Issue 6, Fall 2014 - The Quadrangle

THE

Q

Vol. LXXXXIII Issue 6

UADRANGLE A Student Publication of Manhattan College Since 1924

Sept. 30, 2014

www.mcquad.org

Technical Difficulties Keep Jasper Dollars Off-Line Brendan Rogers Staff Writer Jasper dollars, or money stored on students’ school ID cards that can be used to purchase food, are on track to be available to spend at select off-campus restaurants in the next couple weeks, Ken Waldhof, director of business and conference services, said Friday.

“We only signed [a contract with the new company] after some discussions and negotiation,” Waldhof said. “Since that time, their team, our IT staff, our card office… have been working to transition to the new program.”

Students have been unable to use their Jasper dollars off-campus so far this semester, as the company that formerly facilitated their use off-campus went out of business in the spring. Since then, the Business and Finance Office has been working with the IT and card offices to identify and work with a new vendor to handle the off-campus Jasper dollar transactions.

Dishout, a company that provides a similar service to colleges and universities around the country, was the vendor selected to handle the off-campus Jasper dollars transactions and has been working to recruit and re-enroll merchants in the area to accept them, according to Waldhof.

“The holdup has really been all of the technology and integration,” Waldhof said, referring to card readers and accounts that have to be set up for merchants accepting Jasper dollars. “Everything really has to be started from scratch.”

“Once everything is tested and proven to work… all the readers are installed at the merchants… it’s just a matter of telling students they can use their cards off campus,” Waldhof said.

As of this weekend, seven merchants have enrolled and will be ready to accept Jasper dollars once the system officially rolls out. The merchants include, among others, Dunkin Donuts, Generico Pizza, Goodfellas Pizza and Jasper Deli. Waldhof said Dishout is working to enroll other merchants as well, including a Chipotle opening in the neighborhood soon.

“I think that would be a huge enhancement,” Waldhof said of working on a deal with Chipotle.

Until the system is fully up and running, students have to use their Jasper dollars at on-campus locations or shell out their own money at off-campus restaurants. While some say they understand that the school is working to make Jasper dollars available for use off-campus, many expressed frustration at the amount of time it is taking to implement the new systems.

“I very upset,” junior Carolyn Egan said. “Maybe it makes sense to them, but I don’t really get why they didn’t do this over the summer.”

“It’s handy to just pull out the card and swipe it,” junior Doug McVicker said.

“I’ve just been having to use my own money, which is definitely inconvenient.”

The inaccessibility of Jasper dollars at off-campus locations has also caused a number of students to alter their eating habits.

Students can only use their Jasper dollars on campus until off-campus scanning mechanisms are implemented.

Photo by James O’Connor.

“I would definitely go out [to eat] more often if I could use my Jasper Dollars,” McVicker said. “It’s just easier.”

“I haven’t been going to the off campus locations as often,” senior student Mike Crocitto said. “As a substitute I’ve been eating more fruits and proteins that I buy at the grocery store.”

Crocitto, an Overlook Manor resident who is on a special meal plan available for students in his building, receives 160 Jasper dollars per semester, compared with the 25 that students on the standard meal plan receive. Because of this, Crocitto said he tends to use his Jasper dollars more frequently than students on the traditional meal plan.

“It’s actually good in a way […] be-

cause I’m being a little healthier,” Crocitto said. “But in another sense I’m spending more money.”

Off-campus merchants accustomed to students spending Jasper dollars expressed anticipation about the restoration of the offcampus Jasper dollar system. Individual merchants, however, reported mixed experiences regarding student spending habits while the system has been suspended. “[Business] is not as good,” Goodfellas Pizza manager Mike Orfano said. “It’s much better when [Jasper Dollars] are working.”

“A lot of kids come in here disappointed too,” Orfano said. “I get about ten students per day on average come in and ask.”

Down the block at Jasper Deli, Jay, a

cashier who declined to give his last name reported similar student inquiries about being able to use Jasper dollars but said that it has not had a significant impact on business.

“A lot come in and ask if [Jasper dollars] are available,” Jay said. “But they still buy something.”

Waldhof said he expects to have a ‘go-live’ date within a couple of days, and is prepared to spread the news once it is available.

“We’re already working with our marketing and communications team,” Waldhof said. “We’ll immediately get the word out once they’re available.”

2

news

Sept. 30, 2014

MC Gets Green WITH NEW ENERGY INITIATIVE A Look at the New MC Environmental Initiative

Luke Hartman Staff Writer Manhattan College launched a $2.3 million campus-wide energy conservation initiative this year that includes upgrading campus lighting, installing low-flow water fixtures and modifying heating systems on campus.

The initiative is expected to save the college money on its energy costs over the next few years.

The college estimates that they will save 6.3 million gallons of water per year, 10,337 million BTU per year in heating energy and 1.89 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year after all the changes have been implemented.

Talks of a college-wide energy initiative began in March of 2012 when H2O Applied Technologies was brought in to assess and produce a general energy analysis of the campus.

“The intent was to see if an opportunity existed that were economically viable, which followed in a more detailed visit to get a better understanding of the total financial package,” Vice President of Facilities Andrew Ryan said.

Because of the scope of the multifaceted and campus-wide project, the initiative came at no small cost to the college.

“In the end we agreed on a program that was about $2.3 million dollars, 10 percent of which was a rebate from NYSERDA, who fund many energy conservation projects,” Ryan said.

“We are getting $260,000 for the environmental program and $100,000 for the commons from them,” he said. “The annual savings total about $650,000 and the simple payback timeline is about 3.5 years.”

The initiative consisted of four focus areas for physical changes which were domestic water fixtures, steam traps, pipe insulation and lighting.

“The things that we are doing are energy conservation 101, renovations and retrofits,” Ryan said. “In our case we either just modified a fixture that was already in place or installed a new fixture all together.”

Unlike some conservation initiatives in corporate settings, the college’s initiative does not earn them a tax break.

“People forget that Manhattan College is tax-free because it is an educational institution, so a tax break had nothing to do

with the program, because in the corporate world, tax savings and tax breaks are a big driving factor in terms of energy conservation,” Ryan said.

The college community has begun adjusting to the changes around campus that have resulted in some mixed reviews.

One main complaint of the community is water and the pressure specifically in sinks and showers.

“We had one brother who was complaining about his shower, but in the end he understood the benefits,” Ryan said.

“In general however we haven’t had much negative reaction,” he said. “The lighting is the area where most people will give negative feedback, because people feel that the space is now brighter and uncomfortable, but in most cases people just get used to it.”

Some students have been removing the low-flow conservation fixtures in their bathrooms in order to revert to last year’s water pressure.

This trend is spreading widely and gaining popularity throughout campus dorm buildings.

“The water pressure was reduced and everything was taking twice as long from

showering to washing your hands,” junior Chuck Pallas said of the changes.

“No one is really concerned about reprimands because they can just reinstall the piece at the end of the year,” Pallas said.

According to Pallas, this has become a very frequent occurrence among students due to the ease of removing the faucet fixture.

“Do we know that students can alter the hardware for their sinks? Yes, and my initial reaction is that students not but we are not going to go out and inspect every sink,” Ryan said. “Students need to exercise good judgment and think about the local and global impacts are.”

The college urges students to remember the importance of energy efficiency and water conservation despite inconveniences.

“We strongly encourage students to use energy efficient bulbs which are basically the only bulbs available in order to encourage energy efficiency,” Ryan said.

“With respect air conditioning, we encourage students to keep their units at a reasonable level,” Ryan said.

furthest freshman comes to the Bronx from Beijing.

