The Equinox 9.19.19

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THE EQUINOX The student voice of Keene State College

Vol. 73, Issue #3

Thursday, September 19, 2019

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BRIEF

Gas Leak in Huntress Hall RACHEL VITELLO

News editor

On Thursday, September 12 a gas leak occurred in Huntress Hall at approximately 12:20 pm. All students and faculty were evacuated from both the classroom and dorm parts of the building. According to Deputy Fire Chief Jeffrey Chickering, there was a leak of gas in the basement that was reported by faculty working there.

“They had an odor of it and reported it to us. We had some low level readings here,” Chickering said.

A notification of the incident was sent out to students, faculty and staff using the campus emergency alert system via email and text message. The message read: “Keene State Alert: a hazardous material incident is ongoing in the vicinity of Huntress Hall and the Heat plant.

Stay out of the area.”

This is not the first time Keene has been struck with a gas leak issue. On May 2, 2017 Keene firefighters and Eversource and Liberty Utilities workers worked in the area of West Street and Central Square after a report of gas readings in the

area. The leak was underground in the city’s gas distribution system, according to WMUR. There was a propane gas leak on April 23, 2018 that shut down West Street in the area of Gilbo Avenue and Ashuelot Street, according to WMUR. Keene’s provider for gas is Liberty Utilities.

KSC freshman Hailey Goodwin lives in Huntress Hall and was disrupted by the sudden evacuation.

“My next class, all my stuff for it is up there and I can’t go in and get it. I’m leaving for the weekend, all my stuff is up there too,” Goodwin said, Chickering said the fire department worked to contain the issue.

“We’ll isolate it, we’re going to make sure the leak is stopped and ventilate as soon as possible,” Chickering said.

The all clear was sent out to campus at 1:52 pm.

KSC Walks to End Alzheimer’s KELLY REGAN

equiNox staff On Saturday September 14, 2019, the Alzheimer’s Association held the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Keene State College. The Association hopes to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease through these annual events.

Vice President of Programs and Services with the Alzheimer’s Association Susan Antkowiak provided information about the disease and services offered by her association to the participants at this event.

“The money here that people raise goes to our programs to families. Some of the funds also go to advancing research and more than anything this addresses the stigma and helps people to know that there’s a way they can contribute to supporting the families,” Antkowiak said.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a fatal

Rachel Vitello can be contacted at rvitello@kscequinox.com.

SOREN FRANTZ / PHOTO EDITOR

» SEE ALZHEIMER’S A3

Presidential Candidate Bill Weld speaks in Keene 2020 Republican candidate Weld discusses climate change, Trump and more on campus ALEX HARVEY

equiNox staff Republican presidential candidate Bill Weld came to the Flag Room in the Young Student Center on Tuesday, September 10. One of the lone challengers to President Donald Trump in the Republican Party, Weld gave a brief speech outlining his political experience and his working platform, followed by a lengthy question and answer session.

Weld was introduced by president of the KSC Republicans Johnny Iacobucci. Weld started off saying that he would give a short speech because he knew it was late and the audience’s attention span was short.

He talked about his extensive executive political experience, including time in Washington D.C under three different presidents. Weld served as the U.S. Attorney General under Ronald Reagan from 1986-1988, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts from 19811986 and Governor of Massachusetts from 1991-1997.

Additionally, Weld was nominated as an ambassador to Mexico under Bill Clinton.

Throughout his speech Weld repeatedly noted that while he is running as a Republican, he considers himself to be very liberal on a lot of issues. “I’m fiscally conservative and socially liberal,” Weld said.

Climate change was the first issue he discussed in Weld’s speech. Unlike many Republican candidates over the years, Weld not only believes that climate change is a scientific reality; he also believes that fighting the effects must be a national priority. Weld said that President Trump is not doing enough to combat the effects of climate change and that the president’s approach to the matter is “fundamentally irresponsible.”

Weld also discussed his support for the LGBT community that dates back to the early nineties, before this was a common attitude in either party. Weld said that transgender people had not entered the mainstream conscience when he began his political career, but he supports transgender people just as much as he supported gay people. Weld was also an early supporter of legalizing medical marijuana, a stance that alienated him from many members of his own party.

Weld is fiercly pro-choice, another attitude differentiating him from other members of the Republican Party. “The recent laws passed in the south, cheered by Mr. Trump, are beyond anything I could ever conceive

of,” Weld said. Weld said that these laws were something from the dark ages.

Weld also believes that the immigration policies of the Trump administration are overly draconian, he believes that diversity is what makes America truly great. “You look at the teams competing in the Olympics, the Ethiopians look like Ethiopians, the Italians look like Italians, the Americans look like everybody. I consider that to be a badge of honor,” Weld said.

Weld consistently criticized Trump throughout his speech, comparing the president to Adolph Hitler and Benito Mussolini. Weld condemned what he feels is a strategy used by Trump and former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon, to spread fear and hate in order to divide the American people. Weld continued to rail against the President and commented about fellow Republicans not standing up to the Commander in Chief. “Nobody wants to say that the Emperor has no clothes. Well, I’m here to tell you that the Emperor has no clothes,” Weld said.

Weld’s strategy is to initially focus on swing states and red states that lean libertarian in order to build momentum against Trump before shifting his campaign’s focus to deep red states.

Weld discussed the cancellation of primaries in South Carolina, Kansas and Nevada, a move that Weld feels is designed to help Trump win the election.. Weld stated that he believes the Republican Party knows Trump is unable to win an open election, so they are trying to minimize the opportunities for people to vote against him. Weld said his campaign does not have the resources to fight this battle in the legal system, but his campaign will use this as propaganda to prove to voters that Trump is not unbeatable and that other candidates can have a strong chance at beating him.

Iacobucci was unavailable for interview.

Alex Harvey can be contacted at aharvey@kscequinox.com.

SAM REINKE / EQUINOX STAFF

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Section B: Student Life...1-4 WN....................5 Sports............6-8

A4: Mixed messages A8: The season has been kicked off B1: FBI visits campus B8: All in the family

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News / A2

Thursday, September 19, 2019

BLOOD DRIVE

LIAM FREY / EQUINOX STAFF

On Tuesday, September 10, a blood drive was held in the Mountain View Room. Due to Hurricane Dorian forcing the cancellation of multiple blood drives in the Southeast, there is an urgent need for donations, according to Coordinator of Community Service Jessica Gagne Cloutier. The drive was held from 9 am to 3 pm.

KSC named by U.S. News and World Report’s 2020 rankings

Campus Safety Press Log 9/9 Medical emergency 9/9 Odor of smoke, gas, other 9/9 Health & safety concern 9/10 Theft- from motor vehicle 9/10 Unwanted person 9/10 Keep the peace / Civil stand-by 9/10 Controlled drug act violation 9/11 Theft from a building 9/12 Odor of smoke, gas, other 9/12 Suspicious person 9/13 Check the welfare 9/14 911 / Blue light activation 9/14 Noise complaint 9/14 Medical- non-emergency 9/14 Fire alarm- no fire 9/14 Health and safety concern 9/14 Destruction of property 9/14 Intoxicated/incapacitated subject 9/15 Suspicious activity 9/15 Guest violation 9/15 Assault simple 9/15 Alcohol violation- KSC policy 9/15 911 / Blue light activation 9/15 No contact order violation (KSC) 9/15 Odor of drugs 9/15 Fire alarm- no fire 9/15 Suspicious activity

COLLEGE SENATE TEAGAN HUDZIK

Equinox Staff

KSC RANKED NO. TEN IN BEST SCHOOLS

KSC RANKED NO. FIVE IN MOST INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS

KSC RANKED NO. SEVEN IN BEST VALUE SCHOOLS

The Keene State College Senate met on Wednesday, September 11. Senate Chair called the meeting to order at 4 pm. Attendance was taken, and the minutes from the prior two meetings were voted upon and approved unanimously.

During the courtesy period, Student Body President Davis Bernstein discussed upcoming events including a watch party for the third Democratic debate held by the KSC Democrats, a celebration of Constitution Day, and the Climate Strike on September 20.

Interim Provost Ockle Johnson was welcomed back into the Senate after a period of absence.

KSC President Melinda Treadwell then opened her remarks by discussing Keene State College’s ranking by US News and World Report as No. 10 Best School and No. 7 Best Value School among regional colleges in the North. “We have a lot of bragging rights,” Treadwell said.

Treadwell also discussed the addition of five new Steinway pianos into the KSC music department, an increased focus on connecting with students of the New Hampshire Community College System, and the announcement of KSC’s hosting of next year’s Council of Liberal Arts Colleges annual meeting.

Treadwell then discussed KSC’s enrollment strategy. “The main question is, what is the future of the student academic suite?”

Treadwell said. Of particular importance are first generation college students, who make up 59 percent of KSC’s class of 2023.

“This is a point of pride for us, and shows the value of the public liberal arts college,” Treadwell said.

The Senate subcommittees then reported the results of their meetings. The Senate Executive Committee (SEC) discussed the addition of a non-minor category of study for students that would “be recognized as an added benefit to their education,” SEC Chair Patrick Dolenc said. The committee highlighted the opportunities that such an addition would present to non-traditional students, such as adult learners, in advancing their educations and careers.

Johnson then summarized the previous meeting of the SEC that was held on September 4. A post-baccalaureate credit articulation agreement with Granite State College, wherein graduate students from GSC could receive credit from courses taken at KSC, was ultimately discontinued due to concerns about academic rigor.

The Senate Curriculum Committee (SCC) then discussed changes to the academic calendar, in particular the dates of registration and move-in for the spring semester.

The SCC also proposed a revision to a number of elected offices in the Senate, with concerns about the redundancy in their roles.

The Academic Policy Committee and Academic Standards Committee did not convene prior to the meeting of the Senate, and thus did not speak.

Teagan Hudzik can be contacted at thudzik@kscequinox.com

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News / A3

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Issues recycling Starbucks on campus KELLY REGAN

Equinox Staff On an average day at Keene State College, roughly one thousand students will buy coffee at the Starbucks on Campus. Starbucks ice drinks are served in a container made from plastic type five, a low grade plastic that is not recyclable at Keene State College.

