Stay warm, Wolfpack — Technician 11/21/24

STAY WARM, WOLFPACK TECHNICIAN

WEATHER

Redshirt senior Christian Knop fights against his opponent during the duel against Appalachian State University in Reynolds Coliseum on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. Knop lost the 197 bout by injury default. The Wolfpack beat the Mountaineers 34-12.

NC State food science professors alleviate concern over local uptick in foodborne illness

Wake County has reported over 100 cases of the intestinal illness Cyclospora since January, raising alarm among consumers about potential food safety risks. However, NC State food science experts say there’s no evidence to warrant widespread panic.

Fernanda Santos, director of Undergraduate Programs for Bioprocessing Science and an assistant teaching professor, said Cyclospora outbreaks are often caused by feces contaminating the water used in irrigating produce.

“Cyclospora is a parasite, and it can be found in several areas, like in the environment,” Santos said. “The problem is, it can also be found in the water and the water can contaminate food.”

Santos said the symptoms of a Cyclospora infection are in line with other foodborne illnesses and can include cramps, nausea, gastrointestinal symptoms and fatigue. However, Santos doesn’t consider the illness to be severe. Despite many cases, there are only ever a few fatalities.

“I would consider Cyclospora in my high morbidity, low mortality,” Santos said. “So it’s not really serious, but the problem is, as long as people have access to the source of contamination, you’re going to see people getting sick.”

According to the CDC, a Cyclospora infection is treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, more commonly known as Bactrim, Septra or Cotrim.

Lynette Johnston, assistant professor and food safety extension specialist, said this outbreak is nothing to be more concerned about than in the past.

“In the past few years, we’ve seen an uptick of Cyclospora cases with the consumption of fresh produce,” Johnston said. “That’s sort of a normal uptick that we’ve

seen throughout several years now.”

Johnston said growers follow certain steps to prevent contamination and reduce the chances of infection from the start.

“The way we reduce the risk of Cyclospora in fresh produce is through the use of good agricultural practices,” Johnston said. “So growers want to assure that they’re reducing the risk of their irrigation water from being contaminated.”

Chip Simmons, area specialized agent of agriculture and fresh produce food safety of Eastern North Carolina, educates growers on food safety. He said it’s important to note that Cyclospora is only found in human feces, emphasizing the importance of hygienic employees.

“Cyclospora Cayetanensis is the human pathogen that’s responsible for human illnesses, and the only known host for that are humans,” Simmons said. “So animal manure has nothing to do with how Cyclospora moves around.”

Simmons said a way to mitigate the spread

CRIME ON CAMPUS

NC State’s weekly log of major incidents across campus.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON

Nov. 16, 2024 at 7:39 p.m.

Bowen Hall

A non-affiliated individual communicated a vague threat to a student.

TAMPER WITH MOTOR VEHICLE

Nov. 14, 2024 at 9:43 p.m.

Engineering Building III

A student had an AirTag placed in the trunk of his vehicle by an unknown person. The AirTag was placed in the vehicle at an off campus location.

of contaminated feces is by educating growers on proper sanitation.

To do this, Simmons said after conducting workshops that train growers on food safety, the On-Farm Readiness Review Program then visits farms, reviews growers’ practices and sees how they’re meeting safety requirements.

“The handling of those manures might impact produce safety, how water is used on the farm,” Simmons said. “The new requirements for understanding how pathogens can be transferred through water, and then, if they use a packing house to actually pack their produce, cleaning and sanitation within that packing.”

After harvesting, Clinton Stevenson, associate professor of food, bioprocessing and nutrition sciences, said manufacturing facilities then follow Good Manufacturing Practices.

“Good Manufacturing Practices … having a training program for employees that teaches them the importance of simple

things like washing our hands, not showing up to work sick with [a] communicable disease that could end up on food,” Stevenson said.

Beyond the precautions taken by employees themselves, Stevenson said the facilities the produce goes to are regulated as well.

“It’s also having a hygienic environment, working in a facility that was designed for food safety, so things are cleanable, having equipment that is easy to clean and sanitize as well, making sure the roof doesn’t leak so we don’t get water contaminated water into the product,” Stevenson said.

K.P. Sandeep, department head of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, said produce undergoes a different process than meat, which can concern some consumers.

“Canned food, aseptically processed foods, have what we call a ‘kill step,’” Sandeep said. “So even if your product has got some contamination, to begin with, you have a kill step, which might be a heat process to inactivate the microorganisms.”

However, Sandeep said produce must follow certain regulations to minimize or eliminate contamination as well, and is not automatically less safe than products that undergo a kill step.

“[Inspectors] take a look at the growing conditions, take a look at the water or irrigation practices, how pest control is done to ensure that you’ve got safe growing environment,” Sandeep said. “Then, after harvesting, when you go into the processing facility, what is your protocol for washing and ensuring the cleanliness of the produce?”

Johnston said it’s important consumers aren’t afraid to eat produce because of the headlines.

“Overall — fresh produce, it’s safe to consume; and know that our farmers, our growers, are working hard to keep those products safe,” Johnston said.

All incidents in the crime log are, according to the University’s daily crime log, published online in compliance with the Clery Act.

SUSPICIOUS PERSON

Nov. 14, 2024 at 2:51 a.m.

Jordan Hall

A non-affiliated individual was detained related to possible bicycle larcenies and determined to have been trespassed from the University. He was arrested for trespassing.

BREAKING AND ENTERING

A non-affiliated individual reported that a firearm and other items were taken from his vehicle. He was cited for carrying a weapon on educational property. Nov. 11, 2024 at 11:49 a.m. Yarbrough Dr/Katharine Stinson Dr

GRAPHIC BY KRISTA PADILLA

Grace Turschak Staff Writer

Finalists in statewide NC State Fiction Contest showcase strength within CHASS

Dae Reed Correspondent

NC State’s annual fiction contest is one of the largest free literary competitions in the South and is hosted by NC State’s Department of English, which had 17 students named as finalists this year.

Carter Sickels, an assistant professor of English and creative writing in the MFA program, led the undergraduate advanced fiction writing class and said the program is thriving.

“People are hungry,” Sickels said about his students. “Some of them are creative writing majors, but some of them have majors in the sciences or engineering, and they’re really hungry to express their creativity, to be encouraged to use their imagination to think with empathy and complexity.”

Sickels encouraged his students to submit entries to the NC State Fiction Contest in either category, short story or poetry. He said it’s beneficial for students to put their work out there.

“It can be empowering,” Sickels said. “Too often we think of writing as something we just do on our own, and then we put it away. This is a time to celebrate our students and share this fantastic work.”

Each year, NC State invites a guest judge to determine the winners and runner-up works from the pool of finalists. Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, a North Carolinian author noted for being the first published author from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with her book “Even As We Breathe,” was this year’s judge.

Clapsaddle said it was an honor to read the works of so many North Carolinian artists and that it’s extremely important creative acts are encouraged.

professionally, but it also is useful for personal growth. Clapsaddle said using writing to understand oneself is inevitable and is unsurprising that most finalists used personal reflections.

Clapsaddle said an individualized spark is what makes a piece stand out in a competition.

“When you can tell there is not only knowledge of what’s going on or experience with what’s happening in those stories, but some sort of emotional, almost physical tie to the words,” Clapsaddle said, “I think that’s what makes a piece really rich.”