While competition for a seat at MC this fall was stiffer, the application process has remained the same.

“The process has not changed from previous years. Students are still required to submit their high school transcript, SAT and ACT scores, recommendation letters and a college essay,” Rose said.

Some professors said they notice the difference in this freshman class. “In terms of personality, this freshman class is energetic, enthusiastic and very outgoing,” Martha Mendez-Baldwin, Ph.D. and assistant professor of psychology, said. She is a professor of classes offered through the Arches program exclusively for freshmen.

“I see a lot more diversity in this freshman class. I have a few students from Spain and Puerto Rico,” she said. “I think

the diversity is exciting and will contribute to an enhanced learning experience and a stimulating exchange of ideas and perspectives”.

Some students said that the reason they chose the college was for its atmosphere, location and learning environment.

Freshman Amara Becker said what attracted her to MC was “the size of the school, the fact that it’s near NYC and the diversity of the student population.”

“It’s a small school, I have got very close to my friends, maybe I wouldn’t achieved that in a larger university,” Tom Beaulieu said. “I also feel more focused on my school work because I am actually required to go to class. The professors know my name.”

The college’s national profile is also on the rise as recently released rankings on return on investment place it among

top U.S. universities and colleges. Money Magazine listed MC as number 40 of 655 universities and colleges that provide the best value for its cost.

However, the 758 freshman do not constitute the largest freshman class in college history.

“The largest freshman class was in the late 80's when Manhattan College was mostly a commuter school. This year, Manhattan College has 758 registered new freshmen on campus” Rose said.

Of the 758 freshmen, 54 of them entered as undecided majors which marks an increase from last year. Civil engineering remains the most popular major among the entering class. Males make up 54 percent of the class and females make up 46 percent.

Class of 2018 is Most Competitive and Geographically Diverse Freshman Class, According to Admissions Victoria Hernandez Staff Writer

The class of 2018 marks the most competitive recruiting year for Manhattan College ever as it received a record number of applications for admissions to the college, according to data from the Office of Admissions. This class also has the largest percentage students from outside New York in recent history.

“Most of the freshman class is from New York state, however, the freshmen class is comprised of more students outside of New York this year in comparison to previous years,” Director of Admissions Dana Rose said. The freshman population hailing from Delaware, Virginia and Maryland grew by 31 percent this year in comparison to previous freshman classes. The

check us out...

Quad 2.0 mcquad.org

opinions & editorials

Dating In A Digital Age

Vol. LXXXXIII Issue 6 Sept. 30, 2014

Senior Writer

Some of the Pros: 1. Settings?

Probably some of the most attractive aspects of online dating are the individual tailorings that are available. One can filter what type of person they’re looking for, which can either be very intimidating or very inviting. Some websites cater to specific interests such as religious groups, and on more general websites you decide how much of your information you’d like to give out.

2. One and Done You don’t go on a date hoping it will go poorly, but sometimes your expectations aren’t met—and that’s okay. Because online dating is so untraditional, most first dates are actually the first time people meet. You can often walk away with a second date or a new friend. There is less of a history between the pair than two people who have met before in person. Therefore the option to walk away is often easier to

Quadrangle www.mcquad.org

Joseph V. Cusmano Traditional ways of courting are seemingly a thing of the past. Nowadays, if you’re a college student looking for romance, it might only be a click, swipe or text away.

Each day, our generation becomes more familiar with the growing presence of finding love online. Over the past few years, there has been an influx of websites, apps and services specific to online dating. In fact, staticbrain.com provides statistics regarding online dating and it is estimated that over 40 million people in the United States have at least tried online dating once.

As college students, we are used to being up on the latest, fastest and newest of just about anything. This billion-dollar industry also includes some services that are tailored specifically towards college students.

However, just like anything else, the digital dating world is not independent of criticism. There are plenty of reasons to hop on board and explore this [fairly] new craze for yourself. By the same token, a certain degree of caution should always be taken when exploring new things, and in this case, people…

The

3

Natalie E. Sullivan Editor-in-Chief Michelle DePinho Managing Editor/News Editor Michael Peyko Asst. News Editor Claire Leaden Managing Editor/Features Editor Kieran Rock Asst. Features Editor Natalie Heinitz Op/Ed Editor/Production Editor Maya Astabie Asst. Op/Ed Editor Tinder is a widely used dating app. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons. take in relationships that begin online. through online dating might be enough to 3. Control keep some of us awake at night. In extreme You’ve got it—from your pictures to your circumstances, we’ve heard of something profiles, from your messages to your re- popularly referred to as ‘catfishing,’ intense plies; you’re in total control. You can ini- cases of online identity fabrication. Fear of tiate, expedite, pause or even end your fake representation upon meeting has been online presence in a few clicks of your enough to prohibit some from online dating mouse. Remember, an often-overlooked websites. While these cases are rare and far attribute of online dating is that it can end between, it’s always safer and smarter to as quickly as it can start. meet first in a public space.

Some of the Cons: 1. Tradition Many people still hold great value in finding ‘love’ the old-fashioned way. Traditional dating may have held greater value or deeper connection since there is a prior history; often the first date is not the first time the pair has met. There’s a big difference between laying your eyes upon someone for the first time and swiping through a picture on your smartphone.

2. The Fake Build-Up Horror stories of false representation

3. Fear People simply do not know enough about online dating in order to feel comfortable with it—comfortable with using it, asking about it or supporting its growth and continued interest. Specific to college students, many feel that online dating shouldn’t be applicable. Since peers surround us, why should online dating be necessary when traditional dating should/could occur? With over 40 million people exploring the growing culture of online dating, don’t be fearful of asking or learning more about the trend.

Interested in The Quadrangle?

Go to our website: www.mcquad.org

Follow us on Twitter @mcquad Like us on Facebook: The Quadrangle Follow us on Tumblr: ManhattanQuadrangle.tumblr.com Want to join in on the action?

Tuesdays. 4:30 PM. Room 412 in the Commons.

Be there.

Lauren Carr Arts & Entertainment Editor Kelly Burns Asst. Arts & Entertainment Editor/ Production Editor Chris Cirillo Sports Editor Jonathan Reyes Asst. Sports Editor Jaclyn Marr Asst. Sports Editor Sean McIntyre Social Media Editor James O’Connor Photography Editor Sean Sonnemann Web Editor John Abbatangelo Sam Martin Editorial Cartoonists Daniel Molina Distribution Editor Joe Cutbirth, Ph.D. Faculty Adviser The Quadrangle is a news organization run by the students of Manhattan College.

The staff of The Quadrangle meets every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in room 412 of the Student Commons.

Contact The Quadrangle at thequad@manhattan.edu The opinions expressed in The Quadrangle are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board, the College or the student body.

opinions & editorials

4

Sept. 30, 2014

Students participate in the Climate March that took place in New York City last weekend. Photo by Devin Keast.

Peoples Climate March Suggests the Time is Now Devin Keast Staff Writer

From Perth, Australia to Johannesburg, South Africa, and from London, England to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, climate marches were held in 166 countries across the globe on Sunday in the largest rally of its kind.

But, the spotlight was on New York City, where organizers of The Peoples Climate March have estimated this particular movement was more than 300,000 people strong, with at least 50 representing Manhattan College.

Accompanying the U.N. Climate Summit, which began on Tuesday and itself prefaces the even more crucial U.N. climate talks scheduled to take place in

Paris next year, Sunday’s march in New York was complimented by Mayor Bill De Blasio’s announcement of his plans to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent in the next 35 years.