Keene State Eco-Reps work to educate students on sustainable habits and proper recycling. During freshman orientation, Eco-Reps shared information about the sustainability opportunities at Keene State.

“One of those opportunities that we have is our recycling program,” Eco-Reps Ambassador Madelyn Thomas said.

R.O.C.K.S is Keene State’s on campus recycling organization and manages the disposal and recycling at Keene. Matthew Bacon is the Recycling Coordinator at Keene State College and manages R.O.C.K.S. “On campus, we send our material to the Keene Transfer Station.

The Keene Transfer Station can only recycle ones and twos. Plastics threes through sevens, we are currently landfilling,” Bacon said.

Starbucks ice drink cups, plastic lids and plastic straws are not recyclable at Keene State. Recycling plastic types three through seven is very expensive and requires shipping to a recycling plant in the midwest.

The cost and the carbon footprint involved with recycling those types of plastics prevents it from being an option at Keene State.

“It’s the consumers job to regulate their own trash,” sophomore environmental studies major Sean Smith said.

“We have to stop thinking just throw it in there and forget it, because every piece of trash that you’ve thrown away is still here,” Smith said.

“In the nineties, we had a lot of low level, low grade plastics being produced domestically, so these are plastics three through seven,” Bacon said. “We had established this trade system with China, so they were willing to take those low level plastics and figure out how to recycle them.”

According to a 2018 article from National Geographic, China has imported forty-five percent of all plastic waste produced since 1992.

In July 2017, China announced their National Sword Policy which bans the importation of certain types of waste and recyclables.

“The economy in the recycling market is recoiling domestically.

What people are assuming is within the next five to seven years, the domestic market will open up and we either no longer be producing threes through sevens or we will have a domestic recycling system for threes through sevens,” Bacon said.

Starbucks plans to have completely phased out the use of plastic straws by 2020. The company now offers recyclable, paper straws and metal straws to reduce wastage in that area.

“A lot of big plastic lobbying companies are turning away from plastic. We just had Coca Cola and Pepsi decide that they’re going to leave the plastic lobby and find alternative methods for packaging,” said Bacon.

According to Coca Cola’s 2018 Sustainability report, one of the company’s three fundamental goals is to, “Make our packaging 100% recyclable globally by 2025—and use at least 50% recycled material in our packaging by 2030.”

“Recycling itself is really good, but one of the number one ways that you can be sustainable is reducing overall,” Thomas said.

The on-campus Starbucks offers a discount on hot and iced coffee purchases to students who bring a reusable mug.

“The best alternative I could say, and this I would hope everyone on campus knows, if you buy a reusable mug, a refill at Lloyd’s or Bean and Bagel only costs $1.50,” Bacon said.

Kelly Regan can be contacted at kregan@kscequinox.com.

CAROLINE WARE / EQUINOX STAFF

ALZHEIMER’S Cont. from A1

disease of the brain and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

KSC senior and Delta Phi Epsilon sorority sister Corinn Colford said her sorority supports this cause every year.

“I think it’s something that affects everyone, we either know someone who has it or lost someone to this disease. It’s something that’s impacted everyone,” Colford said.

KSC senior and Philanthropy chair for Phi Sigma Sigma Emily Mason said her sorority also attends the Walk to End Alzheimer’s annually.

“It’s (Alzheimer’s Disease) affected a lot of our sisters.

I know for me, my grandpa had Alzheimer’s,” Mason said. “It just feels good to do something, to give something back.”

Sigma Pi brother Nolan Kazalski volunteered at the walk in support of his father who was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago.

“Just to be able to do something to help the cause that affects my life and could help someone else’s life means a lot to me,” Kazalski said.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the largest public awareness and fundraising event hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association. Students from Keene State College, Franklin Pierce University and members of the Keene community attended the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

“I think the most important thing that college students can do is really help us attack the stigma by being really very public about Alzheimer’s disease,” Antkowiak said.

In addition to Keene State students, students from Franklin Pierce University also volunteered at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Health science majors Morgan Candon and her roommates felt that this is an impor-

tant cause.

“Students are volunteering through the community service center because it’s a cause that felt important to us. We have family members who are suffering from Alzheimer’s or who have passed away from Alzheimer’s,” Franklin Pierce student Chloe Pelletier said.

Currently there is no cure for Alzhiemer’s disease.

Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms of the disease and assisting with the individual’s daily activities.The Alzheimer’s Association believes there are over 15 million family members and friends acting as unpaid caregivers to individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s.

Kathy Nickles, community member and nursing home administrator for over thirty years, lost her mother to Alzheimer’s.

“When she first started to lose her memory, her ability, it was very frustrating to her. At one point she said to me, ‘You’ve got to do something about this.’ And this is all I can, I can’t really do what she wanted me to,” Nickles said.

“She (Nickles’ mother) was a teacher, she taught biology, she got her master’s degree here at Keene State, and she’s somebody who raised six kids and eight grandchildren and it’s for her and the other people like her that we really need to work on this disease,” Nickles said.

Kelly Regan can be contacted at kregan@kscequinox.com.

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Under the New Business Section, the Treasurer of Student Assembly Maria Tenore presented the budget forms agreed on by the Finance Committee to the assembly. The Finance committee, under the leadership of Tenore, met on Friday to discuss the requested budgets of 19 different budgeted student organizations. The committee came up with a budget recommendation for the organizations at the end of the meeting.

The clubs will get an email soon from the Student Government.

They will have the option to either to accept it or make an appeal for additional budget. The appeals will be presented at the next Student Assembly and votes will be made for the final budget deci-

sion, according to the Director of Campus Life and Student Government Advisor Jen Ferrell.

To clear the confusion of the student leaders, Tenore and Ferrell informed the assembly that the “Travel” section has been taken out of the budget forms since fiscal year 2019/20 for the better use of funds.

Ferrell also shared that the Memorial Gallery for late Keene State senior Nicholas Leppla was a success after around 135 students showed up.

Student Body President Davis Bernstein and Vice President Sara Olson informed the assembly about the elections on Wednesday, September 18 from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm for the class of 2023. There will be a table at the Student Center for voting.

The assembly meets every Tuesday at 6:30 pm.

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Opinions / A4

Thursday, September 19, 2019

OPINIONS

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Mixed Messages “One person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.” This is the mission statement of the most popular coffee spot on campus, Starbucks. A corporation that claims to “Lead in Green Retail” by being “committed to minimizing our environmental footprint and inspiring others to do the same.”

Starbucks did take a big step in leading green retail. By introducing their new and improved lid, the coffee corporation began reducing the need for billions of plastic straws. However, what most students do not know is the inability to recycle these globally friendly cups that are purchased and thrown away hundreds of times daily.

This is seen by students as highly hypocritical and counterproductive of Starbucks, especially in a time when being green is more important than ever. If they pride themselves on minimizing their environmental footprint, they sure are leaving a large one on our campus by using a number 7 plastic on a campus that cannot recycle it. A number 7 plastic is categorized as a variety of plastics that include BPA, Polycarbonate, and LEXAN. With certain cups and bottles being recyclable on campus while others are not, unnecessary confusion is also being added to a seemingly simple action. If an item fits the description for the recycling bin, then you throw it in. When people begin having to delve into the specific types of plastic and if the campus even recycles it, people may just stop putting in the effort.

Using a universally recyclable plastic, such as plastics 1 or 2, that can be recycled on campus would not only be the better option for Keene State, but a better option for Starbucks. However, the issue goes both ways. It all comes down to money. For Starbucks, it costs more to create cups out of universal recyclable plastics 1 or 2. For Keene State, it costs more to recycle plastics 5 through 7 because they are often shipped out to the midwest. Although Keene State is a school that prides itself on sustainability, doing right by the environment is not always the most cost-effective option. If we want to make not only our campus but the rest of the world a better place, these sacrifices need to be made.

At the end of the day, all plastic is not great for the environment. By using a reusable cup at Starbucks, not only are you cutting back on the amount of plastic you are putting out into the world, but Starbucks also offers a discount for those who bring their own cup. This option will make both your wallet and the environment happy.

Walmart bites the bullet ANDREW CHASE

Equinox Staff

On August 3 2019 a gunman walked into a Walmart in El Paso, Texas.

The gunman proceeded to open fire, kill 22 people and wound 24 others. In response to this shooting, Walmart has decided the best course of action to prevent this from happening again is to stop selling handguns and an assortment of different ammunition types in their stores.

Personally, I believe that Walmart’s choice to stop selling handguns, handgun ammunitions and certain short-barrel rifle ammunitions would have been a good initiative, if the Internet didn’t exist. The vast realm of the Internet allows a buyer to purchase ammunition with relative ease. There are only two federal regulations on buying ammunition online. The first federal regulation is that the buyer has to be at least 18 years old to purchase shotgun and rifle ammunition online. The second federal regulation is that the buyer has to be 21 years or older to purchase handgun and any

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non-rifle/shotgun ammunition online. The age requirement to buy ammunition may differ from state to state because each state can decide what the age restriction is by themselves. Since anyone who meets the age requirements looking to buy ammunition can purchase it online, Walmart’s choice to stop selling ammunition seems pretty pointless to me. Yet, Walmart sells about $400 million worth of ammunition per year, while the United States ammunition market sells about $2 billion per year. This means that Walmart was a large player in the ammunition market but they were not the biggest player. Vista Outdoor Inc. holds the title of being the largest ammunition seller in the United States.

In my opinion, Walmart’s decision to discontinue the sale of handguns was a reasonable financial choice. I think that it is a reasonable financial choice because before this policy was enacted, Walmart only sold handguns in their Alaskan stores. Since Walmart only sold handguns in a state that has the 3rd smallest population, Walmart probably wouldn’t rake in too much profits from handguns anyway. Yet, I also believe that Walmart’s

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choice to stop selling handguns is a huge political statement. I think that it is a huge political statement because it shows that Walmart is in fact fully aware of the major social issues that are occuring around our country.

