior and nutrition major Genie Schowetsky said that she’s happy about the change in the dining hall. “The food seems better and fresher...and it’s good to see that things a lot of people liked stayed. Like I don’t think get-
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Index Section A: News .................1-3 Opinions ...........4-5 A&E ..................6-8 Associated Collegiate Press
Section B: Student Life...1-4 CC....................5 Sports............6-8
A4: Free Speech A8: Keene Music Festival B1: Carle Hall reopens B8: Battling for the LECs
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News / A2
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Breaking down the barriers of sexual assault
LUKE STERGIOU / SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
Kelli Jo Armstrong: KSC’s new Title IX Investigator MATTHEW KAHLMAN
Equinox Staff “Title IX is more than just sports and sexual assault, the root of Title IX is you cannot discriminate on the basis of sex or gender,” Keene State College’s new Title IX Investigator Kelli Jo Armstrong said. Armstrong has a background as a forensic interviewer at a child advocacy in Dover, New Hampshire, where she interviewed victims of sexual and domestic violence. After that she went to University of New Hampshire to work with the center for professional wellness and child welfare. Armstrong said that while the language of Title IX has not changed since its inception, its overall focus has: “Title IX when it first came out focused on sport equality in schools, now Title IX focuses on sexual harassment.”
When there is a report made that the KSC sexual policy has been violated Armstrong said that is when she steps in, and when a student seeks help she will sit down with them and help connect them with different resources on campus to try and remove the barriers that sexual misconduct might create for the student. Armstrong said she has worked a lot this summer on new innovative ways to build upon connecting with students with the Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator Forrest Seymour “I think Kelli Jo is a tremendous asset to the college and I would encourage students to try and reach out to her if only to have a conversation,” Title IX Discrimination and Harassment Coordinator Jeffrey Maher said. Maher said the main focus of his job is to respond to incidences of sexual misconduct that occur in our community, both on and off campus. Maher said that Title IX follows you as a student; if
an incident of sexual violence occurs when a student is home or on break KSC wants to offer resources and support so students can receive their education. “When sexual violence occurs on the campus that acts as a barrier for being successful, the focus of Title IX is removing those barriers so students can pursue their educational opportunities to the fullest extent,” Maher said. Maher said he tries to make his presence known on campus for students who are impacted by sexual assault. You can go to the Keene.edu and in the search button type in “Report”, and there will be forms for anonymous reports of sexual violence. “I met Kelli Jo at an orientation meeting training where she came in with the Title IX group and counseling center and gave us information to tell the incoming freshmen,” Sophomore Jack Hanson said. Hanson said Armstrong made her presence to the
Hungry Owl serves students for second year EMILY CARSTENSEN
KSCEQUINOX.COM
Matthew Kahlman can be contacted at mkahlman@kscequinox.com
COLLABORATION cont. from A1
the desire to make a positive impact. “I had a relationship with some of the community college presidents through the New Hampshire College University Council that I had been a part of for years. We started talking about why aren’t we doing more together. Why aren’t we thinking of ways to work together, and River Valley specifically had exceeded the capacity and infrastructure on Washington Street, and we had capacity, so it made sense from a let’s work together to create opportunities for their students and our students in ways that we couldn’t do separately,” Treadwell said. Other changes the collaboration would bring, according to the release, would be the community college academic center relocating from Washington Street to somewhere on campus. Treadwell said that the collaboration will benefit KSC by giving its students more opportunities for internships and
Equinox Staff A diverse community with many students have joined together to solve a problem that flies under the radar for most here on campus. Food insecurity is something that one third of students at KSC struggle with daily. With help from students, Professor of Biology Susan Whittemore, PhD, has created the Hungry Owl, a food pantry on campus that gives students and faculty access to food with the privacy they need and want with it’s student volunteer crew working for its first week of fall semester. The Hungry Owl’s success during its start up was slow in March of 2018. While students working with the Hungry Owl plan to post flyers around campus, Maxwell Foisey, a senior biology major, who works with the Hungry Owl, said they aren’t banking on those flyers to bring in the students right away. The plan to see more and more students coming and visiting often once the spring hits and people are more inclined to go out and feel comfortable walking around campus. Foisey explained how he thinks foot traffic will increase as the year goes on: “We don’t expect a ton of foot traffic the first week we’re open, we do however, expect more and more people to come and get food as the year goes on and people become more comfortable coming to us.” The Hungry Owl does face an obstacle going into its second year with having to establish connections all over again with new dining services company. Whittemore said: “It’s unfortunate to go through all the work that we did last year just to go through it again. But hopefully it’ll be a better outcome.” However, Jen Farrell, director of campus life said “Determining how the newest and quickly evolving version of the Dining program can work together with campus partners in appropriate and thoughtful ways to support and discuss campus initiatives is a high priority for both me and the Dining team as we work through this new year.” The Hungry Owl has expanded its location and now has a venue at the Mason Library. “The Hungry Owl at Mason Library is expected to be a success,” Whittemore said. Students and Whittemore look forward to the expansion because it allows students to access food when it’s most convenient for them. Student’s will essentially have all day to grab a bag of non-perishable items at the circulation desk, which is helpful to students who aren’t able to make it to the pantry during its hours of operation. The bags are chosen to be discreet so anyone who is insecure about needing food won’t feel embarrassed when they grab a bag. Dean of the Mason Library Celia Rabinowitz, PhD, said that she strongly believes in the values and importance of having a food pantry on campus. This year, the Mason Library is working with the Hungry Owl and will be serving as a second venue for the pantry. The library will be receiving bags on non-perishable items and will be distributing them to those who come in and ask for one. Dr. Rabinowitz said the library serves as a welcoming place for
freshmen class in No Zebras, No Excuses play about sexual violence. The play seen by incoming freshmen at KSC about sexual violence and intolerance in schools. “Armstrong and the counseling center are great resources to talk to if you you ever need to report a case or talk to someone” Hanson said, “Students undergo a lot of stress from school and social life so it’s important to speak up”. Kelli Jo Armstrong can be contacted at Kelli. Jo.Armstrong@keene.edu and found at Keddy House in Room 250.
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students and faculty to grab a bag of non-perishable items when they please, and with the bags being behind the circulation desk, she feels students will have a sense of privacy when they get them. Rabinowitz said that with the library’s hours, students and faculty will have a larger time frame to be able to access these bags. Rabinowitz said she believes this will be a success because during a trial over the summer, all bags given to library were gone within a day. “So far it’s promising, and we’re excited to see what the Hungry Owl has in store for the Mason Library,” Rabinowitz said. Emily Carstensen can be contacted at ecarstensen@kscequinox.com
co-ops and by enticing community college students into enrolling at Keene. “For us and our students we broaden exposure by leveraging the network of community college system and working together to do that I think we also have the opportunity to get community college students on our campus, in our classrooms, so that they can see that Keene State is a really exciting place that they can be a part of beyond their associates to stay with us for their baccalaureate.” Nashua Community College President Lucille Jordan said in the release that the goal is to have all transitions completed by fall semester of 2019 and the beginning of the new academic year. Vincent Moore can be contacted at vmoore@kscequinox.com
GREEN LIGHT cont. from A1
they should be and those policies lived in a variety of departments so they weren’t ‘owned’ by any one area, so really what it came down to was just having discussions with those various departments to assess if there were opportunities to align our policies with our institutional values in a way that FIRE would also recognise as a green light policy,” Director of Campus Safety and Compliance Jeff Maher said. Maher said that the changes came from routine reevaluations of KSC’s policies. “There’s been a campus conversation about our policies as it relates to FIRE’s red light, yellow light, green light rating for years...we traditionally will reevaluate our institutional policies on, I’d like to say, at least a yearly basis and certainly during those periods of reevaluations
we want to ensure that we’re compliant with the law, with the case law, and kind of with the values of our institution. So Dottie, and myself, as well as a group of others look at these opportunities to increase transparency and ultimately ensure that our students and our staff have all the rights of freedom of speech and expression that they are entitled to.” According to FIRE’s release Dartmouth College is the only New Hampshire institution to not have a green light rating. Vincent Moore can be contacted at vmoore@kscequinox.com
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News / A3
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Students aren’t fans of Morrison’s heat
ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / PHOTO EDITOR
After receiving a student’s complaint about the unbearable heat in Morrison Hall, KSC Interim President Dr. Melinda Treadwell produced and sent fans to give students a respite from the heat, with some rooms having up to five fans in them.
STUDENT ASSEMBLY
The first Student Assembly of the year was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday Sept. 4. During the new business section of the assembly, Director of Campus Life Jennifer Ferrell addressed the new dining contract with Chartwells and what kind of changes will be implemented. Ferrell mentioned that the transition is in its early stages. Ferrell said, “We wanted to hold off on some of the new things without student advisement.” She also said because the program is so new, now is the perfect time to make it what students want. During the meeting an announcement was made about positions open for the Student Assembly. At the end the Coordinator of Fraternity/Sorority Life and Student Leadership Brandon Mathieu announced that Sept. 14 to Sept. 16 is reunion weekend for the Keene State College class of 1968.
RHODES Cont. from A1
“The City has an ordinance that if there continued to be false and other municipal services, which covers that cost. alarms or malfunctions of systems, after the first occurance, Doyon said that a new compressor has since been installed if a second, third, fourth, fifth, or sixth occurrence occurs in Rhodes. within 24 hours, there can be a violation assessment of one hundred dollars per incident. And that is simply to promote, Vincent Moore can be contacted at wherever it is, to get the problem fixed and to stop unnecesvmoore@kscequinox.com sary responses and/or evacuations of any building.” Doyon said that the College pays a yearly fee for police, fire VINCENT MOORE
/ NEWS EDITOR
Workers from the sprinkler contracting company Life Safety and electricians from the physical plant were on the scene to fix the problem.
