The Lumberjack -- January 19,2017

T H E L U M BE R JAC K

JAN. 19, 2017 - JAN. 25, 2017

T H E DR E AM I N A NEW AGE

PAGES 16 & 17

From the Editor

Online at JackCentral.org

W

elcome back, Lumberjacks! It’s a new year, new semester, and I think we’re all looking forward to some big changes in 2017.

Whether it’s graduation, the solar eclipse in August or new episodes of your favorite TV show, 2017 will bring excitement for everyone.

Perhaps one of the most notable changes already coming our way is the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Friday. It was a contentious election that could very well change the tone of politics in our nation forever.

Though some of you are undoubtedly eager to see Trump take office, others are likely more fearful for the uncertainty the change in power will bring. For those of you in the latter group, I’d like to offer some friendly advice: To say you hope our president fails, is to say you hope our country fails.

I’m not saying you have to like Trump, his values, his ideas, his policies, his cabinet nominees — I would never say that. But he currently holds the most powerful position in the nation, and that position is something to be respected considering his actions will ultimately impact every one of us in our cozy Flagstaff community.

And while you may feel helpess in the face of the national political agenda, there’s plenty of political action in our local community that perhaps deserves our attention as much as Trump does. Proposition 414 to raise the minimum HANNAH NOELLE COOK wage in Flagstaff to $15 over the next five years, for example, is still being heavily COPY CHIEF debated and could even see a revote in May. There is a housing struggle that needs to be addressed, environmental concerns to be fought for and state-level restirctions in classrooms that must be resisted. While we might not be able to impact what will happen in a national setting, we certainly can make a difference in our local community, and they need our help the most right now.

So, fellow Lumberjacks, I want you all to get out there — get involved in the community, strike up a conversation with someone who’s political views are different from yours (who knows what you could learn) and make a difference.

Most importantly, I hope you all have a great and successful semester.

Thank you for reading.

“It’s only one day. Everyone gathers for, say, five hours or so and then at the end of the day, that’s it. I feel like it should be more, but we can only do so much.”

— Aeryana Earl, senior business management major, NAU Track and Field Tiffany Onyenagubo leads the Martin Luther King Jr. Day March, Jan. 16.

Michael Patacsil| The Lumberjack

LJ

Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313

T H E LU MBE R JAC K

Editor-in-Chief Scott Buffon Faculty Advisor Mary Tolan

lumberjack@nau.edu P.O. Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

VOL 104 ISSUE 1

Managing Editor Rachel Dexter Faculty Advisor, Visuals Jennifer Swanson

Director of Visuals Jacqueline Castillo Sales Manager Marsha Simon

Student Media Center Editorial Board Director of Illustration Alanna Secrest

Asst. News Editor Conor Sweetman Sports Editor Peter Kersting

Asst. Features Editor Makenna Lepowsky Culture Editor Kari Scott

Copy Chief Hannah Noelle Cook

Asst. Sports Editor Lance Hartzler

Asst. Culture Editor Darrion Edwards

Director of Multimedia Gabriel Granillo

News Editor Sunday Miller

Features Editor Ariel Cianfarano

Opinion-Editorial Editor Emma Helfrich

Print Chief Matthew Strissel

Director of Photography Halie Chavez

Asst. Opinion-Editorial Editor Elizabeth Wendler Director of Social Media Allysia Lara

2 T HE LUMBER JACK | JACKCEN T R AL .ORG

On the cover Students walk from the University Union to South Campus in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jan. 16. 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 Scott Buffon at swb53@nau.edu.

PoliceBeat Jan. 9 At 4:33 a.m., the security system in the Communication building reported a possible intrusion. NAUPD responded and checked the building. No criminal activity was found.

At 6:42 a.m., a staff member in the Babbitt Administration building requested a standby. An NAUPD officer responded, but no criminal activity was witnessed. Everything was fine.

Jan. 10 At 6:57 a.m., a Mountain Line bus driver reported a sign blocking the roadway at San Francisco Street and University Drive. An NAUPD officer responded, and the sign was relocated.

At 1:12 p.m., staff reported a student in Lot 16A cutting a boot off of a vehicle.

NAUPD responded. The student was cited for criminal damage and released.

At 7:41 p.m., a resident in South Village Apartments reported loud music. An NAUPD officer responded, but there was no answer at the residence upon arrival.

Jan. 11 At 7:47 a.m., an NAUPD officer responded to a stop sign violation and failure to obey a traffic control device on Beaver and McCreary Streets. The subject was given a written warning.

At 8:34 a.m., there were multiple calls coming from an elevator at Reilly Hall. An NAUPD officer responded, but no trouble was found upon arrival.

At 9:31 a.m., NAUPD responded to a subject trespassing at the Ponderosa building. The subject was booked into Coconino

COMPILED BY CHANDLER COINER

County Detention Facility. officer responded to a subject The investigation is ongoing. having red and blue lights on the front of his/her vehicle Jan. 12 on San Francisco Street and At 1:41 a.m., NAUPD University Drive. The subject responded to an intoxicated received a written warning. driver observed at Franklin Avenue and San Francisco Jan. 14 Street. The student was cited At 12:44 a.m., NAUPD for DUI charges and released. officers responded to an officer’s traffic stop at Lot 66.

At 7:40 a.m., a The driver was arrested and Mountain Line bus driver booked for resisting arrest, reported a sign obstructing aggravated assault on an traffic at San Francisco Street officer and DUI charges. The and University Drive. An lab results are pending.

NAUPD officer responded, and the sign was removed.

At 7:56 a.m., two calls were made from a San At 3:03 p.m., a call Francisco Parking Garage was made from an elevator elevator. An NAUPD officer in the J. Lawrence Walkup responded, and the area was Skydome, but nothing was secured. Everything was fine. heard. An NAUPD officer responded and no trouble was At 11:36 p.m., an found upon arrival.

NAUPD officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation At 4:29 p.m., Bank of in Lot 66. The driver was America Security reported found to be in possession of an alarm at the NAU narcotics. The investigation is Bookstore.

An NAUPD ongoing. officer responded. The area was checked, and no criminal Jan. 15 activity was witnessed.

At 2:15 a.m., a subject waved down an NAUPD Jan. 13 officer off campus. The At 7:24 a.m., a vehicle subject was arrested and was parked in the middle of booked into the Coconino the roadway at San Francisco County Detention Facility for Street and Franklin Avenue. an outstanding warrant.

An NAUPD officer responded and the driver was instructed At 2:32 p.m., a student on where to properly park. in Reilly Hall requested assistance breaking a lock on At 7:51 a.m., a driver their desk. An NAUPD officer was speeding at Lone Tree responded, and assistance was Road and Pine Knoll Drive. provided.