Another policy that Walmart recently enacted is that unless you are an authorized law enforcement personnel, then you cannot open carry firearms in their stores in states where open carry is legal. I believe that this policy isn’t going to accomplish too much because if someone is going to commit a mass shooting, a policy that tells them that they cannot have a firearm in their store probably isn’t going to stop them from shooting up the place. Even though I find Walmart’s decision to stop selling ammunition and not allow non-law enforcement personnel to open carry in their stores stupid and pointless, at the end of the day I do not run Walmart but I trust that the people who run Walmart do know what their doing with their business.

Andrew Chase can be contacted at achase@kscequinox.com

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Opinions / A5

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Companionship in an unexpected place

SIMON CLARKE / EQUINOX STAFF

Why students should give KSC Greek Life a chance CRISTIAN VALENTIN

OpiniOns EditOr Greek Life is an often stigmatized part of the college experience.

This is due to its reputation of partying, drinking and drug use. However, I believe there is more to Greek Life and believe more people should give it a chance.

Many people think Greek Life is full of party animals who don’t take school seriously, but that is not true. Many of us are just regular people who get good grades and have passions, who also happened to find organizations of people that we connect with. Many people are also passionate about protecting the environment and doing charity work.

This passion for charity work extends to Greek organizations not only on campus but all across America. According to The Fraternity Advisor, Greek Life organizations raise over seven million dollars every year.

Each greek organization on this campus also has several philanthropies that they raise money for.

These donations are not only to charities but also to many of the respective universities that these organizations are found on. According to Elite Daily, 75 percent of all money given to universities is from Greek alumni.

Greeks at schools are also found to be more likely to graduate, at a rate of 50 to 70 percent.

One unignorable aspect of Greek Life is hazing and the countless tragedies that have made these organizations infamous to some. At Keene however, there are very strict no-hazing policies for all on-campus organizations, along with many education programs about hazing. Greek members on this campus are all just looking for new friends and people should not be afraid to check out Greek Life.

According to Business Insider, joining Greek Life can also help people not feel lonely or depressed. This is because it’s a support system that will always be there for you and is filled with people that genuinely care about you. This support has definitely helped me get through stressful times in my life when I just need friends at my side.

This goes along with another pillar of getting involved in Greek Life:

connections. That is because once you join Greek Life, you are a part of a huge community where many people know each other. I can personally say that I have met a large number of people since I joined, many of them being very good people. These connections also include alumni who can help each other get all sorts of job opportunities and add to an overall network of people who are available for each other.

Another big setback for people looking into Greek Life is the price of dues. This is only a large amount in a vacuum however, because Business Insider says the average college student finds that Greek Life accounts for only 2 percent of the total cost of college. There is flexibility with these charges too, considering that we are all broke college students.

At the end of the day, these organizations are full of regular people and more of the community should be more open to joining Greek Life.

Cristian Valentin can be contacted at cvalentin@kscequinox.com

Awareness brought to you Staying safe on campus ERIN MCNEMAR

Managing ExEcutivE EditOr Ever since presidential hopefuls began announcing their campaigns earlier this year, Keene State College has been visited by nearly ten candidates. I constantly tell my family and friends just how lucky I am to be attending college in New Hampshire during this exciting time in politics.

Our school has access to something that many of us take for granted. It seems like weekly we find out another candidate is coming to visit and is eager to talk to students about the issues that matter to them. While many students have become cynical towards politics and want nothing to do with the process, I view these visits as amazing opportunities.

For starters, the idea that you could be seeing the future President of the United States speak at your school is such a cool concept. Not only does the candidate want to tell you where they stand on important issues, but they want to hear from you too. Candidates realize that college students and young voters are the future of America. According to the Pew Research Center, in the 2018 Midterm Elections Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z outnumbered Baby Boomers at the polls for the first time in his-

tory. Presidential candidates want to hear from young voters and find out what issues are important to them.

While candidates tend to visit lots of colleges with the hope of securing the young vote, at Keene State College we have two other advantages going for us. New Hampshire has the first primary in the country and is also a battleground state.

According to 270towin.com, in the last ten elections New Hampshire has gone Republician four times and Democratic six. In the most recent Presidential election in 2016, the Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton only won the state by 0.4 percent. Although New Hampshire only has four electoral votes, it has the potential to make a huge difference for candidates trying to hit the 270 mark to win.

So why is it so important for students to attend candidate events?

Because we have a lot of power to change the things we dislike. If you are one of those students that has lost faith in politics, tell these candidates what changes you want to see.

Your vote carries a lot of weight for them, and if these candidates are running smart campaigns they will take what you say to heart. We are the generation that cares about safety, the environment and equal opportunity. Let these candidates

know that. It’s easy to complain about the issues and not do anything about it. But if you want to see structural change in our country, you have to fight for that. And what better and easier way than to tell the candidates that are coming to us inquiring that very information?

If you don’t know where you stand in the political realm, attending a candidate event is a great way to figure that out. Listen to what they are saying and think about how it makes you feel. Do you agree or not? Becoming an informed voter is not as hard as it seems. All it takes is a little research and seeing the candidate speak is a great way to start.

Erin McNemar can be contacted at emcnemar@kscequinox.com

SLESHA TULADHAR

EquinOx staff College life is no doubt one of the precious moments of everyone’s life. We are on our own, away from the family, involving in several things like clubs, organizations, doing assignments and making memories. But it is just one incident that can cost you your life and all those memories.

It is very important that we focus on our safety on and off campus along with the day-to-day activities. For most of us we are on our own for the first time in life and a lot of us can not handle that well. Most of the times our parents have been a shield to protect us from any kind of harm or danger before. Now that we are in college, it is upon us to stay safe.

Just a couple of days into the college and a sexual assault was reported by the campus safety on August 25. Despite the safety precautions and measures taken by campus, incidents do take place.

This is the reason why the first person that can save you from any kind of danger is you. We need to take responsibility for ourselves.

We should not be at the place where we feel uncomfortable and we must always be aware of our surroundings.

In April this year, Campus Safety reported about a tres-

passer who could have been a possible danger for the students on campus. He was seen twice in the campus. So, for situations like this it is better to have a friend/friends along when you go out at an unknown place, especially when it is late. Also, friends should look after friends because we never know when we happen to be in a very uncomfortable situation.

The legal age for drinking is 21 in the USA. However, there are people who consume alcohol underage. According to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, drinking is one of the big reasons behind physical and sexual abuse. So, if we are under 21, we should not be in the place that involves alcohol.

A little bit of self defense training can also be very important.

We should learn some form of self defense to fight against the attacker and save ourselves. Likewise, campus policy allows students to carry pepper spray “when stored and used in an appropriate manner.” We can set up some application on the phone that connect us to our parents and the police when we are in danger. Also, it is better to avoid connecting with people who look suspicious.

When things seem to go out of hand, in other words when you are in a situation that is beyond your capacity to handle, it is very impor-

tant to contact campus safety. Just like the bomb threat on September 1. There is no possible way that we can check if there is a bomb or to diffuse it. In these kinds of situations, we must call Campus Safety.

Campus Safety (603-358-2228) is always there 24/7 to provide the students with safety in any situation they are.

Slesha Tuladhar can be c ontacted at stuladhar@kscequinox. com

“Just a couple of days into the college and a sexual assault was reported by the campus safety on August 25. Despite the safety precautions and measures taken by campus, incidents do take place.”

-Slesha Tuladhar

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Thursday, September 19, 2019

The fruits of their labors “We’re usually involved in smaller towns in the area… but with a larger budget, new possibilities for venues emerged.” - Executive Director Ryan Owens

SAM REINKE/ EQUINOX STAFF

Executive Director Ryan Owens of the Monadnock Conservatory, thanking and addressing attendees about the progress they've made as of recently and how they are making Strides as an organization.

Monadnock Conservancy celebrates 30 years of their annual poetry showcase adding music this year CONNOR ADAMS

Equinox stAff On the morning of September 14, members of the Monadnock Conservancy gathered in the Redfern Arts Center for their 30 annual celebration. Since 1989, the Monadnock Conservancy has succeeded in protecting and preserving 21,000 acres of forest and farmland across the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, and has sought to [www.monadnockconservancy.org] “provide opportunities for recreation, education, and experiences that touch the heart and soul.” This year’s celebration included a performance of poetry and chamber music called “The Earth Has Music for Those Who Listen” by local musicians Mike Keely and Elise Kuder of the Apple Hill String Quartet. The performance involved a reading of poetry and several pieces of classical and contemporary chamber music, all centered around the connection between nature and human expression.

One piece titled “Hermit Thrush and Love” was written for the concert by Keene State alum Miriam Sharrock, who graduated in 2014. Sharrock said her inspiration came from the birdsong she hears in her day-to-day life. “I

live in a yurt,” she said, “so the sounds are all around me.”

The nearly 100 members of the conservancy gathered in the Alumni Recital Hall, and Monadnock Conservancy president Steve Larmon gave his opening remarks. He spoke of the organization's efforts to engage more with the community in the coming year, and the connections which benefit all aspects of our world. “Music and nature inspire each other,” said Larmon. Next, Executive Director Ryan Owens spoke on the importance of “honoring different ways people connect to nature” and the necessity of conservancy changing along with the world it seeks to protect. When asked about the choice of Keene State as a venue, Owens said, “we usually have visual art [at our celebrations],” but with this year’s musical performance they wanted to “focus on the sonic quality” provided by KSC’s facilities. “We’re usually involved in smaller towns in the area… but with a larger budget, new possibilities for venues emerged.” Monadnock Conservancy has had a successful year, with recently completed projects in Dublin, Walpole and Winchester, the latter of which has allowed acres of nature paths to begin construction for the Winchester Learning Center.

Their newest project is the preservation of Cunningham Pond in Peterborough. If the estimated $1,500,000 can be raised, 100 acres of shoreline will be preserved, protected and become available for public access projects.

Before the performance, Stewardship Director Rebecca DiGirolomo presented awards to two members of the conservancy. Paul Kotila, a professor of biology and environmental science at Franklin Pierce University and member of the Monadnock Conservancy for over 20 years, received the Founders’ award. Dee Robbins, a member for over ten years, received the Volunteer of the Year Award. Both were praised for their dedication to the organization, their indomitable spirit and attitude and their contributions to the community at large.