CHARTWELLS cont. from A1
number, (617) 294-5256, to have their opinions heard. There will be faculty managing the replies to these texts and keeping track of the data, according to Ferrell. There is also a terminal near the exit of the dining commons which shows buttons with faces going from happy to sad, with options in between, to collect data on students’ general satisfaction with their dining experience. “It’s not highly scientific, but it’s another way to get some quick feedback, and it’s easy for students to do after their experience,” Ferrell said. Focus groups will also regularly be meeting throughout the year to discuss what is working with dining on campus LAURA ROMANIELLO / ART DIRECTOR and what is not, according to Ferrell. “This is a work in progress. If there’s something that they’re excited about or The contract period for Chartwells is concerned about or want to suggest, I for 10 years. want to hear them and the dining team wants to hear them, so I hope they will Rachel Vitello can be contacted at actually reach out,” Ferrell said. rvitello@kscequinox.com
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Opinions / A4 Thursday, September 6, 2018
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hurtful and can do damage to individuals and groups. Nowadays people feel like they can say and do whatever online because their face and name aren’t always connected. That’s not the case. What we say will always be out there and has the potential to hurt someone. Getting the opportunity to understand everyone around you can lessens the chance of people getting hurt or offended. We should treat everyone we meet with respect. If we judge others before knowing them, we’re missing out. For those we’ve already met, we should still be sensitive to words that may hurt them. There’s a difference between being funny and flat out offensive or disrespectful. Jokes are great, but not when they’re at other people’s expense. Making fun of other people is bullying. Where is the line? What do we do about it? According to the NY Times, social media companies in Germany are facing fines as much as 57 million dollars for hate-speech-related posts. While in the free speech capital of the world, Berkeley, California, has recently been overtaken with fights, some even physical, about who gets to say what to who. The people with power to do something say there’s nothing to do. The Washington Post includes in their latest hate speech article, “‘Users are calling on online platforms to provide a moral code,’ says Daphne Keller, director of the intermediary liability project at Stanford’s Center for Internet and Society. ‘But we’ll never agree on what should come down. Whatever the rules, they’ll fail.’” With this kind of attitude Keller is right. Is a moral code enough to filter peoples mouths? Or do officials need to take action to prevent this from getting worse? The LA Times wrote, “The survey by McLaughlin & Associates for the William F. Buckley Jr. Program at Yale shows that 87% of respondents agreed with this statement: ‘There is educational value in listening to and understanding views and opinions that I may disagree with and are different from my own.’” Disagreeing is a normal thing, but so is understanding and learning. Maybe what worked then is not right for where we are at now? “On the other hand, 21% students -- and 30% of self-described liberals -agreed with the statement that the 1st Amendment was an ‘outdated amendment that can no longer be applied in today’s society and should be changed,’” wrote the LA Times. Changing one of the most important freedoms could produce even more violence and more hate. Change is never easy, but it is essential for moving forward and growing, and we need to do it together. The LA Times then went on to say, “the fact that 35% of respondents agreed that ‘hate speech is NOT protected under the 1st Amendment.’” The First Amendment has always been tricky. It has caused many fights and misunderstandings. To change something so set in our country’s history should only come when it’s no longer working. Could these words be ripping our country apart? How do we teach kindness and morality to a nation full of ignorance? Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” L AU
Ever since we were little kids we were told not to swear, not to say things that would hurt others, and to try our best to be kind to one another. If we broke those “rules” we got punished. We got grounded by our parents or sent to detention during school. Once adulthood hit everything changed. It became okay to say things because we’re older and more mature; we know what we’re talking about, so it makes it all right. No one is going to punish us. It seems that even the most outrageous or most hurtful things are protected by the First Amendment. But when is it really okay to bash someone for their looks, race, ethnicity, class, religion, or anything else that makes them who they are? Well, it’s not okay, but it’s not illegal. It is a moral decision that everyone makes. Saying things that personally target an individual’s identity does not make it freedom of speech, it makes it hate speech. According to USLegal.com, “hate speech is a communication that carries no meaning other than the expression of hatred for some group, especially in circumstances in which the communication is likely to provoke violence. It is an incitement to hatred primarily against a group of persons defined in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and the like.” Hate speech is not usually a mistake. Often, hate speech is the product of ignorance or upbringing. There are many different religions, and not everyone knows what they are, which is okay. It’s okay because if we take the time to understand, hate speech will fade. It’s 2018, and even with all the access we have to other cultures and religions, it still seems like we’re at square one. The Dalai Lama said, “This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.” Kindness and understanding are universal. As an organization, the Equinox prides itself on trying our best to be the most fair and truthful paper possible. We have done this to not only show why informing students is important, but how to inform students in a responsible way. How are we supposed to set an example for students that read the paper when our own country’s president uses speech that is hateful? Whatever the reason for Trump’s words, he must understand the impact they have. Posting on social media draws attention, especially younger, more impressionable viewers. What difference does it make if it is written or said to someone’s face? There is none. Both ways are
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Opinions / A5
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Remembering McCain KATIE JENSEN
THE EQUINOX
The recent death of Arizona’s Republican Senator, John McCain, has shed new light on the complex relationship between the parties in Congress. John McCain passed away on August 25th after suffering a long, treacherous battle with brain cancer. Although many politicians and former presidents offered their condolences, including Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, President Donald Trump did not express too much sympathy. According to a report by the New Zealand Herald, White House officials had to convince President Trump to make a statement about McCain following his death. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump thought McCain’s extensive press coverage was “over the top.” But Trump has already professed his sentiment towards John McCain when he previously stated, “He’s not a war hero. He’s a war hero because he was captured. I like people that weren’t captured.” However, McCain supported Trump’s presidential candidacy until Access Hollywood leaked a recording of Trump engaging in “locker-room talk,” where he bragged about sexually assaulting a woman. Later, John McCain referred to Trump’s politics as “halfbaked, spurious nationalism,” and “a tired dogma of the past,” at the 2017 Medal Award Ceremony. Hostile relations have
existed between them and their followers ever since. The press frames John McCain as a hero by repeatedly sharing his experiences as a P.O.W. (prisoner of war) in Vietnam and commemorating him on his accomplishments as Senator. However, politicians aren’t making as much of an effort to preserve his legacy. Last Tuesday, the Senate congregated to put forth ideas on how to remember their deceased colleague. Republican Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, proposed renaming a conference room after McCain or putting a portrait of him in the halls. Yet, when Democratic Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, proposed to rename the Russell Senate Office Building after McCain, Republicans turned a cold a shoulder. This response may seem unkind, but it was no secret that McCain was more left-leaning than most of his republican colleagues. He often clashed heads with his colleagues on important policy issues, such as gay-marriage, campaign-finance reform, and immigration reform. Liberals regarded him as a “maverick,” but his own party would have likely used the term nuisance. John McCain only held a 51% favorability rating among his own party, while the Democrats gave him a 71% favorability rating, according to a Gallup Poll published in August of last year. His rating plummeted after vetoing a G.O.P. replacement bill for
Obamacare in 2017, while his rating amongst Democrats increased 22 percent. Nonetheless, why are Republicans hesitant to pay their respects to a wellknown Republican giant? Well, a senate G.O.P. aide retaliated on the senate floor last Tuesday by claiming, “This is Chuck Schumer trying to make us hug John McCain, knowing damned well that it will hurt us with our base back home.” Therein lies the complexity of political relationships. It would be all well and good if the Republicans could leave their differences in the past and begrudgingly accept the proposal, but what would their constituents think? Some right wingers have even labeled John McCain as a “liberal in disguise,” and their representatives would not dare to say otherwise in fear of appearing inconsistent or disloyal. Then again, Democrats in Congress knew John McCain had a low favorability rating among registered Republicans, therefore renaming the office building would be sure to create a stir. Senate Republicans pointed out their hypocrisy by noting that the Democrats chose not to rename the building after Senator Ted Kennedy when he passed away in 2009. Whether we choose to believe Chuck Schumer’s intentions were to cause a conflict amongst Republicans or not, they are bound to face consequences. If the Republicans deny Schumer’s proposal, they will be scrutinized by the
media. The proposal to rename the Russell Senate Office will remain in limbo as Congress continues to procrastinate it’s decision. Nevertheless, many Republicans and Democrats show sympathy for McCain, despite their disagreements. Katie Jensen can be contacted at kjensen@kscequinox.com
STAFF COMMENTARY
LAURA ROMANIELLO / ART DIRECTOR
STAFF COMMENTARY
Finding your path to success
‘Hey, let’s be friends’ ERIN MCNEMAR
Arts & EntErtAinmEnt Editor
LAURA ROMANIELLO / ART DIRECTOR
Making the right decision after high school KIANA WRIGHT
Equinox opinions Editor Committing to things can be very difficult. Who would voluntarily sign up for four more years of schooling after barely surviving the past 12? Actually a lot of people. According to the United States Department of Labor 66.7 percent of 2017 high school graduates were enrolled in colleges or universities. More than half of the graduating students thought going to college was the best choice for them, but what about the other 43 percent? I always knew I wanted to go to college. I had no idea where or for what, but I was always told college was the next best thing. My parents told me I didn’t have to go, but I knew they really wanted me to. All my friends were going to college; most of them knowing exactly where. What I noticed is that mostly everyone thought they knew what they wanted after our high school graduation; but that wasn’t the case. I know many people who go to their dream school only two semesters later realizing it just wasn’t the school for them. Stuff happens and even if it doesn’t work out for you the first time, try a different school. When picking where I wanted to go I had to think about the size of the school, location and academics they offered. Although the energy at universities were desirable I knew I
would be just another face to all my professors. I needed a smaller school, preferably closer to home and something that wouldn’t break the bank. I knew that, but I still didn’t know if I was making the right decision. You probably won’t be 100 percent sure about your next move, but relax no one is, just make sure you know all your options. Although attending college can be the “best choice” for someone, that doesn’t mean it’s the same for everyone. There is so many opportunities when leaving high school, you just have to know your choices and figure out personally which one you would succeed the most in. If college doesn’t sound like something you’re interested in, seek elsewhere. Maybe you’ve always wanted to travel the world, experience different cultures and try new exotic foods. If school isn’t your thing and you can’t even think about sitting through one more class, entering the workforce right out of high school is a great option too. Being able to start at an entry level job and then working your way to the top of that company can be very rewarding. Serving for our country can be a temporary or long lasting experience that can be a great fit for some people. Don’t forget volunteering and charity work is also another alternative. But what if you want to go to school, but your wallet is telling you no? Just wait, your time will come. Do
not stress. Taking a gap year can be very helpful, especially for finding out what you’re interested in. Many students go into college and for their first two years are undecided. It’s not a bad decision, but waiting a year or two to figure out exactly what you want to gain at college can save you a couple thousand dollars in the end. I came to Keene State College in the fall of 2016. I enrolled here with journalism as my major, even though I didn’t know what it really was or even what I wanted to get out of college. I am currently a junior still in the journalism program and I can gladly say that I’m so happy I made the decision to come to KSC and that I stuck with it. I have not only became more informed, but I have found some of my best friends, became more involved and overall I am a more well-rounded person. This opportunity will help me become more prepared for the career I’ve always wanted. I can’t stress enough how beneficial college has been for me personally. There are many different paths a student can take once out of high school. No path is better than another, each way just opens up different experiences and opportunities. Figure out what plan you think works best for you and see how it goes! Kiana Wright can be contacted at kwright@kscequinox.com
For as long as I can remember, I have always hated change. I like routine in my life and enjoy having a certain schedule that I follow throughout my day. It wasn’t until almost a year ago now, as I walked across the stage at graduation, that I really thought about how college was going to change my life. My entire routine, which I had spent 18 years developing and perfecting, was all going to change. While the traumatic thought that the dining hall might not have my favorite cereal, which I eat every morning, was already bad enough to think about, what worried me most was the thought of not seeing my friends every day. I had never really had a large group of friends, but I had five or six who I really depended on. All summer I dreaded moving into college and having to say goodbye to my friends, so once movein day came, I was less than thrilled. For the first couple of weeks I was reluctant to make friends. I would justify my antisocial behavior and think to myself, “I have friends back home, I don’t need any more.” However, I came to discover just how lonely you can get when you isolate yourself from everyone around you. According to a survey done by the American College Health Association in 2016, 60 percent of college students said they “felt very lonely” within the past six months beforehand, while 30 percent of college students said they had felt like that within the last two weeks prior. When beginning something as big as college it’s important to try and make friends as soon as possible. Just like in high school, those friends act as your support system and will be there to catch you when you stumble. Not only are you facing a new environment, but for many first-year students it’s their first time away from home. I remember leading up to move-in day, my mom would always talk about “freshman homesickness” and her fear of me getting it. For the first week of school, my mom tried to avoid calling me because she was afraid it would make me more sad than happy. According to a survey done by the University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Higher Education Institute, 69 percent of first-years report feeling homesick. In an article by NBC News, the site explains the reason for homesickness among students during their first year of college is, “College can be an exciting time, but the transition is often emotionally jarring for students, and many might not feel comfortable admitting to or talking about it openly.”