Demonstrators peacefully migrated down Central Park West, advancing east on 59th Street to Sixth Avenue, and eventually to 42nd Street before turning left on Eleventh Avenue, collecting more than 30 blocks and nearly two and a half miles. But, by the time the march concluded at 34th Street, skeptics were already asking the question of what happens now?

What does happen now? While Sunday’s march earned deserved attention, many of us wonder how effective it can be, or more importantly, how effective it actually will be.

On Sunday evening, back in Riverdale, The

Quadrangle caught up with a physically exhausted, yet encouraged and optimistic president of the Manhattan College Green Club, Casey Barrett.

“Turnout alone doesn’t mean climate change is defeated,” Barrett said, noting what necessary, fundamental responsibilities are required. “Regardless of what policies or regulations the U.N. comes up with on the issue, to really tackle climate change, it is going to require every single person at the march to make changes in their homes, schools, and communities.”

And if 300,000 of us were, in fact, to make changes in our homes, schools, and communities? Added Ms. Barrett, “That alone will have a significant impact.”

Considering the size of Sunday’s

Peoples Climate March, it suggests not only that more than ever is there an increasing awareness of climate change, but that the idea of this awareness having some effect is heading in the right direction. It’s an idea like so many others before, it seems, whose time has finally come.

So, when Australians, South Africans, Brits, and Brazilians, teachers, scientists, children and their grandparents, and particularly, in New York City, when victims of Hurricane Sandy demonstrated on Sunday their aging frustration, commenced for an overdue meeting, they also demonstrated a readiness.

So, what happens now? Perhaps it’s time we find out.

To Greek or Not to Greek Jenna Bloomer Guest Writer

What comes to mind when you think sorority or fraternity? Just those words create an image of wild parties, arrests, hazing, and more. Do people really understand what Greek life is about?

Greek life is great not only for Manhattan College, but our futures. Sororities and fraternities can have a positive impact, if you look past its wrongful reputation and realize its true value. In reality, Greek life is more synonymous with family. It’s a place to find people who are looking for and interested in the same things as you. It’s a place where people gather in a community that focuses on the mutual advancement of one another.

We all know that media today have a large impact on our opinions. Between the news and entertainment, our views have been completely molded. The news is constantly portraying stories on fraternity parties and injuries due to hazing. This is what people remember about Greek life.

Entertainment mirrors this in movies like “Neighbors,” where the fraternity throws wild parties where the police come.

There is a certain societal view because of this. It is thought that pledges are treated like animals and the people who join Greek life are often thought as ditzy and arrogant.

I find this to be quite on the contrary.

Earlier this year, I took a risk and decided to attend a recruitment session for Alpha Upsilon Pi, a sorority on campus.

What I found surprised me and proved to me that Greek life is not what it seems. As I

walked in, I could not help but smile. The girls of Alpha Upsilon Pi were so friendly and welcoming, offering us cute cupcakes and encouraging us to meet the people of the sorority. The sorority is built upon a close-knit community who love helping others, meeting new people, and crafting.

They refer to each other as their sisters and consider the sorority a family. By the end of the session I decided to rush to Alpha Upsilon Pi in the spring, because I’m convinced it’s the place for me.

After this experience I realized what a false view students have on Greek life.

I talked to some students on the quad, asking them about their initial thoughts on Greek life. Many attributed parties, drinking, and hazing to Greek life, which is what I was expected. They were oblivious to what the sororities and fraternities

at Manhattan College do and some did not even know they existed. I asked them, what if I told you it was about making life long friendships, helping others, and having fun.

Many people’s reactions changed. Some were in disbelief while one person even said “sign me up”.

When asked if she would consider joining Greek life, Samantha Berardi, a freshman, said, “I have never considered it before, I guess I just wasn't into the whole scene, but I like that they are so close, so maybe I will.” Greek life can benefit so many people if they would just be open minded to what it is truly about.

Greek life creates a sense of community in our school and forms connections for our futures. Greek life is an overall positive aspect to Manhattan College, if only more people knew about it.

opinions & editorials

Five Weeks (and possibly more) Without Jasper Dollars Amber Calabro Staff Writer

Upon arriving on campus this semester, I was a little confused when I learned at Jasper Deli that they were not accepting Jasper dollars yet, despite the semester starting within a few days.

Sure enough, a few days later I found out at my floor meeting in Overlook Manor that the student body would not have Jasper dollars to use off-campus until October 1 or so. Emphasis on the “or so.” This was extremely disappointing because like many of my fellow students, I absolutely love being able to use my meal plan features at restaurants and delis off-campus.

It is definitely the best feature of the meal plan.

Of course, this is regrettable and not something Manhattan College had expected. However, after trying to look into exactly why we could not use Jasper dollars off-campus, I basically felt as though I hit a wall and I got tired.

It dawned on me that there really isn’t one specific place to go to voice concerns or comments about things like this while also being taken seriously.

It is not uncommon for students to ask their parents to take care of it instead, which is sometimes more effective. It’s also inefficient (like many things at Manhattan College, don’t get me started), to have to make an appointment with someone or keep making phone calls.

College students generally do not have a lot of free time spare. When we aren’t in class, doing assignments, studying for exams or working a part-time job/internship, it’s a blessing when one can find time to go to the gym, get eight hours of sleep or socialize. There is no time to make these phone calls or appointments necessary to voice concerns over something that is going to be put on the back burner and resolved within a few weeks anyway.

So, people forget and make due with the circumstances. Shouldn’t MC want our feedback on how things are handled? Maybe it sounds narcissistic, but doesn’t the school revolve around us in many ways?

We get polled on where to have graduation, but what about how we like our dining options?

“The biggest issue for me was that when I got back here after the summer, I had no money and I was banking on using Jasper dollars when I got back,” Jande

Moscot, senior English literature major, said.

“It’s futile even if I did have the time, like what are they going to do? They get it, but it seems like they don’t care,” said Moscot when asked why she didn’t contact anyone about this issue. It’s important to note that Moscot is also gluten-free, which makes eating on campus all the more challenging.

Kelly Cousins, a senior sociology and peace studies major and also a vegetarian, got through to Residence Life and was able to make some suggestions for the grocery store in Cafe 1853.

“Who wants to waste Jasper dollars on campus? It’s just horribly inconvenient because even with the new options at 1853 there’s so many things they don’t have that I need and it’s so expensive,” said Cousins.

“It’s just really frustrating because they’re actually holding our money hostage. We paid them the money to have $160 Jasper dollars and we cannot use it and not only can we not it but they are not apologizing for it, or compensating us.”

Other students are running into problems as well. “I’m blowing through my ACDs and when they said in the beginning of the semester that Jasper dollars aren’t

5

working off-campus they should’ve have reimbursed OV residents or given us more ACDs or something. We should have been compensated for the Jasper dollars or dealt with differently instead of ‘you don’t have them and we don’t know when you’re getting them back,’” Casey Barrett, senior civil engineering major, said.

“I feel like it’s a waste because we still haven’t even gotten them to use and it’s already almost half way through the semester. I would rather use ACDs on campus,” Alex Goncalves, senior electrical engineering major, said.

I personally believe that MC could have done a better job at keeping students updated about our off-campus dining options. It’s not a cataclysmic issue and we will all live, but I can’t be the only one who thinks a little email here or there with what is currently being worked on would be nice.

I don’t think I’m asking for much when I look at all the debt I have accrued while working towards my degree. It is very hard to feel like anyone really does care about how something like this affects the student population.