After the performance, Mike Kelley of the Apple String Quartet said “There are so many connections in this area. The conservancy, Our non-profit, Keene State… Being in this chamber hall, it’s great to see all those connections.”

Connor Adams can be reached at cadams@kscequinox.com

The "Queen" has resigned

Res-Hall Rumble The prominent female rap artist leaves behind her decade-long legacy CRISTIAN VALENTIN

opinions Editor

JOSEPH GUZMAN

being on the stage and all because it’s just a big part of who Arts And EntErtAinmEnt Editor she is, but if she says she’s done she’s probably done for good. Or maybe she’ll have a big comeback, who knows?”

Nicki Minaj impulsively posted a since-been- Clay said. deleted tweet about her resigning from music and rapping in general to start a family and settle down. “I’ve decided Joseph Guzman can be reached to retire & have my family. I know you guys are happy at jguzman@kscequinox.com now. To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, in the box- cuz ain’t nobody checkin me, love you for life,” tweeted the “Super Bass” rap star.

Fans replied startled to the tweet and news about their idol. @CALLM3CHUNLI said “@NICKIMINAJ can you please just address this retirement thing? You have never left us so hurt your entire career. We’re just hurting Nicki, it’s US it’s the barbz (Minaj’s fanbase) please…”

Minaj said in a still-public reply, “I’m still right here.

Still madly in love with you guys & you know that. In hindsight, this should’ve been a Queen Radio discussion (Minaj’s Podcast) & it will be. I promise you guys will be happy. No guests, just us talking about everything. The tweet was abrupt & insensitive, I apologize babe.”

Minaj’s cultural impact has been spreading since the late 2000s with hit singles such as “Super Bass”, “Starships” and “Anaconda.” Minaj also expanded her influence by working with musical titans Kanye West and Drake. This impact has spread over to Keene State.

Sophomore Kayli Mae Lord said she listened to Minaj more when the artist was younger. Lord said, “I wouldn’t really say I have a super favorite song but ‘Super Bass’ is one I whole fully remember. I think that Nicki has the right to do whatever with her life and if she wants to stop rap for a family then so be it. I'm sure she’s made enough money.” Lord thinks that Minaj will return to music. “Of course she will come back, too young to stop completely, even if it’s not totally producing, like an album,” Lord said.

Sophomore Maddy Waris said she was a fan. “My favorite song was ‘Chun-Li.’... I think it was a good move, focusing on a family without pressure from society is hard, but a strong decision. She probably will return to music, so many artists do,” said Waris.

Sophomore Kristina Clay said, “I said I was never a fan of her, but the album that really stood up to me is ‘Pinkprint’ (2014) which was released the year I came to America and at that time I thought it was jam.” Clay also said, “I personally think that as of right now she isn’t a big rapper, she’s well known because of the history, meaning the past and all that, but I actually didn’t even know that she was done with her rap career, and I actually don’t even care. But I think if she’s not doing well with music maybe it is a good time for her to ‘start a family’ as she said.” Clay said she thinks that Minaj will be done with music. “Personally, I think she’ll probably just miss it, the rapping and

KSCEQUINOX.COM

This past week, The Res Hall Rumble took place in many dorms around campus such as Huntress, Carle, The Commons, The Ponds and Fiske. The Res Hall Rumble is a series of competitions, like trivia and bingo, between the residents of the residence halls.

The finale of the Res Hall Rumble was in the Mabel Brown Room at 11:30 am Sunday morning. The residents of Holloway won the event while Carle Hall took second place.

First-year and Owl’s Nest resident Madelyn Mathews went to Minute To Win It games (a series of minute long games) in Carle and said she had a lot of fun. “It was nice to be outside, the weather was great and there was a very fun atmosphere with everyone competing, especially at the donut event,” said Mathews.

Residential Advisor Travis Wyant said, “The big thing with us having events is creating a sense of community within the campus. A lot of times, the biggest thing with people on campus is getting them out of their rooms and getting them intertwined with each other and making connections as you go along.

With those kind of events, we’re trying to put together something that’s fun and enticing to get them out and to get to know other people.”

Sophomore and Pondside One resident Dan Germain went to trivia night on Monday at the Ponds. He said it was a lot of fun and thought that it was a fun distraction from a busy beginning of the school year.

If you did not get the chance to take part in these events, there is trivia every Wednesday and bingo every Thursday in the Night Owl Cafe at 7 pm. There are always events ran by Res Life happening all around campus every weekend. You can find these events by looking around your residence halls and seeing what is being advertised on posters.

OLIVIA CATTABRIGA/ ART DIRECTOR

Christian Valentin can be contacted at cvalentin@kscequinox.com

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Thursday, September 19, 2019

Former art director leaves “I’M SAD THAT WALLACE HAS LEFT, BUT WE ARE BLESSED WITH THE GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A NEW, VERY EDUCATED AND EXPERIENCED DIRECTOR. I’M EXCITED TO BE STARTING MY DEGREE PATH WITH A NEW DIRECTOR OF THE GALLERY.” - STACEY WILLETT

PUJA THAPA/ ADMINISTRATIVE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Art director of KSC's Thorne-Sagendorph Gallery leaves after 4 Years TOM BENOIT

Equinox Staff It was recently announced that Brian Wallace, the director of the Thorne-Sagendorph Gallery, has departed from Keene State College after four years acting as director here at Keene State.

Wallace previously served as curator and academic liaison at Bryn Mawr College and brought 26 years of experience in working in the arts. Wallace served as director for the Thorne-Sagendorph Gallery for four years and contributed much to the arts department here at Keene State. Wallace’s selected exhibitions include “Carrying/Pistol Packing Pupils”, “Binary Visions: 19th Century Woven Coverlets from the collection of Historic Huguenot Street”, “analog catalog: Investigating the Permanent Collection” and “Carolee Schneemann: Within and Beyond the Premises”. Aside from his his-

tory at Keene State, he has worked as a curator for the Dorsky Museum at SUNY New Platz from 2006 to 2011.

Despite Wallace stepping down as director, firstyear art major Stacey Willett remains hopeful for the future.

“I’m sad that Wallace has left,” Willett said. “But we are blessed with the great opportunity to have a new, very educated and experienced director. I’m excited to be starting my degree path with a new director of the gallery.”

Other students are saddened to hear of Wallace’s departure, including graphic design major Katelyn Fisher.

“I’m looking forward to having new experiences with the new director and see how he will run the gallery for years to come,” Fisher said. “But I’m sad to hear that Wallace has left the program here at Keene as soon as I started my academic career here.”

this week's playlist: Fall Vibes and Moods

“I believe that he brought a unique approach to the arts,” Fisher said, reflecting on Wallace’s time at Keene.

“He brought a lot of unique exhibits to the ThorneSagendorph.”

First-year studio art student Sam Reinke shares these bittersweet views on Wallace leaving the program.

“I’m sad to see Wallace go. He did really great work in the art center, including bringing in many Andy Warhol works to the gallery,” Reinke said. “The department will definitely be different when he’s gone, but I am sure the new director will bring a new perspective and something new to the table.”

Along with Wallace’s departure, the Thorne-Sagendorph Gallery is starting to move into a new direction, focusing on student involvement and student works.

“Brian Wallace worked independently from the art and design department curating exhibits,” Paul McMul-

lan, the current director of the Thorne-Sagendorph Gallery, explains. “The art and design department is looking forward to increased student involvement in the Thorne-Sagendorph not only in installing artwork, but also with help curating exhibitions, cataloging and working with the permanent collection, design of promotional material, along with many other opportunities including printing t-shirts.”

Paul McMullan said, “We are also looking into introducing a small coffee cafe in the lobby along with a small art book area with study space for students.”

Brian Wallace was not available for a comment on the article.

Tom Benoit can be reached at tbenoit@kscequinox.com

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ARTS ENTERTAINMENT

A&E / A8

Thursday, September 19, 2019

KSCEQUINOX.COM

The season has been kicked off

KSC students and faculty get together to host the Season Kick Off Party “There’s nothing more powerful than art to connect you to your humanity, and to your creativity, and it will enrich any academic endeavor. Students here are so lucky to have the opportunity to work with professors, even if they’re a non major.”

- Dr. Rebecca Hartka

KATHRYN SPADAFORA

EQUINOX STAFF On Wednesday, September 11, the Redfern Center For the Arts at Keene State College hosted its annual Redfern Season Kickoff Party. At 4:30 pm, attendees of the event gathered on the Redfern stage for food and socialization, while students from the Keene State Jazz Combo provided music.

Attendees of the event included community members, local artists and Keene State students interested in the arts.

“I like theater and art, so I wanted to see what was going on on campus,” stated one sophomore student attendee [name anonymous]. “I’m considering joining theatre in the future.”

At 5 pm, programming began as professors from various arts departments at Keene State shared what their programs have to offer in the upcoming season. The night began with the Redfern Presents series: including musical group Slavic Soul, Roger Guenveur Smith’s new production “Otto Frank,” Ephrat Asherie Dance, Sandglass Theater’s production “Babylon,” and more. The night then continued with a presentation on the music department, with a performance from cellist Dr. Rebecca Hartka and guitarist Dr. Jose Lezcano, who played a sample from their upcoming recital.

“There’s nothing more powerful than art to connect you to your humanity, and to your creativity, and it will enrich any academic endeavor,” stated Hartka. “Students here are so lucky to have the opportunity to work with professors, even if they’re a non-major.”

Following the music department was a presentation on the theatre and dance department from Professor Celine Perron, and an overview of the art department from Professor Jonathan Mirrin—both of whom provided attendees with an upcoming list of events in their departments. This included the Thorne Art Gallery, Evening of Dance, Choreography Showcase and a production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” An evening of art and community alike, the 2019 Redfern Season Kickoff Party showcased an upcoming year full of arts at Keene State for students to enjoy. Pamphlets with more information regarding the Redfern season may be found in the lobby of the Redfern Arts Center.

Shannon Mayers couldn’t be reached at the time.