“All these students, a bunch of different students with different backgrounds, they write whatever they want,” Pil said. “When we give feedback to each other, it’s all very respectful, constructive and empathetic to what each person is trying to do.”

Pil said her experience has been untainted by the STEM orientation of NC State, and the tight-knit nature of the creative writing program is one of its strengths.

It can be empowering. Too often we think of writing as something we just do on our own, and then we put it away. This is a time to celebrate our students and share this fantastic work.

- Carter Sickels

Mingduo Lui, a fourth-year studying creative writing and an international student, was a finalist in the short story category for the James Hurst Prize for Fiction. His piece, “Dumplings,” was about reconnecting with family through traditional Chinese cooking. He said his story was enhanced by his personal connection to it.

“I think it’s very handy when you’re writing about your own story because it’s something that you’ve been through,” Lui said. “I love everything to be authentic. Writing about my own experience, things happening around me, definitely guarantees the authenticity.”

Another finalist, Lydia Castillo, a fourth-year studying communication with a minor in creative writing, felt similarly about her own short story, “Sugar Cookies.” She said the themes of grief and acceptance were significant in her life, and the similarities didn’t stop there.

“The main character is half Hispanic, and I’m half Hispanic,” Castillo said. “Her physical traits are based on me, and I have siblings that I referenced, just combining their personalities.”

“Since [NC State] is not really known for liberal arts, there’s definitely a smaller cohort here,” Pil said. “I think that works out really well for me. You get to know your professors really well. And then the classes, of course, eventually have the same classmates, and it’s really fun.”

Kelly Farrell, a fourth-year studying English with a concentration in creative writing, agreed the structure of the program helps students grow and learn from each other.

“You just feel supported by your classmates because you can tell that they really enjoy your stories, and you feel support when they give you feedback on them,” she said.

Sickels said the diversity of the writers, the variance of their works and the small class sizes all contribute to a very rich environment for creativity. He said the things he reads from students are reflections of the world around them.

“It could be stories that are about queer and trans lives, BIPOC students, stories that center Black characters, women characters, what it’s like to grow poor, what it’s like to grow up as an immigrant,” Sickels said. “I think creative writing naturally encourages and can nourish diversity.”

“All problem solving stems from creative thinking,” Clapsaddle said. “Whatever kind of genre of artistry that we’re looking at, all of these inform every area of our lives in terms of problem-solving, creativity and communicating effectively.”

Not only is creative writing practical academically and

Tuesday Pil, a fourth-year studying English with a concentration in creative writing, said her work is also pulled from her own life and cultural heritage. Her piece “Demonyo,” meaning “demon” in Tagalog, is about a young girl going through all of the challenges of puberty and grief, while also slowly morphing into a monster, the Manananggal, from Filipino mythology.

Pil said her writing often feels too personal or weird for wider audiences, but the creative writing program has created an environment where she feels unjudged.

Clapsaddle said the University hosting such a large creative writing contest is notable, with its usual association with engineering. She said that fact signifies the importance of the creative arts, and how diversifying skills and ways of thinking is how we progress.

“[The contest] is an acknowledgment that every skill set requires creativity and communication to have an impact on our world,” Clapsaddle said. “We can’t be in our own little boxes, doing the work without collaboration and without thinking in different ways. It’s extremely important that every part of our educational system is infused with opportunities for young people to pursue creative acts and be acknowledged for that.”

GRAPHIC BY LUCY OSBORN

Study highlights student, faculty concerns around electric scooters

Electric scooters have become a common sight on campus, but their presence isn’t without controversy. From blocking curb ramps to reckless sidewalk riding, these concerns are central to a new study by Nicole Odell, a Ph.D. candidate in parks, recreation and tourism management.

Spin, the app-based electric scooter and bike rental company, whose scooters can be seen dotted around campus, funded the study to identify problems and look for possible improvements to the status quo.

Odell gathered responses from both students and faculty, and recognized common issues such as a lack of regulations and norms and a need for segregated infrastructure dedicated to bikes and other micromobility devices.

Odell said three different speed differentials — walking, scooter-riding and driving — has been problematic. It can often lead to users riding on

sidewalks at unsafe speeds, mixing with pedestrians. Odell said a common concern raised was that Spin cooters occupy a space in between modes of transport, being not fast enough to ride on roads, but too fast to ride on sidewalks.

Participants pointed to issues with parking the scooters, with complaints ranging from parking blocking sidewalks to curb ramps.

“You can have a nice, accessible ramp that’s not cheap to build,” Odell said. “And then somebody can park a scooter right there.”

The app requires users to take a photo of a vehicle to ensure it is not blocking pedestrian paths. Spin has also added an option in the app for users to report improperly parked scooters to be picked up. Spin employees will move the scooters to different locations to ensure they are available when necessary.

Odell also looked at what modes of transportation Spin was replacing — and found that many on-campus trips replaced walking instead of

driving, meaning that the program may replace more active trips.

Amanda Simmons, NC State’s transportation demand management program manager, said various road and micromobility facility improvements have been recommended in the 30-year NC State Transportation Master Plan.

The plan recommends micromobility facility improvements including protected bike lanes on Dan Allen Drive and Cates Avenue and constructing a bike and pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks between Broughton Hall and Talley Student Center.

Simmons also pointed out that the transportation department has worked with Spin to place notifications in the app encouraging users to park properly and mentioned adding dedicated areas to park the scooters, as opposed to being dockless. Scooter parking spots have been installed on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, encouraging users to only end their rides in designated parking.

Demar Bonnemere, communications manager for the transportation department, said the department is working on an educational campaign to encourage people walking, driving, biking and using scooters to traverse through campus to be aware of their surroundings and others.

“It’s an active campus, people are constantly moving,” Bonnemere said. “So just try to educate the entire campus to be more safe as you’re navigating through campus.”

The Spin app also asks users to read various safety messages before using a scooter or bike, encouraging helmet use and obeying traffic laws.

In October, users took 32,076 Spin rides according to the transportation department. Scooters and bikes have become a crucial part of the campus mobility network, pointing to the necessity of proper regulation.

“We feel that it’s a valuable asset to the campus community,” Bonnemere said. “We just want to make sure that everybody’s using it the right way.”

NC State researchers help protect the state’s Christmas trees from climate change, pests

Bastian Hauser Staff Writer

North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry is facing mounting challenges, but NC State researchers are engineering hardier, more resilient trees.

Over 25% of Christmas trees in North America come from North Carolina and the state’s industry is valued between $250 to $400 million annually. Meanwhile, the greenery industry, which includes cuttings like wreaths and garlands, is valued between $75 million and $200 million annually.

Justin Whitehill, director of the NC State Christmas Tree Genetics Program and Extension, said Christmas trees are a large economic driver for North Carolina, especially in small, rural communities in the western part of the state.

“Our role is to assist the North Carolina Christmas tree industry by developing genetically improved trees that can withstand the challenges that the industry is facing,” Whitehill said.

Those challenges include climate change and the threats of insects and disease. They particularly affect the Fraser fir, the nation’s most popular Christmas tree, which is native to North Carolina and accounts for nearly all of the more than 3 million Christmas trees grown and sold annually in the state.

“We’re trying to develop and identify [Fraser fir] trees that perform better in warmer climates and also have insect and disease resistance naturally,” Whitehill said.