2014 Science, Technology, engineering and MaTheMaTicS

Tuesday, October 7 DraDDy Gymnasium | 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. professional dress required for all students

Set the foundation for your future! Some of the participating companies are:

résumé review Walk-in hours 2:30-4pm monday – thursday in miguel room 500 and Leo room 258. for more info contact careerdevelopment@manhattan.edu or call us at 718-862-7224. for the list of registered employers, visit: manhattan.edu/stemcareerfair2014

the 2014 career fair is sponsoreD by The aluMni SocieTy anD The cenTer for career developMenT.

features

6

Sept. 30, 2014

L U SO Class mates Marissa Piazza Staff Writer

Editor’s note: “Soulmates” will be a new monthly column documenting the relationships of Manhattan College graduates who married other MC alumni or couples who met during their years at MC. Leo Hall has not changed much in the last 10 years.

“The ugly building that it is, is a really special place...I spent so much time there,” said Nitin Sekhri, a 2003 graduate of the chemical engineering department.

While freshman biology lab may seem like an unlikely place to meet a future spouse, it was a key piece in a relationship that further evolved over service trips and volunteering. It was in the engineering building that Nitin first met Christina, a younger biology major, in introductory level biology lab. While Nitin was taking the courses needed for medical school, Christina was only just beginning her education at Manhattan College as a freshman.

“We’re pretty dorky I guess,” Christina said, “we met in bio lab.”

“We were in the same group, we worked on the same pig, dissections and stuff like that,” Nitin said, but it wasn’t until the following year that the two really got to know each other. “[A year later] He showed up to do a service-learning trip…they called them ‘alternative spring break trips’…that was when the program first started,” Christina explained. “Nitin was one of the first leaders, that’s how we started interacting right outside of class…it was a long time ago.”

And though they weren’t quite friends yet and just knew each other briefly, Nitin did ask Christina out on a date at Rory Dolan’s restaurant in Yonkers, where they later had their rehearsal dinner.

“Nitin was very nervous…but it was fun,” Christina said, though she admits the date may have come as a bit of a surprise to her at the time.

“She tried to hook me up with one of her friends,” Nitin said, which Christina did not dispute.

“I did,” she said, “[But] I always thought he was cute.”

While Nitin and Christina’s years at the college together were limited because of the age difference between them, they said the service trips they participated in together were among the best memories they shared. The couple also visited the Children’s Village often on the weekends, which is a boy’s home in Dobbs Ferry for troubled youth.

Christina and Nitin’s post-Manhattan College years have been extremely busy.

Since tying the knot in the chapel on campus in 2009, they have experienced some exciting changes.

“We just bought a house and we have a 2-year-old,” Nitin said. “All of a sudden we look back and we’ve become adults.”

Slowly, both Nitin and Christina are coming to terms with the fact that they are no longer students.

“Both of us were in school for so long or training for so long, we look back and say, ‘wow, we’re done with all that,’” Christina said. “And now we’re really starting to live.”

Even as time passes, Christina and Nitin still feel a connection to the campus where they met.

“I still am the drummer in the bagpipe band,” Nitin said. “So I remember going out on St. Patty’s day…and we continued to do that. Even after she graduated I was in med school close by in the Bronx. I would

Professor Chat Brother Rob Berger

One of Nitin and Christina Sekhri’s engagement photos. The two met during freshman biology lab at MC. Courtesy photo. still come back all the time to the campus “I definitely remember getting chicken for all the events with the bagpipe band.” wings at Fenwick’s,” Nitin said. “Looking For Christina, the quad at night, espe- back, I remember having all that free time cially the lighting, is a sight she won’t soon to enjoy, enjoying hanging out with friends forget. and being on the quad just relaxing.”

For Nitin, the sight of the little entrance The couple, who are still figuring out to campus under the arches and walking what life is like after college, have a bit of through it right before reaching the quad advice for current college students. has always been one of his favorite spots.

“Just enjoy it, it really ends,” Christina “I just have memories of going there,” said. “Appreciate the free time. You think Nitin said. “My dad also went [to Manhat- you’re busy, it just gets more and more tan College] so I just always kind of re- busy.” member.”

“Try not to worry about the future too With a brother who also graduated in much, everything will happen, it will fall the early 90s, Nitin remembers both the into place,” Nitin added. “Try to be in the late night snacks and the free time he once moment, every moment.” had.

Kelly Burns

Asst. A&E Editor This week’s “Professor Chat” is with Brother Rob Berger, associate professor of religious studies and resident director of Jasper Hall. This semester, Berger can be found teaching Religion 225 class Contemporary Catholicism and Religion 306 class Central Themes in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Read on to find out a little more about your professor.

Q: Why are you a professor in the subject you are?

A: Because I find it fascinating to work with people who are going into emerging adulthood and who are looking at questions about faith, identity and discerning their future.

Q: What is your favorite part about MC? A: The people, without a doubt. The students, faculty, staff and administration have a great energy. It’s more than energy, there’s a vibrancy and enthusiasm that each segment of the community brings to the whole enterprise.

Brother Rob at the study abroad program in Florence, visiting the town of Siena. Photo courtesy of Brother Rob.

Q: What is your biggest student pet peeve (if you have one)?

A: It’s not in the classroom, my biggest pet peeve is the year 2014 on campus when a student will walk around with their ears plugged up, the hoodie on and the sunglasses that makes them feel like they’re

the invisible man or invisible woman. It gives the message, “don’t say hello to me, don’t talk to me, don’t enter my world, go to hell.”

Q: Where can you be found on the weekends?

A: In Jasper Hall. You’re here! Isn’t that sad?

Though, I do enjoy the events that Student Activities offers. I’m a huge fan of Scatterbomb and the films that the Film Society presents. I love going downtown to plays and musicals and just exploring new places that pop up in New York City, because that is the truth, I like exploring the city.

Q: What is your favorite thing to read (book, newspaper, magazine, etc.)?

A: I can get lost on the web in The New York Times as one article leads to another article. I also like novels, mystery novels mostly, and books on current spirituality.

Q: Why did you become a brother?

A: When I was an undergraduate at Manhattan College, there were about 80 brothers here and I could see as a community they had a big impact on Manhattan College. I wanted to be a teacher and my faith meant a lot to me so I felt that I would give it a shot. Forty years later, the shot is still ringing. I have lived with some fantastic brothers, taught with some terrific colleagues and had a lot of great students. It’s the perfect storm.

features

7

The Freshman Files Finding Food Ally Hutzler Staff Writer

Banned Books :

Yesterday and Today at MC Cara Ledwidge Senior Writer

Imagine an America without “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “Catcher in the Rye,” “The Scarlett Letter” or “The Great Gatsby.” There would be no Huck, no Holden Caulfield, no Hester Prynne and no Jay Gatsby to enlighten today’s high-schoolers on our nation’s history and culture.

That is what the world would be like if history’s banned books remained taboo across the nation.

The week of Sept. 21 through 27, or, “Banned Books Week,” celebrated a right that many college students take for granted: the right to read whatever they choose from the “Captain Underpants” series by Dav Pikley to classics by authors like John Steinbeck, Herman Melville or Tennessee Williams. What many do not know is that hundreds of the books that are part of the American canon today were once seen as too obscene for readers throughout history.

In honor of Banned Books Week, O’Malley Library displayed a variety of banned novels from years past all the way up to the present day. Still, Banned Books Week is not just about the caution tape lying across the featured books. Rather, it focuses on a major issue that has still not been resolved in many other countries today.