Kathryn Spadafora can be contacted at kspadafora@kscequinox.com

A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE PEAK ANNOUNCES INTO A MICROPHONE AT THE REDFERN ARTS CENTER LAST WEDNESDAY NIGHT SURROUNDED BY OTHER BOOTHS FOR THE SEASON KICKOFF PARTY.

PUJA THAPA/ ADMINISTRATIVE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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STUDENT LIFE

Student Life, B1

Thursday, September 19, 2019

KSCEQUINOX.COM

FBI visits campus

“After the event, I have been greatly considering applying for an internship with the FBI over the summer. I think that it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity and great experience to have.”

- Emily Emery

LIAM FREY / EQUINOX STAFF

On Tuesday, September 10, FBI Special Agent Kim Blackwood gave a talk to students about potential careers in the FBI. The talk is part of the weekly career speaker series put on by Keene State.

FBI Special Agent Kim Blackwood discusses what a career in the FBI is really like CONNOR CRAWFORD

Student Life editor On Tuesday, September 10, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent Kim Blackwood spoke to students about what it is like to have a career in the FBI. Over forty students attended the event.

Blackwood’s talk is part of a weekly Keene State program called The Career Speaker Series. The Career Speaker Series takes place every Tuesday night and is a program where Keene State invites professionals from a multitude of different careers to speak with students.

The event can be beneficial to many students as it allows them to explore different careers and job options after graduation.

“It is always important to hear from professionals as a college student. It helps bring about new perspectives on real-world job opportunities that [students] might not have known about prior, or to learn insights on things that we did not know of,” said junior and criminal science major Mikayla Campbell. Junior Samuel

Turco agreed that the talks were beneficial. “I believe that it’s important that the school has different speakers from different careers because it helps students with answering the question of ‘what will I do after college,’” Turco said. “A lot of students are stressed, busy, or outright have no clue what they want to do. Having these options come to them and talk about the career that can be beneficial to students.”

Junior Emily Emery, said that her favorite part of the experience was hearing about Blackwood’s personal experiences in the FBI. “My favorite part of the event was how [Blackwood] talked about her own experiences in Quantico. Hearing her stories and how she got to where she is was very interesting to hear about,” Emery said.

Turco’s favorite part of the experience was when Blackwood showed the audience a video of what it takes to become an FBI Special Agent. “My favorite part had to be the training video we were shown about becoming a federal agent. It was great to have a visual of what the training was like and showed how grizzly it

was, which seemed to get me more fascinated.”

Campbell said her greatest takeaway from the event was not to give up on your dreams.“As cliche as this sounds, Special Agent Kimberly Blackwood’s story of her progress from being a file clerk to a special agent was due to the fact that she had confidence in herself and worked hard to get where she is today,” Campbell said. “It also lets students know not to be discouraged if your first job outside of college is not what you had in mind. There is always room for improvement and always time to progress in your professional careers.”

Blackwood’s talk influenced some students to take an interest in a career with the FBI. Emery said, “After the event, I have been greatly considering applying for an internship with the FBI over the summer. I think that it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and great experience to have.”

Blackwood gave her the best advice to those who were interested in working for the FBI. “Stay out of trouble, do not use drugs and stick with what you enjoy.

Go out and experience as many life experiences as you

can because with those life experiences come experiences that can help you grow as a person. And remember, everything that you do will help you lead to where you are going,” Blackwood said.

Blackwood also expressed how the FBI is not for everyone. “I am not here to tell every student to join the FBI. However, I am here to make students aware that the opportunity exists,” Blackwood said.

From the student experiences at the talk, the Career Speaker Series is beneficial for learning about careers after college. So if you are a student who is not sure what job they want after graduation, or are interested in learning about the multitude of careers that are out in the world, the Career Speakers Series can help you learn. The Career Speaker Series happens every Tuesday at 6 pm in the Science Center, room 101.

Connor Crawford can be contacted at ccrawford@kscequinox.com

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STUDENT LIFE / B2

Thursday, September 19, 2019

STAFF COMMENTATRY

STAFF COMMENTARY

Students tackle voting KSC students weigh in on the importance of the student voice in voting MATTHEW WHITE

Equinox Staff With the election coming up just around the corner, many students have been starting to think about voting. Voting is an important right in our country and for many of our Keene students this election will be their first time to cast their vote. As a new voter, you may have some questions about the process or wonder if your vote really matters. Students have busy lives and may even think voting can’t fit into their schedule.

We all have heard the saying but it’s true, every vote counts. There have been several elections where the outcome was decided by a narrow margin. After asking students what they think about voting here at Keene State, many have given a positive outlook.

Gonzalo Galvez, a second semester sophomore here at Keene State, said, “Voting is your input on the way society works, if you don’t vote people could control your life.” Students believe that it’s the people’s right to vote and choose who wants to be the voice of our country. Bailey Buchan said, “When voting, it helps focus on the different ideas that candidates are looking for and need to gear towards. Voting for students is a way of taking control of your life and future.”

According to the Pew Research Center, one-in-ten eligible voters

in America will be between the ages of 18 and 23. Just 43 percent of 18-24 year olds went to the polls, compared with 78 percent of people aged 65 or over.

With your help, generation Z can use their power to make a difference in voting. With New Hampshire being a primary state, it has a huge influence in the electoral debate because it is one of the first in the nation to hold its primary. Candidates take this into account and visit New Hampshireoften to be one of the first voters.

Just recently, Joe Biden came to Keene to meet with voters. This highlights how importantly candidates feel about the state we call home, New Hampshire.

If you’re 18 or older and want to make a difference in your country, you can register to vote online or even here at Keene State.

Simply go to the polls on election day and register to vote using a drivers license or a student ID card. If you do not have a photo ID then you can sign a form to confirm your identity. Voting only takes a few minutes of your day and just one small vote can make a big difference in the world. Be a G.O.A.T. and go vote!

BALLOT

Matthew White can be contacted at mwhite@kscequoinox.com

“Voting is your input on the way society works, if you don’t vote, people could control your life.”

-Gonzalo Galvez

OLIVIA CATTABRIGA / ART DIRECTOR

BRIEF

Donating blood to save lives

Many students attented the American Red Cross Blood Drive HARRISON PALETTA

Equinox Staff The American Red Cross foundation hosted a blood drive on Tuesday, September 10, at Keene State College for those in the Keene community who wanted to give back. The drive was located in the Mountain View room on the third floor of the student center.

Josie Holt, a fourth-year student at KSC explained why she donates blood and why she thinks it’s important to whenever possible. Hold said, “There is no good reason for anybody not to donate blood when millions of people around the world need clean blood. It’s a great and easy way of helping out with problems in our society and communities that are out of our control.”

An alumnus by the name of Joe Dumond, who graduated from KSC in 1978, attended the event as well. Dumond said, “I have been donating since 1982. I’m A- so they’re always looking for me. I like to donate blood so I can help people in the community of Keene and because I support KSC. I have been donating since I was a student here and I will continue to do so for the rest of my life.”

First-year Francisco Fialho was also donating blood. “My parents forced me to donate blood as a child, so I continue to do it to this day because, why not, and I’m not afraid of needles,” Fialho said. Fialho gave tips for those who would want to donate but are afraid of needles. “In my experience, the people who are actually taking your blood are extremely respectful and gentle. Also, people need to know that the process isn’t as painful or scary as most people think it is,” Fialho said.

The Red Cross Foundation in Keene and Vice President of Student Affairs Kemal Atkins did not respond to requests for comment.

Studying abroad adventures KIANA WRIGHT

Equinox Staff Hola! Mi llamo Kiana y estoy viviendo en España por el semestre! I’m leaving September 18 and will not be in the place I call home for another three months. (I’m writing this before I leave and it will be published when I am already there.) So, these writings of mine might be personal, crazy and maybe comical so feel free to laugh with me at my expense.

Here we go, part one of Kiana’s journey to the beautiful country, Spain.

This is how I feel right now leading up to the not-so-beautiful nine hour plane ride. Well, to start off I’m nervous, as a person who does not speak fluent spanish and will be living in Sevilla for a hot minute should be. The whole process to get where I am now has been incredibly stressful. I’ve never been across seas before or even been on an airplane. I picked Spain because it was a challenge.

The journey starts 3,360 miles away, in a foreign place where I don’t know anyone, where I have no relative ties, where I am basically flat out risking my life. I know students go through this program all the time so it’s not the program or the school itself I’m worried about. It’s me. I just don’t trust myself, I get distracted easily and can be pretty trusting.

In other words, if you all don’t hear back from me in a couple weeks, call Liam Neeson. At least I have a hand full of people on my side.

I have to admit my mom has been one of my biggest supporters with this decision I’ve made.

She has been constantly looking up tips and things to do before I leave so I am alive by the end of it. My friends are so happy for me, my parents are terrified for me and I’m in this weird medium.

Everyone has been hyping me up and pushing me to be ready and excited for the trip. In the end, sometimes a constant shove is better than being alone, so I’ll take it.

Since I’m starting school so late this semester, I have been able to visit all my KeeneLand friends.

I miss them and love them so much and definitely have FOMO (fear of missing out). Snapchats and group chats keep me in the loop, thank goodness. They’re having a freaking blast during their last year at Keene State College and yes, I wish I was there with them, but I’m content knowing they’re doing their thing. And I’m lucky to be doing my own thing with all my classes lined up and new hopefully future friends; who knows, maybe I’ll find the Fabio of my dreams there too.

Speaking of dreams, this just might help me get one step closer to my career goals. Traveling around the world, writing and taking photos of important issues and events. Yes, it’s a little extreme but journalism is important to me. My classes are going to be super exciting too. Out of the six classes I’m taking, I think painting and photography in literary Seville will be my favorites.

But we will see because international marketing could bring the professional side out in me, and I hope it does because we all love a good business woman. Oh and my cuisine class will definitely make sure I don’t miss out on all the tapas and wine.

Wish me the best, and pray for your girl. I’ll be sharing all kinds of stories and interesting things I experience when I am no longer in the Estados Unidos. See you then, adios chicos!