Whitehill said the Christmas Tree Genetics Program is also researching if it can develop those traits.

“To do that, we also have components in the lab where we’re focusing on different plant pathology problems, like the Phytophthora root,” Whitehill said.

The Phytophthora root is the biggest challenge to Fraser fir trees. It is a disease that spreads through water and, in some areas, kills

30% to 50% of Fraser firs.

“We’re trying to figure out how we can develop genetics that can withstand that disease,” Whitehill said. “We also have insect problems, and we’re trying to evaluate how we can develop genetics that can resist the different insects we work on.”

Whitehill said 12 to 14 people work in the Christmas tree lab, with more positions to come thanks to a new grant.

Whitehill said their traditional breeding has a lengthy process as the Fraser fir takes between 20 and 30 years before it produces seeds. Therefore, his lab combines traditional tree breeding approaches with more modern molecular approaches, which include the use of genomic information.

“Reading the DNA of the trees that we work with to understand how they work, and how we can basically predict how a tree is going to perform in the field ... is one thing that we’re trying to do,” Whitehill said.

Whitehill said they are looking for trees that grow fast, are appealing, hang on to their needles after they’ve been harvested, perform better in warmer climates and have insect and disease resistance. The laboratory is also researching other techniques to speed up

the breeding and research process.

“We’re trying to see if we can use things like tissue culture to basically grow trees in a petri dish and try to accelerate their development using some different lab approaches and techniques,” Whitehill said. “If we can produce them in a petri dish and then move them into soil, we do not have to wait 30 years for the whole breeding process to occur.”

50% of Whitehill’s appointment is dedicated to research, with 30% of his work focused on NC State’s extension program, which is NC State’s largest outreach program and has local centers in every county in North Carolina.

“A lot of our tests are done on-farm, so we will design experiments that we then set up on a Christmas tree farm,” Whitehill said. “Usually, those are carried out by grad students in conjunction with county agents.”

Whitehill said the extension program bridges the gap between the fundamental basic research in the lab and the application of that research in the field.

Jamie Bookwalter, an extension specialist with NC State’s Christmas Tree Extension, said North Carolina is one of the biggest extension outreach centers in the country.

“My job description is such that I am able to be both in the field and behind the microscope,” Bookwalter said.

Bookwalter said she spent a lot of time in the field in May and June to test out products when chemical controls were applied and collect data from those projects a couple of months later.

“We looked at different neon and some other, more softer chemicals to see if a chemical that folks were using was actually having the effect folks hoped it would have on pests,” Bookwalter said. “They hoped it was providing some control on a nasty, invasive insect that a lot of Fraser fir growers struggle with.”

GRAPHIC BY WYLIE PHU

Jackson Davenport Correspondent

A guide to Thanksgiving dinner table talk

Jacob Smith Staff Writer

Editor’s

Note: This is a work of satire. It should not be taken seriously or applied literally.

As we ring in the end of the first semester, we can almost hear the sleigh bells ringing. It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year. We just have to make it through Thanksgiving first.

One of the hallmarks of this night of forced gratitude is family dinner — a feast where the turkey isn’t the only thing getting burned and the potatoes are almost as lumpy as your third cousin twice removed’s politics.

Whether you’re preparing to spend your night dodging prying questions, managing family feuds or just trying to escape Aunt Sue’s monstrosity of a “Jello salad,” this comprehensive guide to Thanksgiving dinner table talk is just for you.

As we all know, the most important part of Thanksgiving dinner is the annual Extended Family Debate Tournament. During this tournament, the winner earns bragging rights and the chance to take home whatever leftovers — other than the previously mentioned “Jello salad,” which will be sent to the Culinary Crimes Division of the Food and Drug Administration for further investigation — they desire in Tupperware that should be considered a family heirloom at this point.

Chinese military general and strategist Sun Tzu once said “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” If you want to conquer and dominate your distant cousins in this valiant battle of political jargon and borderline villainous takes, you must place yourself in the shoes of the enemy.

Luckily, in the digital age, it becomes much easier to do just that. Just turn on your TV from the comfort of your own home, switch the channel to esteemed news source Fox News and begin to take notes, because any point that your extended family is bound to make will come straight out of the mouths of their supreme leaders Bret Baier and Jesse Watters.

Another part of Thanksgiving dinner to be wary of is the gravy-fueled gossip fest,

moderated and facilitated by all of your aunts who should be watching their youngest children wreak havoc on grandma’s good china in the other room.

My best advice in this dire situation comes from English naturalist and biologist Charles Darwin: You must eat or be eaten.

In this survival of the fittest ecosystem, one must come prepared with many bullets in the chamber, lest the posse of wine-drunk auxiliary matriarchs ravages you with their many backhanded comments.

Interacting with this dangerous, carnivorous group is just like looking in a funhouse mirror: every insecurity that you have ever had will be amplified tenfold. But if you can’t handle the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

Speaking of the kitchen, you may feel encouraged to bring your own dish(es) to the

family potluck. For the love of all things good and graceful on this Earth, don’t. Many dishes are already spoken for, and it is best not to encroach on the territories of the family members who are already in charge of making the soggy green bean casserole, canned cranberry sauce and flavorvacant stuffing.

If, after all of my warnings, you still feel inclined to bring something to the table, I recommend store-bought desserts, drinks or cups, plates and napkins.

After reading this advice, you may feel a little nervous, disgruntled or outright dreading the upcoming get-together. However, you shouldn’t worry. Family is family, after all. And if you still end up having a terrible time, at least you won’t have to see them all for another 365 days, right?

Caffeine is not the solution to finals fatigue

Sophia Robertson Staff Writer

There are only a few classes before finals week, and you’re beginning to panic.

Deadlines for your papers are rapidly approaching, and so are exams. It’s time to pull a few all-nighters, turn off your phone and lock in. Although you might be tempted to reach for an energy drink or a cup of coffee — maybe your third or fourth of the day — caffeine, especially in these forms, is not an effective solution.

As a central nervous system stimulant, caffeine has the potential to increase anxiety and irritability. Caffeine can also disrupt regular sleep patterns, especially if it is consumed in the evening. It may take up to 10 hours for it to be completely cleared from the bloodstream.

Energy drinks and specialty coffee drinks can also have a very high sugar content. A single 16-ounce green Monster energy drink contains 54 grams of sugar. Similarly, a Starbucks iced pumpkin spice latte of the same size contains 50

grams of sugar. The American Heart Association suggests a maximum daily consumption of 37.5 grams of sugar for men and 25 grams of sugar for women.

Caffeine has also been linked to gastrointestinal issues and increased blood pressure. Since caffeine increases the amount of sodium and potassium excreted from the body, caffeine intake can lead to dehydration as well, contributing to other negative side effects such as fatigue.

Although there are proven benefits of certain levels of caffeine intake, including improved liver health and relief from headaches, excessive consumption can have negative short and long term impacts. The Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 400 milligrams a day.

Fortunately, there are healthier alternatives to caffeinated beverages. Of course, getting into a proper sleep schedule and studying ahead of time is one of the easiest ways to succeed this finals season, but for some students it’s too little, too late. With only a few weeks left, you might need all the time and energy you can get.

Drinking water consistently throughout

the day, in addition to eating regularly, helps generate energy. Waking up late and going to classes without eating, only to quickly realize it’s the afternoon and you’ve forgotten to eat, is a common mistake among college students. A healthy breakfast with lean protein and limited processed foods provides energy for the rest of the day.