“Banned books represent an evershifting cultural dynamic within the United States,” English major Katy Tkach said when she saw the display in the library.

“They embody both a temptation and an absurdity. I accept the challenge to read banned books. I think everyone should.”

Banned Books Week was a movement started in 1982 by the American Library Association, and for 32 years the movement has spread awareness of the right of Americans to read anything they wish to

read, and how that right has been affected over the years. Most books featured on the American Library Association’s list were banned many years ago, but the idea of censorship still lingers in our society today.

The celebrated week highlights the difference between censorship of a book versus the right to challenge a book, O’Malley library had a display for mostly in the academic setting. Not only do Americans have a right to read “Banned Books Week” last week, featuring whatever they wish, but they also have a different works of literature that have been right to critique the choices that are being banned from schools and libraries throughmade surrounding their children and their out the years. Photos by James O’Connor. education. This right to contest information that one has been given by an authority books on the list of forbidden titles which is also one that many citizens of other included the works of Hobbes, Descartes, countries lack.

Spinoza, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Hegel, The American Library Association Schopenhauer and Nietzsche.” released a list of books from 2013 that These texts are all studied in classes of were the most challenged by parents and different genres at MC today. teachers, and interestingly, many of these “This specification was part of church titles are quite popular. law and as such, the college obeyed it,” Among those appearing on the list Surak added. “Proscribed books were include Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger kept under lock and key and permissions Games,” “Fifty Shades of Grey” by to read, study or retain titles on the Index E.L. James and “The Perks of Being a required considerable effort. This was just Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, all of the way it was.” which have been made into major motion “In terms of controversy, arguably, pictures. academic freedom was genuinely limited Many of the aforementioned titles can under the church’s authority as it related be found in O’Malley Library today, but in to the Catholic Church’s legislation of the the past, Manhattan College, as a Catholic prohibition of certain classes of books,” institution, played a role in recommending Surak said, and policies like this one are that certain books should not be read until called to mind when taking a look at the about 1966, only 20 years before Banned deeper meaning of what Banned Books Books Week began.

Week celebrates every year.

At this time the Second Vatican Banned Books Week is not just about Council did away with what is known a few books on display by the stapler, it as the “Index of Prohibited Books, brings into perspective the changing ideals Index Librorum Prohibitorum…a list of of society as time passes in regards to what books considered harmful to Catholics and people can or cannot read and it defends their beliefs,” according to MC archivist the right of people to read whatever they Amy Surak, who cited an article with want to read, whenever they want to read detailed information on the Index. it. So next time you pass by those books on “The Index was alive and well and your way to print out your research paper, enforced,” she said. “Permission from remember that at one point in time, you the bishop was needed in order to read might not have been allowed to read them.

As students who are new to the college scene, we are experiencing our own “Eat, Pray, Love.”

Except, instead of traveling to the French countryside or strolling through the streets of Florence, dining in cafes and five-star restaurants, we are navigating our way through Locke’s Loft, the Kelly Commons or local, off-campus delis and pizza places for our food awakening.

Suddenly we regret taking all of those home-cooked meals for granted.

So, as freshmen still trying to discover the ins and outs of college dining, we want to know: where are you eating, how are you eating and what are you eating?

“I mostly eat at Locke’s since I have unlimited swipes and it’s more convenient than going off campus,” freshman Tori FitzPatrick said. “I do wish there were more dining options because I find myself eating the same basic meals every day.”

When FitzPatrick does go off campus she finds herself at Riverdale Diner for their “killer waffles” that are both delicious and inexpensive, two words that are music to a college student’s ears.

It seems like most of us are sticking around campus for meals. Chris Orlando, a newcomer to the Manhattan College track team, eats at Locke’s four times a day, everyday.

“I’m eating as healthy as I can. I eat a lot of cereal and a lot of chicken, two things that are always there no matter what time of the day I walk in.” Orlando said.

He also likes the other options we have on campus.

“Even though I go to Locke’s most often, Starbucks and the other food stations available in the commons seem great,” he added. As far as off-campus dining goes, Orlando prefers Jasper Deli and Broadway Joe’s, but only goes to them on the weekends.

For a lot of us, the infamous freshman 15 legend has crept its way into our thoughts and has affected our way of eating at school.

“The freshman 15 terrifies me,” FitzPatrick said. “I’ve had some weight struggles in my life so I have to make sure I eat and not eat too much. I downloaded an app called ‘Lose It’ to help me track my calories and exercise. I think it’s really helpful.”

Tim Hamling, another freshman at MC, is not so much worried about gaining weight as he is about eating healthy.

“It’s much easier to find and eat the fattier options in Locke’s than it is to eat healthy,” he said.

Hamling, like FitzPatrick, is also concerned with the amount of options the school provides.

“Sometimes it’s always the same stuff,” he said. “I walk into Locke’s for lunch and go back for dinner and they are serving the same food.”

Other freshmen agree and wish that for the amount of money they are paying for these services that the school would put in a “little more effort,” Hamling said.

As for now, it seems like we will have to stick to Locke’s or Broadway Joe’s for our daily cuisine. You know what they say, when at Manhattan College eat like the Jaspers do.

8

arts & entertainment

Sept. 30, 2014

The MC Fall Premier Guide Luke Hartman Staff Writer

It is a sad and true statement that sometimes, Netflix and more un scrupulous means of watching the latest guilty pleasure TV have to take priority over readings, essays and assignments. In order to maximize time spent in front of your screen we have compiled a comprehensive break down of what to watch, what not to watch, what to catch up on, and what to try (but we make no promises).

Get With the Program If you aren’t up to date with the shows premiering in the next couple weeks that have already taken the nation by storm then you have some serious issues. A few to too get you started are Scandal, Revenge, and Once Upon A Time. The three ABC drama titans left us all hanging last season on the edge of our seats and have all had their fall premiers which definitely did not disappoint. Find out where Olivia Pope was headed on that plane and if she will return to being a gladiator in a suit. Have the tables turned for Emily Thorne in her plight for the Graysons, and who is now getting revenge on who? For real people…

Storybrooke is FROZEN over (I think the Evil Queen and Emma Swan will be humming Let it Go pretty soon).

Sinfuly Good Sitcoms These are the thirty minutes windows we live for. A must watch for any NYC poor college student is 2 Broke Girls. This amazingly witty and edgy comedy written by Whitney Cummings is simply the best in terms of the comedic sitcom. Its fourth season, which premiers on Oct. 27 is not to be missed. Some other returning favorites this season are equally hilarious shows such as Mom with Emmy award winning Alison Jamie, New Girl, where Zooey Deschanel is as quirky as ever and the Mindy Project, in which Mindy is just Mindy and you can’t help but fall in love with her.

New Addictive Obsessions The Fall 2014 lineup is stocked full of shows that you are going to want to at least give a try. From the producer of Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder staring Viola Davis is captivating from the first minute. Not much needs to be said here other than watch this law-drama-intense mystery as it will keep you wondering and thinking till the last second. Who doesn’t love a healthy dose of Debra Messing? The Mystery of Laura is a new Dramedy that follows a NYC detective that is dealing with her fair share of family problems. The action and excitement are present due to the mystery of Messings’ duty as a detective while the emotional side is appealed to as her duty to her two trouble making twins and messy divorce dealings with her police lieutenant husband…who has just become the chief of her precinct. GASP! Flopped Flatter than A Pancake It seemed like the perfect cutsey new sitcom about fate and love intertwining. He sees her across the room and remembers her silver dress, and she playfully denies ever meeting him, only to unfold into a budding romance (VOMIT). We all saw the trailers for A to Z and instantly (well at least I) got so excited about a new and innovative romantic comedy sitcom. When NBC released the pilot episode early, it instantly went from excitement, disappointment to a TV dose of Nyquil. A to Z was dreadfully boring, and just not funny. Unless NBC and the writers have some tricks up their sleeve, this is a for sure cancellation.