KIANA WRIGHT / OPINIONS EDITOR
Establishing a group of friends can remind students they are not going through this difficult change alone, even if it seems like everyone else knows what they’re doing. In a survey conducted by the Jordan Porco Foundation, the Partnership for Drug-free Kids and the Jed Foundation, 45 percent of students agreed with the statement, “It seems like everyone has college figured out but me.” Your first year of college is all about adjusting and figuring out your footing. While it may seem easier to stay in your comfort zone, rather than going out and making new friends, you aren’t going to help yourself in the future. I love my high school friends, but they aren’t the people I have face-to-face, everyday interactions with anymore. It’s important to make sure you have a group of people you can turn to when things get bad, especially in college when the stress seems to just keep piling up. So get out and join a club, go to an event or even just put down your phone and talk to someone. That person could become one of your closest friends in the future, and in college, you definitely need them. While I still don’t like change, I’m getting used to it. Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com
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Thursday, September 6, 2018
STAFF COMMENTARY
Creating her own sound Experiencing summer concerts
ANNA HEINDL / EQUINOX STAFF
ERIN MCNEMAR
Arts & EntErtAinmEnt Editor
JADEN RODGERS / EQUINOX STAFF
KSC Sophmore Alyssa Taylor opens up about her new band, Jailbait, and the process of writing her own music. Taylor and her band released their first song in August.
Alyssa Taylor looks towards her musical future EMMA MEHEGAN
Equinox stAff Jailbait, a currently two-woman band including KSC sophomore, Alyssa Taylor, has released a single on several music platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, and Youtube. “It’s called Sixteen Ain’t So Sweet and then I released that August 14th" Taylor said. Taylor began her college career as a music major. In her second semester she changed to a dual elementary education and psychology major, but has continued to work with her music, she said. “It was kind of a step I’d wanted to take for a long time, like to release my original stuff because for the past few years I’ve been releasing covers on YouTube ever since I was eleven,” Taylor said. Since she began collaborating with Lilly Okker, who is currently a junior in high school, Taylor has become more comfortable with the idea of producing original songs, culminating in the recent song release. Okker is now Taylor’s bandmate and bassist/ co-vocalist, Taylor said. Okker said, “We had been friends for a while, and we
were just like, ‘we should totally make a band’. So, I think like a year ago, she came over and we made an EP—we wrote two songs and we covered a stupid song from Spongebob and it just got more real from there I guess.” “It’s so much work recording songs, like it doesn’t seem like it would be that hard, but it takes so long and it’s so frustrating. But then when it’s done and you hear it and it sounds really good it’s just this huge feeling of relief,” added Okker. Both Okker and Taylor are enthusiastic about their work together. “Alyssa is great, she is super on top of [stuff], if she wants to record something she gets it done then and there,” Okker said. Taylor spent her first semester working closely with a music professor at Keene State, Dr. Matthew Leese. Taylor said, “I actually found him more inspiring than my actual vocal teacher, so I mean I learned a lot of warm ups from him that I still use today.” Dr. Leese said, “She immediately stood out as a talented and disciplined personality…it doesn’t surprise me at all that Alyssa’s successfully launched her band on all of the popular platforms. I think she is a very smart entrepreneur.”
All this hard work has culminated in relative success. In the two weeks since Jailbait’s song release, Sixteen Ain’t So Sweet has been purchased or listened to over 100 times on Spotify, and the music video has received around 300 views on YouTube, Taylor said. Okker said, “It’s wild, I never thought anything I’d make or help make would get that far. But like, it’s a really good feeling.” Currently Okker and Taylor are searching for a drummer. Okker said, “we would be so thankful for a drummer, because we’ve just been using drum sync things on our computer, and it would be so nice to have another person with us.” They hope to continue to professionalize their production, though now they are content with the quality of what they’ve produced, and are excited to see what the future holds.
Art in The Park
Emma Mehegan can be contacted at emehegan@kscequinox.com
Poems By Isabel i dont think i love him. no - i know i don’t love him but this void in me in hungry for his desire. searching for him in crowded bars, wondering who else knows our dirty little secret. is it even a secret after all? do the other boys care? are they jealous? are you thinking of the way i tasted, thirsty for the next time? or are you drunk on some other girls sins, waiting for me to fill your cup just until hers in empty and you can fill it again?
The sound of music filling the air, the bright sun shining down on you and the feeling of unity. Nothing compares to a summer concert. Over the years, I have been to more concerts than I can count. From classical to metal, I have seen a wide spectrum of genres. While I love the different aspects every concert brings to the table, I have always found myself enjoying concerts more in the summer. No matter what band I’m seeing, there is something about being outside that sets these shows apart from others. Last October, I was given Paramore tickets for my birthday. I began listening to them when I was 9 years old and they have been one of my favorite bands ever since. When I received the tickets I was over the moon, not only because of how much I adored the band, but because of the sentimental feelings I have towards the group. As I sang along and danced to every song I felt intense amounts of joy. I looked around at my fellow concert goers to share in what I believe is the greatest feeling you can have at a concert. Community. While the concert was unforgettable and one of the best shows I ever went to, it was not my all time favorite. My favorite concert I’ve been to was, hands down, the Foo Fighters. This past July, I saw the Foo Fighters with my family at Fenway Park for the second time. Although the Foo Fighters are not my favorite band, they are in my top five. I won’t say that either group put on a better performance than the other, but I believe my experience at the Foo Fighters was better. The air was fresh, the music radiated into the city, and even though weather was poor, the rain added to the experience. According to Newsday, 2018 has had more summer concerts than any year past. This is because in my opinion summer concerts are about more than just music. Summer festivals like Warped Tour create a diverse experience. Concert goers could listen to bands, visit merch tables and sometimes even meet band members. Summer festivals such as Boston Calling and Lollapluza offer similar experiences. In addition, summer is the season for relaxation. You don’t have to worry about being at a concert too late and have to wake up for classes the next day. For me, being worry-free of the next days responsibilities makes it easier for me to enjoy the show. While I have loved almost every concert I have been to, I believe nothing can beat the unforgettable experience of a summer concert. The warmth of the summer air, the large open space, and above all else, the carefree environment. As summer concert season comes to an end, I can’t help but feel a little sad. The weather will start to cool, the leaves will begin to change and we will say goodbye to summer until next year. Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com
PUJA THAPA / BUSINESS MANAGER
On Saturday Sept. 1 and Sunday Sept. 2, art enthusiasts gathered in Ashuelot River Park for the annual Art in The Park festival. Artist were able to showcase their artwork for the public to see.