Kiana Wright can be contacted at kwright@kscequinox.com

Harrison Paletta can be contacted at hpaletta@kscequinox.com

GRIFFIN ELL / EQUINOX STAFF

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STUDENT LIFE / B3

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Sororites recruit around KSC

CAROLINE WARE/ EQUINOX STAFF

An inside look into what sorority recruitment week at Keene State is TOM BENOIT

Equinox Staff If you’ve recently walked down Appian Way, you’ve probably noticed the brightly colored signs with Greek letters. It’s recruitment week for sororities here at Keene State.

“Recruitment week is basically the week where girls have the opportunity to come and learn about sorority life and see if they are interested in joining a sorority!”

Panhellenic Council President Kylie Hull explained.

Hull went on to explain the process of recruitment.

“The first three days of the week you meet with the Panhellenic Council beforehand and then go through three different organized rotations to view the different sororities on campus. The reason we do these rotations is that it gives interested girls the opportunity to see all of their options. There is then a preference night

hosted by each sorority where an interested student could come and learn about why the current members of the sorority chose to join themselves. Then at the end of the week, if you decide you are interested in joining one of the organizations, you would go and final sign with them. Final signing is you basically saying you are interested in being a part of that sorority. Following that comes instruction from the specific organization and the journey begins!” . “Joining Greek life is a great way to make friends, find your home away from home, learning new leadership and networking opportunities. Not to mention the professional relationships you create and the community service involvement,” Hull said.

Delta Xi Phi president Emily Foy said,, “Joining a sorority has helped make me, and so many other people I know have become so much more confident and more involved on campus! Being surrounded by other

empowered and strong females helps create an environment that encourages others to be their best.”

Despite the stereotypes of sororities, one of the main focuses of sororities at KSC is philanthropy. Foy described the local and international charities her sorority is involved with.“Delta Xi Phi’s national philanthropy is the American Cancer Society. Throughout the year we also raise money for Hope’s Lodge, which is connected to the ACS and houses those receiving cancer treatment. There are also several causes close to our member’s hearts that we like to donate time and money to like local women’s shelters, the humane society, and any local events needing assistance,” Foy said.

This week isn’t just about current members; it is largely about the potential new members. “I come from a big family, and a lot of my family was involved in Greek Life during their college years. I would like to have that big family feeling while in college as well,”

Living in impermanence Erasing shampoo from my shopping list ANGELIQUE INCHIERCA

Social MEdia dirEctor It has been a little over a full month since I returned from Thailand. If I had to tell everyone what I learned in one column, it would take up at least two pages in our newspaper. Instead, I’m starting a little column about philosophies I’ve learned and lifestyle choices that I have chosen to adapt into my life here on campus. One being today’s topic: Erasing shampoo from my shopping list.

This was not an easy decision. I have always had more of an oily texture to my hair and I’ve been self conscious since childhood. My teacher, and friend, C.Carow told me that he has not used shampoo in years. While In Thailand, I couldn’t test this theory because I felt too dirty at The Project I volunteered at.

Carow said our body naturally cleans itself if given the chance, our hair included! Unfortunately from birth, our natural oils are stripped from our hair and then replaced with shampoo and other products. This is not generally healthy for our hair and can cause many problems- especially if you are like me and try to shampoo daily.

Strait Ahead Hair Designs hair stylist Alex Shepard said in a message, “It’s best for your hair and scalp to not shampoo every day… many older women who will get their hair washed once a week and that is perfectly fine… if [a person’s] hair is healthy and they are still brushing and caring for it then I don’t see a problem.”

With Carow and Shepard’s advice and my own humility, I began washing my hair once a week, and now it has been almost two weeks since I have shampooed. This does not mean I don’t shower! I simply just rinse my hair with water.

If you are going to stop shampooing your luscious locks there are a few things you need to know: Everyone’s hair is different. People with dryer hair may have an easier time waiting for their hair to adjust. If you’re like me (a bit on the oilier side), I’ve begun wearing my hair up or wearing hair accessories. This helps combat flat, oily hair styles.

It takes time. Carow warned me that it may take a while for my body to adjust to the oils no longer being stripped from my hair so it will most likely over produce until it is trained to naturally clean itself again. This could take months.

Remove chemically created shampoo from your shopping list. If you keep shampoo in stock then you will most likely go back to your old habits when your hair starts to look greasy.

Coconut oil is your friend; I’m speaking to you

KSCEQUINOX.COM

explained Emma Spangler, a first-year who was considering joining a sorority.

First-year Ali Johnson said this week was full of excitement. “I’m looking forward to broadening my horizons, making new friends, meeting new people and doing new things with new people,” Johnson said.

Of course, one thing remains unanswered: how does one properly do the sorority squat? Emily Foy explained, “To truly know how to do the sorority squat, you’ve got to join to find out!”

Tom Benoit can be contacted at tbenoit@kscequinox.com

T h i s

W e e k

a t my frizzy haired peers! Try and find an all natural hair solution or just coconut oil itself! Whichever you’re more comfortable using.

Invest in a boar bristle brush. Loads of research has been done showing that these types of brushes help move natural oils from your scalp to the rest of your hair. They are also softer on your follicles and do not promote split ends.

Careful not to brush wet hair, it is harmful for your hair and the bristles.

Not sure if completely cutting out shampoo is for you? I’ve begun looking into all-natural shampoo bars that still clean your scalp but don’t use scary chemicals.

I am happy to try a more natural way of bathing, especially one that is cost effective! Luckily, I’m not alone in this adventure, I convinced my

friend to start shampooing once a week as well.

She is about a week-in and her hair is frizzing but looks great!

Hopefully this has inspired some of you to experiment with this more “hippy” approach of hair and keep on the lookout for my next column about a fun solution for toothpaste!

Angelique Inchierca can be contacted at ainchierca@kscequinox.com

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STUDENT LIFE / B4

Thursday, September 19, 2019

LOCALVORE LUNCH & FARMER's MARKET MENU FEATURING Vegan Eggplant & Spaghetti Squash Stack w/ Tomato Sauce Walkers Farm - Putney, VT Pan Seared Pollock w/ Soy Ginger Glaze Hosta Hill - Housatonic, Massachusetts Local Charcuterie & Cheese Board, Oyster Shucking & More!

DATE wednesday, sept. 25 11am - 2pm dc

Like to write?

Interested in life on campus?

Contact Connor Crawford

Student Life Editor ccrawford@kscequinox.com

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World News/ B5 Thursday, September 19, 2019

WORLD NEWS

Racing for the nomination

KSCEQUINOX.COM

Governor signs ban of oil gas drilling off coast HOLLY RAMER

AssociAted Press

Low-tier candidates could threaten Sanders in New Hampshire HUNTER WOODALL

AssociAted Press WILL WEISSERT

AssociAted Press MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) — Bernie Sanders turned his outsider credentials and call for political revolution into a commanding victory in the 2016 New Hampshire primary. But as he seeks a repeat performance, the Vermont senator could face unlikely competition.

On their own, Andrew Yang, Tulsi Gabbard and Marianne Williamson sit near the bottom of the New Hampshire polls. But together, their novel calls for dramatic change to American politics could attract just enough support to complicate Sanders' path to victory in a tight New Hampshire race.

"There could be six points there that Bernie loses," said veteran Democratic operative Mark Longabaugh, who previously worked for Sanders. "That could be all the difference in the race."

The three candidates are each at about 1% in a July poll from the University of New Hampshire and CNN. It's not clear that any of that support comes from voters who would otherwise back Sanders.

And Sanders is facing a much stronger challenge for progressive support from Elizabeth Warren, who is bunched near the top of most New Hampshire polls with Sanders and Joe Biden.

But the dynamic is a reminder of the different environment Sanders is competing in during his second presidential campaign. In 2016, he was the sole progressive alternative to Hillary Clinton, and his 22-point victory in New Hampshire added much-needed credibility to what was considered a longshot candidacy. He's now one of 20 Democratic White House hopefuls, many of whom are using his rhetoric to appeal to the liberal base.

If Sanders is worried, he isn't showing it.

He laughed when asked over the weekend whether he was concerned about losing support to bottom-tier rivals.

"You live in a free country," he said. "Marianne and Tulsi are friends of mine, and they're running hard, and they have every right to run so it's not my job to tell people what they can do and not do. But they are serious people and they're running good campaigns."

Sanders is facing sky-high expectations in New Hampshire, in part because he's from neighboring Vermont, has raised millions of dollars from grassroots donors and is one of the most recognizable names in politics.

But there are warning signs for Sanders. The progressive Working Families Party endorsed Warren on Monday after backing Sanders in 2016.

Sanders was slow to build a large campaign staff in New Hampshire, and Warren is credited with having a stronger organization in the state.

Over the weekend, Sanders' campaign stepped up efforts to avoid what would be an

embarrassing loss in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire state director was replaced, and another senior adviser said he'd leave in a separate move.

The campaign has attempted to expand its 2016 coalition in New Hampshire, with hopes of winning over Clinton voters and independents. Results, however, have been mixed.

Before the New Hampshire Democrats' state convention earlier this month, the Sanders campaign announced a lengthy list of endorsements, including one from state Rep. Wendy Chase, a Rollinsford Democrat. But Chase said following the convention that publicizing her endorsement was premature and that she is still considering whether to vote for Sanders, Warren, Yang, or for South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

The developments are fueling a sense among voters that, while Sanders might have revived the progressive movement's starring role in Democratic politics, he may not be the person to lead it in 2020.

"Unfortunately, Bernie's time has come and gone," said Kevin O'Neill, a 64-year-old attorney who supported Sanders in 2016 and is now leaning toward a vote for Gabbard. "He's done a great service to the country, a great service to the party. But I think at this point, he needs to pass the baton on to a new generation."

While Gabbard, Yang and Williamson have much smaller followings in New Hampshire than Sanders, they've made investments in the state.

The most recent campaign filings this year

show Williamson has paid more than $65,000 in New Hampshire to employ Paul Hodes, a former congressman, who works as her New Hampshire state director and senior campaign adviser.

Campaign finance records also show that, through June, Yang's campaign has paid $60,000 for Steve Marchand's services. Marchand, the former mayor of Portsmouth and past candidate for governor who backed Sanders in 2016, is advising Yang and campaigns for him in the state.