An NAUPD officer responded and the subject was cited At 7:23 p.m., staff in for excessive speed and Sechrist Hall reported a failure to provide financial marijuana odor. NAUPD responsibility. responded, but no odor was present upon arrival.

At 11:33 a.m., there was a 911 call from the Performing At 10:44 p.m., a student and Fine Arts building with reported finding marijuana no response. An NAUPD outside Sechrist Hall. An officer responded, and the NAUPD officer responded area was secured. to the call and seized the marijuana. It was taken for At 6:20 p.m., an NAUPD destruction.

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NEWS

Obama’s farewell and Trump’s entrance: A political update CONOR SWEETMAN AND THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The day nears when President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. When Jan. 20 arrives, many U.S. citizens might wonder how this stunning result will affect the U.S. and its relationship with the rest of the world.

There have been many revelations both with President-elect Trump’s transition to the Oval Office and other politicians after the November election. One issue that has surfaced in recent weeks is the allegation Russian hackers meddled in the U.S. election and allegedly helped Trump secure his place in the White House.

Jan. 6, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence released a report outlining what it called, “a Russian campaign to influence the election.” The report concludes with “high confidence” that “Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election.”

In addition to this report with intelligence compiled from the CIA, FBI and NSA, top U.S. intelligence officials in Washington, D.C. learned about an unverified document that alleges ties between Trump and Putin. The report was given to FBI Director James Comey by John McCain, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman.

Jan. 10, Trump denied the allegations on Twitter: “FAKE NEWS - A TOTAL POLITICAL WITCH HUNT!” FBI Director James Comey has come under scrutiny and is currently being investigated by the Senate. The internal investigation is focusing on his handling of Hillary Clinton’s email scandal and his decision to hold a press conference 11 days before Election Day. Jan. 14, Trump announced he will keep President Obama’s sanctions against Russia.

Trump also said the country’s long-standing “One China” policy, in which the U.S. does not recognize Taiwan as a part of China, is now up for debate. However, Trump said he is “willing to work with Russia and China” to improve relations.

The U.S. House of Representatives has laid the groundwork for repealing the Affordable Care Act. Jan. 13, the House voted 227 to 198 to approve a financial outline that would allow for the repeal of the law without serious threat of a filibuster from Democrats in the Senate.

This, however, means Republican leaders like Trump and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan have the challenge of devising their own low-cost and encompassing health care plan.

Trump has made some controversial appointments for cabinet positions like Betsy DeVos. Devos is Trump’s pick for secretary of education. She and her husband are big names in Michigan, where the two are strong advocate for charter schools. She wants to redirect funds from public schools to private schools in order to advance religious education. DeVos is a billionaire who has donated thousands of dollars to Republican campaigns. She also has never overseen a public education institution in her career.

On a different note, President Obama gave his farewell address to a joyful yet tearful Chicago audience Jan. 10. As a special thanks to Vice President Joe Biden, Obama surprised him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction two days later, the highest civilian award. Obama called Biden “my brother” as he delivered the medal. Previous presidents have reserved this award for people like Pope John Paul II and Colin Powell.

Top: President Barack Obama presents Vice President Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., Jan. 12. Susan Walsh | AP Photo Middle: President-elect Donald Trump speaks during his first news conference Jan. 11 in New York City. Seth Wenig | AP Photo Bottom: FBI Director James Comey testifies on Capitol Hill Jan. 10 in Washington, D.C. The Justice Department’s Inspector General Michael Horowitz says he will launch an investigation into the Justice Department and FBI’s actions that occured during the months leading up to the 2016 election.

Cliff Owen | AP Photo

4 T HE LUMBER JACK | JACKCEN T R AL .ORG

NEWS

Minimum change of minimum wage Trump’s inauguration nears

A

ADRIAN SKABELUND

cross Arizona, January brought far more than just a new year; for workers making minimum wage, it also brought a raise, thanks to Proposition 206. However, if you are working for NAU, the university is using a legal loophole to bypass the new law.

The proposition, which took effect Jan. 1, immediately raised the state minimum wage to $10 per hour and will raise Arizona’s minimum wage to $12 an hour by 2020.

In an announcement to faculty and staff in December, and an email to some students in January, NAU stated that the university “is not required to implement either minimum wage adjustment for 2017.”

Fred Solop, a professor in the NAU Department of Politics and International Affairs, said the university is able to do this because of an exemption in the state’s Fair Labor and Standards Act, an exemption that was reinforced by Proposition 202. Also known as the Arizona Minimum Wage Act, Proposition 202 was passed in 2006 and raised the minimum from $5.15 per hour to $6.75.

“The state minimum wage law and the Flagstaff minimum wage law both define the term ‘employers’ in such a way as to explicitly exclude the state of Arizona,” said Kimberly Ott, NAU director of executive communications and media relations.

As state institutions, Arizona’s three largest universities then get to decide for themselves whether to increase wages. Both NAU and ASU decided to opt out of the new law with only the UA raising their minimum wage to $10 by July 2017.

Despite the strong legal footing it has, NAU’s decision feels unfair to some of the students who work minimum wage jobs on campus.

“I really believe the university could afford to pay $10 an hour without it affecting its business,” said sophomore global sustainability major Molly Carney, who works for Facility Services grounds crew. “I get paid $8.05 [an hour], but if I can go somewhere else and get paid $10 an hour, then why wouldn’t I do that?”

Allison Vaillancourt, vice president of business affairs and human resources at UA, said staying competitive in the job market was the primary reason for UA decision to raise the minimum wage.

“Our announcement notes the need to remain competitive with other employers.

We believe increasing compensation gives us a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining a quality workforce,” said Vaillancourt.

The UA announcement also said the

university is uncertain if wages will follow all the steps of the state’s law, including the increase to $12 by 2020.

As some NAU employers have said, however, a number of the jobs open to students already offer wages that are on par or above the new state minimum wage. One such employer is Cathy Propper, a professor in the NAU Department of Biological Sciences, who already pays her undergraduate researchers $10 an hour.

Calvin Legassie, the general manager for both Ardrey and Ashurst Auditoriums, which employ more than 100 students, also pays his employees approximately $10 an hour.

“We have very specialized work that we do, and for most of our employees, we are already paying above the new minimum,” said Legassie.

“They need to be able to run performances and to interface with clients when we’re not there, and so there is a lot of responsibility on their hands. We often have over 100 events per semester between the two spaces, and getting those events to fit around class schedules and [the students’] other jobs and anything else that is going on in their lives can be quite difficult.”

For student workers, Legassie said one of the biggest draws to university employment is finding a job which can work with her class schedule.