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Thursday, September 6, 2018
Chock full of tryouts
Cal's corner
Chock Full O'Notes prepares for fall auditions VERONICA PAMPHILE
Equinox Staff Keene State Colleges,’ Chock Full O’Notes (CFON), the only acapella group on campus, is a student organized club with a passion for creating music. Known for their participation in the Boston Acapella Competition, and their unique expression of music, there is more to the group than just competing and performing songs without the use of instruments. Consisting of less than twenty members, and featuring students from different musical backgrounds, CFON is a diverse and welcoming group. Some students in the group are music majors, while most participate just for fun. “It’s great for me because I don’t really have any musical background,” says Morgan Sulham, a KSC senior and President of CFON. “Anybody can do it, really.” The group also self arranges their own music, most of which are original pieces. “It’s not just for people who have an extensive background in agranging music,” says Brendan Goodwin, a KSC senior and Music Director of the group. “I know people who aren’t music majors that can arrange better than I can and they don’t read music.” The process of arranging music, to the group is not a task, but rather an enjoyable experiment that essentially assists in the growth and development of musical abilities, and skills according to the members. By joining a group like CFON,
musical talents can be expanded for people who choose not to major in music, but still have a passion for it. Upon joining any musical organization however, comes the challenge of auditions. The group is currently looking, for approximately seven new students to join CFON. New students who wish to join, must prepare two thirty second songs, preferably in two different genres. The panel of CFON, who hold auditions, may also ask for a scale to be sung during auditions. There are two days of auditions. The first day consists of single person auditions, which is when selected songs will be sung along with the scale. Additionally, there will be a brief interview after the audition, where personal questions may be asked so the panel can get to know and understand the auditionee on a personal level. During the second day of auditions, all who auditioned will be taught a song that the group had sung during the previous semester. The panel does understand how nerve-wracking auditions can be for most people, and wants auditionees to know that there is nothing to be nervous about. “Just have fun with it. People are going to stress about it but we’re a very friendly group of people and we’ve all auditioned, we’ve all been through it. Do your best and pick songs you enjoy. Do it because you like it. Do it because you’re passionate about it.” says Zach Howe, a KSC senior and the treasurer of the group. “Just go for it, and try to work past those nerves,” says Sulham. “Just come in with an
open mind, prepare to have fun and don’t be too scared.” CFON will be holding auditions on Wednesday, September 19th, from 8─10P.M. and Sunday, September 23rd, from 7-10P.M. in Rhodes Hall, room 210. There will also be students from the group at the Student Involvement Fair on Thursday, September 6th for potential auditionees, should they have any questions. Veronica Pamphile can be contacted at vpamphile@kscequinox.com
CAL SYLVIA
IRIS PRULLETTI / EQUINOX STAFF
HENRY HOBSON / EQUINOX STAFF
The benefits of listening to music while working out ERIN MCNEMAR
In Bob Marley’s song, Trenchtown Rock, he sang “one good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain.” Keene State College students shared in that opinion when reflecting on the benefits of working out while listening to music. According to Scientific American, “Music distracts people from pain and fatigue, elevates mood, increases endurance, reduces perceived effort and may even promote metabolic efficiency,” the article continued. “When listening to music, people run farther, bike longer and swim faster than usual—often without realizing it.” After recently completing a workout while listening to music, first year Samantha Ducharme explained her point of view on the subject. “It [music] gives you something to focus on instead of just kind of running on one of those
treadmills. Your mind is kind of just everywhere, but if you’re listening to the words it gives you a time frame for the things you’re doing.” While the Spaulding Gymnasium has an array of different workout equipment available for students as well as several exercise rooms, the gym also offers a number of group fitness classes. Among those classes is Zumba Fitness. According to Fitnessmovitors. com, “Zumba is a fitness class that combines dance and fitness moves.” The upbeat music that plays during the class encourages participants to move around and burn calories. Senior and Zumba instructor, Kelsey DeAngelis explained why she personally does Zumba. “I’m not a super athletic person, but I feel with Zumba you don’t have to be. You just have to come in with a good attitude, and just want to have a good time,” she continued. “For me Zumba is a great way for me to get my cardio in as well just listen
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to some music and dance and just really enjoy myself. It’s a fun way to workout,” DeAngelis said. In addition DeAngelis expressed how she feels the music featured in Zumba helps motivate her in her workout. “I think that it keeps me in a good mood and keeps up my spirits. Sometimes you get up and you’re like, ‘I really just don’t want to workout today,’ but I feel like when I get a good playlist going, whether it’s upbeat or maybe even slower, I feel like it kind of keeps me motivated to keep going. I can sing along and it make the workout go by a lot faster,” DeAngelis said. Sophomore and Zumba class attendant, Sarah Davis, also said how music helps her though her workout. “I really believe that music can influence your mood, and it can just make you feel good. When I’m listening to music I don’t have to worry about anything else. I just listen to
The Happytime Murders Equinox Staff
Moving to your own beat
artS & EntErtainmEnt Editor
ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / PHOTO EDITOR
the words, and it gets me hyped for my workout,” Davis said. While music seems to help individuals make it through their workout, some organizations believe that there is a safety concern. In 2007, USA Track & Field banned the use of headphones and audio player in official races. According to the New York Times article regarding the decision to ban devices, the organization created the rule “to ensure safety and prevent running from having a competitive edge.” However, due to backlash from runners saying the organization banned part of what makes the sport inclusive for everyday people, USA Track & Field has since made an amendment banning the use of headphones to “those competing in Championships for awards, medals, or prize money." Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com
To understand the concept of The Happytime Murders, one must understand that the Muppets, a franchise focusing on combinations of marionettes and puppets has been in media primarily directed at kids. Though the motifs of friendships, family, fun and adventure may be appreciated by adults, the Muppets was designed for children. One should also understand that the characters of the Muppets have gained an iconic status over their 40-plus years of existence. As one approaches their teenage years, they may find themselves less interested in kids’ entertainment such as the Muppets and more interested in PG-13 or R rated content. In contrast, The Happy Time Murders takes the well known children’s characters and puts them in a world with crime, profanity and sex. In the world of The Happytime Murders, Kermit the Frog and other iconic characters from the TV show and movies do not exist. Instead, the film introduces the audience to entirely new characters, a brave decision considering that most if not all media with the Muppets predating The Happytime Murders has used at least some of the characters from the TV show where they debuted. Also different is the relationship between humans and Muppets: rather than look at Muppets as equals and befriend them, the majority of humans see Muppets as inferiors, the thought of becoming friends with one embarrassing. The protagonist, a Muppet, ex-cop and private investigator named Phil Phillips (voiced by Bill Barretta,) tells the audience this over a voiceover, a lazy way to tell the viewers what could be shown with visuals. In fact, the opening narration could be removed without consequence; a taxi driver refusing to pick up a Muppet illustrates this point fine on its own. The plot gets going when the cast of the 90s show The Happytime Gang, the first successful show to display humans and Muppets living in harmony, is murdered one by one. To put a stop to these murders, Detective Connie Edwards (Melissa McCarthy) is sent, with Phil as a witness, to investigate them. There are reveals and twists, providing an excuse for foul language, fighting and sex. The problem is that the inappropriate parts of The Happytime Murders appeal only to those who think something considered publicly inappropriate is automatically funny. Take, for example, a scene where Phil goes to investigate a building that
sells pornographic magazines and screens pornographic films. There are tons of jokes about sex, but none of them have a punchline. The only thing to laugh at is the fact that types of characters associated with a kids’ show and movies are doing something considered inappropriate for kids, and there’s no substance to that. There are various scenes that revolve around genital humor, but again, only one with an immature mind can think they’re funny. There are some drug jokes as well, but once again, the only thing to laugh at is it being inappropriate. The Happytime Murders did occasionally make me laugh, but every time I did I felt embarrassed to be laughing at something low brow. It’s ok to have some slapstick and/or thoughtless comedy, but comedy needs to do more than pander to people who have just learned dirty words and/or what sex is. A dirty minded young teen or pre-teen might consider this edgy, but it lacks substance. Its bare bones humor is made of tastelessness and directed towards minds who think that being inappropriate for people 10 or under is automatically mature. That said, The Happytime Murders is roughly what I expected to see from a fictional species of characters from a children’s. The Muppets are great and there are many great films with sex, profanity and/ or crime. Presumably, the film aimed to take beloved kid’s characters and put them in a world of a movie for adults only. The problem is Happytime Murders exists as a film “for adults only” by containing material that’s not suitable for anyone 10 or under but also not thought provoking. Finally, those who see The Happytime Murders should know that there’s nothing to get into. While I have admitted to not feeling invested in Avengers: Infinity War, I do at least give that film credit for having interesting characters. Even without seeing their solo movies, I recognized Thor as a brave warrior who would go to battle to save half the Universe. Scarlet Witch was admirable in her ability to defend those she cared for but sacrifice the life of a loved one when she needed to. Spiderman wasn’t just a superhero. He was a teenage boy named Peter Parker who wanted to enjoy his youth but recognized the importance of saving people. I felt no such interest in any character in The Happytime Murders. In fact, it’s a miracle I remembered the film for long enough to write this review. Cal Sylia can be contacted at csylia@kscequinox.com
Are you interested in writing for A&E?
Arts and Entertainment Editor Erin McNemar (908) 328-9752
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ARTS ENTERTAINMENT
A&E / A8
Thursday, September 6, 2018
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Keene Music Festival ERIN MCNEMAR
Arts & EntErtAinmEnt Editor
Music filled the air in Keene on Saturday, Sept. 1 as the city celebrated its annual Keene Music Festival. The festival began with the first bands going on at 10 a.m. and ended with groups going on as late as 8:15 p.m. The event consisted of six different stages all around downtown Keene and hosted over 40 bands. The festival featured The 123's; a rock group made up of Keene State College (KSC) alumnus. The 123's member and KSC class of 2010 graduate, Jordan Reynolds talked a little bit about his group prior to the show. “We play rock music. You know easy to listen to rock music inspired by Keene State’s own music department,” Reynolds said. Reynolds explained that coming from KSC the group learned about the event through the college. “We went to school here. We knew a couple of the organizers. Just through community involvement while we were here...,” Reynolds said. The 123’s have been playing the festival for about five years now according to Reynolds, saying that they had “taken some hiatuses.” Through all their year’s playing at the Keene Music Festival, Reynold’s said that the experience has always been enjoyable. “This thing is great. It’s nice to see people still come out for it, and we appreciate the people that put it on. It’s a fun event,” Reynolds said. The festival brought people from all over New England to dowtown Keene. Event attendee from Connecticut James Day said he came to Keene to visit a friend, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that there was a music festival going on. “I saw the music festival going on, and my friend just came up at the start of the semester. This is the week we normally celebrate the kick off of the semester, so I decided to come up here,” Day continued. “I’ve never been to the music festival but I come to Keene a lot. I think it’s my favorite city in New England.” When asked what he thought of the event overall, Day responded, “I think it’s a little spread out, and there’s not as much diversity as I thought there was going to be. Coming from more of a rural area, I was thinking there would be more folk and bluegrass here, but it’s a lot of alternative.” Despite this, Day said the spread out nature of the groups turned out to be a good thing. “My favorite thing would be that it’s right on Main street, and the noise of the band doesn’t really overrun the ones down the street,” Day said. Some of those playing in bands were lucky enough to have family and friends there to support them. Natalie Deline came from Claremont, NH to support her boyfriend who was one of them members of the band Chodus. Deline explained that this was her first time attending the music festival. “I’ve come to Keene before but I’ve never been to this event,” she said. Overall, Deline said that she enjoyed the event and its atmosphere. “It’s really cool honestly. The set up that’s going on is really cool. It’s a good vibe, it’s good energy,” she continued. “Everybody seems to be having a good time.” Most of all, Deline said that her favorite part was seeing people enjoy her boyfriend’s music. “Hearing people like his music and the fact that there are a lot of people supporting him. This is a lot bigger community than Claremont is.” Keene Music Festival is held each year the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com
"This thing is great. It’s nice to see people still come out for it, and we appreciate the people that put it on. It’s a fun event." -Jordan Reyonds, KSC Class of 2010
BENAJI RAI / MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / PHOTO EDITOR
On Saturday September 1, musicians gathered in downtown Keene to celebrate the Keene Music Festival. The event consisted of over 40 bands playing on six different stages around the city.