Toss Up The majority of new premieres are always toss ups meaning that who knows if it is going to be quality and worth your while down the road. While the premiere ueually seals a show’s fate, some take longer to develop and take hold. Here are a couple shows that the jury is still out on. Jane the Virgin is the most promising of the new CW lineup and is based off a popular Telanovela. Jane is accidentaly artificially inseminated and is carrying a child, even though she is a sworn virgin. This could potentially be heartwarming and hilarious or just a bad acting nightmare. In the sitcom category, Pigmalion based Selfie.

The only way that this show is going to be great is if they really play well on this modern idea of image and branding ones self. If it is overly campy and annoying it will flop and fade into TV oblivion. Cristela takes the contoversial idea of Black-ish and applies it to Latinas everywhere. We fell in love with the trailer and we hope that the show lives up to the potential. It crosses racial boundaries and transports ideal situations into the modern age. It is witty, culturaly relevant, challenging…and most of all DIFFERENT. Shows to Watch When You Are….

Hungover: Take your mind of the mistakes you made the night before,and take a bite into something seductive and magical. The Vampire Diaries, which is just starting its’ sixth season is a show that constantly unfolds and has perfected the art of making the act of biting someone’s neck look insanely appealing. Don’t try this at home, but definitely try out this tantalizingly dangerous show.

Lonely:Parenthood, which currently just premiered their finale season, is a show that truly touches every heart and provides story lines that everyone can relate to. It is sure to fill your heart to the brim, make you cry and laugh at the same time and get so attached to the characters it is sickening. Become a part of the Braverman clan and find a home with Parenthood.

Miserably Getting through an All Nighter: Here is where your game shows and reality TV come into play. Catch up with the 4 millionth season of Survivor, the 21st cycle of Top Model with Tyra (who seems to get a bit more loony with each passing year) and some singing competiton show…pick one because they have all gotten out of hand.In the reality corner, look past the housewives of whatever and tune into Dance Moms for some real entertainment. Watch those same housewives have a shouting match with a physically unqualified dance teacher, even though we all love Abby Lee to death.

Any shows that we missed or think should be added to this list? As always…write those Letters to the Editor and we will be sure to do a follow up with your suggestions!

All photos courtesy of Creative Commons.

Arts & Entertainment

9

A Night With Scatterbomb Devin Keast Staff Writer

Manhattan College's resident improv troupe met on a recent Wednesday evening in the Chrysostom Hall lounge, but it was not for a comedy show.

Instead, Tyler White, Carolyn Egan, Andrew Baumgartner, Kevin Amatulli, Rachel Salcedo, Sam Martin, Drew Murphy, RJ Liberto, Mary Kate Kelly, Danielle Valachovic, Angela Benevenia, Brandan Goggins and Gavin Sass, collectively known as Scatterbomb, were seizing the opportunity of a scheduled photo shoot as an excuse to be together on an off-night.

The Quadrangle was able to sit down with Gavin Sass, while the the rest of Scatterbomb kept a willing photographer busy for as long as they could. Sass, a senior, has been with Scatterbomb for three years. He is the current president of the group, though he abhors the title.

"I'm just the guy who fills out the paperwork," said Sass, suggesting modestly that if there is any operation that needs no president, it is that of an improv troupe; where everyone has the same role, and that is to simply take care of one another.

Displaying a thick, copper beard and a floral-print ball cap which he wears backward, the lanky English major shares resemblances with those of a brewmaster from Chicago. The Midwestern look is fitting for a self-proclaimed comedy nerd like Sass.

Considering the city on the lake, and home to the famed Second City comedy enterprise, has a deserving place in comedy, and especially in improv. Like many of his Scatterbomb cohorts, however, Sass grew up on the eastern seaboard, and knew little about improvisational theatre before auditioning for the troupe.

"The first improv performance I ever did was here, at Manhattan College. Some of us did improv before, but most of us hadn't," Sass said.

When together, Scatterbomb acts like

Scatterbomb’s next performance, PIMPIN’ ALL OVER THE WORLD, will be held this Friday in the Student Commons. Photo by Christian Roodal. the family that is suspiciously a little too Citizens Brigade proved that improv could cast and we do sketch, which includes happy. It's hard to believe that any thirteen have a home outside of Chicago. editing and filmmaking as well," Sass people can get along so well.

"No one is going to organize our stuff said.

"In improv, you're taught to accept for us. There's no connection to the curricu- The Scatterbomb and Friends your partner, always say, ‘Yes, and...' and lum,” Sass said. podcast just launched and it's easily acthen take in the ideas of other people,"

“There are definitely faculty members cessible through the group's Facebook said Danielle Valachovic, who, along with who help us out, but there are no professors page, where you'll also find a complete Angela Benevenia and Mary Kate Kelly is who did improv, no professors who teach schedule for all of their upcoming shows one of three new members to join Scattercourses on improv, and that's a blessing for at Hayden Hall, including this Friday's bomb this year. us, because we get to figure it out." show, when Scatterbomb presents

Although during the 1970s and

Emphasizing their independence, PIMPIN' ALL OVER THE WORLD. 80s, there was a renaissance in stand-up veteran member Brandan Goggins thinks

Each performance is individually comedy, which saw an ample amount of that Scatterbomb would still exist, with or titled, though the sets themselves are subterranean, brick-walled clubs appear without Manhattan College. completely unrelated. Doors open at throughout Greenwich Village, comedy

"We're still going to do it," said Gog7:30. Showtime is 8:00. in the form of improvisation took its time gins. "But, we have a platform to do it here, getting to the east coast. at the college."

In fact, it wasn't until the late 90s,

They don't stop at improvisation, "we when companies such as the Upright organize stand-up shows, we have a pod-

First Coffeehouse Held In Kelly Commons Victoria Hernandez Staff Writer

The first Coffee House was held on Sept. 23 in a relaxed and chill atmosphere on the 4th floor of the new student commons building where MC students shared their talents during a great time right in the middle of the week.

Coffee, tea and cookies were offered as students volunteered to perform in front of the audience. In a week filled with exams and homework, an open mic event where the audience spontaneously signed up to perform, carried away the stress and tension of the academic week. Coffee House is mainly focused on performance arts like poetry, music, literature, comedy and musical instrument performances.

'The people come and just sit to enjoy the arts whether it be poetry or music done by others students in any capacity,” Robert “R.J.” Liberto, a junior said.

With the school year officially underway, students felt that this was a nice way to just hang out and be around good people during the hectic times that are the first few weeks of school.

“This [event] is a good way to be away from homework, it’s a nice atmosphere to hang out with friends and meet some new people,” sophomore Lucas Gilbride

said. Gilbride plays guitar and expects to perform with a couple of friends in a near future. Although, he feels an improvement for the next Coffee House could be a bigger venue with more seating.

Everyone respected each other’s talents and abilities and the crowd appreciated each performer’s courage to step in the middle of a venue that was filled to its maximum capacity. The audience didn’t seem to draw attention to the fact that some of the performers forgot the lyrics, in fact, that made the whole event funnier and more interactive.

While different types of music genres were presented and different musical instruments were played, the crowd loved the diversity of each performance and most of all, entertained themselves with the mixture of musical compositions.