“I almost feel manipulated,” Carney said.

“Having a job on campus means having a schedule that works around school and being off on breaks, and that’s what I need as a student.

But the fact that I’m getting paid two dollars less than everyone else ... I was just really disappointed that a state institution wouldn’t be following the proposition that raised the state’s minimum wage.”

Carney said the other students she works with probably won’t be getting new jobs due to the flexible scheduling the university can provide. As a result, she believes NAU likely feels almost no pressure to follow the new law.

For Legassie, the critical issue is maintaining a stable and skilled workforce on campus.

“There are other places in Flagstaff where [my employees] could be using their skill set, and in order for us to stay open, we need to have a pretty sizable crew,” Legassie said. “The only concern for us, in particular, was that we want to keep the workforce that we have because without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

Currently, the university has initiated a “comprehensive analysis of the budget” for the 2018 fiscal year and, according to Ott, the findings of this analysis will be factored into any future changes to NAU’s minimum wage.

6 T HE LUMBER JACK | JACKCEN T R AL .ORG

SCOTT SANDON AND THE ASSOCIATED

T

PRESS

he presidential campaign of Donald Trump and the subsequent victory of the campaign has been in the news consistently since June 16, 2015, when Trump announced he would run. Jan. 20, Trump is scheduled to be sworn in as president as part of the inauguration ceremony that is slated to include musical performances, prayers and a parade.

Jan. 19, Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence are to take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

Trump will then host a welcome celebration at the Lincoln Memorial which includes several musical performances. That night, a gala will be hosted by a super PAC that supported Trump’s presidential bid.

At 7:30 a.m. MST-Arizona, the inauguration ceremony is scheduled to start with musical performances, including an appearance from the Radio City Rockettes.

Some members of the Rockettes have quit or refused to perform at the ceremony for political reasons. At 9:30 a.m. MST-Arizona, opening remarks are expected to start with prayers led by multiple religious leaders. Trump and Pence are then to be sworn in as president and vicepresident at noon.

After the inauguration, Trump and Pence are scheduled to drive down Pennsylvania Avenue as part of the inaugural parade. Three official balls and several unofficial balls are planned to take place on Jan. 19 and Jan. 20.

On the same days, protests are planned across the nation in response to Trump’s comments and actions that many feel have been sexist, racist, homophobic, islamophobic and anti-disabled in nature.

“We are standing with the communities most under attack by Trump and his incoming administration and Cabinet, including the Muslim community and immigrants,” said Sarah Sloan, spokeswoman for the Act Now to Stop War and End Racism coalition (ANSWER). “We’re calling out Trump as a racist and a sexist and a bigot and sending the message that people are going to stand up against him and his administration.”

The ANSWER coalition is one of many groups organizing protests in Washington, D.C. on inauguration day. Other groups include the D.C. Counter-Inaugural Welcoming Committee and the Women’s March on Washington.

The Women’s March on Washington is scheduled for Jan. 21. Other simultaneous marches are planned across the country, including one in Flagstaff at 2 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall.

“We are not a protest march,” said Jackie Savage, an organizer with the D.C chapter of the Women’s March. “It is a peaceful march saying, ‘we are here, hear our voice.’”

In Flagstaff, a vigil is scheduled at 10 a.m. Jan. 21, at the corner of Route 66 and North Humphreys Street. A second vigil is also scheduled at 5 p.m. that night.

The Lumberjack will continue to cover the inauguration and with live tweeting on

President-elect Donald Trump talks to Vice President-elect Mike Pence during a news conference in the lobby of Trump Tower in New York City, Jan. 11.

Evan Vucci | AP Photo

EDI TOR IAL & OPINION

House Bill 2120: An attempt to erase history Peggy Packer

F

or as long as I can remember, I’ve learned about the African-American Civil Rights Movement in school. I can clearly recall a 10-year-old me being utterly amazed and inspired by people like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman. It was class discussions like these that made me feel proud to be black because I was able to reflect on all the wonderful things black people had accomplished for themselves in such a time of adversity. However, thanks to Arizona Rep. Bob Thorpe, these important teachings may no longer take place in the classrooms of Arizona public schools.

Thorpe, a native of Flagstaff, has proposed House Bill 2120 (HB2120) which would prevent public schools, including community colleges and universities, from teaching or discussing subjects relating to social justice. The bill states all publicly funded schools must avoid teaching any topic that “promotes social justice toward a race, gender, religion, political affiliation, social class or other class of people.” Why? Thorpe believes these conversations promote discrimination, and taxpayers’ money should not be used to fund this kind of teaching.

Regardless of the law, Thorpe still thinks students should be able to learn the accurate history of any and all ethnic groups if they so desire, so long as these teachings don’t reference social

justice or any movements striving to achieve it. So, basically, this is just an overcomplicated way of saying, “Stop making the whites look bad in your history. Teach the students our version instead.”

Unfortunately, the events Thorpe finds accurate and worthy of being taught in school will never tell the whole story. There is absolutely no way to accurately tell the history of AfricanAmericans without teaching students about the events that led up to the Civil Rights Movement and the bravery of its leaders.

It is a disservice to those who advocated for equality at that time and to those who benefit from that equality now. You cannot teach students the history and progress of Mexican-Americans without leading them in discussions about Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and the rest of the Chicano movement.

History without these moments is not history at all. Schools are not meant to recap the white man’s distorted version of history to thousands of students; they are meant to teach them the truth. Thorpe’s bill is aimed to do the opposite. Eliminating talks about social justice in classrooms is just an opportunity for upper-class racists to whitewash the history of all the diverse cultures of the world, and, quite frankly, I am not here for it.

Perhaps what’s even more interesting about this proposal is that the law will not apply to all subjects. While schools should refrain from teaching about things that promote social

justice in regards to race and religion, they are free to discuss the Holocaust. By the rules outlined in HB2120, the Holocaust and all its tragedy should be completely off-limits to public schools, yet it’s not. An instance where more than 11 million people were killed in Germany simply because of who they were can still be taught, while the trials and tribulations of people who fought for justice here in the United States can not be taught.

This is because teaching about the Holocaust inflicts shame on only Germany. It does not poorly represent our country making it okay to teach. Issues like slavery and the oppression of Native Americans after the discovery of the Americas, however, puts the U.S. citizens to shame. With that being the case, it seems that Thorpe and the other supporters of the bill are not actually trying to protect students from topics that could potentially divide them, but rather to protect the country’s image.

We can talk about social justice just as long as the need for justice and activism isn’t in our country. Despite how Thorpe wants to portray it, this law is not simply because class discussions about the fight for social justice in the U.S. are dividing among peers. It is because there are horrific and shameful parts of U.S. history that the white man would like to erase and simply forget.

