The Lumberjack -- November 8, 2018

T H E L U M BE R JACK

NOV. 8, 2018 – NOV. 14, 2018

ELECTION NIGHT PAGES 12-13

Online at JackCentral.org

From the Editor

L

ast January, I wrote a letter to all of you readers about my New Year’s resolution. I wrote about how I was raised as the “curvy and bulky sister” and how I had no idea what it was like to love myself. I left you readers with this: “My 2018 goal is to love myself. I know, how cliché of me.

But let’s be real — there hasn’t been a day that has gone by where I see a picture of myself or look in my mirror and think “Damn, I’m beautiful.” So that’s my goal. I’m not sure how I’m going to get there or if I will get there, but I can assure you one thing, I’m going to try my best.”

To start the journey of loving myself, I began to focus on my mental and emotional health. For the first half of the year, I took time to retrain my heart and mind about how I felt about myself. I stopped telling myself lies when looking in the mirror and instead started saying out loud what I thought was lovely in my reflection.

After mastering the rewriting of my thoughts and feeling toward myself, I began working on my physical health.

In late July, I began working out daily and making a daily effort to change to BAILEY my relationship I had with food. Fast forward three weeks and I became a health and HELTON wellness coach – the scariest leap of faith I’ve ever made. Since being a coach, I have ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR noticed a huge change in my confidence, in my energy level, in my relationships and in my everyday life.

So let’s revert back to what I said in January. I had no idea how to create a healthy relationship with myself. I didn’t know how to recognize what my body, heart, mind and soul needed. I didn’t know where to begin. But here I am, 11 months later and I am the best version of myself to date who looks in the mirror daily and believes “Damn, I am beautiful.”

I am someone who workouts daily, fuels my body with things it needs 90 percent of the time while the other 10 percent is all about what I want. I am someone who has stopped holding on to things that are out of my control and now refuses to bend over backwards for people who won’t reciprocate. But most importantly I am someone who loves myself.

I want to leave you with this, the end of the semester is drawing near. With that in mind, I encourage you, when you’re feeling stressed out, move your body — get that blood flowing. When you’re cramming for that exam, turn to food that will nourish your body and keep your brain sharp ­— not the sweet, addictive convenient foods. But more than anything, make time during your hectic weeks to evaluate what YOU need. Evaluate what will make you happy and what will fill your cup.

There’s only about seven weeks left in the year, make it wild.

Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313 Lumberjack@nau.edu P.O. Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

THE LUMBERJACK VOL. 107 ISSUE 12

Editor-in-Chief Matthew Strissel

Managing Editor Ariel Cianfarano

Director of Digital Content Conor Sweetman

Copy Chief Ashley Besing

Faculty Adviser Annette McGivney

Faculty Adviser, Photo Taylor Mahoney

Sales Manager Marsha Simon

Print Chief Brady Wheeler

Media Innovation Center Editorial Board Features Editor MaryAnn Witt

Asst. News Editor Chandler Staley

Asst. Features Editor Devyn Coons

Op-Ed Editor Peggy Packer

Sports Editor Kade Gilliss

Asst. Op-Ed Editor Maria Angulo

Asst. Sports Editor Bailey Helton

Culture Editor Sebastian Moore

Director of Photography Shannon Swain

Asst. Dir. of Photography Director of Circulation Shannon Ainsley Cowan Deja Berkstrsser Senior Photographer Michael Patacsil Asst. Dir. of Circulation Director of Illustration Sebastian Kwit Katie Dobyrdney Director of Multimedia James Lemarr

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-Hayley White Many people gathered around the Skydome voting center, including NAU senior Austin Weaver who took time to come and speak about his opinions and give information to those that would listen before heading inside to vote Nov. 6. Morgan Fisher | The Lumberjack

Thank you for reading.

News Editor Owen Sexton

“I thought it was really important to vote in the midterms because [I] have a lot more of a say about who gets elected ...”

Senior Illustrator Colton Starley

On the cover Flagstaff mayor Coral Evans and city council candidate Adam Shimoni embrace after Evans is elected to a second term and Shimoni wins a city council seat and the position of vice-mayor Nov. 6 at the Orpheum Theater. “My vice-mayor!” exclaimed Evans.

Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack

Corrections & Clarifications The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email Matthew Strissel at mbs263@nau.edu.

PoliceBeat Oct. 29 At 7:17 a.m., a staff member at Tinsley Hall called to report a nonstudent loitering inside the building.

NAUPD officers responded to the scene. The nonstudent was booked into Coconino County Detention Facility (CCDF) for an outstanding warrant and was warned to not trespass anywhere on campus again.

At 1:10 p.m., a staff member at Allen Hall reported someone stalking a student.

An NAUPD officer responded, but no criminal activity was witnessed.

At 6:35 p.m., a subject called to report an assault of a student at Reilly Hall.

NAUPD officers and a Guardian Medical Transport ambulance (GMT) responded.

No contact was made with the assailant, and the student refused medical transport.

Oct. 30 At 9:06 a.m., a staff member at the Cline Library reported the theft of a laptop attachment. An NAUPD officer responded and took a report.

At 2:30 p.m., a staff member at Gabaldon Hall reported the odor of marijuana. NAUPD officers responded and discovered that the student who was smoking had a medical marijuana card and referred them to student life.

At 3:27 p.m., a staff member called to report two subjects in a restricted area in the Student and Academic Services building.

Two NAUPD officers responded, and one nonstudent was cited and released for possession of drug paraphernalia, use of marijuana and second degree trespassing. The second

Compiled by Jayna Arola

nonstudent was issued a Nov. 2 juvenile referral for possession At 1:25 a.m., an NAUPD of drug paraphernalia, use of officer reported a possible marijuana and second degree fight between two subjects trespassing. at the intersection of South San Francisco Street and At 8:48 p.m., a university East Butler Avenue. Upon student aide reported the conducting a field interview possible use of marijuana at with the subjects, the officer the Knoles Parking Garage. discovered they were not NAUPD officers responded, fighting. but no criminal activity was witnessed. The subjects were At 10:50 a.m., a staff enjoying cigars. member called to report people possibly on the roof at Student Oct. 31 and Academic Services.

At 10:21 p.m., a NAUPD officers responded, staff member reported an and the area was checked but underage student drinking in no contact was made.

McConnell Hall. NAUPD officers responded, and the At 10:18 p.m., a staff student was cited and released member at Campus Heights for underage drinking. requested a welfare check on a student making suicidal At 10:44 p.m., a resident comments. A NAUPD officer reported a loud party at Hilltop responded, and the student Townhomes. NAUPD officers voluntarily went to NAU responded and dispersed the Counseling Services. party.

Nov. 3 At 11:44 p.m., a resident At 6:02 a.m., an employee assistant (RA) reported called to report a male subject an intoxicated student at sitting on the ground by the Gabaldon Hall. Flagstaff Fire main entrance of the HLC. Department (FFD), GMT and NAUPD officers responded an NAUPD officer responded. and the area was searched, The student refused medical however, the subject was gone attention and was cited for upon arrival. underage drinking.

At 7:33 p.m., a student Nov. 1 reported receiving a suspicious At 12:33 a.m., an phone call and requested an RA called to report four officer stop by at Cowden Hall. intoxicated students at The student was not in distress.