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STUDENT LIFE Carle Hall Reopens
Student Life, B1
Thursday, September 6, 2018
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CAROLINE PERRY
was something of utmost importance. “I had a very strong expectation that we don’t triple students, and so we opened part of Carle so that we would have room to ensure that we don’t triple, and hat we could spread the new With the campus bustling with students again, several changes such as and returning student population,” Treadwell explained. the re-opening of Carle Hall have livened up campus. Treadwell said that Carle Hall allowed more flexibility than some of the The A and B side of Carle hall was re-opened on Wednesday Septem- other residential halls on campus. “Carle gave us more flexibility, more of an ber 22nd for incoming first-years to move into. Both sides C and D remain opportunity and the assurance that we wouldn’t be tripling students, and closed to the students. its quirky in a fun way,” added Treadwell. The process of preparing Carle Hall began early in the summer and With the re-opening of Carle Hall, both Deese and Treadwell believe opened up the campus said Kent Drake-Deese, the Associate Dean of Stu- that this decision will contribute to the positive atmosphere on campus. dent and Director of Residential Life. Efficiency is something Keene State Treadwell said, “We’ve already had some themed housing and some options College strives to achieve and having the option to avoid triples within the around campus to build community sense. I think Carle has the ability to do dorm setting, yet still be efficient, was a key component in re-opening Carle that as well. It has this quirky, kind of sixties feel to it, so the ability to play Hall, said Deese. “This year we had more first-year students, so we had the with that and actually expand the importance of community.” Treadwell choice of either tripling them in Holloway or using Crale,” said Deese. The said that surveying students on how Keene State College can do more is latter was chosen, the decision being to open up the retro dorm complex another key component that will help tie new students in with the commuand commit to a doubles dorm setting. nity and college. Interim President Melinda Treadwell elaborated on the process and Deese also believed in the positive impact that re-opening Carle Hall steps that went into re-opening her original residential hall, explaining that would have on the campus and college. “People are more likely to connect aligning Keene State Colleges master plan with campus and residential life and bond, which promotes a better dynamic,” said» SEE REOPENS B2
Managing ExEcutivE Editor
MCHALE BURGES / EQUINOX STAFF
Acclimating to First Year at KSC CAROLINE PERRY
Managing ExEcutivE Editor
BRANDON MOULTON / EQUINOX STAFF
Transitioning from high school to college comes with all sorts of changes, most that can be nerve wracking and exciting all at once. But having opportunities and the ability to make connections during the firstweek of transition can make all the difference. This definitely held true for two first-year students who marked Keene as their new home for the next four years. First-year Zoey Luopa described her transition into college as exciting. Luopa, who was recruited for the Keene’s women’s basketball team, added that meeting new people and getting to experience campus life has been one of the highlights of her very first week. “My roommate and I get along great and I’m already starting to feel like I fit right into the campus and the community,” Luopa said. The first-year said that the adjustment was interesting, as far as not having her parents and usual friend group around, but that orientation made the transition a little helpful. “We did a lot during orientation week and I met a lot of people, so it wasn’t a bad start to living on campus,” Luopa said. The first-year said that have the opportunity to meet mentors and become familiar with resources right on campus is extremely helpful. Another first-year, Rachel Roncaioli, also described her first week as an Owl as exciting and eventful. “Orientation had a lot of events like community service day and a comedian and magician. Then the week after there was a giant jumpy house obstacle course which was a lot of fun,” Roncaioli said. She added that having the opportunity to meet people and adjust before the upperclassmen move in was nice and made things that much easier. “Knowing that my campus and community supports me and wants me to be involved is really great. I feel like I’ll never be alone through this process,” said Roncaioli. Coordinator of Student Activities and Organizations Britany Gallagher, said students who are involved through campus through various ways such as joining clubs and organizations, or volunteering, are positively impacted. “That sense of belonging is so critical to students being successful, and staying until they graduate, and earning a good GPA,” Gallagher said. The coordinator also went into detail about the efforts that are made to get first-years involved in the KSC community.
“There’s a few different things we do right off the bat. We have involvement with June orientation, we do some of the evening programming during that time. We have the Night Owl Cafe open, and historically I’m one of the people that helps to staff the evenings when we’re open at that time,” explained Gallagher. She added that having a professional staff connection and student staff connection with first-years is important because they are both parenting families that will help lead the new students. Gallagher added, “During June orientation there is also a resource fair and at that a bunch of different departments on campus have tables downstairs in the Student Center. That’s an opportunity for students, parents, and families to connect with professional staff directly.” KSC works to make students feel welcomed, which
is why Gallagher, among others works through the programming of events to give first-years new opportunities, which will lead to stronger foundations in their four year college career. “Sometimes it’s really just as simple as making new connections or making new friends or finding a new dynamic with a student organization advisor,” said Gallagher. The outreach is vital said the coordinator. Director of Campus Life Jennifer Ferrell also believed in the importance of connections and outreach. “Students that get involved with student organizations such as clubs, athletics, getting a job on campus, participating in community service, getting connected, you know those students report having a greater satisfaction from their college experience,” said Ferrell. The director added that to be able to provide as many
opportunities as possible to students, and recognizing that every student might be interesting in something, is something that is very important to her and her team. Ferrell said that her team works to spend time to work on co-curricular activities, which they then can introduce to incoming students. “The team is some way, shape or form has been able to be in front of all of the different new people on campus. So at some point the retention of all the information with hold, so the more emphasis the better,” Ferrell said. Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com
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STUDENT LIFE / B2
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Paws 2 Play looking for volunteers
S.A.C’s f irst event of the year
IZZY HARRIS
Equinox Staff Adjusting to the college lifestyle can be difficult for many students, but something about the comfort of a four legged friend makes it just that much easier. Brian Quigley is the director of the Counseling Center here at Keene State College and helps put together the Paws 2 Play program yearly. Keene State College residential life and the Monadnock Humane Society team up to bring certified therapy dogs to residence halls every Thursday night during the fall semester to help students become acclimated to the college atmosphere. Quigley said that research shows college students are more likely to leave during the first four through six weeks of their college career. Events like this are very beneficial for students adjusting. “It’s during that first semester that is one of the more challenging times in our [students] life for the college transition, and this way we can put a bit of a safety net and provide some stress relief during that transitional time,” said Quigley. Quigley also said certified pet therapy dogs have been proven to promote emotional and physical health, and Junior, Amy Damphousse has felt those positive effects from participating in the program. “I thought it was a nice event to have. It was very relaxing, especially being a dog person,” Damphousse said. Likewise, Junior, Lindsey Sitaro said she felt more calm and relaxed after leaving the event and that, “If people are dependent on their pets at home but can’t access them it’s a good place for them to have that same comfort.” Not only does this event serve as a destresser, but is also a great way to get to meet faculty members and fellow students. For that reason, Quigley said that is why they not only bring in pets, but bring in staff and faculty members that students can get to know outside of the traditional classroom environment. “We also know that students will make more of an adjustment if they make a connection with a faculty or staff member,” said Quigley. Sophomore Cassandra Cini attended this event as a freshman last year and liked how she able to make connections with other students as well. “I think events are important for campus because it gets kids involved with each other, I was with a bunch of other kids that live in my building that I’ve never met before,” Cini said. KSC Alum Justin Mahan, who offered a helping hand to this program in the past, explains how the helpers are beneficial for the health and success of the dogs, and the event. “Volunteers help organize everything, you have the dogs and the handlers, but it takes more people to keep a calm atmosphere for the dogs,” Mahan said. On the outside looking in, Maham notices widespread happiness at this event. Mahan said, “They [students] look a little tired in line waiting to see the dogs, as soon as they walk through the door a huge smile widens on their face.” The first Paws 2 play event will take place on Thursday, September 5th in Holloway Hall. “Whether you're an RA or a student coming to the program, it’s a nice laid back moment of the week to hang out with some dogs and people,” said Quigley. Izzy Harris can be contacted at iharris@kscequinox.com
SEBASTIEN MEHEGEN / ADMINISTRAIVE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
S.A.C, the Students Activites Council hosted their first event of the year on August 30, in front of the Young Student Center. On the lawn the council set up a bouncy house obstacle course and mechanical shark, which was available to all students starting at 4pm. This event was arranged to welcome new students in a fun and interactive way.
The new and improved Hootie’s Rewards ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA
Photo Editor Keene State College begins the year fresh with their newly improved rewards app, Hooties Rewards. Formerly known as Code Red, Hooties Rewards was introduced last fall and revamped for the 2018-2019 school year. Hooties Rewards is a free Apple and Android compatible app that uses the user’s location to check-in to events around campus for points that can later be redeemed for prizes. KSC Coordinator of Wellness Education and project lead Tiffany Mathews said the app may have been started by the Athletics Program here on campus but now has expanded past both athletics and the Center of Health and Wellness events. “I had just launched Live Well KSC… [I] knew there wasn’t a place on campus that best promoted all the events that were happening,” Mathews said. She added, “Through Live Well KSC [I proposed we] endorsed events that support student well-being and in doing that we change the name from Code Red… it’s a location-based rewards app that shows students the events that are happening on campus that support student well-being. That includes athletic events as well as events that are submitted to us from a variety of student organizations like the Eco-Reps, S.A.C. and other clubs.” Mathews said there are so many services on campus that no one realizes are helping to meet the KSC nine dimensions of wellness. KSC Sophomore Elementary Education and Elementary Math dual major Ashley Chopelas has been using the rewards app since her August Orientation of last year. She said, “I think it’s a great way to know what’s going on on campus and it has an incentive which is what people need in order to go to events.” KSC Senior Secondary Education and History dual major and Resident Assistant Tyler
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Chaisson said he has been using the app since its launch, “[the app creators] would ask us to go to events and try to get our residents there… but me and my friend Sierra would walk around all the time and see events on campus or we’d check [the app] and see because you get stuff from it too.” Over the course of the academic school year, the app keeps real-time score of a user’s points that can be used to redeem prizes at any point. There is a large range of prizes from smaller prizes like Starbucks gift cards, Keene Cinema movie tickets and board games, to outdoor activity tools like frisbees