The right to kill and the trial of murderer Dylann Roof Elizabeth Wendler

O

n July 17, 2015, 22-year-old Dylann Roof ended the lives of nine African-American citizens attending church at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Those lost deserve to be remembered as well. Their names were: Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Hon. Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., Rev. Sharonda Singleton and Myra Thompson. These nine individuals will never again know life because Roof decided they were undeserving of it.

Some argue he is not a white supremacist, though Roof ’s jailhouse manifesto states otherwise. Some say he is mentally ill and deserves sympathy, mental help or pardon. Others say he deserves death, which is what was decided Jan. 11 by a jury of his peers.

What made Roof ’s act of murder so profoundly abominable is that he, like all murderers, thought he had the right to take the life of another. No matter how he justified his actions, Roof took something away from those women, men and children will never get back. Now, the federal government intends to do the same.

The debate on the morality — nay, necessity — of the death penalty is never ending. It is a highly divided issue with plenty of gray area for folks to slip into and make distinctions about who should live and who should die. This is not, nor should it ever, be a choice for anyone to make.

We all must die.

This is a known fact, and it is beyond our control. We can only ever hope to live our lives as we see fit. We seek to be happy

and accomplished in our own ways and find love in ourselves and in others. We live in those moments of happiness, success and love. It is what makes life sacred.

Whether you sympathize with Roof or (I hope) not, he does not deserve the death penalty. Do I believe he deserves happiness, success or love? No, I do not. To be clear, I find Roof detestable not only for his racist, elitist beliefs, but for his crimes.

I am glad the justice system found him guilty and treated his crime with the level of severity that it was dealt. And I will continue to shake my head in disbelief at the fact that Roof, upon apprehension by police, was treated to Burger King by responding officers, all of whom had to know what he had done just hours before.

Disgust does not begin to express my feelings on that particular tidbit.

But I digress. If my argument on the ethics of the death penalty is not enough, then consider this: The death penalty is more expensive than life in prison. Yes, let that one sink in for a bit.

According to deathpenalty.procon.org, it is more cost efficient (not to mention more humane) to put a felon behind bars for life than it is to simply end that life. Still not convinced?

Consider then the true punishment of being put to death versus rotting away in jail.

If Roof is put to death — as he is set to be — he will no longer have to face the consequences of his actions. In his own eyes, he will die remembered for his actions. A martyr. He will no longer have to think about the testimonies of the families he tore apart and will not endure the pain of watching his infamy waste away before his eyes.

8 T HE LUMBER JACK | JACKCEN T R AL .ORG

That is a greater punishment than death. Death is permanent, indiscriminate and beyond our control. It is a release, a journey and, to some, an escape.

Death, in this case, would be too good for Dylann Roof.

Illustration by Alanna Secrest

EDI TOR IAL & OPINION

Resolutions shouldn’t be restricted to the new year Kaitlyn Munsil

D

uring winter break, each and every one of you experienced that moment when last year came to an end and the new one began. After the clock hit midnight and the hype dulled, what most likely crossed the majority of the world’s mind was, “Will I have a New Year’s resolution? If so, what will it be, and how will I accomplish it?”

New Year’s resolutions are things of the past, present and future. According to history.com writer Sarah Pruitt, Babylonians are believed to be the first people to have had some type of resolution. Every year, they would make promises to their gods in order to receive favors from them. For thousands of years, people have sought to better themselves through these resolutions (or promises) in hopes of a better future. This is a tradition which has continued since and will no doubt live on for generations.

New Year’s resolutions have always held a sort of mystic attraction for most, if not all, people. Setting these for yourself allows for a sort of aspiration to better oneself. But honestly, what makes these so different than setting goals for yourswelf at any point during the year?

One of the most important things when setting a resolution

or goal is having support from those around you. Without this support, it is found that most people do not ever fulfill their resolutions.

When people establish New Year’s resolutions whether sobriety, veganism or weight loss, friends and family are quick to be there for them. Occasionally, friends and family will join in on these resolution plans to change themselves.

However, when people set goals for themselves at random points in the year, friends and family often begin to have doubt.

Memes can be found on the internet which ridicule those who set such high goals for themselves. These pictures and words discourage those who set goals and they succumb to the pressure, ultimately giving up.

Why is there such a change in perspective of those around us about New Year’s resolutions versus random goals we set for ourselves throughout the year? People should be supportive of those who set goals, regardless of whether or not the goal was a New Year’s resolution. When people start to work toward a goal and lack support, they feel insecure. It is no wonder why their immediate thought would be to give up.

I believe New Year’s resolutions are overemphasized. I am not saying that people cannot or should not have them, but the way

people react to them is exaggerated. Are New Year’s resolutions the only way to make better lifestyle choices? Of course not. The enthusiasm should be present in any situation where a person sets a goal.

One of the more famous quotes I can remember from growing up is, ‘New year; new you.’ These types of slogans are chanted all the time around New Year’s, but no other time during the year do you hear things about improving yourself. These resolutions do not magically make you a new person. Yes, you may change those old habits or change the way you look, but you are still the same person. It is a new year, not a restart on you entirely.

Consequently, if people continue to be unsupportive toward those who set goals at sporadic points in the year, more people will give up on their goals. Resolutions can be set at any time, and people who set them should be given the support that they need.

If you have a friend who wants to lose some weight before summer or decides anytime to quit smoking be there for them.

That is the most important thing to do and it is possible without the goal being a New Year’s resolution.

Let them have sick days, a look at strict absense policies Elizabeth Wendler

I

f only we could just take a day off. Oh, what’s that? You can’t take a day off? That wouldn’t be because missing a single day of school can hurt your grade and, therefore, your education, could it?

Most students would agree going to school sick isn’t fun. Not only are you utterly miserable, forced to sit for long periods of time trying to hold back the world’s loudest coughing fit, but you are also supposed to ignore the fact that your immune system is fighting off a barrage of bacteria. It’s expected of students to always be ready to learn, to be interactive and to be attentive. I can’t even concentrate on a gif when I’m sick, much less a lecture That, of course, isn’t the worst of it.

No, the worst is showing up to school looking like the Crypt Keeper while your crush is sitting there all cute and precious and vulnerable. So vulnerable to all of the germs floating around school because if you miss too many days of class, you risk being dropped or suspended. Does the torment ever end.

To be just a little less dramatic, sending kids, teens and adults to class while sick can have disastrous consequences. Campuses are breeding grounds for icky germs caused by people who don’t wash their hands after using the restrooms and by airborne viruses floating around crowded halls and germy computer-lab keyboards. Things can get even more complicated for folks with chronic illnesses or medical conditions.