Cowden Hall. FFD, GMT and NAUPD officers responded to At 7:53 p.m., The the incident. Four students Suites staff reported a fight were criminally deferred for in progress. NAUPD officers underage drinking, and one responded, and one student student was transported to was deferred for underage FMC after suffering a seizure. drinking.

Nov. 4 At 12:44 p.m., NAUPD At 9:31 p.m., NAUPD received an anonymous responded to a fire alarm at tip reporting the odor of South Village Apartments. An marijuana at Wilson Hall. An NAUPD officer responded and NAUPD officer responded but discovered that a student had was unable to locate the source. set off the alarm by burning their food.

NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 3

NEWS

Shimoni, Aslan win council seats Owen Sexton

T

he results are in and the voters have spoken.

In the extremely close race for retiring Senator Jeff Flake’s seat in the Senate, Republican candidate Martha McSally is ahead of Democratic candidate Krysten Sinema by 0.87 percent. However, ballots are still being counted. NBC News reports that the final result of this race may not be in until Nov. 9.

Incumbent Governor Doug Ducey won re-election against Democratic challenger David Garcia, getting over 58 percent of the vote.

“I am incredibly humbled by your support and grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me,” Ducey said in a tweet. “I will never stop working for you. Together, we’ve achieved big things.

Together, we will achieve even more.”

Democratic challenger January Contreras lost in his bid to beat incumbent Arizona attorney general Mark Brnovich.

Arizona’s new secretary of state will be Republican candidate Steve Gaynor, who edged out Democratic candidate Katie Hobbs.

Republican candidate Kimberly Yee will be the new state treasurer as Democratic candidate Mark Manoil lost the race for the position.

Closer to home, incumbent congressman Tom O’Halleran will continue serving U.S. House District 1 as it appears he has narrowly beaten Republican challenger Wendy Rogers.

Officially running unopposed, incumbent mayor Coral Evans has 14,432 votes to continue holding office. However, votes have not been counted for write-in challenger George Rivello.

According to Rivello, it may take days for the final counts to be released as each vote needs to be hand counted.

The three new city council members taking over for Eva Putzova, Celia Barotz and Scott Overton will be Adam Shimoni, Austin Aslan and either Paul Deasy or Regina Salas. Deasy’s lead over Salas had narrowed to 12 votes by early Wednesday morning.

As for the state initiatives on the ballot, Proposition 125 was approved by voters, allowing the state legislature to adjust pension plans for corrections officers and elected state officials.

Proposition 126 has been approved, banning both the state and local governments from enacting new taxes on services ranging from pet grooming to real estate transactions.

The Renewable Energy Standards Initiative, or Proposition 127, was denied by voters. This

Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey speaks to supporters, Tuesday, Nov. 6, at an election night party in Scottsdale.

Matt York | AP Photo

means electric utility companies within the state will only have to have 15 percent of Arizona’s electricity coming from renewable resources by 2025, instead of the initiative’s goal of having 50 percent by 2030.

Voters decided to deny Proposition 305.

The Expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (EAS) Referendum would have expanded the ESA program as per SB 1431.

Due to the approval of Proposition 306, candidates within Arizona will now be prohibited from using their campaign’s public finance accounts to donate money to taxexempt organizations that are involved in politics. Proposition 306, or the Clean Election Account Uses and Commission Rule-making Measure, which also will require the Citizens Clean Election Commission’s proposed rules for campaign finance to be approved by the governor’s regulatory review council.

As for the local initiatives, Flagstaff locals had to decide on Proposition 418, also known

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as the Sustainable Wages Act. Voters denied 418, meaning that proposition 414 passed in 2016 will remain in place. Minimum wage in Flagstaff will rise to 15 dollars per hour by 2020.

Proposition 417, a continuation of an existing property tax scheduled to end in 2019 that provided revenue for Coconino Community College was denied and the college will no longer receive extra funding from the tax as it will be allowed to expire.

Proposition 419 was approved, meaning existing a 0.426 percent sales tax that funded roadway, sidewalk and bike path improvements will be renewed in 2020 and last until 2041.

The other two transit initiatives, Propositions 420 and 421, are both still too close to call as of early Wednesday.

Flagstaff will see a 0.23 percent sales tax increase if Proposition 420 is passed. The sales tax would begin Jan. 1, 2019 and last until 2039, funding a bridge connecting East Historic Route 66 to South Lone Tree Road over the

railroad tracks, if passed.

Public transit will receive more funding if Proposition 421 is approved by voters. The proposition would enact a 0.15 percent sales tax in 2019 lasting until 2030, with revenue going toward improvements designated in Flagstaff’s Capital Improvement Plan as well as extending bus routes, frequency and extending service hours.

Flagstaff voters chose not to create a $25 million dollar bond designated for affordable housing in the city as Proposition 422 did not pass.

Both Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) initiatives, Propositions 423 and 424, were approved by voters. 423 will allow for a $75 million loan to be taken via bond measure for FUSD capital projects and 424 will extend an existing property tax with revenue going toward FUSD.

NEWS

Airport expansion master plan

A sign is displayed, directing traffic coming into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Nov. 6. Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack

Eleana Assimacopoulos

T

he Airport Master Plan initiated by the Flagstaff City Council provides a layout of the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport’s needs and possible improvements over the next 20 years.

The plan will coordinate with a planning advisory committee that consists of government representatives, airport users, tenants and local community representatives to ensure everyone’s airport needs are met.

“The master plan is a critical document to provide the framework needed to guide future development of the airport,”

said Stacey Brechler-Knaggs, grants and contracts manager for the City of Flagstaff.

Brechler-Knaggs broke down different phases of the plan.

“This is a comprehensive study of the Flagstaff Airport, which describes the short, medium and long-term development plans to meet future aviation demand,” Brechler-Knaggs said.

Airport Director Barney Helmick explained some other things the plan gives other than guidelines for future expansion.

“There are additional things that the plan does to justify the two-year project list,” Helmick said. “This includes a projected growth in key factors such as passenger enplanements and aircraft

operations on a 20-year growth chart.”

Helmick believes the plan itself is of great benefit to Flagstaff just for the fact that it gives the city a 20-year outlook for airport growth.

“This plan will provide Flagstaff Airport with an extensive overview of the airport’s needs over the next 20-year time period, including a preferred development plan, costs for this development and a clear plan of action,” Helmick said.

The Master Plan currently outlines ideas for a taxiway extension on the east side of the airfield, a new runway, possible airfield lighting upgrades, passenger terminal building upgrades, terminal area vehicle parking expansion and construction of a rental car preparation center.

The taxiway extension would allow for future aviation development potential in the east area of the Flagstaff airport.

The airfield lighting upgrades would consist of replacing the incandescent airfield lighting and signage system with LED technology.

The rental car preparation center would be next to the north side of the expanded terminal vehicle parking lot. The apron expansion would be on the north side of the commercial service parking apron.

The plan also calls for construction of airport maintenance and snow removal equipment just north of the aircraft rescue and firefighting facility. It is expressed that the west and east side areas of the airport could be utilized for non-aviation development.