Wellness Challenge.” First-year students who accrue 500 points in this month of August and September will be entered in a prize drawing in which the winner will be getting a catering party for them and 19 of their friends. She added, “We try to be creative [with the app].” Mathews said, “[Aside from contests] we have all different levels for the points in regards to the prizes so if it’s something smaller scale on the prizes such as coloring books or if you really want to save up so you can get the FitBit, you can do that.” She added students who are waiting for their points to accumulate need to know that their account will reset at the beginning of each academic school year. From the relaunch, students can see many new changes since the prior year. Mathews said features such as the home feed, which is a new layout design, are new to the app. Features such as the Fancam have been modernized with the new update. Chaisson said one feature he likes is the app’s Leaders’ Board, as he was in the top ten last school year and said he found the competition between his friends fun. He added, “If you do have that competitive nature you can try to go to more events, which gets you more involved but it also lets you see how involved other people are on campus.” Hooties Rewards currently has 4,318 users according to Mathews. Along with that, HENRY HOBSON / EQUINOX STAFF the Hooties Rewards app has had a total of and jump ropes, to more expensive items 6,334 check-ins (not including athletic events) such as FitBits. While the Center of Health during its first year of use. and Wellness has prizes, other outside orgaMathews said Hooties Rewards will nizations have donated prizes for students (Ie. be updated throughout the year by SuperStarbucks). FanU who codes the app. Along with that, Chopelas said, “[Hooties Rewards] is each time a student redeems a prize, they are pretty cool. I like going and trying to get as asked to submit a survey about the app as it many points as I can, then seeing all of the is still considered to be a semi-pilot. Mathews prizes you can get… and actually getting the said she has hopes in the app progressing as prizes at games and events.” surveys are given and feedback is received. Mathews said, “We have certain contests that we’ll put up throughout the Angelique Inichierca can be contacted at year, one of them right now is the First-Year ainchierca@kscequinox.com
REOPENS cont. from B1
Deese. The Associate Dean and Director added, “Carle’s always been a more popular choice for first-years. It’s also more central to the buzz of campus, so being able to bring Carle back into the mix is important because the students will be a part of the campus more, which is great.” Two first-years, Zoey Luopa and Rachel Roncaioli, both who are experiencing dorm life first-hand, both described Carle Hall as open and a place where it was easy to talk and interact with other individuals. “It’s only been a week and I’ve already made a lot of friends, a lot right within my dorm. It’s nice to be able to easily transition into on campus life,” said Luopa. Roncaioli agreed with Luopa, adding, “It’s nice to make friends quickly. I really enjoy the atmosphere in Carle and campus already.” Luopa and Roncaiola, who are roommates, said they excited to see what the year holds, as well as to be spending it in Carle Hall. Keene State College is striving to make further steps which will allow the opening of the C and D section in Carle Hall, said Treadwell. With the hope of making those steps in the summer of 2019, there is high hopes that the entirety of Carle Hall will be open for the incoming class of 2023. Caroline Perry can be contacted at cperry@kscequinox.com
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STUDENT LIFE / B3
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Starting off the year right CAILLA PRISCO
Equinox Staff KSC sophomore Kalila Brooks was awarded first place in Keene State’s newly implanted first -year essay contest, where she was given a four hundred dollar cash prize, introduced at this year's convocation, and lead the freshman clap in during orientation. Halfway through her first semester of college in the Fall of 2017, Brooks was told about a newly introduced essay contest designed for first year students only. She could submit any type of writing that she would complete during her first year at Keene State in any ITW or 100 level ISP class. “I thought it was a little intimidating at first, I didn’t think I was going to submit my essay let alone win first place which was pretty cool” said Brooks. “Having an essay contest for first year students only is awesome because it shows that the work we are doing is meaningful and that we put a lot of work in too, not just juniors or seniors.” Keene State has never had an award specifically for First Year students but as of last year, Associate Professor Elizabeth Dolinger will have changed that. Professor Dolinger reached out to a research Vendor, Credo Reference database, which it is a compilation of 800 reference books, and asked for small prizes such as stress balls, note pads, and pens to give to students as incentive for the ITW pilot program that Keene State wanted to start. This pilot program would give students more time in the Mason Library to help with their research skills. To her surprise, Credo Reference offered a better prize, a cash
prize of 500 dollars and asked to partner with Keene State College and in return, they asked for the names and contact information of the winners. Celia Rabinowitz, Dean of Mason Library, believes that this is a great way for incoming first year students to see that their work still matters even though they are only just beginning their collegiate career. “I looked around the room at all the students during convocation and I said, this could be you next year” Rabinowitz said, “we are all about getting students engaged and when they are here for their first year that they come back for their second year. We want to show these first years that we acknowledge really excellent student work and we don’t wait until your juniors or seniors to do it. “ Keene State put together a panel of judges including Professor Dolinger, Professor Long, Director of Integrative Studies Program, and Dr. Terabassi, Director of the Writing Center, to read all essay submissions. This past year, there were two honorable mention essay who each received a 50 dollar cash reward, and Kalila Brooks who received the 400 dollar cash reward as well as leading the clap in and awarded at freshman convocation. Keene State has partnered with Credo Reference and has a contract with them and the Writing Award for the next five years at Keene State College. Cailla Prisco can be contacted at cprisco@kscequinox.com
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY KSC MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
First-years of KSC How was your first week of college? COMPILED BY ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA
“It’s been really good. A lot more freedom, you can go anywhere pretty much. I’ve really liked it.” -Christian Valentine
“It’s going pretty good. Nothing too crazy.” -Arianna Fielding
W e e k a t
“It’s been pretty good. I’ve gotten well adjusted, I think. I’ve made some new friends. So I think it’s alright.” -Lydia Mardin
“It’s been pretty good. A lot easier than I expected it to be.” -Chloe Web
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T h i s
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STUDENT LIFE / B4
Thursday, September 6, 2018
eene s 1st dedicated Vape Shop Since 2014
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First vape delivery service in New England Over 280 salt juice flavors (salt bae, salty man, naked 100 etc) Over 300 premium e-juice flavors Huge selection of salt devices, box mods, and tanks Best rewards program around! (1 point/dollar spent)
Points redeemable for dozens of products, including Juul pods and salt juice Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff Check us out on Facebook or Instagram (monadnock_vapor)
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CREATIVE COLLECTIONS
Creative Collections / B5 Thursday, September 6, 2018
KSCEQUINOX.COM
SHORT STORY
Fishing for Freedom ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA
Photo Editor Water splashed against the pebbles at his feet. I stepped closer, trying to quiet my footsteps. I watched his shoulders lift and sink with each slow breath. He seemed unaware of my presence as he gazed out into the landscape before him. I stretched my arm out, preparing myself for what was next. “BOO!” he yelled as he sprang around to face me. “Ah!” I fell back. The ground was not as soft as I wished. The man chuckled as he turned back to the pond. “Grandpa! That wasn’t funny! I was sure I had you this time.” “Little bird,” he said, “your mother has been trying to catch me for years. She still seems to try, but she doesn’t pay attention to the earth beneath her feet.” He watched me as I sat beside him. “You are similar,” he smiled. His eyes always crinkled in the corners when he smiled. I pouted while slipping off my sandals and dug my toes beneath the first layer of pebbles. Each grayscale stone connected together to create one large mural. Each wave of water slightly pushed on the art piece, continually adding and adjusting its artwork. “Grandpa?” I asked. “Yes, little bird?” “Why do you come by here?” My eyes scanned the landscape. “And for so long… is home really that bad?” “Patience,” he said. I looked to the stick beside him. Firmly planted in the ground, a string lead to where it broke through the surface of the water. “Home is not a bad place. Sometimes you need to take time to see where you’ve landed throughout the day.” “You and mom fight a lot,” I mumbled. “She is my daughter,” he said. “Do you think I like everything she does?” I shook my head. “Do you think she likes everything I do?” Hot air puffed out my nose as I chuckled to myself. He questioned again, “Well do you?” “No, no.” “Well, alright then.” Looking at my feet, I hadn’t noticed him watching me. He nudged me with his elbow. “Your mother and I disagree a lot, but I love her. You disagree with her a lot too, but I’m sure that doesn’t mean you will be running away any time soon.” He turned to me, raising his large fluffy eyebrow, “Will you?” “Of course not!” I spluttered, correct-
ILLUSTRATION BY ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA / PHOTO EDITOR
ing my posture, puffing my chest and lifting my nose. “People who run away are scared and I am not a scaredy-cat! I’m a tiger!” My hands resembled clawed paws as I brought them to my face and squinted my eyes intimidatingly. “Nice try, little bird, you still have a lot to learn.” As he stood to his feet, he
pointed to the rod beside him. “Keep an eye on that until you're ready to head back, alright?” I nodded as he turned to walk away. “Oh, and little bird?” “Yes?” “Don't forget to look at what the land has given you.”
I furrowed my brows as I looked to my feet, gently splashing the surface as the image of my grandfather walking to the wooded path rippled. I laughed. Angelique Inchierca can be contacted at ainchierca@kscequinox.com
D.I.Y.
Wall Decoration with Painters Tape PUJA THAPA
BusinEss dirEctor You move into college, you get to this empty room and for the rest of the year, it is your home. It becomes the place where you study, hang out with friends, eat, think about the future, remember the past, come up with brilliant ideas or you just sleep there. Whatever the case, it is YOUR ROOM and you have the power to decorate it the way you want (without breaking school policy, of course). I don't know about you, but I have a lot of enthusiasm at the beginning of year. If you try to address your empty white walls with your overflowing creativity, you might be surprised to find that you can actually do something productive.
Step 2: Don’t only two peaks look empty? Let’s add another mountain peak in the middle. Step 3: To me, mountains aren’t complete without snow on them. To give the mountains a realistic aesthetic, let’s create snow with the painter’s tape.
STEP 1
STEP 3
Ta-da! You now have a snowy mountain range in your room. Puja Thapa can be contacted at pthapa@kscequinox.com STEP 2
Idea 1: You can be creative with the location. Placing the mountains in the corner of the walls will give them a 3D feel.
Through this, I will help you do some fun, inexpensive D.I.Y. wall decor. Materials: An empty wall, blue painter's tape Step 1: Create the outline of the mountains with the painter’s tape. I have created two peaks. Be as creative as you want. However, I recommend you to have at least one classic shape of a mountain.
ANGELIQUE INCHIECA / PHOTO EDITOR
BRIEF Creative Collections is a compilation of Keene State College Students' work. The main purpose is to showcase the creativity of our students in multiple art forms. Any enrolled KSC student can submit to this section by contacting Angelique Inchierca at [ainchierca@kscequinox.com].