Take, for example, my younger sister Eden. Eden is a hardworking student who hates missing school — dreads it, in fact. It’s easy to fall behind at her local high school, and both

teachers and administration expect quite a bit from their young students. For a girl with Type 1 diabetes, getting sick is not a matter of simply staying clean and steering clear from germs. For her, getting sick cannot always be helped and can be extremely detrimental to her health.

Because she has Type 1 diabetes, Eden’s body does not naturally produce insulin, so she relies on medicine to keep her body healthy. Often times, however, her blood sugar levels can dip, leaving her nauseous, faint and overwhelmingly tired. This means when her blood sugars are either too high or too low, school is out of the question. And yet, she still tries to attend out of fear of reprimand and the consequences of missing school.

Indeed, students with medical conditions and chronic illnesses must either jump through hoops to be exempt from harsh absence policies or they must tough it out, risking their health and safety. This is not what school ought to be. Education is for everyone, and it’s demanded in order to survive in the modern world. Yet, so few accommodations are made for sick students.

Getting sick is terrible. No one wants to fall ill, but illness comes for us all at one time or another.

Is it not time for us to change the way we see attendance in schools? Should we not base grades and success on student effort, perseverance and application of study rather than showing up on time every day? Should we not grant students sick days to get back to some semblance of normalcy before throwing them back into the cold? Should we not spare this op-ed writer from having to try to be cool in front of her crush whilst nursing a runny nose?

Getting sick is not a choice, but being able to miss school to get better should be. Forcing students to attend classes despite

illness only puts the health of students at risk. It spreads germs and fills classrooms with groaning, half-asleep zombies, which really doesn’t do anyone any good.

Be it grade school, high school or higher education, I say let them have sick days.

Illustration by Alanna Secrest

JAN. 19, 2017 - JAN. 25, 2017 | T HE LUMBER JACK 9

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NEW YEAR, SAME GOALS? MAKENNA LEPOWSKY

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his month, people have begun to shed old skin — leaving bad habits behind, along with past selves. A new year encompasses mysticism and opportunity, and invites the desire for transformation leading many people to set objectives high and hopes even higher.

New Year’s resolutions have become an annual tradition that coax people to exchange doubts with devotion and abandon bad attitudes for winning mentalities. Before the new year even begins, people envision fruitful futures, good fortune and health. While success in achieving one’s New Year’s resolutions is conceivable, for some it merely becomes wishful thinking.

For senior geology major Carlos Reyes, there is little that will prevent him from accomplishing his new-found goals.

Reyes will continue to remain self-disciplined this semester as he nears the finish line that is graduation.

“I am on track for graduating in May of this year. I just hope that I have my health, and I hope to retain my sanity for the time being,” said Reyes. “All I need is to keep my act together until I cross that finish. That would be the first step in accomplishing what I need to for this year.”

Grand changes are expected to lie ahead for Reyes as he continues to unveil what his future beholds.

“My main New Year’s resolution is to have a post-grad plan. At the moment, I am looking into a master’s program with the New York Natural History Museum,” Reyes said.

“It’s a master’s in education. It’s a program that would get me certified to become a science teacher. Apparently, they have a shortage of them in New York, and I would be obligated to stay and teach at the high school level for at least three years.”

Through his devotion to his self-worth and academics, Reyes has paved a road for himself he hopes will lead him to a bright future. However, he continues to prepare for whatever life may throw his way.

According to research conducted by John Norcross, University of Scranton psychology professor, self-discipline and determintion lead to success in maintaining New Year’s resolutions.

For two years, Norcross monitored 200 adults practicing New Year’s resolutions. Age, gender or the type of resolution did not predict success. However, Norcross discovered those who were successful with New Year’s resolutions implemented stimulus control strategies, avoiding temptations when controllable or by practicing occasional rewards for successful control or behavior.

Participants who proved to be unsuccessful with New Year’s resolutions had the tendency to use what Norcross refers to in his research as consciousness-raising strategies, which is seeking to change imbedded habits through the constant reminder or possible temptation of the habit they are trying to abandon. Consciousness-raising strategies can

“I honestly believe, in the counterargument, that if you want change, [People] shouldn’t wait until the new year ... There is so much buildup of waiting, and then they’re unable to complete it because they took too much on at once.”

— Morgan Malech, Sophomore social work major be tactics from hanging pictures on the walls of cancerous lungs as incentive to not smoke.

Norcross claims about 60 percent of people do not maintain their New Year’s resolutions after the six-month mark. Whatever the reasons may be that people do not succeed, Norcross said that people who make resolutions are still 10 times more likely to make succesful changes to their behaviors or habits.

Sophomore social work major Morgan Malech uses similar tactics of self discipline and devotion which have been supported through Norcross’s research. However, what could separate Malech from others is her proclaimed lack of procrastination when it comes to change.

“I honestly believe, in the counterargument, that if [people] want change, you shouldn’t wait until the new year,” said Malech. “I think it can be used as an excuse and end up being harmful to some people because there is so much buildup of waiting, and then they’re unable to complete it because they took too much on at once.”

Having not put off change for solely the new year, Malech believes her resolutions are not just wishful thinking but conceivable.

“I perceive the new year to encompass happiness, good health and new opportunities. The new year makes me feel excited, wishful and optimistic. I have a few resolutions.

One of mine is to invest more time and energy into my friendships,” Malech said. “I really enjoy meditating, and do so very often, but I’d like to get into a routine of doing it every single day. I’m studying abroad fall semester, and I really want to be more adventurous and take advantage of more opportunities. I want to focus on learning new things and expanding my mindset.”

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illustration by alanna secrest

Malech also feels confident that disappointment is an unlikely outcome if she manages her goals and tracks her progress.

“I plan to accomplish these [resolutions] by reflecting at the end of every week in my journal. I think it will be really cool to see the progress I’m making, and it will also show if I’m lacking in one area and need to work on it,” Malech said. “I chose these resolutions because I think they will help with my success in the long run and will also enhance my relationship with the world around me. They mean a lot to me because I like to be as understanding and kind as possible, and I think by expanding my mindset, meditating and being engaged with others, I’ll be able to be the best version of myself. Hopefully, those can become habits and can help me in the long run also.”

New Year’s resolutions are as custom and unique as the people who create them. However, while people are beginning to turn new leaves, the desire to reframe realities can be a common desire of many. As the new year continues, the importance of resolutions may fade from the minds of many people. But for others, devotion will remain as strong as it was in the year’s beginning.

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HUMANS OF NAU MIKAYLA SHOUP | PHOTOS BY ANDREW HOLT FRAZIER

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hrough the lens similar to the blog Humans of New York, NAU students and Flagstaff locals reveal inspirational stories and interesting facts about what makes them human. To honor the new year, several students were asked about their thoughts and plans for their New Year’s resoultions. These are their stories.