Other upgrades include aircraft parking apron expansion, a construction of an airport maintenance and snow removal equipment facility, potential development of the east side and a non-aviation development.

While City Council initiated the creation of the plan, it is being prepared by Coffman Associates, Inc., an airport consulting firm that works in planning, environmental and land use studies.

“This [the plan] is also required by the FAA to be updated every five to seven years,” Helmick said. “The information goes into the National Plan of Integrated Airports to assist with budgeting for AIP [Airport Improvement Program] funding.”

The funding for the creation of the plan itself is actually coming from many places.

“The master plan update is being funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, AZ Department of Transportation, Aeronautics and the City of Flagstaff,” Brechler-Knaggs said. “The security upgrades are being funded by the City of Flagstaff, Airports Division.”

The FAA is also mandating some security changes for Pulliam.

As for the upgrades being put in place, Helmick said they are not allowed to discuss details regarding security upgrades as the information is considered sensitive.

“In short, we are putting in a new access control system,” Helmick said.

As Flagstaff continues to grow, city workers overseeing the airport are preparing to make sure it is ready to handle the growing population’s travel needs.

NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 5

NEWS

Arrests up slightly on Tequila Sunrise Manny Castrellon

A

n unofficial tradition that has been going on since the 1960s and has been made popular to the Flagstaff public, Tequila Sunrise brings a plethora of people to partake in the festivities provided in the downtown area at a very early time in the morning.

Many wake up before 6 a.m. to drink alcohol. This tradition has many issues, including upticks in underage drinking, arrests, domestic violence and public intoxication.

This year in particular three students were arrested for underage consumption of alcohol as Walter Miller, deputy chief at the Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) explained.

“We did make three arrests for underage consumption, 11 arrests were made in total for underage consumption, driving under the influence, disorderly conduct, assault, public urination and open container,” Miller said.

Miller shared some statistics regarding arrests and how many police officers were out during the event and stated many more had to be called in during their off time.

“I would not consider it stressful.

However, it is very taxing to our resources,” Miller said. “We had over 20 officers and one additional dispatcher working. We had to rearrange or flex schedules in order to have enough officers to work the event.”

Furthermore, parties this weekend were shut down at a fast pace by police officers. The Aspen Room was shut down due to reports of fighting and other violent acts by young adults. Police officers tried to crack down on parties with underage drinking during Tequila Sunrise.

Sgt. Cory Runge, public relations officer for FPD, gave information regarding how many arrests were made last year and the areas of authority that were economically effected by this event.

“Costs of fire department and

People from all over Arizona come for the experience of Tequila Sunrise in downtown Flagstaff Oct. 28. Shannon Ainsley Cowan | The Lumberjack

hospital costs go up,” Runge said.

“Last year it was tamer and I believe there was just one alcohol-related arrest on Tequila Sunrise.”

2015 had the most arrests when it comes to this tradition in recent memory as 41 in total were arrested that year and 15 of those arrests were due to underage drinking. 2016 only saw five arrests and 2017 had only one

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arrest, Runge said.

The numbers from 2016 to this year has been somewhat controlled.

With the cause of the general downtrend in arrests unknown, it is possible students are showing more restraint when it comes to the event.

Collin Heath, a bartender at Tito’s Brewery, shared his experience on Tequila Sunrise compared to

last year and said that despite the issues dealing with high amounts of intoxicated students, they make good money.

“It was definitely milder this year compared to last year, I haven’t seen any incidents at this brewery but I have seen people passed out on the streets,” Heath said. “Workers will head to work at around 5 or 6 and

easily make $600.”

He further explained this year was one of the years where he did not witness Tequila Sunrise participants acting out in the streets.

Nobody knows how the tradition will continue to develop, but Tequila Sunrise will not be going away any time soon.

NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 7

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NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 9

OPINION-EDITORIAL

The cost of fast fashion scout ehrler

They’re just not that into you

F

riend zone (n.): An emotional place for people who are romantically interested in someone who just want to be their friend.

Most people have been friend zoned at least once in their life. Here you are, actively pursuing someone you have a romantic or sexual interest in when they tell you — or someone else — they just want to be your friend. Now you’ve got to run and tell all of your friends that you’ve just been friend zoned.

While, at first glance, the idea of the friend zone seems pretty harmless. The existence of this term says a lot about the current dating culture of our society.

PEGGY The term friend zone has a relatively PACKER negative connotation. Why? Because no one OP-ED EDITOR wants to be in the friend zone. People want the people they like to like them back, and that’s just basic human instinct.

However, people tend to forget that being in the friend zone is a privilege. The friend zone originates from this idea that the people you’re interested in owe you whatever form of intimacy you desire, whether it be emotional or sexual.

The problem is: they don’t.

Just because you have emotional feelings toward someone does not mean they are obligated to entertain these feelings, especially if they don’t feel the same way. To think otherwise is selfish.

So what? They don’t want to be your romantic partner and in turn, they friend zone you. This may seem like a huge let down, and while it may be sad that the person doesn’t want to pursue a relationship with you, at least you are still in the friend zone!

People need to remind themselves that the friend zone is a privilege. Nobody owes you any kind of relationship in this world, so even the friend zone is a luxury. Putting someone in the friend zone is like saying, “Hey, I don’t want to date you or have sex with you, but I enjoy your company as a friend.”

Isn’t that enough? It should be.

The people who have friend zoned you could have easily cut you out of their lives completely, but they didn’t. That’s enough to be grateful for.

This negative view on the friend zone only further perpetuates our society’s sense of entitlement and desire for ownership. You are not entitled to anyone’s time, energy, love or affection. If you don’t see the friend zone as a privilege, you don’t care about that person — you care about having them belong to you.

Nobody in this world owes you a relationship, so keep your complaints about the friend zone to yourself.

Kick up your feet and enjoy the so-called friend zone.

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S

ince the dawn of the 2000s, fast fashion has been on the rise.

Gone are the days of the exclusivity of fashion. Today, all styles are available at all price points. Stores such as Forever 21, H&M and Target have perpetuated the production of cheap fashion and different styles that cycle through every month or so.

Fashion began moving at the speed of light in the 1960s when countries in North America and Europe began opening textile mills in less-developed countries. According to BUST magazine, this allowed for cheap labor and the ability to keep up with demand for affordable fashion. It is unclear exactly where this phenomenon started, but H&M remains the longest-lasting fast fashion retailer.

This wave of cheap, disposable fashion appears convenient.

Clothes are no longer made to last, but to be worn and replaced multiple times throughout the year. Prices are lowering, but the true cost is growing.

Think about the last time you saw anything other than “Made in [insert developing country here]” on the tag of a piece of clothing. Finding a piece of clothing that was made in the United States is a rarity. Companies such as H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Walmart, Target, GAP and Forever 21 use child labor, according to careeraddict.com.

Cheap labor and cheap material mean cheap clothing that only lasts one season and can be replaced with more cheap clothing.

The short lifespan of clothing is an issue in itself. The clothing is not designed to last but designed to be replaced. Once upon a time fashion came in seasons. Four times a year, designers would come out with different lines of clothing that could be saved and worn for years to come.