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Sports / B6
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Women’s soccer falls in double OT Luke’s Kickin’ Column
Demsey’s retirement LUKE STERGIOU
Senior PhotograPher
SOREN FRANTZ/ EQUINOX STAFF
First-year defender Grace Bischoff dribbles past WNEU to push KSC’s offense forward in attempt to get the KSC’s lead back. Final score: WNEU-2, KSC-1. ASHLEY ARNOLD
SPortS editor The Keene State Women’s soccer team was edged by the Western New England Golden Bears this Saturday at KSC. The Owls got an early lead in the 24th minute. Sophomore midfielder, Sarah Carron sent a through ball to second-year forward Jordyn Abasciano. Abasciano took a low and powerful shot that landed in the back of Western New England’s net. Four minutes before the half, WNEU
almost struck back. Nearly tying the game, WNEU’s Allison Bruehwiler managed to pull a breakaway to goal. KSC sophomore goaltender Shelby Offord dove to stop Bruehwiler’s shot, saving the Owls from a tie game at half. Offord made three saves in the first 45 minutes. As the second half started, KSC substituted goalkeepers, but the Golden Bear’s coninued their fierce attack. KSC sophomore goalkeeper Abbie Terrica started the
half in net, making six saves in 57 minutes. Fifteen minutes into the second half, WNEU’s Morgan Smith got by Terrica with a rebounded shot just missing the goalie’s finger tips. With the scores tied, both teams put up a good fight for the remaining 30 minutes. With the score tied at 90 minutes, regulation time came to an end. At the beginning of the second over time period, Smith sent a cross to WNEU freshman striker Authumn Hathaway,
who fired the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The Golden Bears ended the match with 21 shots and the Owls ended with 14. With WNEU receiving their first win of the season, their record stands at 1-0. The Owls recorded this season begins as 0-1. Tuesday, Sept. 4, the Owls will host Colby-Sawyer at 5 p.m. Ashley Arnold can be contacted at aarnold@kscequinox.com
Interim Athletic Director starts at KSC ADRIANA SANCHEZ
Social Media director Our new Interim Athletic Director, Dr. Denisha Hendricks isn’t new to this campus. About a year-and-a-half ago her consulting firm came in with the request of Vice President of Students Affair Dr. Kemal Atkins, and previous KSC Athletic Director Dr. Kristene Kelly to do an external review of the departments. When she first got a call from Dr.Atkins asking if she would be interested in being their intern athletic director, she took some time to think about it, but after talking about it she knew this is something she wanted to do, Hendricks explained. She said she like what she saw when she first came here. “There’s so much knowledge and experience in this staff, and people who are committed to the institution and that’s huge. Those are the kind of things that a lot of places don’t have,” Hendricks said. Hendricks who is from Alabama started in August and will be there until the end of December. She isn’t new to the Northeast, she went to middle school in Newton, Massachusetts. Hendricks graduated in 2000 at the University of South Carolina with a degree in Physical Education and athletic training. She enjoyed athletic training but she knew she wanted to do more Hendricks explained. She added, It was her junior year when she was at a game and saw they were going to recognize some of the athletic department staff. But she saw there were only two to three people that looked like her, gender and race wise. “People are making decisions for folks they really don’t know their experience. That was my aha moment, I could make a more impeccable way if I have a seat at the table,” Hendricks said. “As an interim athletic director, you don’t aim to make a whole lot of changes but what you want to do is enhance and try to fill in some gaps that exists,” Hendricks said. She explained such as the next school year is when it will be the time when the institution to goes through the institutional self-study. “It’s something that takes a little bit of time so preparing for that, so right now is the time we talk about it,” she said. She said it’s an interesting time right now. “It’s important for me to bring some sense of stability and calmness and to just be like hey we’re going to be okay but there’s something we can do in the meantime, so that’s my role,” Hendricks said in regards to people not knowing who is going to be coming in as the next athletic director.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE KSC ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
But she has started up a FAQ on the website to communicate with the student athlete’s parents better. On top of this, the athletic department is in the process of standardizing the academics. Meaning, passing out an acknowledge form to each faculty member. This acknowledge form explains if the professor has a student athlete in class, the student athlete recognize they will be missing class but they also recognize they have to make arrangements with the professor ahead of time. Hendricks said, “The fundamentals to athletics is to educate.” Assistant Athletic Director Abe Osheyack said he will be working closely with Hendricks, as he did with the previous
Athletic Director, Kristene Kelley. He said Kelley informed the athletic staff of her departure at the end of June, 2018. “I think a lot of people were surprised. She’d been here a couple of years, which is a fairly short amount of time for an athletic director to be in one place,” he said. According to Osheyack, Kelley worked as the Athletic Director for two years at Keene State, starting in May, 2016. Osheyack said Kelley was offered an unrefusable new position as the Athletic Director at Dartmouth University. “Everything she’s told us and everything she’s put in her blog posts… Just talked about an opportunity kind of, coming out of the blue and it was something she felt that she had to take,” he said,
“I know she really enjoyed it here. It was just an opportunity she felt that she could not turn down.” Osheyack said that although the change between Athletic Directors was sudden, Hendricks has been transitioning very well into the KSC Athletics Program. “I’ve really enjoyed working with her… Everybody has kind of had their own way to ease into their relationship with her and I think that might be dictated a little bit by when you start. If you were here, as I am, in the summertime when it’s not so busy, then, you really get a chance to meet, and get to know her,” he added. Adriana Sanchez can be contacted at asachez@kscequinox
U.S. Legend Clint Dempsey Retires after a prolific 15 year career as a player, U.S. International Clint Dempsey has announced his retirement. On Wednesday, August 29th, Dempsey officially announced his retirement from the beautiful game. The 35 year old American icon has had quite the career in both Major League Soccer (MLS), the English Premier League (EPL) and on the international stage. In 2004, he was drafted 8th overall to the New England Revolution. There he made 71 appearances between 2004 and 2006. During that time, he scored 25 goals for the New England club. In December of 2006, English club Fulham FC made a $4 million offer for the american striker, which was the largest amount ever offered for an MLS player at the time. Dempsey would go on to be the third American player in Fulham’s squad, which included legends such as Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra. On January 11th, 2007, Dempsey made his deal long term and became the most expensive American player in the league’s history at the time, with the deal reportedly costing £2 million ($2.5 million). He would go on to score his first goal for Fulham in a 1-0 against Liverpool FC on May 5th, 2007, which helped the English club avoid relegation and stay up. Dempsey’s most prolific season with Fulham would come in the 2009-2010 season, where he was an integral part to helping the club reach the Europa League final. He scored the winning goal in the round of 16 to give Fulham the edge against Italian giants Juventus. In the Europa League final, Dempsey came on as a substitute for Bobby Zamora, making him the first American player to make an appearance in a major European final. Unfortunately, He was not able to help his club as Fulham lost to Atletico Madrid in the 116th minute with Diego Forlan scored to break Fulham fan’s hearts. Dempsey made 184 appearances for Fulham and became the club’s leading scorer, scoring 50 goals. On August 31, 2012, Dempsey joined English club Tottenham Hotspur for a reported fee of £9 ($11.6 million). He would make 29 appearances with the North London club, scoring 7 goals. On August 3, 2013, Dempsey returned to the United States and signed with the Seattle Sounders as a Designated Player for $9 million. He would go on to make 115 appearances, scoring 47 goals. During the 2016 MLS season, he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. A year later, he would be rewarded the MLS Comeback Player of the Year for 2017 after scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances for the Sounders in the 2017 season. Dempsey is perhaps best known for his time with the United States Men’s National Team, serving as their star talisman from 2004 to 2017, making 141 appearances for his country and becoming the top goal scorer in U.S. history with 57 goals. Dempsey is also known for being an integral part of the U.S. team’s Confederations Cup final run in 2009, ultimately losing to Brazil. In the eyes of U.S. Soccer fans, Dempsey will always be remembered for scoring the equalizing goal against England in the 2010 FIFA World Cup after England goalkeeper Rob Green made a fatal mistake. He would go on to be a key part in the United State’s Gold Cup win in 2011 and their fairytale run in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. When American soccer fans think of Clint Dempsey, they think of a legend. Clint revolutionized the beautiful game in the United States, and paved the way for many young Americans to get into soccer. Dempsey’s incredible career will never be forgotten, and we hope to see this younger generation of players like Christian Pulisic and Josh Sargent emulate what Clint Dempsey did. Enjoy retirement, Deuce. Luke Stergiou can be contacted at lstergiou@kscequinox.com
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Sports / B7
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Fantasy Football KSC athletes transition to NECBL ASHLEY ARNOLD
SportS Editor
Who will you choose? NOAH BOBROSKI
Equinox Staff As numbers count down on a screen in a dark room, you glance up to see three lights illuminating focused eyes, gaping jaws, all creating a shadow-filled environment. Seconds later, a ring. All of us come back from our entranced looks and trains of thought -- the draft has begun. That’s right, the 2018 Fantasy Football draft for my own small but overly-confident league of Keene State students, has finally begun. I had thought of this time a hundred times before this final moment of truth. Since the morning following the intense 41-33 Super Bowl in February, where the Boy Wonder-esqe backup QB, Nick Foles, surprised millions overcoming the supposed legend Tom Brady’s stacked and experienced team. The Super Bowl actually became a large reference in all the fantasy talks that I have been having for the last couple months. I came into the draft this year constantly thinking of Super Bowl LII (52), and how even the underdogs, or sleeper players, can become amazing in just a season. So, the draft, that’s why we are here after all right? I am in an 8-man league and every draft I take part in gets a random draft order. I was given last place in the draft. Great this is going to be such a generous first round, I thought to myself sarcastically. So to bring it back, the bell rings and the draft has started. Round 1, Pick 1. Who would you pick? That is always the hot topic with fantasy players. Who goes first overall? What would you do in that position? Well someone was in that position - and to keep the suspense to a minimal and the stats to a maximum - he chose Le’Veon Bell. This is a good pick, a phenomenal pick in eyes of veteraned players. Le’Veon Bell went for 1,291 yards on 321 attempts, all to bring in nine touchdowns in the 2017 Season, finishing second in the Running Back position. Second in the draft was a little surprising. Ezekiel Elliot, the running back from the Cowboys who stunned fantasy players his rookie year and was no lesser of a beast in his second year campaign. Elliot being drafted second was a blessing to the third pick team, if only that were me. No surprise on the third pick if you even glanced at a football game or fantasy league last year - Todd Gurley II, RB of the LA Rams. Gurley was an absolute unit last season, playing for a league-high 2,093 yards and 19 touchdowns from scrimmage, finishing as fantasy’s top-scoring running back. Reminder that this is a PPR (point per reception) league and the first three picks were all running backs. Pick four was an ambitious one. The man, the GOAT, Tom Brady was selected fourth overall in the draft. I suppose having a ring for every finger on one hand means something to certain impatient or anxious players. The fifth pick in the first round was David Johnson, who was injured through all of the 2017 Season with an ACL tear, but prior to that Johnson was the number one fantasy running back in 2016 where he acquired 2,118 yards for 20 touchdowns on 373 touches. Johnson will look to duplicate his 2016 season coming off of an empty 2017 season. Picks six and seven were the NFL’s number one wide receiver Antonio Brown and the epic Julio Jones from the Atlanta Falcons. Antonio Brown is one of the best wide receivers coming into the 2018 season. Brown finished number one at the WR position last season and had an impressive 1,533 yards on 101 receptions, all for nine touchdowns this season. Finally, all of these stats that were and to be honest still are swirling through my head, have come to the eight bell sound. Round 1, Pick 8, it’s my turn. I have had a name in my head for months. I have been watching this player’s entire final year with Penn State. Saquon Barkley, the rookie running back for the New York Giants. All the work this young talent grinded to complete to be looked at the way I have seen him. Barkley already has signed a four-year, $31.2M deal with the team that drafted him second overall back in April. Barkley is already being projected to have at least 300 to 350 touches this season and is aimed to be the game changer that will rock unsuspecting defenses. My mind was made in a second after considering these quick facts, I hit the draft button and the star to my team had been selected. Quick advice to all you who have yet to draft in a league this season. If you are looking for who to pick in the first round, take this draft as an example that you just need to be confident in a player. I wanted Barkley since day one, but my lack of confidence had me on the internet for hours at a time searching all the aforementioned “proven” players stats and past seasons. I constantly battle with, “Do I trust a rookie this much?” and “What if he isn’t all that?” In the end of the day the draft deities placed Barkley’s name right in front of me and I had to trust it. Draft with confidence in yourself and your team and no matter what everything will work out. Next week starts the rigorous journey that is the football season, with the Week One opener in the home of the current Super Bowl Champions’ Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the champs take on the visiting Atlanta Falcons. There’s plenty of wildcard players and young guys trying to prove to the world they know how to play and win. Hopefully everyone had a fun and CONFIDENT draft. Next week will be the first of many in-depth analyses on the performances of players across the league.