Dan Gomes Paris, France | Buisness accounting

Carlton Robbins Scottsdale, Ariz. | Public health

“I have in the past, I didn’t this year, actually. Normally it’s diet or, like, better relationships with people or just stuff that will better myself, socially and emotionally and physically. I’m kind of satisfied with where I’m at right now. I’ve been going to the gym, I have good friends and I’m in pretty good health so, I didn’t really feel the need to make one.”

“Kind of. Well, I just try to not make the same mistake as the previous year.”

Sabrina Dixit Nepal | Public health “I made it of getting good grades because I, like, I missed something last year, it was not so good. I don’t usually keep resolutions up until the end of the year, I just break it down.

So, I just don’t like keeping it.”

Nathaniel Sickels Porterville, Calif. | Information systems management “I don’t actually make New Year’s resolutions, I make New Year’s goals. Because the idea of a resolution is to be resolute, and what is one thing that everyone who makes a New Year’s resolution do?

They usually fail it. That’s against the idea of a New Year’s resolution, so I make a goal instead.”

Kortney Zesiger Show Low, Ariz.

Faculty, Physical education “I do not. Because I just feel that they kind of fall beside the wayside.”

Check out Jackcentral.org for full stories

JAN. 19, 2017 - JAN. 25, 2017 | T HE LUMBER JACK 13

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Thirty years of celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day Kari Scott

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igns were held high and chants were shouted loudly. On a chilly, but comfortable afternoon, NAU’s Black Student Union (BSU) led a march from the University Union to the DuBois Center for the 30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The crowd consisted of NAU athletes, students, families and community members.

Many of the signs protesters held had quotes from King written on them or declared the theme of this year’s celebration, “Remember the Dream.” The chants reflected King’s beliefs on equal rights and inclusion. One of the chants was “Black, Latino, Asian, white!

We all stand for human rights!” Another was “One community, one voice!”

NAU Athletics also played a big role in honoring King by participating in community service, volunteering at several Flagstaff organizations such as Goodwill, the Boys and Girls Club and the American Red Cross.

Dressed in specialized NAU T-shirts, the athletes created a sea of navy blue. The march featured multiple student organizations, which emphasized the event’s overall theme of peace and harmony.

Aeryana Earl, NAU senior business management major and Track and Field athlete, has participated in the annual march for the past three years and sees it as a beneficial gathering for people from all backgrounds “I feel like it helps us be more aware, and it helps us learn about each other, be more united and cohesive,” said Earl. “We’re on a diverse campus, and events like this actually bring many people together. It’s not solely for Afro-American students, it’s everyone that joins and is a part of it.”

After the march, a special ceremony was held in the du Bois Center ballroom. Multiple organizations and people were recognized for having positive influence in the community.

The ceremony featured a musical performance by the NAU Gospel Choir, opening remarks by NAU President Rita Cheng and a speech on the history of Martin Luther King Day by Deborah Harris, NAU’s Interim Director of Inclusion and Multicultural Services. This year’s keynote speaker was NAU alumnus Tyrone Thompson.

Thompson served as a resident assistant

Obang Odol and Matthew Kisiel, NAU Track and Field athletes, participate in a march from the University Union to the du Bois Center in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Jan. 16. Michael Patacsil| The Lumberjack

during his time at NAU and was also one of the founding members of the Black Honor Society among several other accomplishments.

Thompson’s speech emphasized his “four nuggets” of advice, which he delivered with elation and joy.

Thompson’s four key points were: 1. Don’t pass up opportunities.

Encouraging young people to take advantage of any beneficial chance that is offered.

2. Mentor.

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Encouraging the audience to not only have a mentor, but to also be a mentor to the next generation 3. What’s your plan?

Prompting the audience to set strong goals for themselves while also writing affirmation for themselves.

4. What is your theme song?

Thompson used the song “We Shall Overcome” from the Civil Rights Movement as an example.

Though the theme of this year’s ceremony

was “Remember the Dream,” Thompson chose to divert from King’s most known speech.

With political tension being an apparent issue in the nation, this year’s march and ceremony could have been a solemn or strained event. Rather, there was a sense of camaraderie and an air of optimism among participants. Thompson briefly mentioned social justice movements such as Black Lives Matter, though that was not the main focus of the event.

Jasmine Jewell, BSU social justice

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committee chair and senior political science major, spoke about how times of unrest can unite people.

“I hope the fact that we’re able to show a giant community like this with people from all walks of life and of all shapes, sizes and colors is inspiring to people who may feel disillusioned or discouraged by recent events in politics,” said Jewell.

Inspiration and positive attitudes made the event a success for the BSU and those who attended.

“Overall, everyone was happy,” said BSU president Janiece Jenkins.

“I’m glad with how it turned out. We got a few good nuggets from the speaker, and I’m just happy.”

Some people may only view Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day off school or when the banks are closed. Events like the march and ceremony, however, prove it is much more than that.

“This is one of the main events that all of the students on campus get together. This is something very important to us as black students, and the community came out and made it just as important for them,” Jenkins said.

As a whole, a diverse group of people gathered to remember a prominent historical figure, share pride in themselves and community and to remember the dream.

Right: Destiny Williams, member of the NAU Track and Field team, holds the words “I have a DREAM...” as she participates in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day March, Jan. 16. Bottom: People gather at the University Union before the march. Michael Patacsil| The Lumberjack

JAN. 19, 2017 - JAN. 25, 2017 | T HE LUMBER JACK 17

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No Basis in Reality: Ethical clothing in a world of fast fashion Halie Chavez

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n a boutique decorated with neon dinosaur planters among the jewelry and clothing, business owners Meredith Butler’s and Michael Murphy’s work at No Basis in Reality varies from designers to janitors to retail managers in keeping store operations running. While the monetary cost of their pieces may be higher than big-name competitors in town, Butler and Murphy argue the real cost of cheap products is much greater than a dollar sign.

“Our focus on most of the products in the store is to bring in ethically made products. So mostly, that refers to the factory conditions of the workers — a lot of U.S. made things. There are things made overseas that are made in factories that have positive environments for the workers, too. That’s our focus,” said Butler.

Butler works at the front of the storefront, while Murphy creates jewelry and other works, such as leather pieces and accessories, in the workshop at the back of the store. The business is inspired by their experiences in Flagstaff.

“The name came from — well, we moved here in January, and it was a life-changing decision to come here. We left a lot of things that we thought we wanted behind in Austin when we moved. The experiences we’ve had here have been so amazing and positive, that they feel like it’s not a reality. It’s such an amazing experience,” Butler said.