Vitamins are also important to supporting the immune system and helping the body produce energy, so try to incorporate them into your diet. Citrus juices, for example, are easy ways to increase energy because of their high vitamin C content. Similarly, vitamin B — which can be obtained through meat, cheese, eggs and other nutritious foods — helps convert food to energy. For many people, supplements are alternative options that may make it easier to reach the recommended daily intake of vitamins.

Exercise is another key to success. Even at mild levels, exercise has proven to increase flow of oxygen to the brain, improving energy and mood. Sitting at your desk for extended periods is only going to make you more tired and

unfocused, so consider taking breaks between assignments to walk around or stretch for a few minutes; your brain and body both need it.

There are many other simple ways studies have shown to increase energy levels. Breathing in or rubbing the skin with mint-scented essential oils has proven to make people more focused. Similarly, chewing gum is an easy way to increase alertness.

While a coffee or energy drink isn’t going to kill you, it’s important to keep a balance, especially nearing finals when stress levels are at their peak. Don’t forget about the basics, as diet, exercise and sleep are essential to finishing the semester strong.

Most importantly, take care of yourself and listen to what your body needs. If you need a nap, take one. Try to manage your time properly so you can make room for self-care and a social life, because cutting out all positive aspects of life for these last few weeks is not going to benefit your mental health or academic performance.

GRAPHIC BY MAXX ALSOP

Trump’s demagoguery is a telling sign of a worrisome new political era

After two assassination attempts, countless verbal attacks, felony charges and debate stage absences, former President Donald Trump will once again hold the Oval Office and asserts himself as the decisive protagonist of the American political landscape.

A telling victory saw Trump win both the Electoral College and popular vote, the likes of which have not been seen by a Republican candidate since George W. Bush in 2004.

countless times over the course of his political career. From the QAnon theories, which paint Trump as freeing America from satanist sex-traffickers, to Trump’s claims about Haitians eating cats and dogs and the Great Replacement Theory, one which holds that Democrats are bussing in immigrants to replace white voters.

Trump’s endorsement of these theories has caused upheaval within the Republican Party over the course of his eight years at the helm of the party, as solidified in the endorsement of such theories by many GOP lawmakers, such as House Speaker Mike Johnson’s endorsement of the Great

Republicans but instead invigorated them like never before.

One must look no further than the passion at the GOP to see the cult-following Trump has created, with supporters sporting bandages on their ears and the likes of Hulk Hogan bringing a macho aura along.

Did it work? Yes. But I wish it hadn’t.

Make no mistake — this victory is no celebration for American democracy. But it isn’t fully Democrats’ fault that Trump won. His perpetual controversy has given him stardom, and with that stardom comes a group of loyal disciples.

I have interacted with many of these

end, Trump’s political career has been the awakening of American domestic terrorism, especially due to these conspiracy theories.

As Trump builds his following in such a matter, he has characterized the Democrats as much as himself — the Democrats have centered their candidate as the Trumpian antagonist, the “we’re not him” of American politics.

However, with all of these moralistic assertions and need for “refreshed politics” comes the sour taste of irony as the loyalist cabinet comes to the plate; with the likes of a pedophile to head law enforcement, an antivaxxer to regulate health, a Fox TV host to lead the military and a tech tycoon to advise funding for what is destined to be a circus

Gone are the days of meritocratic picks like Antony Blinken, who worked his way through the foreign policy chain into his current role as secretary of state. Loyalism

And with all of these assertions, Trump is bound to change the political landscape even further, as election conspiracy theories begin to gain popularity on the left, as they did amongst the right just four years ago. Ask yourself — before Trump, was any of

His political style is a whirlwind of false claims, fear mongering conspiracies and mediocre political choices, yet one thing

To that end, the American people have spoken. For what comes next for our no one to blame except

Pierce Bruns Correspondent

GRAPHIC BY

ELLIE BRUNO

You aren’t alone in your post-grad panic

Writer

Somehow the years have flown and many of us are staring down the neck of our last year as undergraduates at NC State. Feeling a little uneasy about it?

Yeah, me too and along with the vast majority of other seniors you pass on campus these days.

It is an exhilarating, exhausting and fulfilling time in our academic careers. However, it feels as much to me like staring into an abyss with no indication of what lies on the other side or how to get there.

If nothing else, I hope we can all take comfort in knowing we are in good company when it comes to the post-grad panic.

If you’re anything like me, all of the foundational life decisions that we’ve made to get where we’re at now have felt relatively charted. From middle school sports, to high school extracurriculars and where we ended up for college, it was all pretty predictable. Sure we had some say and maybe even some doubts, but it seemed like there were always several right answers and a nice big safety net below in case we needed it.

Things look a little different this time around. We’re about to make some pretty significant leaps into uncharted territory and we aren’t exactly planning them at the

kitchen table back home.

So, where do we even start? How do we choose between grad school, a gap year before a full time position, immediately going corporate or looking into more internships first to narrow down our career goals?

I’ve found it to be a tight line to walk between taking inspiration from those I look up to and admire and not crossing over into comparison mode.

I will say, however, that inspiration is everywhere. We can’t justify a complete lack of direction when we are constantly sur-

rounded by people making incredible plans and mentors who have years of experience on us, just waiting to be asked for advice.

If you see someone with a life that fits your style, reach out to them. People love to know that they’ve inspired others and are almost always willing to explain how they built the life they are living.

This is also one of the most important phases to stay open minded during. You never know when that conversation with a stranger on a hike or in the row behind you at a concert could shed some brand new

perspective on your options. Or, better yet, give you ideas you hadn’t even thought of. I know that I have been on both sides of that coin, which has shown me that it’s truly a team effort. Nothing unites people like the shared journey of our uncharted futures. It just happens to be an uncomfortable yet integral part of the human experience.

Don’t forget to celebrate with your friends as they go through this process too. You will only get out of your community what you put in and this is the time to bolster those around you.

While we research, plan, apply and interview, it’s also important to take a step back and appreciate where we are now because we’ll never be in this stage of life again. It’s a sweet time and while we may feel bogged down by our responsibilities on a given day, looking back many of us will realize that we were relatively unencumbered. Our responsibilities gave our days purpose, but they weren’t life and death and as highstakes as they felt in the moment.

With a little bit of gratitude for where we are at, an open mind about where we are going and some patience while we piece it all together, we’re all going to figure it out just fine.

Katie Howell Staff

GRAPHIC BY MEGAN MERSCH

Stardew Grind Jordan Ramsey, Staff Cartoonist A fourth-year studying art and design

Welcome Winter!

Coralys Rivera Soto, Staff Cartoonist A second-year studying business administration

A CALL FOR PRAYER & THANKSGIVING

You are invited to join us in praying for the benefit of the students, staff, faculty, and administrators at NC State University.