All of my older female relatives have saved their clothing from brands such as Levi, Ann Taylor and Ralph Lauren to pass down to me and my sisters. This clothing was made with a more ethical intent than clothing is made today.

The U.S. sends approximately 21 billion pounds of textiles to landfills every year. This amount has doubled in the last two decades. In addition, only 10 to 15 percent of clothing donated actually makes it to thrift stores and resale shops. The rest ends up in the landfill.

Fast fashion can often be morally ambiguous. The biggest reason for this is the convenience for those who can’t afford clothing that is ethically made.

Ethical clothing is extremely expensive because it’s made with thought, honesty and — you guessed it, ethics.

The average person, especially

teenagers (which these brands widely cater to), go to Forever 21 because it’s a compromise for fashionability. We want to fit in and be fashionable and these companies use that to their advantage.

I’m sympathetic to this because I’m a lower-middle class individual who is part of the fast-fashion generation. Up until a couple years ago, all of my clothes were from these retailers. I eventually shifted to exclusively shopping at Goodwill and other thrift stores.

There are very fashionable and “cleaner” options for those who don’t like classic thrift stores. There are stores that sift through the clothing and only sell the best of the best so you don’t have to do the digging yourself. Many of these stores buy clothes from people who bring in used pieces, which ups the incentive to ethically recycle clothing.

There are affordable, ethical options for fashion. Corporations such as Forever 21 and H&M are not it. Thrifting is coming back in style, as is vintage clothing. Go to Goodwill or your local thrift store. I promise there’s something for everyone.

And next time you need to get rid of your frayed pieces of fast fashion, think about where it’ll end up.

Go to a resale shop and make a few bucks.

Illustration By colton starley

OPINION-EDITORIAL

What it means to be a culture vulture kiara brown

I

f you’re searching for validation in the term “culture vulture,” congrats, you’ve found it.

This term applies to someone who essentially takes something from a culture outside of their own and markets it as an original idea with a lack of respect and attribution to the origin of that trend. It’s synonymous with cultural appropriation, but not to be confused with the event in which someone invites you into their space or an aspect of their culture.

Of course, just like your favorite seasonal Starbucks drink, it’s only for a limited time. All good things must come to an end.

Cultural appropriation is something that according to the Black online magazine, The Root, is also referred to as ‘Columbusing’ which is “the dominant culture taking from the minority culture.”

Writer Felice Leon says, “We can’t help but wonder: ‘What will be stolen next.’”

And what things do people of color choose to share? Rap music is no longer exclusive to its Black creators as we have opened the doors to other aspiring artists to bring their take to this genre of music.

So no, if you’re White, you don’t have to just listen to the late Mac Miller, Macklemore or Eminem — aka everyone’s favorite goto defense. He broke the barrier of race by penetrating a predominantly Black industry.

We know. We let him in.

Everyone is aware of rap origins. Rap is still very much a “Black thing” in the sense that it has maintained its status in the culture that it originated from, and no other race tries to take credit for creating rap music, hip hop, etcetera.

In other words, pay your respects and enjoy. Write some bars, and I wish you the best in your lyricism and rap endeavors.

An issue that still exists is people using Black culture to boost their career, create a platform and then disregard it.

Prime example: Justin Timberlake and “getting back to his roots.” Timberlake based all of his career, up until his latest album, on R&B and hip-hop music. Now that he’s reached a comfortable level of celebrity, he claims to be reaching back into his origins, which were actually based on Black culture and imitation cornrows.

But what if you take something out of a culture and still pay respect to it?

If those people are saying they are offended, it doesn’t matter. It’s difficult to

dictate what is and what isn’t deemed respectful when that trend, that clothing print or that face paint doesn’t come from your race.

You don’t get to say, “I want to do it, so it should be allowed.”

Bottom line: It’s not your culture and not your decision to make.

Hurt feelings come from those whose culture is not at risk for threats of cultural appropriation. I have zero sympathy for you and your failures in culture vulture-ing. I don’t care if you have a half-Black child, a Black friend who gives you an OK on all things Black, a Black sibling or a black Labrador Retriever.

If a group of people is collectively telling you not to do it, guess what? You probably

shouldn’t do it. Can Black people appropriate culture? Take a second to really think about that question.

Due to kidnapping, rape, colonization and all things anti-Black, Black people have forcibly become immersed in other cultures. Black people span the edges of the earth and have roots other than African, which some fail to realize.

Someone Black would have to go out of their way to appropriate culture, but even then it’s basically impossible because our existence has undeniably infiltrated traditions outside our own.

Let’s note that if someone Black appropriates another culture, that’s not an excuse for you to do the same. Your Kardashian boxer braids are still in fact cornrows, those mini buns are Bantu knots, our Dashiki’s are not costumes and dreads do not fit the job description of all rappers.

william kerrigan

I

f you have ever seen a Caucasian person with dreads or an African-American with a Chinese tattoo, they have probably been labeled as a “culture vulture” by the communities that made those specific things relevant.

A culture vulture is a person who adopts something from a different community and makes it their own.

I, as a White person living in the United States, enjoy some things the African-American community has given to this country.

Rap music, for example, originated in the Black community.

I personally really enjoy rap music — no, not just Eminem — but others like 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G. and the group N.W.A. I’ve

memorized probably more lyrics than any one person should.

I don’t plan to stop listening to this type of music, even if someone tells me that it is not for me because I’m White. This is not where the issue come from, though.

An article on afropunk.com states that “Black people cannot be guilty of cultural appropriation. Period.”

The article goes into detail on how NBA player Jeremey Lin, who is of Taiwanese descent, decided to grow out his hair and put into dreadlocks like some of his counterparts in the league.

Lin was then called out by another NBA player named Kenyon Martin saying he

was confused about why Lin’s teammates and coaches would allow this “foolishness.”

Lin responded by saying, “I appreciate that I have dreads and you have Chinese tattoos on your arm,” which highlighted the double standard that Martin was taking part in.

This article goes on about how AfricanAmericans can do whatever they want when it comes to taking from other cultures and everyone else cannot, which is extremely biased and has no real credibility.

“But Black people adopting staples of another culture is not the same thing as other people adopting Black cultural symbols at all.

And by conflating what Black people do with appropriation, we easily slide into the common ways we make Black people deserving of the violence against them.”

I think that we live in a sensitive time for every community in this country. But if I want to dress a certain way, style my hair a certain way or listen to a certain type of music, I should be able to do that without labels being placed on me.

It is not like I am disrespecting the culture that provides this style. I have nothing but love for everyone of every color from every nation.

Just because I was born White does not mean I automatically have to be labeled a culture vulture. If I respect the culture, then I should be able to do whatever makes me happy.

The only time someone should be labeled a culture vulture is if they are intentionally making fun of or mocking the community.

Then, by all means, call them what they are. But if that is not the case, then let them live their lives the way they want.