Gabbard has opted for campaign billboards that leave some voters puzzled: They include only her first name, a picture of her, the year 2020 and the words "A Soldier's Heart."

Whatever impact the candidates might have on Sanders will depend on how long they stay in the race. For now, only Yang has qualified for next month's presidential debate.

But no one is signaling an imminent departure from the campaign trail.

Gabbard insisted she would not drop out during a recent campaign stop in New Hampshire, while Williamson simply said, "All I know is that, right now, I'm running for president."

She was effusive in her praise of Sanders in an interview after leading a meditation on peace in Manchester.

"I love Sen. Sanders. ... He's an inspiration," Williamson said. "He's marvelous." ___ Weissert reported from Las Vegas.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire's governor signed a ban on oil and gas drilling in the state's coastal waters on Tuesday, a move that several states have taken in response to the Trump administration's proposal to open new areas for exploration.

While Republican Gov. Chris Sununu said the Trump administration has assured him that drilling would not occur off New Hampshire's 18-mile-long (30-kilometer-long) coast, he said the legislation was important to protect the waters for future generations.

"New Hampshire has a long and proud tradition of environmental stewardship, and today's action to ban oil and gas drilling off of our pristine coastline is another step in the right direction," Sununu said in a statement.

Governors and lawmakers from both Republican- and Democratic-led states have fought the administration's plans for expanded offshore drilling. A federal judge ruled in May that President Donald Trump had exceeded his authority when he ordered that the Arctic and parts of the Atlantic be opened to oil and gas development.

The American Petroleum Institute has opposed the state bans, saying closing the door to offshore development could hurt local economies as well as the nation's energy security.

The bill Sununu signed at a seaside state park was sponsored by Democrats and takes effect later this year. State Sen. Martha Fuller Clark, D-Portsmouth, called it a victory for the environment and the state.

"With our coastline protected, now it is time for New Hampshire to move forward on sustainable energy developments, including offshore wind and solar," she said in a statement.

New Jersey passed its prohibition in 2018, while bills were signed into law in Maine, Oregon and New York earlier this year.

In Oregon, the measure extended a temporary 10-year ban that was set to expire next year and directed state agencies to refuse to assist with any potential drilling operations in federal waters off the Oregon coast.

In Rhode Island, bills in both the House and Senate failed to advance past committee in 2018.

State Sen. Dawn Euer, a Democrat who sponsored the Senate version, said Tuesday she ran out of time this year to rework her bill to address concerns about unintended consequences but plans to introduce new legislation next year.

Rock climber falls 50 feet off of New Hampshire cliff ASSOCIATED PRESS

FRANCONIA, N.H. (AP) — A rock climber fell about 50 feet (15 meters) in the Franconia Notch area and suffered life-threatening injuries, New Hampshire authorities said.

Conservation officers say the 20-year-old man was climbing on the Cannon Cliffs when he fell Sunday. The climber was uncon-

scious and stuck on a ledge just halfway up the cliff. A National Guard helicopter took the man to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center for treatment.

The climber's name hasn't been released. His condition wasn't immediately known Monday.

In 2017, an ice climber had to be rescued after falling 50 to 60 feet on Cannon Cliff. The climb is considered to be difficult. The cliff is where

New Hampshire's natural rock formation, the "Old Man in Mountain," an outline of a face in the rock, broke apart and fell in 2003.

Not far from the 4,080-foot (1,244meter) summit of Cannon Mountain itself, another hiker fell about 20 feet off the Kinsman Trail on Sunday night, officers said.

Christopher Cocaine, 63, of Massachusetts, was about half a mile from the summit. He was able to

walk back to the mountain tram with some assistance and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

In a third case on Sunday night, a man hiking Mt. Osceola near Conway sent a text message to friends that he was off his intended route and had very little food or water. The 23-year-old hiker, Alexander Scates, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, was given water by passing hikers but later said he had

no light source. A conservation officer reached him late Sunday. He was uninjured. ___ This story has been corrected to show the name of the area was Cannon Cliff, not Cannon Cliffs.

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Sports / B6

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Winning projections Inside

Intramurals

OLIVIA CATTABRIGA / ART DIRECTOR

Matt Holderman explores intramural sports MATT HOLDERMAN

Equinox staff

SOREN FRANTZ / PHOTO EDITOR

Seventh straight year KSC favored in LEC ALAN FORTIN

Equinox staff The Keene State women’s field hockey team is no stranger to winning it all, and the Little East Conference pre-season poll predicts them winning it all for the seventh season in a row, having won 138 points in the poll. In the past 22 years, the Owls have been able to call the championship theirs for 14 of those years.

While the team has seen many new faces, one face that has been consistent would be head coach Amy Watson, who has led many of these championship charges, including the current six-year streak. However, since the beginning of the current season, the team

has begun with a 1-3 record. Watson discussed what factors the team was still working on. “The field connections aren’t there yet. I think the team gets along pretty well, I don’t think there is personality chemistry problems, I think it’s just getting to know how each other plays, and what to expect from the person next to you,” Watson said.

Ally McCall, a senior defense player, said that this season feels different. McCall said, “We lost four key players last year, so its been an adjustment period, finding new connections on the current team we have now, but we are getting there.”

McCall played a major part of last year’s championship team, having been named the Little East Defensive Player of the Year and Little

East Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

Nina Bruno, a junior forward, said there’s one main element to make the prediction of winning it all come true. “Hard work and dedication from each and every one of us whether we are playing the entire game or sitting on the sideline, everyone needs full effort and support of each other,” Bruno said.

Bruno also talked about how a 9-0 loss to number 17 ranked Amherst would affect the team’s mentality.

“Those are the games that you get better, you don’t get better when you win 6 nothing, 7 nothing, that’s not where you improve. You improve where the games are challenging, and they make you do things you haven’t done before,” Bruno said.

While the season has been off to a slow start, none of these three are hanging their heads in defeat.

While the season hasn’t been off to an ideal start, Coach Watson, McCall Bruno all believe that once the chemistry connects, the Owls can once again claim another LEC championship for themselves. The Owls’ next home game will be September 2, against the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, with a start time of 1:30 pm.

Alan Fortin can be contacted at afortin@kscequinox.com

BRIEF

Soccer field dedication Soccer field dedicated to former coach AUSTIN SMITH

sports Editor The Keene State College will officially be getting a new name on Sept. 21, The field’s name will be changed as a dedication to former coach Dr. Ron Butcher, according to keeneowls. com. Butcher was the coach of the coach of KSC’s men’s soccer team for 43 years, in that time he coached KSC through three different conferences, the NAIA, NCAA II and NCAA III.

In his time at KSC Butcher coached the men’s soccer team to 31 postseason appearances.

In his time at Keene State, spanning from 1970 to 2013, Butcher had a record of 596-263-72 and a total of 931 games coached.

Butcher lead the men’s soccer team to six LEC tournament championships from 1999 to 2010.

Butcher has been recognized many times for his coaching, he was named coach of the year three times in 1974, 1981 and 1991. Butcher also received LEC coaching honors four times in 1999,

2002, 2010 and 2011.

Butcher was inducted into the Keene State athletic hall of fame in 2005, Butcher was inducted into the hall of fame while he was still an active coach. He continued to coach for eight more years after he was inducted into the hall of fame.

Austin Smith can be contacted at asmith@kscequinox.com

This semester, “Inside Intramurals” will be a weekly column which takes a look at one of Keene State College’s top extracurricular activities: Intramural sports. “Inside Intramurals” will highlight standings and results from intramural games each week, feature stories about unique players on some of the intramural sports teams and more. This week, we will discuss what intramural sports are, and why one would want to join.

Intramural sports are one of the most popular extracurricular activities at Keene State College. With dozens of different team sports happening in the fall, winter and spring, intramurals give students the opportunity to spend time with friends by doing a fun activity, or meet new friends by bonding through playing a sport together. Intramurals also give students who played sports in high school, but not at the collegiate level, a chance to keep playing the sport that they love.

David Sweeney, the Coordinator of Intramural Sports and Club Sports at Keene State, offers a unique selling point to students who might be interested in joining intramurals.

“When I’m selling someone on playing intramurals, I want to know what’s stopping them from doing it,” Sweeney said. “A lot of students don’t think they have time for intramurals, which can be discouraging, but not having time is one of the biggest falsehoods about intramurals.”

Sweeney explained that no matter what team you play on, games typically last no more than one hour each, and each team only plays one game a week, sometime between Sunday and Wednesday.

Furthermore, if time is still an issue, practice schedules tend to be light too.

“The practice times are decided by the teams,” Sweeney said.

“Some teams don’t even practice regularly, so there’s not a huge practice commitment. People think they don’t have the time, but that’s not true at all.”

Another encouraging factor of signing up is that the process is quick and easy.

To sign up and play intramurals, all you have to do is create an IMLeagues account online. The process includes going to www. imleagues.com, clicking sign up,

selecting “Keene State College” in the drop down menu, and then entering your name and Keene State email address. Then, click “sign up”, and you’re good to go!

Plus, IMLeagues has many more features than just a list of sports you can join.

“IMLeagues.com is great because you can see who won, you can look at schedules, playoff standings, you can see registration deadlines,” Sweeney said.

On another note, Keene State’s intramural sports are a mostly student-driven operation. Students get to make their own teams, select their own teammates and eventually come up with a name for their team. Also, students are in charge of officiating, scorekeeping and supervising for all of the games.

Now, these details may not sound appealing to students who are going into intramurals without knowing anybody yet. But luckily, IMLeagues has a solution to that problem too.

“On IMLeagues, there is a ‘free agent feature,’” said Sweeney. “So if you don’t know any people, you can make an account and look at your options. You can see what teams are looking for extra players, or team captains can look at their free agent choices and you can get selected to a team that way.”

Intramurals happening on campus right now include flag football, a softball tournament, 4 vs. 4 volleyball and floor hockey.

While registration has closed for all of those sports, registration for a tennis tournament will be open until September 24, and registration for sports such as table tennis, 3 on 3 basketball, dodgeball, pickleball and billiards will be opening in October for those looking to get in on the fun.