Many of the pieces No Basis in Reality sells are made by local artists.

“A lot of our products are handmade by friends of ours and other artists. So it’s nice to support other people we know who are trying to do the same thing we are and get their artwork in front of more eyes and in more hands,” said Murphy.

While opening a store with a higher price range than chain stores in a college town may be a bold move, Butler and Murphy feel there is a push for ethical clothing despite the result in higher prices.

“We’re never going to meet those price-points like a Target or a Forever 21. We try to keep everything in the store under $150. The dominant amount of our products are between $50 and $90,” said Butler.

The increased cost of these products is due to the conditions the clothes are created in.

“These are products that are made with a labor force that is going to be paid more. Something you have to keep in mind as you’re shopping is whether the item you’re buying is made by a child, or [if ] the leather was tanned unethically in India where people’s skin is falling off their bodies,” Butler said.

However, one thing vegan shoppers should keep in mind is ‘ethically made’ does not refer to being free of animal byproducts.

“We definitely care about animals, too. We don’t carry a lot of leather goods, and the ones that we do carry, the leather is ethically sourced — as well as the leather we use for our own products. The wood we use is sustainably harvested,” Butler said.

The shop owners also emphasized how these practices can extend beyond just the boutique No Basis in Reality.

“Our niche, ethically made clothing, we feel is a greater movement within the fashion and design industry as a whole.

That’s important to us no matter what we’re doing, whether it was a clothing store or a furniture store or a dry-cleaners. Whatever it was we were going to do, we were going to do it in an eco-friendly way,” Butler said.

While Butler believes in ethical clothing, she does not express animosity towards those who cannot afford it.

“The price point might not be for everybody at their current stage of life. But as they can take more care in what their

TOP: Michael Murphy and Meredith Butler, owners of the local business No Basis in Reality, moved to Flagstaff in January 2016.

BOTTOM LEFT: Butler creating his next project in the store’s workshop Dec. 1, 2016.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Clothing made from ethically sourced fabrics line the walls of the store.

Halie Chavez| The Lumberjack

18 T HE LUMBER JACK | JACKCEN T R AL .ORG

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Discussing soul food with Lululemon

understand and get full grasp of.”

There is also open, group discussion at SOUL Food. Even sensitive subjects are discussed in a mature and safe environment. xperience a new kind of soul food that is healthy for both It is meant to be a place where people can openly share thoughts body and soul. In addition to offering yoga classes and other and feelings about food and health. programs, the new Flagstaff branch of Lululemon Athletica As diets can sometimes be trends or fads, Chan said is using the new year as an opportunity to provide nutrition and Lululemon intends for these discussions to go beyond just that. health information.

“I want it to be both. I want it to be trendy because that’s A weekly workshop, titled SOUL Food with Abby, will be held what gets people interested. You know people hear about these Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Flagstaff Lululemon showroom things then they want to know about them. Anything that gets at 516 N. Humphreys St. until Feb. 16. anyone stoked about nutrition, I’m all about it,” Chan said.

Workshop leader Abby Chan, registered dietitian and Chan further expressed how being trendy can be a good thing Lululemon Ambassador, first developed an interest in health and for the world of health, diet and nutrition and how SOUL Food can diet by dancing competitively in her youth. This passion continued expand on trends. into adulthood, becoming a choice to leave her hometown of “These buzzy things will come out and then it’s like a whole Healthy snacks are often provided at Lululemon events, such Flagstaff and study diet and nutrition at ASU. The appeal of culture shift happens, it becomes common knowledge,” Chan said. as yoga classes and SOUL Food. Ashley Marie Null| The returning to Flagstaff was the feeling of home and the ease of “So I think that’s the really cool thing and also being able to inform Lumberjack living an active lifestyle. people of like, real things, like, true information, like, researchSOUL Food covers a variety of topics, from microbiota — facts and information just to help people kind of get the pieces,” backed information.” which includes human bacteria, fungi and more — to vegetables to said Ayers.

Word of mouth and Facebook were two vital ways people physical female endurance. The workshop not only emphasizes the Ayers also emphasized the importance diet and nutrition found out about the workshop. Juana Ayers, NAU graduate and physical aspects of nutrition, but also the emotional and mental have on both physical health and mental health. nutritional practitioner, heard about SOUL Food from a friend and effect that food has, and the importance of having a healthy “If you’re healthier, you’re happier, and you’re easier to be decided to attend. As a nutritional practitioner, Ayers is glad to see personal diet. around,” Ayers said. helpful information being provided in a simple and accessible way.

“I think it’s super accessible,” said Chan. “Even for people Having only opened in September 2016, the business is still “I think it’s just great to show people how easy it is to with no nutrition background, with no food background, to totally new and still striving to get the Flagstaff community involved. incorporate this into our diet. It’s great, I thought, to have all these Store manager Emily Denison said Lululemon can be beneficial to the community and become more than just a clothing retailer.

“I think we’re doing it in a very gentle way where it’s community involvement,” said Denison. “It’s free classes. It’s an opportunity to just come into the showroom and not buy something — they can just come and spend time with us. It’s not just solely focused on consumerism, it’s focused on creating a well-rounded, united community. I think that we’re doing a really good job.”

Lululemon also offers a variety of other programs including yoga courses. SOUL Food implements practical techniques as well as discussions. The first installment of the discussion was centered around microbiota and the gastrointestinal tract. Denison, partnered with Chan, demonstrated how to make sauerkraut at home as fermented foods can be beneficial in one’s diet.

Although SOUL Food is happening early in the year, it is not necessarily for New Year’s resolution purposes. The importance of commitment, continuity and individualization was made apparent.

“Nothing about nutrition and lifestyle is a quick fix. It is a habitual thing, a lifestyle,” Chan said.

This should not discourage those with a new-found interest in nutrition from attending SOUL Food as it is meant to be a comfortable environment and be a positive influence.

“I hope that by offering classes, by giving people opportunities to either change their patterns or maybe say something nice about themselves instead of being shameful for what they didn’t do, then that might change their outlook on how they see themselves,” Denison said.

Overall, SOUL Food can be just one way for someone to continue in a nutritional lifestyle or for those just diving into the Free yoga classes, local juice and food tastings, free massages and more are offered at the Flagstaff Lululemon store located on North habit for the first time. It is an inclusive program that is meant to Humphreys Street Sept. 1, 2016. Ashley Marie Null| The Lumberjack be understood by anyone.