We are a group of faculty and staff who believe Jesus Christ offers intellectually and spiritually satisfying answers to life’s biggest questions. You can learn more at cfsn-ncsu.org, EveryStudent.com, MeetTheProf.com, or contact us at info@cfsn-ncsu.org – We Thank God for NC State

Everette Gray Allen – OIT IT Specialist

Dr. Chris Austin – CSAPC

Dr. Suzanne Balik – Department of Computer Science

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Valerie Basham – NC State Veterinary Hospital

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Kenny Ferguson, MBA – Director of Information Technology

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m Unity, Respect, and Love for One Another – Please pray for goodwill toward all.

m Mental, Emotional, Spiritual, and Physical Health

– Pray for the well being of all on campus.

m Western North Carolina

– Pray for the resources for people and communities to recover and rebuild.

m Principled Leadership

– Pray for the choice of a new chancellor and leadership excellence at NC State.

Felicia Harris – College of Education

Dr. Gabriel Keith Harris – Food, Bioprocessing, & Nutrition Sciences

Nikki Harris – College of Natural Resources

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GOD LOVES YOU – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Bate-Papo: Speaking Portuguese at NC State

Alessandra Sandoni Staff Writer

Are you interested in learning about a different culture? Do you love Portuguese cuisine? Does your favorite soccer player come from Brazil? Whatever your interest might be, learning Portuguese could open many doors and be a fun experience.

Bate-Papo, which is Portuguese for “informal chatting,” is the newest addition to the Department of World Languages and Cultures at NC State and the ideal opportunity for students to practice their language skills.

Karen Coachman, senior lecturer in the department and Portuguese section coordinator, said she wanted to give students an opportunity to practice the language outside of a classroom setting where students, learners and speakers of all levels could come together and engage with the culture along with speaking the language.

“Speaking another language enhances your understanding of the world and other cultures,” Coachman said. “The culture goes along with the language.”

NC State teaches more than a dozen language programs. With Portuguese being one of the 10 most spoken languages in the world and an expanding Brazilian commu-

nity in the United States, there’s so much more to learn than grammar. When joining this language group, you learn to conversate with others in a way that books cannot do.

“It’s more than just the language,” said Cristobal Cartagena, a third-year studying French who’s part of the conversation group. “The culture itself is amazing, the food, the music, the dancing. It’s something

that needs a lot more exposure, for sure.”

Bate-Papo is not exclusive to native speakers of Portuguese, but is the perfect setting to practice your language skills, even if you just started learning. Coachman said the group has a good mix of exchange students who are native speakers and native speakers from North Carolina.

“Whenever I run into students who are

from Portuguese-speaking countries, they are always very surprised to see somebody who’s foreign, speaking their language,” Cartagena said. “They just don’t expect to run into that here, so it’s a fun experience to show them.”

Learning another language can be hard and trying to make conversation can feel intimidating. Coachman and Cartagena shared some advice for students thinking of starting their Portuguese journey.

“You have to get out of your comfort zone,” Cartagena said. “While learning a language, you have to be okay with being wrong and being corrected. That’s the only way to improve.”

Immersing yourself in a foreign language is the best way to learn it. While many cannot travel or live in the native country of the language they want to learn, joining a language conversation group is the secondbest option to learn new words, improve pronunciation, understand grammar rules and, overall, practice speaking skills.

“Don’t be shy, even if you just know a few words of Portuguese,” Coachman said. “We’re all there to learn new words and practice together, so there’s no pressure at all, even if you just want to come and listen.”

Black Alumni Society fosters personal, professional connections for 45 years

Kelsey Bohn Correspondent

This year, the Black Alumni Society celebrated its 45th year of philanthropy, community and connections. They have fostered opportunities for African American alumni, students, faculty and staff since 1979 through both financial contribution and hosting a variety of events.

The Black Alumni Society, or BAS, offers several annual scholarships for both graduate and undergraduate students, such as the A.M. Witherspoon Graduate Scholarship and the Lawrence M. Clark Memorial Undergraduate Scholarship. BAS also established the African American Cultural Center Endowment in 1990, which allows them to extend their support further into the community.

Gina Avent, the current president of the Black Alumni Society, emphasized the important role that building a diverse schedule of events plays in their mission to help African American students and alumni find community, support and fun.

“NC State is such a large university,” Avent said. “It’s easy to get lost, whether you’re a student or an alumni. Maintaining that

connectedness to the university is important and also allows for networking.”

The Black Alumni Society hosts events alongside other student organizations like the Black Graduate Student Association, the African American Cultural Center and the Multicultural Student Affairs Association.

One of the most recent activities was “Wine and Write Wednesday,” a collaboration between BAS, the African American Cultural Center and Black Graduate Student Association which created a space for students to practice intentional goal-setting with professionals from the Black Alumni

Society.

Many of the events utilize the talents and successes of alumni because it is a great way to keep them connected to the university while also promoting the success of current students.

“No matter where you are in the country or even in another country, alumni get to come back,” Avent said. “We get to be connected. We get to catch up on each other’s lives.”

COURTESY OF KAREN COACHMAN

COURTESY OF GINA AVENT

Charlanta: Envisioning the path to inclusive, sustainable cities

Elliott

Jackon

Correspondent

The Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs hosted an event in Hunt Library on Nov. 13 titled “Envisioning Urban Futures: Charlanta,” a presentation and demonstration-focused exploration into urban planning of a projected megapolis extending along Interstate 85, from Charlotte, North Carolina to Atlanta, Georgia.

In the auditorium were several speakers and presenters, including Raleigh mayoral-elect Janet Cowell, Dara Bloom, Francis de los Reyes, Liz McCormick, Dan Burden and Adam Terando.

Terando, the lead author and an adjunct professor with the Applied Ecology Department, initially described the potential megapolis in a 2014 paper titled “The Southern Megapolis: Using the past to predict the future of urban sprawl in the Southeast U.S.”

“What is the future of humanity?” Terrando said. “I’m really going to talk about this in terms of Charlanta. What type of cities do we want for a 10 billion person Earth?”

Prior to the TED-style talks, the band Red Nucleus played music in the auditorium, where several groups, organizations and people presented their ideas relating to the future of urban planning.

house, there’s this nice green space and the kids can play together.”

AI-generated images displayed on a TV of the neighborhoods, designed by the fractal patterns found in the veins of a leaf or the air sacs in lungs, with text that read, “Can we get back to the idea of a village?”

Do we want to resist climate change or do we want to accept it?

-Lexi Boudreau

“I was almost killed by a car when walking down Hillsborough at night,” Margarey said. “The sky was dark and a guy drove a million miles an hour into a parking lot and almost cleaned me up. That sowed the seed that separates cars and people, and then I came up with this design about four or five years ago. … I thought this is a great opportunity to get my son involved and actually take her from a crude drawing on a piece of paper to this graphical design.”

storytelling and engagement experts.

Lexi Boudreau, a second-year studying applied mathematics and industrial engineering, presented the game. She works as a research assistant for the Center for Geospatial Analytics.

“The goal of the game is for people to have conversations so that it’s like gamification of a real situation,” Bourreau said. “It’s about talking about what our values are, our greater plan, in a more relaxed environment. Do we want to resist climate change or do we want to accept it?”

munity on itself to grow its own needs so it doesn’t need people in industries to move in and colonize the region,” Saha said. “Instead, we want to work with professionals in the region to create jobs that are appealing to the people living in the county. We can approve this by using the government and levers of power by voting for legislators who would want to work on plans, redevelop plans and provide funding for these communities to increase economic opportunities.”

At the end of the auditorium presentations, audience members passed around a microphone to ask the speakers questions. The last question was asked by Andre Taybron, a contract negotiator with NC State’s Research Administration and Compliance division.