“If you want to play, play!”

Matt Holderman can be contacted at mholderman@kscequinox.com

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Sports / B7

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Ultimate sport

KSC Ultimate frisbee team is available for both men and women MATT HOLDERMAN

Equinox Staff While there are plenty of outstanding and crowddrawing sports played at Keene State College, only one can be called the ultimate sport.

And, well, that sport would be ultimate frisbee.

Among the multitude of club sports at Keene State, The Ultimate Frisbee Club has grown to become one of the largest clubs on campus over the years, with approximately 40 men and women playing on the team.

For those who are not familiar with ultimate frisbee or how it is played, usaultimate.org describes it as, “Combining the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football.”

To give further explanation, two teams compete, trying to score points against each other, by catching a frisbee in their opponents’ “end zone.” The players attempt to pass the frisbee upfield to their teammates, without losing possession, until they have scored. The winner is declared once one team reaches a certain threshold of points scored.

The Keene State Ultimate Frisbee Club plays in intercollegiate tournaments most weekends in the fall. The team travels to different locations around New England for their matchups, and even take a trip down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a tournament each year. The tournaments typically last full weekends, and any one team can potentially play up to eight times in the same weekend.

This year, the team has three captains: Matthew Maguire, who is playing in his second year with the team; Ethan Platt, who has been with the team for three years and has been playing ultimate frisbee for seven; and Samantha Dost, who in her third season with the club is its president.

While Platt already had experience with ultimate frisbee prior to coming to Keene State, both Maguire and Dost started college with no experience and discovered the club in similar ways.

“Sam (Dost) actually was the one who told me about the team,” Maguire said. “She said it was wicked fun and that I should join.”

“I had two friends tell me I should join the team,” Dost said. “I had never played before. Usually no one comes in knowing how to play, but anyone can join.”

However, Platt was one of those rare players who came to Keene State’s Ultimate Frisbee Club knowing how to play. In high school, Platt captained his school’s ultimate frisbee team for all four years he was on it. That meant that when his college search begun, ultimate frisbee was a factor in his decision.

“I don’t want to say it was why I picked this school,” Platt said. “But it definitely influenced my decision. I was definitely looking at schools I knew had a team, and I already knew people on the team here.”

While they may not be an NCAA team, the club and its members are still extremely dedicated to their sport, as they practice three days a week on top of their usual weekend tournaments.

“A practice for us is usually about two hours long,” Dost said. “We’ll start with our warmups and stretching, then practice throwing, throwing long distance. We’ll play scrimmages and practice different types of defense and offense.”

“We’re serious, but we’re also laid back,” Maguire said.

Even with a team of around 40 players, one of the captains’ top goals for the year is to get a lot of people to play.

“We want to get a lot of people to play and enjoy playing,” Dost said. “Not a lot of people know about us, so we’d love to get some more.”

“This year is going to be a little different,” Platt said.

“We have like 50 people this year, so we have a larger pool to pull from for who’s going to play in tournament games. We’d love to get as many involved as we can.”

For anyone who wants to see The Ultimate Frisbee Club in action, all of their home contests are played on the Joyce Athletic Field.

Matt Holderman can be contacted at mholderman@kscequinox.com

“We want to get a lot of people to play and enjoy playing... Not a lot of people know about us, so we’d love to get some more.” -Samantha Dost

OLIVIA CATTABRIGA /

ART DIRECTOR

Gentleman’s sport no more

The KSC women’s rugby team is growing in size AUSTIN SMITH

SportS Editor Rugby is considered by many to be one of the most physically demanding sports in existence. The women that play this sport do not shy away from contact.

When asked how she got into rugby, president and captain Kate Hubbard said, “I played powderpuff in high school and then a girl split my lip open, so I punched her in the face and someone told me I should play rugby.”

Junior Chloe Pacocha said, “I grew up with three older brothers, so I played football from fourth grade to eighth grade.” As for the positions that they play, Hubbard is the scrum-half and Pacocha is the fullback. In football terms, Pacocha is the safety and last line of defense. Hubbard is the quarterback; she removes the ball from the pile and gives it to other players on her team.

Created in England in the nineteenth century, rugby is an international sport played by men and women of all ages. Rugby involves large amounts of contact and is played with a ball resembling a football.

The coach of the women’s rugby team Karen Johannesen said, “I got a flyer in my welcome packet from orientation and one of my friends from down the hall said, ‘Hey I’m going to the rugby meeting’ so I went and never looked back.” Johannesen played rugby at Keene state from 1991 to 1996.

The rugby team is currently a club

team and has had success in recent years. The team won the tournament championship last spring. When asked about the tournament win, Hubbard said, “We were struggling with numbers the entire fall season and spring season, it was just extremely rewarding to, even with the lack of numbers, still pull the championship win off.”

The tournament was held in less than perfect weather; Hubbard said, “It snowed on our way there, and then it was pouring rain the entire time there.”

The team was struggling to get students involved, which led to some hardships. Hubbard said, “We all just stuck together through the long cold night practices and only [had] five people show up.”

The team has since grown from having five participating members.

Pacocha and Hubbard said, “We’ve brought in a lot of new players. We had 63 girls sign up at the (involvement) fair. We have about 30 players showing up to practice, which is double from last year.” Johannesen is also optimistic for this season. “I have very high hopes for this year, we have a lot of new players, but we have a lot of athletes that came out this year and are enthusiastic about it.”

The rugby team has their next home game on October 12, at 11 am against Merrimack College. The game will be played at Joyce field behind the Redfern Arts Center.

Austin Smith can be contacted at asmith@kscequinox.com

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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Sports / B8

Thursday, September 19, 2019

SPORTS

All in the family

KSCEQUINOX.COM

PUJA THAPA / ADMINISTRATIVE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

First-year forward James McCully has soccer in his blood; both his father and grandfather were former soccer players. His father played for Keene State in the late 1970s under Ron Butcher.

Like his father before him,wwww McCully has begun his career as CLAIRE BOUGHTON

Senior SportS reporter Has anyone ever been destined to kick a ball?

For James McCully the answer to that question came with his first word: “Ball.”

Soccer has been in James McCully’s DNA since before he was born. With his grandfather having played professionally in Scotland and his father being a threetime All-American and All-New England selection, there’s no surprise that McCully holds an impressive record in the sport.

McCully’s success began to show during his time at Nauset Regional High School where he was coached by his father who also attended the school in the late 1970s. During his high school career, James McCully received All-American honors during his senior year, set a new all-time record of 97 goals, and

was named the Atlantic Coast League Player of the Year.

McCully redshirted at the University of New Hampshire his first -year before deciding to transfer to his father’s alma mater Keene State College, where he had been attending summer training camps for the past six years.

“I was looking for a better balance soccer-wise and academically,” McCully said when asked about his reasoning behind making the move. “Division One soccer… with all my classes was near impossible.”

But what is it like to have a player come to a school where his name holds so much of a legacy already?

“He’s going to make his own way here,” Rick Scott, head coach of the men’s soccer team at Keene State, responded when asked that very question. “[James] realizes his father’s legacy here and he respects it, but he’s ready to carve his own.”

McCully shared a similar response when

asked about his father’s success and any pressure that might hold. “I could care less what he did in college to be honest,” chuckled McCully. “It was… the same thing in high school… all of high school I was chasing after his goal record and stuff, so I’m kind of used to it now.”

Although McCully has only had a handful of weeks with the Keene State Owls so far, he is already making big moves on the field, both in games and in practice. “[James is a] very nice addition, both as a person and a player,” Scott said when asked about McCully’s part on the team so far. “He gives us a dimension we were missing… [he] sees the game and reads the game very well.”

Noah Spaulding, a first-year midfielder on the team, had only good things to say about McCully. “[James] leads by example. You never have to worry about James getting on you for a mistake you make,” Spaulding said. “You always know what you’re going to get from McCully. He does everything that’s asked of

him and then some.”

Spaulding assisted McCully in scoring the only goal of the game in the Owls’ home-opener against Tufts this past Wednesday on September 11.

“Individually, I would love it if I got 15 goals and ten assists this year,” McCully said when asked about his plans for this season. “As a team I really think that we can win the Little East Conference this year and then hopefully make a run in the tournament.”

The Keene State men’s soccer team’s next home game will be against Rhode Island College on September 21, start time 3. Show up and show your support!

Claire Boughton can be contacted at cboughton@kscequinox.com

Keene falls to top seeded Tufts CLAIRE BOUGHTON

Senior SportS reporter On September 11, a crowd gathered under the floodlights of the Owl Athletic Complex to watch the Keene State College Men’s Soccer team go head-to-head against the defending Division III National Champions, the Tufts University Jumbos.

The Owls home-opener kicked off at 7 pm with the Owls sporting a three game win streak.

Three minutes into the first half, Tufts junior Travis Van Brewer sunk one into the back of the net for the Jumbos. After the goal, the Owls and the Jumbos reached a stalemate, with neither team scoring for the rest of the half.

The Keene Owls came back strong in the second half, transfer first-year James McCully scoring the Owls’ first goal of the night with an assist from firstyear Noah Spaulding.

After Keene’s first goal, Keene State first-year Declan Coughlin went down on the field, causing the clock to pause while the athletic trainer ran out to look at him. Coughlin was carried off the field by two team-

mates shortly after and did not play for the rest of the game.

Keene State sophomore Benny Tamzarian went down mid-play several minutes after Coughlin and was also carried off the field by teammates.

Keene held strong against Tufts for the majority of the second half, however with only nine minutes left, the Jumbos junior midfielder Alex Ratzan rebounded the ball off of the Keene goalie, Anthony Pasciuto’s, save. Shortly after the tie breaking score, Ratzan had another strong play and scored his second goal of the game off another rebound.

Final score was 3 to 1 with Tufts taking the win.

Keene State Owls’ next home game is on September 21, kickoff at 3 pm. Come out and show your Owl pride!

Claire Boughton can be contacted at cboughton@kscequinox.com

SOREN FRANTZ / PHOTO EDITOR

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