One of the biggest changes to Coffee House this year is that it was not held on the quad. Instead it was moved to a room in the commons which some students feel as though took away from the magic of Coffee House.

“Coffee House on the quad seems a little more laid back, it has more room and the acoustics are better. It’s more enjoyable just because you have the breeze. There’s a special feeling and a different aura to just have the Coffee House outdoors,” sophomore Erica Rebussini said.

MC Students show off their talent at the semester’s first Coffee House in the Student Commons. Photo by Christian Roodal.

While the location of Coffee House changed, one thing that didnt was the spirit of the event. Coffee House is a platform where anyone can step up and show their talents with their peers.

“Coffee House is for everybody. It’s not just about music; you can express yourself through poetry or however you like,” sophomore Siobhan Connor said. “It’s

mostly about accepting each other and learning to be open because you really have to give a lot of yourself to do these performances.”

If you are interested in performing at the next Coffee House, be sure to look out to see when the next one will be. For more information about this event contact R.J. Liberto and George Schlinck.

sports

10

Sept. 30, 2014

Jaspers Lose in Straight Sets to Marist Daniel Ynfante Staff Writer

There are times when teams get off to a hot start in a season, but as is the case with most of those teams, there comes a point where they play a game that serves as a wakeup call.

The Manhattan Jaspers reached that point in its season when it hosted the Marist Red Foxes on Sept. 27.The matchup provided the Jaspers, who came into the match sitting in second place in the MAAC standings, with an early-season opportunity to gauge their level, as they were taking on the 11-2, first place Red Foxes.

However, the Jaspers received a rude awakening, as they were defeated in straight sets – 18-25, 21-25, and 1825 – by the Red Foxes. The defeat marks the first MAAC regular season loss for the Jaspers this year.

Still early in the season, Jaspers head coach Mark Jones believes this wakeup call can still serve a good purpose for the team.

“I think it’s what we get out of it [the game],” Jones said about the loss. “If we learn from it then we’re fine and if we don’t learn from it, then we’re not getting what we need out of it.”

There weren’t many positives for the team to take out of the match as it lost the battle in every major category other than digs, which it won 47-46, and only led once in the entire game.

Claire Van Dyk, who had a key singular performance, saw individuality as the root of the team’s struggles against Marist.

“I think we need more of just playing as a team,” she said. “We need to come together more as a team and if someone makes an error, it’s an error. It happens. That’s the game. You’re going to have errors, but we need to play more as a team.”

From the outset of the match it was apparent what kind of a juggernaut the Jaspers had in front of them, as Marist got off to a quick 4-0 lead.

A Sydney Volovski kill would finally get Manhattan on the board and settle things down a bit for the Jaspers.

The next two-dozen points were closely contested and the match would reach its first deadlock at 16.

However, a Marisa Gilbert kill ignited a 9-2 run for Marist who would win the first set 25-18.

The second set would prove to be an offensive showcase as both teams kept their attack errors below five and ended up with impressive hitting percentages. The Jaspers wound up with a .323 mark, but were topped off by

The volleyball team was bested by first place Marist, as the Jaspers led just once in three sets. Photo taken by Kevin Fuhrmann.

Marist’s .400 mark. match victory.

The set started off with Marist taking the lead again “I think it was our approach to the game,” Jones said and Manhattan having to play catch up. about what went wrong in the defeat. “I think we had a good With the score 22-16 in favor of the Red Foxes, Man- game plan. I just don’t think we executed as a team.” hattan would go on to score five of the next six points to The Jaspers were led by Van Dyk who nearly had a cut the lead to two, 23-21, and force Marist to take a tim- double-double with nine kills and 11 digs. Malia McGuineout. ness also contributed with six kills and a team-high 15 digs, Coming out of the timeout, the Red Foxes killed Man- while Teodora Peric led the team dishing out 29 assists. hattan’s rally and scored the next two points to win the Manhattan got the wakeup call it needed early in its second set 25-21. campaign, now it has close to two months left in the seaIn a pivotal third set, Manhattan would hold its only son to capitalize on it. lead of the entire match at 2-1. However, Marist would “I think there’s some things we need to work on, but regain the lead and never look back.

Marist is a good team,” Jones said. “They’re probably The closest the score would get was 18-16 with Marist right now the best team in the conference.” on top, but a Gilbert kill sparked a 7-2 run that would give To see highlights from this game, and an update on Marist a 25-18 third set victory, and consequently, a 3-0 Sunday’s game, log on to mcquad.org/category/sports .

This Week In Sports On Sept. 26, men’s soccer lost a tough game to La Salle in overtime, 0-1 Over the weekend, women’s volleyball was shutout three sets to none by Marist. Women’s soccer beat Marist 2-1, while the golf team placed eighth out of nine teams at the Tuxedo Autumn Invitational.

Women’s soccer (1-0-1 MAAC, 6-3-1) is first in the MAAC standings. Men’s soccer (0-0 MAAC, 1-4-1) is sitting 10th in the MAAC standings, but have yet to start their conference schedule. Volleyball (2-1 MAAC, 8-5 is tied for third in the MAAC standings after losing to first place Marist.

of the Week Alex Coates McDowall: Despite the loss to La Salle, Coates McDowall made five saves and performed unbelievably well.

Aislinn Mcllvenny: Her team high eighth goal of the season secured the Saturday afternoon win against Marist.

To see highlights from this weekend’s games, log on to mcquad.org/category/sports .

sports

Manhattan’s Offense Continues to Struggle Jonathan Reyes Asst. Sports Editor

Before the Ivy League weekend at Yale and Harvard, the Manhattan Jaspers were on a 10-day “honeymoon period,” as Jaspers’ head coach Jorden Scott called it, from when they last played and lost to the Fordham Rams 3-1.

A couple of positives junior captain Alex Shackley took away from the long break was being able to work on an attacking style of play to try to help turn their many goal chances into goal scores. Scott said his team needs to be more clinical in front of the goal, which includes being more selfish and direct at times.

The Jaspers’ honeymoon ended fast, as they struggled to score in the last three games, all to non-conference opponents.

Oy, Ivy At the end of Ivy League weekend, the Jaspers came away with a 0-0 overtime tie against the Yale Bulldogs and a 3-0 loss to the Harvard Crimson.

Scott said he thought they should have beaten the Bulldogs. Bulldog goalkeeper Ryan Simpson, who shutout the Jaspers in the draw, said his team had better possession. The Jaspers pride themselves in that area of their game, but the Bulldogs failed to capitalize and execute on their many goal chances.

“The Manhattan team put a lot of balls on target and made me make very difficult saves, so in that sense, it was pretty much even in terms of the attacking end of the field,” said Simpson.

As for the Crimson, Scott said all three scores by them were “scrappy goals” because the “enormous size” of Harvard “was hard to deal with at times and it came good at the right time for them.”

Crimson head coach Pieter Lehrer praised the Jaspers as “a very, very good team,” but as Scott said, scheduling bested them in the end.

“I think they ran out of gas a little bit near the end of the game. … They moved the ball well, they keep very good possession,” said Lehrer. “They had a big break in their schedule, which probably didn’t help them. That’s not going to help in just keeping a rhythm as a team, so that probably hurt a little bit. … I think when they get a little fitter and a couple of more teams into this, they’re going to be able to compete against anybody.”

11

Jaspers’ Golf Suffer a Loss at Rutgers Fall Invitational Jonathan Reyes Asst. Sports Editor

Alex Shackley, left, chases down La Salle Explorer George Breslin. Photo taken by Kevin Fuhrmann. To see highlights from this game, log on to mcquad.org/category/sports.