“Have you had the opportunity to work in a predominantly Black or historically Black community, and if so, what were some of the successes and some of the challenges that you can bring to this conversation,” Taybron said.

A few seconds of silence ensued until Dan Burden responded. Burden is the director of Inspiration and Innovation for Blue Zones and a world renowned civic innovator. In the late 1990s, he helped redesign Hillsborough Street to be safer, after being a street responsible for claiming more lives than any other street in N.C., Burden said.

At a nearby table sat Roger Magarey, a senior researcher at the Center for Integrated Pest Management, and his son Sam, a middle school student, who shared their ideas of a new neighborhood design that emphasizes safety and walkability. The need for redesigned neighborhoods, Magarey said, comes from a near fatal encounter experienced on Hillsborough Street.

“We’re going to take the house, we’re going to turn it around so that the garage and the driveway are in the back of the house and connect to the road,” Magarey said. “When you go out the front of the

Magarey, who is originally from Australia, thinks that for a country as developed as America, there are many issues regarding the country’s transit.

“I see America as an advanced country, but we have a lot of problems where technology, such as the car, has created its own problems and now needs a solution,” Margarey said.

Across the room, on the wall was a quote from former chairman and CEO of Bank of America, Hugh L. McColl Jr., reading: “Brainpower doesn’t only come in blue pinstripe suits.” Directly underneath the quote sat a board game titled “FutureScape,” designed by an interdisciplinary team of coastal resilience and geospatial scientists, coastal planning specialists,

Three sophomores at Wake Stem Early College High School, Garrett Frasure, Youssef Aboutikab and Patit Saha, were tasked with researching data in the Charlanta region with a focus on housing concerns, economic opportunities and disparities, predominantly amongst Black and Hispanic communities.

“Redlining is a discriminatory practice of denying people mortgage loans or insurance loans based on their ethnic background,” Aboutikab said. “Even though the practice was outlawed through the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the problem persists. We found low-income areas weren’t as highly affected by flood zones as low-income areas that had a Hispanic population. We were wondering, well, why is this so? Looking into it, we found redlining has a major effect.”

Saha explained some of the ways to effectively respond to such discriminatory practices, placing an emphasis on community building.

“We want to work closely with the com-

“Parkland-Spanaway in Tacoma is a neighborhood that got overlooked forever and it has the highest fatality count and security issues,” Burden said. “Our challenge in that neighborhood is getting people to regain hope. They’ve lost hope. Everything was done against them, and we have to invent new techniques to reach out to people, meet them, one-onone and regain some footing for them. I’ve worked in all Hispanic communities. I’ve worked in Black communities. The process is similar. It’s just that you have to work harder when folks gave up on the fact that anyone is going to help them.”

On their way out, Taybron clarified their reasoning in asking the question.

“I didn’t see but maybe one or two people that looked like me in the presentation,” Taybron said. “Historically, communities of color have been left out of the conversation, or they may surface later in the process instead of early on, and maybe not throughout the full process. Even if they are part of the process, funding plays a part in who can make decisions. I recommend there is just more mindfulness and awareness when speaking or approaching communities either left out or maybe on the fringe for developments.”

GRAPHIC BY LUCY OSBORN

The future of NC State men’s basketball is bright with its talented trio of freshmen

Noah Teague Staff Writer

It may be early, but NC State men’s basketball appears to have a talented freshman class this season. The three-man class is made up of freshman guards Trey Parker, Bryce Heard and Paul McNeil.

So far each player is contributing early and flashing their talents and their teammates are taking notice.

“I’ve definitely seen them improve, just their overall feel for the game,” said graduate guard Michael O’Connell. “High school to college is a big difference, when I came it was a big adjustment.”

Parker is an intriguing point guard for the Wolfpack who could potentially run the redand-white’s offense when O’Connell heads to the bench. The Fayetteville, North Carolina native played with Overtime Elite last season, giving him valuable experience against other highly talented players before even reaching college basketball. And so far this season, Parker appears to be the most ready to con-

tribute among the trio of freshmen.

In the third game of the season, Parker had a breakout performance against Coastal Carolina. He played 20 minutes and tore up the Chanticleers’ defense with 13 points off the bench. Additionally, Parker was relentless in chasing rebounds, securing five boards despite being one of the shorter players on the court. With his combination of athleticism and energy, Parker is emerging as a key player for NC State.

“He’s getting better,” said head coach Kevin Keatts. “He is an energy guy, and every game I go into the game saying, ‘Who is going to be my energy guy?’ And I thought Trey was great — he’s had great practices.”

While Parker came to NC State a year later than expected after playing at Overtime Elite, his teammate Heard arrived a season early. Despite being the age of a high school senior, Heard joined the Wolfpack this offseason and is showing promising signs already. The 6-foot-5 guard can do a little bit of everything, including shooting, driving and rebounding. For now, Heard is focusing

on just sticking to his game and excelling within the system.

“Just trying to play within the offense,” Heard said. “Not trying to do too much, just keeping it simple, getting open shots, crashing the glass and running on outlets.”

Against USC-Upstate, Heard made a visible impact in his Wolfpack debut. In 15 minutes, the Chicago native hustled up and down the court, turning in eight points and five rebounds. Heard also forced a pair of steals in the Coastal Carolina game, flexing his defensive ability and basketball IQ. While his role this season remains unclear, he has the talent and hustle to be an impact player down the line.

“What helps him is he’s got a really strong knowledge of the game,” Keatts said. “He knows how to play, where most freshmen you’re trying to figure out how to not be a liability and be able to score.”

Rounding out the Wolfpack’s freshman class is McNeil. The most highly anticipated recruit in the class, McNeil was ranked as the No. 77 recruit coming out of high school,

according to 247Sports. Best known for his ability to shoot the lights out, McNeil has one of the most valuable skill sets in basketball.

One way for NC State to reach its ceiling this year is for McNeil to break onto the scene. While he hasn’t had a breakthrough moment yet, the talent is certainly there. For now, McNeil is still adjusting to college basketball and the physical challenges of playing against bigger, stronger and faster athletes.

“Paul McNeil is not shooting the ball well because of the fact that he’s working harder now than he ever has in his life,” Keatts said. “But once he starts getting into better shape, he’ll start making those shots he used to make in high school.”

It’d be premature to go ahead and crown this trio of freshmen as the next great group of NC State basketball players. However, all three have loads of talent and are already flashing their skill sets. Regardless of how large or small their roles are this season, Parker, Heard and McNeil have the potential to be the future faces of NC State basketball.

FLETCHER SHOLAR/TECHNICIAN

Senior guard Marcus Hill moves off a screen from senior forward Brandon Huntley-Hatfield during the game against Coastal Carolina in the Lenovo Center on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Hill scored nine points for the Wolfpack. NC State won the game 82-70.

From NC State to MLB stardom: Bailey, Rodon make their mark in 2024

Another MLB season has come and gone as a new World Series champion has been crowned. With the postseason finished and seasonal accolades divvied out, there is lots to be proud of for the alumni of NC State baseball.

While catcher Patrick Bailey of the San Francisco Giants secured a Gold Glove as the best catcher in the National League, pitcher Carlos Rodon helped play a pivotal role in helping the New York Yankees return to the World Series for the first time since 2009.