Illustration By Kaylyn Dunn

NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 11

FEATURES

2018

ELECTION NIGHT

Top Left: President and vice president of the NAU College Republicans Club Robert Bean (left) and Will Chilton (right) watch results of the midterm elections. MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack Top Right: City Council Representative Adam Shimoni celebrates his victory at the Orpheum Theater at a Coconino County Democratic Party Election Viewing Party. John Chaides | The Lumberjack Bottom Left: Congressman Tom O’Halleran (left) speaks to Jessica Kitterman (middle) and Sara Klause (right) at the Democratic Party Election Viewing Party. John Chaides | The Lumberjack Bottom Right: NAU Senior Austin Weaver holds a child during the Republican watch party for the midterm elections Nov. 6. Shannon Swain | The Lumberjack

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FEATURES

Top Left: Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald speaks with people at Wendy Rogers’s election night watch party. Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack Top Right: Jonathan Kersten claps and cheers at the results of the Kansas midterm election at a Coconino County Democratic Party Election Viewing Party. John Chaides | The Lumberjack Bottom Left: A man wearing an Uncle Sam hat at the Coconino County Democratic Watch Party watches MSNBC’s coverage of the midterm elections. Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack Bottom Right: Flagstaff resident Mike Hays watches the polls during the Republican watch party at The American Legion Nov. 6. Shannon Swain | The Lumberjack

NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 13

FEATURES

The power of a cup of coffee Tyler Day

W

henever someone asks for Macy’s, they are typically answered with the same response — ­­ the clothing store that is featured on a renowned Thanksgiving Parade special.

Ask Flagstaff residents what Macy’s is, and the response would not be the same.

Located downtown off South Beaver Street, Macy’s Coffeehouse is small in size compared to other coffee places. The front of the store has a simple sign that reads Macy’s European Coffee House and Bakery that hangs to beckon customers to come in and see what all the fuss and buzz is about.

Customers are greeted by the scent of freshly-ground cocoa beans and new pots of coffee being roasted in the back. Pictures hang on the white brick walls thats show soaring bald eagles. The red and white checkered tile then brings people to the checkout counter where the options seem endless when it comes to breakfast, lunch, entrées and — not to mention — drinks.

Looking around the small, yet comfy environment, people are chatting with friends or enjoying their caffeniated beverage. With a few lights and skylights that let in natural light, the area is lit up with a cozy vibe.

With plenty of coffee places around Flagstaff, why is Macy’s always on peoples’ reccomended list?

Tim Macy, owner and self-proclaimed “caretaker,” is the mastermind behind the coffeehouse. What started out as a small dream for him and his wife at the time turned out to be an attraction for any visitors that roll through downtown.

Macy, a southern California native, wanted to start a business with his wife. One day he was skimming though the LA Times and came across what can be the inspiration of one of Flagstaff’s premier coffeehouses.

“I saw [Carl Diedrich’s] picture in the paper roasting coffee and he had big smile on his face, and little did I know that but at that time he was the most knowledgeable person about coffee in the country,” Macy said.

Carl Diedrich was a German coffee brewer that, according to Macy, brewed the best coffee he ever had. When Macy came across that article, he called the reporter to find out where Diedrich made his coffee. After some persistent phone calls, Macy got a tip as to where the coffee

Max Hebert runs the second bar counter at Macy’s Coffeehouse, Nov. 1. MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack

guru was working at.

In back of a small strip mall in Cosa Mesa, Macy made the drive from Huntington Beach to see what all the fuss about Diedrich was.

“The first time I met him I bought a pound of coffee, and then every week I would go and buy another pound,” Macy said. “It was the best coffee I have ever had.”

What started off as a coffee connoisseur

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trying out some coffee from a German coffee brewer, turned into a bond that has stood strong though time. Macy would have talks with Diedrich that would last between two to three hours where he would pick the brain of the master coffee roster.

As time went on, Macy and his wife would eventually move away from California to live in Flagstaff. As a parting gift, Diedrich told Macy

that he would build him a roaster for his new coffeeshop once they found a place to have a business.

The Macys’ then moved into an old bakery that was called the Miller Bakery. Having no business background, the only job Macy had experience in was on the PGA Tour as a golf pro. They got the approval to rent out the space and with having the roaster being installed by

no other than Diedrich, Macy’s was born. In February 1980, Macy opened up the shop for the people of Flagstaff.

“In those days you figured that we were the first coffee house to ever roast coffee in the whole state of Arizona,” Macy said.

In a world dominated by large-chain coffee houses like Starbucks and Dutch Bros.

Coffee, one might think that the small and local coffeehouse would buckle under the pressure. However that was not the case for Macys.

Besides making coffee out of what some call the best coffee beans that money can buy, the shop’s atmosphere is what keeps people coming back for more.

Unlike the commercial coffee outlets where it is chaotic and packed, the vibe Macy’s gives off is one of a kind. This is mostly inspired by the Bahai faith.

“The Bahai faith believes in a god or a higher being that we can’t comprehend, and we believe that the spirit comes from all the different teachers, so we believe in all different religions,” Macy said.

A big thing Macy wants to do for the coffee shop is to create a space that would be an example of a world where anyone and everyone is welcomed with open arms and all are equal in unity.

The use of the Bahai faith can be felt throughout the coffeehouse from the workers to the regulars.

Alexandra Lueck, a regular at Macy’s and a barista at Dutch Bros. Coffee, can feel the wholesome setting whenever she steps into Macy’s.

“It is a local coffee joint that helps you become one with the community,” Lueck said.

“It’s a lost treasure to find. It’s a very wholesome place where you are free in thought, clear energy, can decompress and has a good amount of conversations with [a] certain amount of silence.”

While some jobs have people wishing they were not there, the workers at Macy’s think the exact opposite.

Assistant Manager Ashley Doyle has worked at Macy’s since 2007 and said she loves every minute of her job.

“It is pretty cool that we can all get together and we all love our job,” Doyle said.

She explained the main reason she enjoys her job is the local clients. Whether they are regulars at the coffeehouse or past workers that still come back, it makes her day much better.

When it comes to the future of the coffee shop, Macy wants to keep it local. Even though his ex-wife owns another Macy’s in Jerome, Arizona, there is no sign of expansion for the one in Flagstaff.

“I never wanted to wholesale anything.

I wanted people to come to Macy’s to get this coffee. When you split a place up in two, three, four, five storages, you split up the spirit,” Macy said.

Along with being a landmark for tourists to go to, Macy’s is actively involved in the community. According to their website, they are home to children’s poetry readings and a place for local bands to get exposure.

With a coffee shop that is powered on a faith that calls for unity and compassion for anyone, without regard to what other people’s backgrounds are, the welcoming feeling can be felt in the coffeehouse.

“It is a local coffee joint That helps you become one with the community” - Alexandra Lueck

Top: The Single Special at Macy’s Coffeehouse is one of their most popular drinks, specific to their shop and consisting of hot cocoa and espresso.

Bottom: Hallie Lembke (left) and Tess Siemens (right) grew up in Flagstaff together and Macy’s Coffeehouse is one of their favorite local places to visit. MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack

NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 15

CULTURE

A time capsule into the Paleozoic era Pruthvi Khilosia

W

ith the help of paleontology students, NAU has never been as close to a reallife “Jurassic Park” as it is now.

Flagstaff is roaring with fossils and volcanoes, most yet to be discovered, and like any start to a journey, there has to be a calling.

For geologist and paleontologist Anne Miller, a love for digging and exploring is always a starting point.

Miller is a graduate student who came from Oklahoma State in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in geology.