With the glorious status and skill that comes with being a professional sports player, a lot of people wonder how to transition from college ball to the big leagues. The New England Collegiate Baseball League gives college players the opportunity to show-off their strengths and abilities to prospective scouts of pro-baseball teams, according to the NECBL website. “Providing a platform for players to showcase their skills in front of scouts from every Major League Baseball (MLB) organization, the New England League has sent nearly 150 alumni to the Major Leagues and has had nearly 100 alumni drafted in each of the last 10 MLB Drafts” reported the website. There are 13 teams in the NECBL. The Keene Swamp Bats make up one team in this highly competitive League, according to Swamp Bat President of 21 years, Kevin Watterson. Players are recruited from all over the United States, but Watterson said there’s a heavy influence of East Coast schools. Players have to be fully enrolled college students to be eligible to play in the league. This year, two players from Keene State played on the Swamp Bats. “We love having a Keene State player who’s capable of playing at this level… The NECBL is a heavy D1 league, that being said, every team in the league has D2 and D3 players on it. The D3 players we’ve had have been outstanding players. They more than hold their own. They have the talent” Watterson added. Watterson said that the NECBL represents all six states in New England. The Swamp Bats play their home games on Alumni Field in Keene. This year, attendance was averaging around 1,550. The season consists of 44 games with no practices. In the 2018 season, the first game was played June 5th and the last game was played August 1st. “We run it very much like a pro-franchise. I can remember one crazy stretch we had where we played 13 nights in a row. So, our players get a true feel for what it would be like to play professional baseball” he said. “It’s truly a grueling schedule.” Watterson said the team roster is capped at 33 players based on NECBL requirements but the Swamp Bats focus on 30. Players are highly recruited and there are no try-outs. “I don’t call players, I don’t call mom and dad. I deal with coaches because coaches, generally speaking, know where they want their players to go, or where they think the best venue is for them to go to, to further their game,” he added. Watterson continued by saying NECBL players have different motives than those who play solely for their college. “You have to understand why every one of our players is here. Everyone, not 29 out of 30, everyone, is here because they want to play pro-baseball and that’s why they make the sacrifices
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they do,” he said. Head Coach of the Keene State Baseball team, Ken Howe, said the NECBL is a league for players to showcase skill, rather than sit on the bench. “I don’t want a kid from Keene State going to play in that league and not have the opportunity to play. I don’t want them to go sit behind somebody else and not get the at-bats or give the innings pitched,” he said. Compared to NECBL, Howe said the LEC season lasts fifteen weeks in the spring, from January until the middle of May. Coaching and practices are also allowed for four weeks in the fall. 40 games are played in the spring. Depending on post-season, that number could rise up to 60. Howe said he had 12 to 14 KSC baseball players compete in the NECBL throughout his 32 years as a coach, while 9 players have made it to the pros. The most recent player being Cody Dube, who was drafted in round10 three years ago by the Delmarva Shorebirds. “If they’re good enough, I’ve got a database of about 200 pro-scouts, so I’m in contact with guys constantly, to try and get the players that I feel have the opportunity, or could potentially have the opportunity, to move on and play. The opportunity is there, so if the kid’s good enough they’re going to get a shot,” he added. Most of the KSC players come from the New England Region, according to Howe. On this year’s roster, the farthest players have traveled from New York.
Overall, Howe said college baseball gives players amazing opportunities in their futures, whether they plan to play professionally or not. “You meet lifelong friends and get job opportunities. Athletics is a great stepping stone to move into the real world because you’re used to working in groups with people to accomplish a goal. So, it really translates well into the working-class too,” he said. Senior Keene State Baseball Player, Connor Longley, got the chance to play in the NECBL for the Swamp Bats in their 2018 season. Previously, Longley played in the NECBL for the Massachusetts Holyoke Valley Blue Sox, winning the 2017 NECBL Championships. He was contacted by the Swamp Bats through KSC Head Coach Ken Howe and his Valley Blue Sox Manager. According to Longley, the Swamp Bats play an average of 6 games a week compared to a 4-5 game week on the KSC baseball team, although he said the KSC season is more physically demanding. “It’s colder, it’s a longer season. There’s lifting and practices, but that’s what has helped me compete in the NECBL” he added. For Longley, one of the biggest differences between the NECBL and the LEC is the fans. He said about a thousand fans will come to watch the Swamp Bats play whereas less than 100 come to the KSC games. “It’s more exciting playing knowing there are so many people in the stands that really care. It helped my game greatly,” he said.
Longley continued by saying the NECBL can be highly intense with the large audience and the potential scouting opportunities “The NECBL is a gateway to professional baseball while just few people make it from the LEC. NECBL is very challenging, especially to an LEC player who may not be used to playing in front of people. They need to be able to play well under pressure,” he said. Longley added that both leagues are fiercely competitive, but in different ways. “Playing in the NECBL is far more intense because of the very high level of competition. You need to go in with the mindset to play against some of the best players in the country night in and night out. The LEC is intense because of what it means to represent your team in the conference” he said. “Both leagues give off different vibes and it is nice to see it from both sides”. The KSC baseball team will be hosting an alumni game in early October to showcase the talent that has past and the talent that still remains. Time and date has not be confirmed, but anyone is welcome to attend. To stay updated on events, visit the Keene State Athletics website.
Ashley Arnold can be contacted at aarnold@kscequinox.com
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Battling for the LEC’s Field hockey looking for sixth title ALEX HARVEY
Equinox Staff The Division III Field Hockey National Collegiate Athletics Association season starts imminently and the KSC Owls, five time defending Little East Conference (LEC) champions, are ready to rock and roll in 2018. Owls Field Hockey, lead by Coach Amy Watson (who did not respond to request for interview) is preparing for their upcoming regular season. The season kicks off on Saturday September 1 at 1:30 p.m., where the Owls will host the University of New England (UNE). The Owls are hoping to win their 6th straight LEC title. According to the LEC website, Keene is projected to place second in the Little East Conference, falling behind Worcester State. This was determined by a survey based on the votes of the head coaches of the nine teams in the league. This would be identical to the 2017 finish where Worcester lead the conference but choked in the playoffs, allowing the Owls to pummel Westfield State in the LEC championship game. “I mean last year was great winning LEC and it was a great game, so obviously everybody is still kind of excited about that. I think that now we’ve gotta focus on this year, I think almost everybody is definitely ready to go for this year, but it’s still an exciting feeling that we won last year,” said Ally McCall, a defender for The Owls. When asked about the season opener, Jordan LaRaus said: “It’s the season opener. We had a hard preseason. We’ve done a lot of conditioning just to get ready for tomorrow and the rest of the season… We’ve been working so hard for the last two weeks and just to put what we’ve been working on for those
last two weeks into an actual game. I know that I’m excited, and I’m sure that from seniors to freshmen, we’re all excited”. LaRaus continued by saying that she hopes the hard work pays off in the season. “I think that we’re all excited… We’re all looking pretty strong, whether it’s from a defensive end, the goal, or the offensive end. So we’re all looking pretty good,” she added. On October 2nd, Keene will play one of it’s biggest games of the year against Worcester State. LaRaus said she enjoys the “excitement and intensity” of these games, which influences her and her teammates to “play better hockey, focus on the same goals, and beat the other team”. On October 13, Keene will play Plymouth State University. Members of the field hockey team consider Plymouth State to be Keene’s biggest rival in the LEC. The KSC Field Hockey team has changed since they won the LEC title last year. Team captain Erica Stauffer, who had a hat-trick during the playoffs last year, said: “Last year we lost key defensive players, and we’re returning our offense, which is great, but rebuilding our defense is going to be the most difficult part of finding people to fill in the spots.” Goalie Jordan LaRaus stressed that with all of the first-year players on the team, extra focus will have to be placed on communication. “But I do think this year’s team is more lively and energetic than last years.” she said. To stay up-to-date on all things field hockey, students can visit the Keene State Athletics website. Alex Harvey can be contacted at aharvey@kscequinox.com
SOREN FRANTZ/ EQUINOX STAFF
KSC field hockey players gets ready to defend a Westfield State corner on Saturday Sept. 1. KSC came out on top winning 2-1, with goals from Kayla Klein in the 30 minute and Ally McCall in the 44 minute.
Women’s volleyball is determined to win ASHLEY ARNOLD
SportS Editor The Keene State Women’s Volleyball team is gearing up to clench a NCAA Little East Conference championship victory this season, according to Assistant Coach and former KSC volleyball player Taylor Bright. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is an organization that regulates a majority of college sports programs at any division. The Little East Conference is a Division III league that falls under the rules of the NCAA. According to the LEC website, the conference is made up of 9 teams from 6 New England states. The volleyball team has reached the LEC Championship six times in the last ten years. Their last win was in 2008. Since then, the team has finished in second place five times to the University of Massachusetts: Boston. Umass Boston is still the biggest competitor in the LEC for the volleyball team this season, said Bright. “I feel like half the time, our girls get into their own heads because it’s been eight years. Everyone’s like, ‘Oh it’s Umass Boston, we have to beat Umass Boston,’. It’s definitely kind of one of those things that’s just looming over you,” she added. Bright continued by saying the freshmen class came into the season with great attitudes. She said this boosts team morale and creates a united team dynamic that could help
lead the team to victory. “The group that came in really helps. They’re all very positive, so the whole group’s very positive, and they all get along really well. It creates a really cohesive environment for them to play well,” she said. Senior Captain and middle block, Niamh Dodd, also agrees that the freshmen class brings new skill and aptitude. “We have a really strong freshmen group which helps so much. So as far as transitioning as a new team, it’s really been going so well. They’re competitive, they’re great sports… They’re new but their fitting it quite well,” she said. With the help of the talented freshmen class and her other teammates, Dodd said she hopes to finish her senior year with a conference win. “Our biggest goal is definitely winning the LEC because we’ve been runner-up 2015 and 2017, so it stinks to make it that far and lose to the same team,” she added. According to the LEC website, the Keene State Volleyball team is predicted to place 2nd overall in the conference. This prediction was based on the votes of the head coaches of the teams in the league. Umass Boston is predicted to place first. In order to achieve a conference and championship win, KSC Women’s Volleyball Coach and the 2017 LEC Coaches Award winner, Bob Wiener, said the team has been building up its defensive force. “I’m a defensive oriented coach, I always look at defense first. I haven’t done this since
2009, but we’re building a system based on the people we have defensively and that takes a little bit of time,” he said. Wiener added that the team is extremely strong offensively, not only as a unit but as individuals as well. “Offensively, I think we can score on anyone. We’re blessed. We have the best setter, Bailey Wilson, so the ball goes generally where it’s supposed to go, and we have too many good hitters. It’s a luxury,” he said. The team has a really good ability of bouncing back from mistakes and they keep a level head under pressure, Wiener added. “We’ll be down 7 or 8 points, and we don’t expect we’re going to lose. That’s a tremendous vibe to take into the season. If somebody makes a mistake, rather than grab the first wire hanger and beat themselves, they laugh about it. They think about what’s next.” he said. Students can support the Keene State Women’s Volleyball Team on Tuesday, September 11 at 7 p.m. in the Spaulding Gymnasium as they play against Colby Sawyer. Ashley Arnold can be contacted at aarnold@kscequinox.com
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE KSC ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
KSC Senoir Riley Bunker hits the ball over the net to kick off the Owl’s season.
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