Patrick Bailey

One of the most promising defensive talents in Major League Baseball, Patrick Bailey has risen to prominence in the National League. After a midseason call-up last season, he was immediately tasked with filling the void left by the retirement of future Hall of Famer Buster Posey in 2021. Facing a position battle with fellow backstop Joey Bart, Bailey faced additional adversity from the start.

Hungry for more success after a successful rookie season, Bailey returned ready to go in 2024. After the Giants traded Bart, Bailey officially earned the starting spot behind the plate. Despite an up-and-down season for the Giants, he was consistent behind the plate for a pitching staff that attempted to establish itself throughout the season. In 121 games, Bailey connected on 94 hits, eight homers and 46 RBIs on the way to putting together a respectable .234 average.

As his bat continued to gain steam, he continued to make an impact behind the plate on defense. Cutting down on his errors from a year before, Bailey put together an impressive .997 fielding percentage compared to the league average of .992. His defensive presence once again included a strong caught-stealing percentage of 27.1% as he threw out 26 baserunners.

NC State head coach Elliott Avent, who coached Bailey in his time in Raleigh, spoke to the backstop’s defensive prowess.

“He was just so ready,” Avent said. “Catching is what every big league team is looking for, it’s a rarity to find a good catcher. … Obviously his defensive expertise is what led to his quick rise to the big leagues.”

As the season drew to a close, the Giants did not make the postseason for the thirdconsecutive season. However, Bailey heard his name called in the postseason as he won a Gold Glove award. He was the first San

Francisco catcher since 2016 to be crowned the winner of the award.

“I was obviously a little frustrated not getting it last year,” Bailey said after winning his Gold Glove. “I got to work and wanted to improve in all aspects and was just really excited to be able to win it this year.”

Carlos Rodon

Throughout the MLB and perhaps all North American sports, there is not a more passionate and unforgiving fanbase than that which resides in New York City. After signing a six-year, $162 million contract last season, expectations were sky-high for Rodon as a new starting pitcher for the Yankees. Despite coming off a strong season in San Francisco the prior season, a mix of injuries and struggles on the mound hindered his performance. Compiling a dismal 3-8 record along with a 6.85 ERA, it was evident that there was room for improvement.

Rodon was ready to silence the doubt in 2024. He did just that throughout the regular season, boasting an improved ERA of 3.96. Returning to his speciality of the strikeout, he turned in 195 punchouts, which ranked seventh-best in the American League.

The Yankees finished the regular season at 94-68, securing a bye as the first seed in the American League Playoffs. In the divisional series, Rodon took the mound in game two against the Kansas City Royals. Only pitching 3.1 innings and allowing four runs, Rodon tossed seven strikeouts.

After the Yankees secured the series victory against the Royals, Rodon bounced back in a big way against the Cleveland Guardians in the league championship series. In game one, Rodon pitched a masterful six innings in which he only allowed one run on three hits while striking out nine batters. Securing the win, he led the charge in the pivotal game five as he lasted 4.2 innings and allowed only two runs on his way to six strikeouts.

“He is such a competitive person,” Avent said. “One of the more competitive people here — he was the one that always had so much emotion and so much fire that he was already ready. Matter of fact, the bigger the moment, I always thought the better he was.”

After leading his team to victory in the ALCS, Rodon and the Yankees advanced to the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. After suffering a crushing extra innings defeat in game one, Rodon took the

mound in the second game in the hopes of righting the ship. Despite allowing a second inning home run, Rodon pitched a mostlyclean first two innings. However, the third frame proved to be the difference maker. After earning two outs, he allowed backto-back homers, including one to eventual World Series MVP Freddie Freeman.

After the Dodgers took game two, Rodon had to sit and wait for the chance to pitch again in the series. Returning to New York, the Yankees secured a victory in game four after being down 0-3. However, unfortunately for Rodon, the Dodgers clinched the World Series in game five and prevented the ultimate prize for Rodon and the Bronx Bombers.

“Just seeing him pitch in his first World Series game … it sure was a thrill to see him pitch in the World Series,” Avent said. Despite falling short in the World Series, Rodon had much to be proud of. Facing adversity throughout the season, he continued to persevere and boost his team to a height that they had not enjoyed in over a decade. Proving himself capable of thriving amid a big-market ball club, Rodon has a bright future ahead as the pinstripes will look to make a return to the Fall Classic in 2025.

NICK FAULKNER/TECHNICIAN

Sophomore catcher Patrick Bailey catches the ball during the game against Virginia at Doak Field on Sunday, March 31, 2019. NC State beat Virginia 8-7.

Gavin Gallimore Staff Writer

Inside Casey Morsell’s journey to becoming a color commentator

Colby Trotter

Sports Editor

After former NC State men’s basketball guard Casey Morsell led the Wolfpack to a first-round ACC Tournament win over Louisville last season with a team-high 25 points, he sat down to talk with the ACC Network’s “Nothing But Net” studio show.

Once the crew, made up of Kelsey Riggs and former college basketball stars Joel Berry, Carlos Boozer, Luke Hancock and Jim Boeheim, finished interviewing Morsell, they told him he gave great insight about the game.

Morsell had never considered a career in broadcasting, but as NC State made its run to the Final Four, he received the most media attention in his career and forged connections with producers from ESPN, TNT and Fox. He made an effort to talk to as many broadcasters as possible to see if it was something he’d want to pursue after the season.

“As we started winning games, I just started getting in touch with more and more producers,” Morsell said. “The analyst and play-by-play people that I met throughout the run, [I] just kind of wanted to hear them out, pick their brains, figure out how they got there.”

Ironically, the color commentator Morsell talked to the most was former Duke star Grant Hill, who Morsell and company beat to make the Final Four. Hill covered most of NC State’s games in the NCAA Tournament, allowing Morsell to seek advice from one of the most experienced color commentators in basketball.

“Grant Hill was also a good guy I talked to a good amount about it on our run,” Morsell said. “Just gave me great insights on his style and kind of how he likes to do things.”

Not only did Morsell learn from Hill, but he built connections with Hall of Famer Debbie Antonelli and NBC’s Terry Gannon, who was a member of NC State’s 1983 national championship team. After talking to some of the most accomplished broadcasters and producers in television, Morsell decided he would try it out.

Soon after NC State’s Final Four run, Morsell began training with NC State’s production team in May. Josh Monk, NC State Assistant AD for Video, Broadcast and Network Services, showed Morsell the behind-the-scenes aspects of broadcasting and everything that goes into running a smooth show.

Since baseball was the only sport the production team was working on, Morsell made his debut on air during a baseball game where he acted as a secondary color commentator and told stories of the Wolfpack’s postseason run. It was a soft introduction to television but Morsell enjoyed it and kept working to improve as a color commentator.

Over the next few months, Morsell commentated over recorded NC State basketball games to get a feel for his broadcasting style. Tony Haynes, who works for NC State as a sideline reporter and color analyst, sometimes acted as Morsell’s play-by-play guy during these mock games to help Morsell understand the flow of a broadcast and how two announcers bounce off of each other.

After a few months of training, Morsell was offered the role of TV analyst for NC State men’s basketball games on ACC Network Extra. And when he sat down to do his first live game for NC State’s season opener, he was loose because of the work he put in and what he had just done earlier in the year.

“I wasn’t nervous,” Morsell said. “After last season, being on the ropes, after playing 11 elimination games, nervous, you just don’t feel it anymore.”