“I had these memories of me during recess in elementary school digging up roots of this tree pretending they were dinosaur bones, and I would bring brushes for my friends,” Miller said. “I remember everyone coming to me asking questions, so when I was trying to determine what I wanted to do with my life, these flashbacks of when I was a kid came back to me. I realized they all had something to do with paleontology.”

Miller said she adores the outdoors and is fascinated by formations on earth, so she took on geology.

Starting at Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, Miller began paleontology work, but more specifically, traced fossils and studied preserved footprints.

“When I’m in a location, I often imagine what the landscape and animals were like in that past. I feel like I’m there in the past,” Miller said.

“I gained the skills to be a paleontologist, like having an eye for fossils and being able to know where to look for them. But during school, I gained so many other skills, like how to measure stratigraphic sections.”

Miller’s work helped her create ties with the National Park Service, which is how she ended up being funded for researh. The opportunities came from a combination of NAU and the National Park Service, specifically the Grand Canyon.

“I worked with a paleontologist digging up a tyrannosaur ancestor and I found a foot.

They were metatarsal bones and it was cool to find for the first time,” Miller said. “I’ve heard just recently they ended up finding almost 70 percent of the skeleton, and it’s cool to see that I had a small part in that from afar.”

Metatarsal bones are the five long bones located between the tarsal bones in the back foot and the phalanges or toes.

The NAU Geology department has a number of artifacts on display in the Geology building, Nov. 1.

Bess Valdez | The Lumberjack

NAU does frequent field trips within the geology department because of the availability in the area.

“Flagstaff, in general, is a whole volcanic system as well as having the Grand Canyon [nearby], which exposes a lot of the Paleozoic [era],” Miller said. “There are a lot of opportunities around here that NAU takes advantage off.”

The media is the key to inspiring people to choose a career path as well as exposing audiences to the world itself. Movies such as

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“Jurassic Park” can get people interested in the topic of paleontology but can be far from what is expected in real life.

“When you think about it, dinosaurs are a tiny fraction of the fossils that are out there, and what I’m studying is from about 500 million years ago,” Miller said. “I study creatures such as trilobites and sea scorpions that most people in the public don’t know anything about.”

Junior environmental science major Adeline Gruber took a geology course at NAU because of her interest in the subject. The class,

GLG 225, is invertebrate paleontology and Gruber enjoys the subject of fossilization.

“I find it fascinating how some species have been around for millions of years,” Gruber said. “This course is helping me understand the environment millions of years ago and that helps me learn about the environment today.”

Having hands-on experience and field work along the way is key as it helps students understand paleontology in a more realistic perspective. Along with being able to have fun with studies, students feel they have a moral duty to look out for the environment.

“We went on one field trip to dig up fossils not far from Flagstaff at Kohls’ Ranch in Payson.

We examined what we collected in the lab,” Gruber said. “It is a good idea to keep Arizona and the Southwest preserved for education because we are so lucky to live in this area.”

Junior geology major Nicholas Chohan switched his major to geology last year because he always loved rocks as a child and thought it would be interesting as a major.

Chohan’s involvement in his major included self-exploration of what fits the individual because of the variety geology offers.

“There are all kinds of different geology classes I never expected, like sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology, so I’m really excited for those courses,” Chohan said. “In paleontology lectures, we talk about species, look at their anatomy, how they lived, their ecology and the timeline of life.”

Chohan will be taking the role as a field assistant at Lake Mead to do some mapping. He is also looking to get an internship this summer to delve more in the direction of hydrology.

“It’s definitely unique in the geologic field, but it’s important to know how to look at animals and seeing what types of rock units there are,” Chohan said. “It’s really interesting.”

Geologists are not the only people that can aspire to be paleontologists. Many people take paleontology on as a hobby and can start as a volunteer. At NAU, programs such as American Institute of Professional Geologists and the Geology Club give people an insight into the world of environmental sciences. Many students can also find opportunities to start their careers in the field through these programs.

“If you’re interested in paleontology, don’t give up,” Miller said. “If you’re good at networking and can meet people and talk to other paleontologists, you can seek your way in.

Seek out opportunities and don’t give up.”

CULTURE

Left: Blacksmith Joshua Meyer polishes off the sharp edges from the metal wall hook he created, Oct. 30. For the past year and a half, Meyer has worked out of his garage, but will soon be moving his blacksmithing business into a shop downtown. Right: Joshua Meyer displays some of his recent work, including knives and wall hooks, in his garage workshop, Oct. 30.

MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack

Playing with fire: local blacksmith Joshua Meyer Harrison Schonbrun

S

parks jet through the air when the hammer slams into the anvil. Steel bends to form a new shape. Out of the lump of hot metal, a hook is slowly formed. Flagstaff artist and blacksmith Joshua Meyer has been teaching classes for about a year.

“I’ve always been a pyromaniac so I love playing with fire or anything hot and dangerous that you bend and flatten like Play-Doh,” Joshua said.

Joshua credits his discovery for love of blacksmithing to his brother, Nic Meyer. Nic was stationed at Fort Carson when he learned the art from a local blacksmith. Nic enlisted his brother to help out with the forge, and Joshua fell in love with the art right away.

Joshua’s workshop is filled with gadgets and creations, whether they be a lunar-inspired knife with the shape of the moon carved into the blade or the Papua New Guinea mask that hangs from his wall. Joshua said the mask is a reminder of his childhood because he was born in the jungles of Papua New Guinea.

Nic gave his brother his first forge. Having a need to move due to his military travels, he left Joshua with a forge and some hammers.

“We grew up as missionary kids. Our parents went over in 1976 when I was two or three, and Josh was born in New Guinea,” Nic said. “We grew up there and spent all our time running around the jungle barefoot, living the kind of life people dream about.”

Once Joshua moved to Flagstaff, he decided that he could not live without his work anymore. He spent all of his spare time getting into arts, and after a few curious neighbors asked about blacksmithing, he decided to open classes.

These classes are hands-on where Joshua shows his students the basic process to forging.

One of his students is local Flagstaff teacher Neal Barnett.

“He was great. We had no prior knowledge, but he walked us through the whole thing making it fun and original,” Barnett said. “He allowed us to add our own unique styles and touches and it was really cool.”

Being a blacksmith is an intricate art form.

The blacksmith takes a piece of metal and sticks

it in the flame of a farrier forge until it glows red hot and then carries the glowing steel using tongs to the anvil. Joshua has a wall filled with hammers and tongs for this purpose.

“These are the tools of the trade. Just like artists have paint brushes, blacksmiths have tools for different uses,” Joshua said. “They are designed to do certain things because as a blacksmith you can’t touch anything with your hands.”

The glowing metal is placed on an anvil and then a hammer smashes it until it reaches the desired shape. The glowing metal is then doused in water to cool off.

The blacksmith then reheats the metal.

It is at this stage where patterns can be carved into the piece. Joshua puts the hot metal into a machine that looks similar to a pencil sharpener to hold it in place. He then takes a pair of pliers and twists corkscrews into the hot metal — this allows him to get in his creative touch.

“He takes the art a step further because he incorporates the artistic vision, so it’s super fun to see his work,” Nic said.