Both games continued to show two problems that the Jaspers have encountered throughout the early part of their season: a strong first-half, lost second-half – although they played better against the Bulldogs – and an anemic offense.

“We certainly played two halves this weekend that were a little bit different from each other,” Scott said. “We made some changes at halftime. We tried to give players opportunities to come in and really impress us. … And we made some changes and those changes just disrupted our rhythm….” “… Things just sort of went wrong for us at the wrong time,” he said.

Home Sweet Gaelic Scott and the Jaspers looked forward to returning home to Gaelic Park after a five-game non-conference road trip to start the 2014-15 season. Unfortunately, their homecoming was a tough losing effort to the La Salle Explorers, 1-0, in overtime on Colman Kennedy’s 97th minute goal.

It was a physical game between the Explorers and Jaspers. The Jaspers looked understandably comfortable on their home field, played probably their best game allaround and goalkeeper Alex Coates McDowall was at the top of his game despite

the loss.

But the offense continues to be an ongoing problem for them.

“We created a lot of chances,” said Shackley, “but just again lacking in finishing right now. It’s something we have to take and move forward with it.”

Besides the internal struggles they face, Explorers head coach Pat Farrell was yet another coach to come away quite impressed by these Jaspers.

“They put it to us,” said Farrell. “Usually, when we step out on something like this, it takes us a little while to get adjusted to the big surface. And they were good.

You could see that they were organized.

They held those flank players wide so they always had seam to knock the long ball in behind a defender, and they gave us a lot to handle in the first half.”

The question is: Can the Jaspers score enough to win, now that conference play is finally here?

Shackley said this offensive slump they are in will pass.

“To me, it’s one of these things you go through a dry pass sometimes, every team does, right now it’s just our dry pass,” said Shackley.

Before the season began, Saint Peter’s head coach Peter Falloon said the Rutgers Invitational would be a measuring stick for teams in the MAAC. The invitational ended up a mixed bag for teams from the MAAC. Falloon’s Peacocks finished 14th, Fairfield finished third, Iona finished ninth, Monmouth finished 12th and Manhattan finished 18th out of 18 teams.

State of MAAC Golf and Where the Jaspers Fit In Jaspers head coach Jerry Wood was not happy with his team’s performance one bit.

He summed up the weekend in one word: “Poorly.”

“We played very poorly at Rutgers,” Wood said. “There were a lot of mistakes, a lot of mental mistakes. I think the throwaway shots might not focus on what we’re telling them, which is each week really think about each hole and play it like a chess match as opposed to just getting up there and whacking it and ending up in trouble.”

Junior James Edgeworth could not figure out why the team struggled so much besides being bested by every participating MAAC team.

“The other MAAC teams, they did better than us. We came in last, obviously,” said Edgeworth. “We just have to do better next time. I think that gives them the edge over us.”

At the beginning of golf’s fall season, the reigning conference champion Peacocks looked likely to defend their title, but were greatly disappointed at Rutgers, which Falloon said “is not a hard golf course. It’s a short pretty easy golf course.”

The same can be said of the Stags because of their impressive top three finish.

They seemed to be turning into an early top seed favorite until they had a poor showing at their most recent outing at the Hartford Hawks Invitational, where they came in 13th.

After such a mediocre weekend for all teams, except for Fairfield, Falloon only thought about retracting his earlier quote but he still said Rutgers was “…a good beginning indication of the top teams in the MAAC.” Although he did add that “it’s hard to get a complete gage because not every coach is playing the team he will be playing in the spring.”

What Are Some Takeaways?

The invitational proved three things: 1) there is no clear No. 1 seed as of right now.

2) Any team can take home the MAAC title when the spring portion of the golf season rolls around. 3) The competition level is going to be extremely high come springtime.

Falloon added a fourth: freshman impact.

“The league as a whole is stronger this year, and it is going to be more competitive than ever because of the new freshman in the league,” said Falloon.

sports

12

Women’s Soccer Gets First MAAC Win of the Season

Junior Sam Washuk scored to help the team come back from an early deficit. Photo taken by James O’Connor.

Jaclyn Marr

Asst. Sports Editor For the first time in six years, the Manhattan women’s soccer team earned a victory over Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opponent Marist. It proved to be a strong game offensively for the Jaspers with 17 shots total. Eleven of them were from both senior Aislinn McIlvenny and junior Sam Washuk

With this win, Manhattan improves to 6-3-1 and 1-0-1 in the MAAC. Two weeks into conference play, this is their first MAAC win of the season after a tie against Niagara.

“It’s always a good feeling,” junior Kristen Skoniecnzy said, “especially playing a team that you haven’t beat in six seasons. It shows the progress we have made over the years.”

It was the Red Foxes who scored first in the game. However, the Jaspers were able to answer back soon after.

Washuk got her second goal of the season on a deflection from McIlvenny.

“We didn’t think that we couldn’t

come back from it,” Skoniecnzy. “We kept positive and kept pushing. We knew it would come if we kept working.

Coming back from being down 1-0 to win the game shows that we all believed in that.”

“Our team is very resilient,” junior Emily Ude said. “We’ve been going up against challenges this season since day one. Even after we are down one goal, there’s a lot in us to come back and score.”

With five minutes to go in the first half, senior Daniella Morgante passed the ball to McIlvenny who blasted it into the far corner of the goal and gave Manhattan the lead. The difference-maker of the game was McIlvenny’s eighth goal of the season.

Going into the second half, Manhattan was left with the task of maintaining their lead. They had great defensive pressure and were able to hold Marist from tying the game.

“It’s always nerve-wracking,” Skoniecnzy said, “but everyone kept a good mindset and worked as a team.”

“Playing with the lead is definitely

hard,” senior Shannon Garrity said, “but I think that we’re getting better at it. It’s hard to relax when you’re winning, but I think we do a good job of it.”

Their strong defensive play led to some key offensive chances in attempts to make it a two-goal lead. However, Marist goalkeeper Andrea Wicks kept control and tallied 10 saves in the game. Skoniecnzy finished with four saves.

“A lot of the way we play comes from our defensive shape,” Ude said. “Now that we are pretty confident in defense, we are able to attack. Once we are able to get the lead, we can keep the ball under control.”

Not letting Marist’s offensive pressure get to them, the Jaspers were able to maintain control of the game.

“We can’t let their energy get to us, and we just have to play our game,” Garrity said.

A team already affected by injuries, the Jaspers suffered another loss when senior Kaelyn Angelo was taken down in the second half. They looked on the positive side and had more motivation to win for Kaelyn.

“Kaelyn is a very tough player,” Ude

said. “I’m sure we’ll see her back on the field. Seeing any of our teammates go down and get hurt like that actually pushes us a little more and motivates us to win.”

“It’s hard,” Garrity said. “You just have to put it aside and keep playing hard, especially for the player that got hurt.”

This past week, Skoniecnzy was recognized for her play and was honored with two awards. First, she was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season. Later in the week, she was also named Eastern College Athletic Conference Defensive Player. She was the first Manhattan player to get this honor since soccer player Alicia DeFino in 2007. These awards came after Manhattan’s 1-1 tie against Niagara where Skoniecnzy had eight saves.

“It was awesome,” Skoniecnzy said.

“I’ve never gotten something like this before. It’s nice to be recognized. I owe it all to my defense and the team, I couldn’t have done it without them.”

To see more from this game, log on to mcquad.org/category/sports .