Being a part of a team that made history last season — becoming the first ACC school to win five games in five days for the conference championship and making the Final Four as an 11-seed — already makes Morsell stand out as a color commentator.

“He has a unique perspective,” said Andrew Sanders, who’s worked as Morsell’s play-by-play commentator for two games. “That’s a short list of people that have been an ACC Champion. It’s a short list of people [who] have gone to a Final Four, and he’s done both. And so that’s been really cool to get his perspective on those things.”

To go along with last season’s accolades, Sanders believes Morsell’s two-way playstyle gives him a wide-ranging perspective. Morsell could be the team’s go-to scorer like he was against Louisville while also guarding the opposing team’s best player. One of the most iconic moments of last year’s run was when Morsell emphatically rejected UNCChapel Hill’s RJ Davis in the ACC Championship game.

“He can talk about his scoring, but he wasn’t just a scorer,” Sanders said. “He was a high-level defender. So I think that gives him the ability to talk about both sides of the game.”

Not only do his experiences in college basketball make Morsell an exceptional analyst but the work he puts into his craft makes him stand out. Sanders said Morsell reached out to him shortly after the Final Four run to build a chemistry with Sanders because he understood how important it was.

“He’s sharp, he’s detail-oriented,” Sanders said. “He put in a lot of prep work for these broadcasts … just doing whatever is necessary to happen, to put together a really good broadcast.”

Morsell watches film on both teams he’s going to cover and goes to each squad’s shootarounds. He said the shoot-

arounds are where he gets most of his information for the broadcast. Not only is he getting a feel for how the teams play, but Morsell also wants to know what the program is about outside of basketball.

“I ask some more questions that involve their culture, messages that they want people to know about the program,” Morsell said. “Things that they’ve done in the community that they want me to highlight throughout the game. Just trying to display the teams in a greater light for the broadcast.”

With all the experience Morsell had and the preparation he put in, the most difficult part has been talking about the game in a way everyone can understand. Since Morsell thinks of the game at such a high level, it has been challenging to break it down in layman’s terms.

“The basketball culture has its own code, own phrases,” Morsell said. “There could be someone’s grandmother or someone who has no clue about basketball that’s watching this game. So how can she process, or how can she understand or take away something from the game as someone [who’s] a college coach who’s been coaching for 20 years can take something from the game? You gotta try to find that middle ground.”

Morsell is three games into his broadcasting career and has enjoyed it up to this point. He currently works full-time as a commercial real estate agent and has liked doing color commentating part-time. Before NC State’s improbable postseason run, a career in broadcasting wasn’t really on Morsell’s mind but now that he has a few games under his belt, he sees a world where this could become his full-time gig.

“It could pick up with potential opportunities,” Morsell said. “If it is a full-time thing for me, then it’s probably because I believe that it was the right time and right place to make the transition.”

FLETCHER SHOLAR/TECHNICIAN

Former NC State Basketball player Casey Morsell (left) speaks with fellow commentator Evan Budrovich during the game against Coastal Carolina at the Lenovo Center on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. Morsell played for the Wolfpack from 2021 to 2024. NC State beat Coastal Carolina 82-70.

Hubbard revives NC State men’s soccer with return to NCAA Tournament

Colby Trotter

Sports Editor

Before the season, NC State men’s soccer head coach Marc Hubbard saw a path for the Wolfpack to make it to the NCAA Tournament despite being a first-year head coach of a team that missed the tournament for the last four years.

“We’re playing in the top conference in the country,” Hubbard said. “There’s no shortage of RPI or high-level games so we’re already in a position with our schedule if we do what we’re supposed to that we’ll get into the national tournament.”

At the time, it was a strong proclamation for a coach tasked with turning around a program that finished second-to-last in the ACC the previous year. But in his first season, Hubbard got the Wolfpack back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in five years.

On Monday, it was announced NC State was awarded an at-large bid and will host UNCCharlotte in the first round this Thursday.

It seemed like it would take some time for Hubbard to revitalize the Pack given its tournament drought, but it was a challenge Hubbard was familiar with. In his first season at Southern New Hampshire University, the team was 5-8-5 the year before he arrived and in his first season, Hubbard led Southern New Hampshire to a 15-3-4 record. In his first season at the University of New Hampshire, he improved the Wildcats’ record from 6-10-1 to 10-5-3.

In his first season at NC State, Hubbard led the Wolfpack to its best seven-game start since 1992, its first ranking since 2019 and its first win over a top-10 opponent since 2018, resulting in the Wolfpack’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019.

“They said NC State will always struggle,” said sophomore forward Hakim Karamoko. “But I think the struggles are not forever. It ends eventually and we find success. Last year wasn’t a great season for us and then [Hubbard] came in. There were a lot of talks, but we believed in him. And then he brought a new culture in, very organized and structured.”

Hubbard transformed the Wolfpack by overhauling the roster. He brought in 14 newcomers, 11 of which being transfers. Three of those transfers followed Hubbard from New Hampshire because they knew what he was capable of.

“It’s the reason I transferred here,” said ju-

nior midfielder Taig Healy. “I knew he was going to get the team sorted quickly. He just gets us so organized.”

Even with all the new faces, Hubbard got the team to buy into his playstyle. During his time at New Hampshire, Hubbard’s teams were known for lockdown defense. In the nine seasons he was the coach of the Wildcats, they ranked top 10 in the country in goals against average six times with two first-place finishes.

After allowing the third-most total goals and second-most goals per game in the ACC last season, the Wolfpack ranked fourth in goals allowed and fifth in goals against aver-

age this year. Hubbard’s system also entails players pushing further up the field to pin opponents in their zone and capitalize on mistakes.

Last season, NC State finished 10th in the ACC in goals for, and in the first year under Hubbard, the Wolfpack ranked sixth in goals per game. The Pack scored seven goals in a game for the first time since 1996.

“[Hubbard’s] been great, everybody loves him,” said senior midfielder Will Buete. “Energy has been better, we’re getting a lot of shots now, [it’s] a fun brand to play. … This year we’re pressing a lot higher, winning the ball a lot higher and then in turn, out in the field creating chances a lot easier.”

Already with a laundry list of accomplishments in his first season, Hubbard will attempt to add another one against the 49ers. NC State hasn’t won an NCAA Tournament game since 2018. UNC-Charlotte poses a tough challenge as it has won 11 games this season and just captured the American Men’s Soccer Championship.

But there is an overwhelming belief amongst those inside the Wolfpack organization that not only will NC State earn its first tournament win since 2018 but make a deep run in the postseason because of Hubbard.

“His impact is noticeable,” said senior midfielder Henrique Santos. “Every game, people who come to watch, people that have come to games these previous years; they know how much things have changed positively. You can see it in the way we play, the energy, the atmosphere. I think there’s a general feeling that we can achieve great things this year.”

The match between NC State and UNCCharlotte will take place on Thursday at Dail Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

KAELA BELINGON/TECHNICIAN

(From left to right) Senior defender Yves Tcheuyap, sophomore forward Hakim Karamoko and senior forward Henrique Santos congratulate junior midfielder Taig Healy after his goal during the match against Duke University at Dail Soccer Field on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. The Wolfpack lost to the Blue Devils 2-1.

READY FOR ELLIE

After four years of dedication, Technician says goodbye to its beloved design editor, Ellie Bruno. Congratulations on graduating!