Joshua is more than just a blacksmith. He

has a variety of sculpture projects and paintings as well. On the back of his studio is a series of rock sculptures that he calls The Flagstonians, which are made of local Flagstaff rocks. Joshua has been commissioned by the city to make a full-sized version to display.

Joshua said his work has begun to be seen in Flagstaff. He has made a series for Babbitt Brothers and lunar-inspired knives for the Lowell Observatory. His paintings can be found resting throughout his shop where many of his custom made items are sold.

When the metal is cooled down, Joshua places his twisted rod onto a machine called a bench grinder. Yellow sparks flash through the air as the machine smoothes the ridges.

He then transfers it onto the other side of the machine where he waxes it with beeswax so the metal doesn’t rust. The beeswax burns almost immediately upon contact creating an almost honey-like smell. The finished fishhooks stand clean and polished. He wipes them off and places them on a shelf as another finished project.

NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 17

CULTURE

ART FORM

Theater major Ashley Fredricksen stands in the plaza outside the Student Union as Brian Muise (bottom right photo, left) and Savannah O’Reilly (right) paint on her clothing Oct. 18. She did this as part of a performance piece for the School of Art. People passing by were invited to paint on her body. Fredricksen aimed to create a political piece about sexual assault. “The idea was that I had no control of my body, putting myself in a vulnerable place,” Fredricksen said. Caleb Autry | The Lumberjack

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Photo credit: Andrew Holt Frasier

Higher education institutions are not immune to the impact of cyber-harassment or hate speech, which undermine the sense of belonging, safety, and educational experience of students.

Join NAU’s Society of Student Sociologists for a presentation by Dr. Abby Ferber, of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, on cyber-harassment and hate speech on campus.

Ferber is a widely published scholar on issues of racism, privilege, the far right, hate crimes, hate speech, and teaching about hate.

In her presentation, Ferber will also present directives and recourse for students who have experienced harassment on campus.

Friday, Nov. 16, 2018 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

SBS West 200

Dr. Abby Ferber Director of the Matrix Center for the Advancement of Social Equity & Inclusion at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Sponsored by the Society of Student Sociologists with the support of Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD) and the NAU Department of Sociology.

Generously funded by NAU Student Activities Council.

NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 19

SPORTS

Souring on Souers?

I

f pressure makes diamonds, apathy makes NAU football.

That’s probably a very nice feeling for NAU head football coach Jerome Souers.

In 20 years as head coach, Souers has led NAU football to just one Big Sky title. Last year, in a home playoff game with a healthy Case Cookus, the Souers-led Lumberjacks lost by 31 points to a San Diego team that can’t even offer their players athletic scholarships.

Yet, in this little mountain town, Souers has been left to his own mediocre devices.

No media criticism, a lack of an invested fan base and a seemingly low self-esteem for NAU MATTHEW Athletics has enabled the middling coach.

JARECKI After NAU’s recent hiring of Mike Marlow, HOST OF “THE Souers could be due for an intervention.

JERK” ON KJACK Marlow was hired as vice president for intercollegiate athletics last year following the swift departure of Lisa Campos. Forget the convoluted title, he’s the athletic director, and his successful track record doesn’t match the mediocre standing of NAU’s most important program: football.

Marlow was part of the hiring team for Oregon when Chip Kelly was brought on, and he had a heavy hand in hiring Washington State’s Mike Leach. Both football coaches enjoyed incredible success thereafter. Seemingly, Marlow knows what to look for in a successful football coach.

This year’s excuse for a losing record is that NAU’s top-two quarterbacks Case Cookus and Daniel Bridge-Gadd are now probably out for the season. A simple case of bad luck, right?

Not really.

As the saying goes, you’re either coaching it, or allowing it to happen. NAU’s coaching staff allowed Bridge-Gadd to be exposed to continuous hits, leading to a season-ending ACL injury during a 42-14 road loss versus then-winless Northern Colorado.

But when I’ve talked to fans around Flagstaff, they seem to picture coaching as a game of Russian Roulette — a profession predicated on chance. As if Souers couldn’t simply pull BridgeGadd to the side during practice and say, “Our season rests on your health. No more running up the middle.”

How has Souers lasted this long? When I’ve talked to those close to NAU Athletics, I hear talk of how in reality, NAU could never really do better than Souers, based on salary limitations and his deep recruiting connections. Everybody has an excuse.

Great programs don’t excuse obstacles, they overcome them.

When Chip Kelly was hired by Oregon, he didn’t make excuses about the state producing just 0.6 percent of the nation’s blue chip football recruits. Instead, he recruited the fastest non-blue chip players in the region and built a system around speed. It resulted in three Pac-12 championships and the most successful run in Oregon’s history.

With enough research, digging and a willingness to put aside excuses, NAU can find its own Chip Kelly.

Maybe the first step was finding Mike Marlow.

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Photo courtesy of Jamie Hines

Growing through the pain Kade Gilliss

T

he team sat discreetly in the locker room. Anxiety greeted itself to every one of the players while their eyes fixated on the television. Their future’s broadcasting in front of them with ESPN’s 2012 Football Championship Subdivision playoff bracket. A cloud of trepidation makes its way throughout the room with postseason seedings being named one after another.

No. 1 North Dakota No. 2 Eastern Washington No. 3 Montana State No. 4 Old Dominion It was the morning after Northern Arizona football’s devastating home loss to Cal Poly to end their regular season. The game’s outcome stung like fresh wounds whose incisions grew deeper with each school’s name called on the 20-team bracket.

The field just outside of their locker was as crisp as the bruises left throughout their bodies from the game not more than 20 hours prior.

It was still early in the first quarter when Cal Poly took its first and only lead of the game. A pass from quarterback Cary Grossart was haplessly tipped directly into the hands of Mustangs’ linebacker Nick Dzubnar. NAU’s season and share of their first Big Sky Conference title in nearly a decade ran away for a 40-yard touchdown and never looked back.

“Football is life. There’s highs, there’s lows,” said Grossart taking one more poke at his scarred wound. “That was a game that was tough. You go back and you’re hard on yourself because there’s things you could have done differently.”

Grossart has been a welcomed guest to adversity — especially during his tenure at NAU. His path toward being the new signalcaller for the blue and gold came to fruition after four years with

the program and a 10-month seesaw quarterback battle between now close-friend Chasen Stangel and Chase Cartwright.

Ultimately, the undersized 6-foot Grossart separated himself from the crowded quarterback competition, leading the Lumberjacks to an eight-win season for the first time since 2003 when NAU last won a share at the conference title. All eight of those games came in a row, making it the longest winning streak in a season since 1958 for the program.

“Cary was very steady and consistent,” said NAU head coach Jerome Souers. “The intangibles at that position really stand out in this game and at the end of the day, the other players reacted best to him, so he was the best guy in the lineup.”

The struggles didn’t waver then for Grossart — they rarely did.

The first game of the season came against the highly favorable ASU Sun Devils where NAU’s main goal was to cash the check for the ASU exhibition game and get the hell out.

Grossart tore his PCL early in the first half. His season was doubtful, but, somehow, after just a two-week leave, a limited Grossart sporting a fixated knee brace on his right leg returned and helped get the Lumberjacks back to relevancy, hobbling to his first win as a starter against Montana and six-straight conference wins before his last clash against Cal Poly to finish his career as a Lumberjack.

Since his departure from NAU, Grossart has taken up a different position in football, suiting up and joining the player labor organization for the top sport in the United States, the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).

In his current role as business development manager, Grossart oversees the commercial rights of NFL players through licensing marketing. Partners include EA Sports Madden series, Panini Trading Cards and just about anything that has

SPORTS the potential to bring in revenuegenerating gain for the players.

Grossart’s journey up the ladder of the NFLPA can be linked directly back to his time at NAU and his family tree whose roots have always been deeply tied to football — especially at the professional level.

Despite not being able to participate in an internship during his time as a student athlete, Grossart knew that he still wanted to be involved with the game of football and its players in some manner.

That’s when the opportunity to represent players through the NFLPA opened for him.

Links between the NFLPA and Grossart first began through his father, Kyle Grossart, a quarterback in the NFL for two seasons (1980-1981) with the Oakland Raiders and New York Jets. Kyle never threw a pass in the professional league, but he may have completed the process of his son getting an internship with the NFLPA right out of college.

His single season with the Raiders was accompanied with Hall of Fame left guard Gene Upshaw who served as an immovable anchor for two Super Bowl championships with the Raiders and as an unwavering leader of change for player rights as the NFLPA’s executive director for a quarter of a century before his death in 2008.

Upshaw led multiple player strikes, including one that lasted 57 days that altered the NFL and NFLPA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which included a new severance pay plan, a medical “bill of rights” and a guaranteed expenditure for player costs that drastically raised the percentage of team revenues that went directly to players.

Others that supported Grossart in his efforts to join the NFLPA came in three from NAU, each provided letters of recommendation on Grossart’s behalf. One being former NAU offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello, who is currently serving as quarterback coach for Grossart’s favorite team growing up, the San Francisco 49ers. Director of School of Communication Brant Short sent a letter in as well for the communication major, and the final letter coming

Photo courtesy of Jamie Hines

from none other than the “Voice of the Lumberjacks,” Mitch Strohman, NAU’s primary athletics announcer since 2004.

“My mentors [at NAU] wrote recommendations for me and knowing I didn’t have any internships

during school,” Grossart said. “It speaks to the support system I have, the relationships I have. It’s my family, my network of good people that have helped me get to where I’m at for sure.”

Strohman was more than willing

to assist Grossart in his efforts of joining the NFLPA. As a matter of fact, he revered it.

“When he approached me to write a letter of recommendation for him, I didn’t hesitate for a second to say yes,” Strohman said. “In fact, I

was honored that he would want my words to support his efforts for the internship. The fact that he valued me as much as he did overwhelmed me on a personal level. It was a very emotional moment for me.”

Strohman grew to know Grossart’s welcoming personality and altruistic nature early on in his career as a student athlete. As a man who waited his turn and scaled the heights of the quarterback depth chart that at one point mounted to six players, was something that leaped out for Strohman.

So, when it came to writing a letter, it came seamlessly. Strohman said the words flowed easier than they ever have for someone that was accustomed to writing letters of recommendations for students of NAU. A reoccurring event that often took a dozen drafts to finish before the words would fit properly. This time, they came to Strohman almost instantly and within a day, the letter was sent off.

During a recent interview, it took no more than a few minutes for Strohman to pull up the same letter he sent out late July 2013. Within the letter, he lauded Grossart in his thriving nature in a competitive environment, his ability to become stronger in the face of adversity, but most importantly, his awareness of those around him and the ability to put the welfare of others before his own.

Those words have held firmly over the last five years as Grossart took that first internship and propelled himself into his current position as business development manager.

“I don’t have the words to describe how proud of him I am,” Strohman said, half-chuckling and halfway thrown back in his chair.

“I’m not trying to be flip and I’m not trying to be too comfortable in saying so, but I envy him. I look at that young man and where he’s at in his career and, boy, I would love to be in his shoes right now.”

Working alongside some of the greatest athletes on the planet, who wouldn’t want to be in his position?

Even though Grossart considers himself a professional who can handle himself in the present light of NFL Continued on Page 22

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SPORTS Continued from Page 21

stars, even he couldn’t take himself out of the moment when fellow 6-foot quarterback and idol Drew Brees graced his presence with a hellacious golden aura for an event with the NFLPA. “I studied Drew Brees’ film religiously because he was a 6-foot quarterback and it’s so different between the way he moves in the pocket compared to guys that have that stature,” Grossart said. “I remember Brees and idolizing him and I’ll never forget, as an intern, seeing him walking through the door.”

Despite in the presence of a future Hall of Fame quarterback, Grossart has been focused on his career at the NFLPA and making strides in his department for financial opportunities for the players and the association as a whole.

Strides in health and safety are always at the forefront. The conversation has steered its way for more profit to the players through monetizing sports betting and fantasy football, with an estimate of around 60 million participating in fantasy sports,

according to Fantasy Sports Trade Association.

Fully guaranteed contracts are also a hot topic in the NFL, considering injuries are more prevalent and it’s the only major sport that does not have it structured within contracts.

Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousin is a lone outlier after signing a three-year fully guaranteed $84 million deal last offseason, but Grossart likes what he sees for the future.

“I think we’re going to be able to carve out some great things coming for the players in 2021 [CBA talks],” Grossart said.

He thought back on his final game as a Lumberjack and the despondent-filled locker room the morning after. Sore to the bone, with an unstable knee and an unknowing future in front of him, Grossart overcame his loss and never looked back.

“You realize the wins and losses don’t really matter,” Grossart said. “It’s how you grow through those experiences and I would say that the losses in my life and the tough times have done much more for me than the wins, for sure.”

Blue and gold in action Tennis — Women’s tennis takes on the ITA National Fall Championship in Surprise, Arizona. The women compete Nov. 8 through Nov. 11.

Cross Country — NAU Cross Country makes one last stop before the NCAA National Championship at the NCAA Mountain Regionals in Provo, Utah Nov. 9. This season the men have been undefeated as they hold the No. 1 spot in the Divison I NCAA standings.

Women’s Basketball — Women’s basketball travel to Seattle Nov. 9 to face Seattle University at 6 p.m. This is the second game of the season for the team as the played Fresno State Nov. 6.

Men’s Basketball — Men’s basketball has their first game of the season against Jacksonville University Nov. 10 at noon. Last season when these two teams met NAU upset Jacksonville 83-72.

Volleyball — Women’s volleyball has four more games left before the Big Sky Championship. To kick off the last two weeks of regular-season gameplay, the Lumberjacks take on Northern Colorado Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Rolle Activity Center. Earlier this season when the teams played NAU lost to the Bears 2-3 in five sets of gameplay.

Photo courtesy of Jamie Hines

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Football — With two games left in the season, NAU football takes on Sacramento State Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. in California. The Lumberjacks are currently 3-6 on the season and 2-4 on the conference.

NOV. 8 – NOV. 14, 2018 | THE LUMBERJACK 23

ENROLL NOW FOR WINTER TERM! Get ahead!

Earn 3 credits in 4 weeks.

All winter term classes are entirely online.

nau.edu/winter2018

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