E

Kari Scott

JAN. 19, 2017 - JAN. 25, 2017 | T HE LUMBER JACK 19

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Get to know the women’s basketball coaches ABBY BIEKER

With a 5-11, 1-4 record, the Lumberjacks will continue to fight for a spot in the Big Sky Conference tournament in March. With some changes to their normal structure, the women’s basketball team has been actively searching for a way to bring all their talent together. The team continues to improve, putting up a fight against tough teams that, in the past, would have taken the win.

Amy Donovan, assistant coach for the NAU women’s basketball program, came from Seattle to help coach during the 2016 season.

The team has four coaches, including head coach Robyne Bostick, all of whom have worked to improve the skills of the team in opposition to skill sets from last year. Some changes that were made included new defensive mechanisms, along with training the girls to have a different attitude than before.

“I think one of the biggest things was changing the mindset,” said Donovan. “Just kind of getting them into a growth-mindset, and being ready every single day to have us challenge them and push them in order to get better and to keep everyone, players one through 14 engaged, has been something we’ve really worked on and something they’ve really responded well to.

We’ve had a lot of good success with that.”

Donovan works specifically with the post players, said the coaches implemented a new defensive system this year to strengthen some of the losses from last season. Alongside assistant coach Karlie Burris who has worked with NAU for the past four years, Donovan has contributed

“I feel like we could have won more of those games, but I feel like we’re in a pretty good position now.”

- Coach Bostick

Coach Bostick speaks to her team during a time out against New Mexico State Dec. 11, 2016.

Nick Canaday | NAU Athletics

to identifying defensive gaps and operating skill work to get the players ready both offensively and defensively. Donovan said one thing the team is attempting to avoid is being complacent. “[In the first] nine games last year, we were 4-5, and we wound up 6-24, so we obviously know how quickly the momentum can shift one way or another,” Donovan said. “I think every person on our staff and our team would say that, without exaggerating, that we very easily could be 8-0 at this point.”

Donovan has past experiences coaching and mentoring young women in the Seattle area. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania as a two-sport Ivy League athlete and was a part of the Quakes’ basketball team where she was named co-captain in her fourth year of playing.

Donovan said from a mental perspective, the most important aspect to the game is staying motivated and attempting to get better every day.

“The mastery approach of there’s never a finish line,” Donovan said. “Once you master one thing, you should move on to the next step.

I think we’ve had a lot of improvement with that.

I think coming in and valuing the relationships

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that we have [is important].”

Donovan said the mentality Bostick exhibits is incredible. Donovan said Bostick is very relaxed and extremely focused on developing not only her players but her staff as well.

Bostick serves as NAU’s interim head coach this season, after she took over for last year’s head coach, Sue Darling. Based on an administrative decision, Bostick was reserved for the 2016-17 season as interim head coach. She hopes to continue as the head coach next season, something she will be able to apply for once this season is over. Bostick has been a part of the women’s basketball staff for five years and spent the previous four years as an assistant coach who worked primarily with NAU’s post players.

“So far [coaching] has been pretty smooth,” said Bostick. “I think I’ve kind of had the same mindset that we try to tell our players that they just have to be ready. I think anytime you’re an assistant coach, you just have to be ready in case anything happens and you have to move over to that head coach position.”

Bostick said right now her goal is to stay focused on NAU. She trusts the school, believing she is right where she needs to be in the community and alongside the team.

When reflecting upon the season so far, Bostick said losses have come from minor issues that were not executed on the defensive end — something the team has made a primary focus this season.

“I feel like we could have won more of those games, but I feel like we’re in a pretty good position now because those games were close, and we know it comes down to those little things,” Bostick said.

The Jacks are coming off a tough four game stretch with losses against conference rivals North Dakota (80-78) and Northern Colorado (69-66). On their most recent road trip to Sacramento State Saturday and Portland State Monday, the Jacks lost both games, 82-76 and 56-55 respectively. Although the win column may not tell this story, NAU played all four teams tough and each game was decided by single digits. The Jacks continue to show definite signs of growth from last season and are hoping for it all to pay off.

Bostick, along with the rest of the coaching staff and team, remains optimistic and have high expectations for this women’s team.

“I think they’ve been great as far as buying into what we are trying to do this year,” Bostick said. “I think overall, just changing that mentality and the fact that last year is behind us and this year is a new start for us.”

Assistant coaches Karlie Burris, Amy Donovan and graduate assistant Jonny Thelander watch from the sideline.

Nick Canaday | NAU Athletics

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Track and field: Taking the next step LANCE HARTZLER

A common theme within the NAU Track and Field program is to “trust the process.” That process is what makes the program so successful.

With the season started, the program is looking to continue the momentum of the Cross Country National Championship.

“I preach to the team ‘It’s a process.’ It’s all about the process and taking it one meet at a time,” said Kenny McDaniel, associate head coach and sprinting coach. “Don’t look at relays or meets in April, look at next week.”

2016 was a great year for the Jacks. The men won their fifth straight Big Sky Indoor Championship as well as seven individual titles, and the cross-country team won the school’s first national title of any sport. This occured during former director Eric Heins’ last season as coach.

Michael Smith now takes over as director of cross country and track and field, with the whole team rallying behind their new leader.

With winning a title comes motivation for the track and field program.

“It’s awesome that they won it, especially with it being Heins’ last season,” said red-shirt junior Brooke Andersen. “Now with coach Smith coming in, we want to make him and the whole NAU family proud. It has definitely made us more excited for the season to come.”

For the women, the 2016 indoor season did not result in a title, but they came back and secured their second outdoor conference title in the last three years.

NAU lost one of the greatest runners to put on a Jacks uniform in Futsum Zienasellassie, but the team is primed to compete once again, with the experience on the roster.

Some notable NAU athletes to watch out for this year are sophomore distance runner Tyler Day who is coming off an AllAmerican performance at the NCAA Cross Country Nationals, red-shirt junior sprinter James Fisher who is looking to become the first Big Sky athlete to three-peat in the 200 meter, and thrower Andersen who most recently competed in the Rio Olympic trials in summer 2016.

The distance program is incredibly deep, with four runners coming off an NCAA championship in men’s cross country: redshirt junior Matt Baxter, red-shirt junior Cory Glines, red-shirt junior Andy Trouard and Day. Even with the departure of Heins, Day has the utmost confidence in Smith as he returns to his old stomping grounds.

“It’s definitely good. It’s a fresh start with a new coach since coach Heins left,” said Day. “Coach Smith has been working with us very diligently, so I’m excited. I want to see new things I can do this year compared to last year, run any faster times and do the best that I can.”

The women bring back three runners who have contributed to outdoor track as well as Big Sky Cross Country Championships in red-shirt junior Paige Gilchrist, red-shirt junior Kylie Goo and red-shirt senior Melanie Townsend.

Left: Fifth-year senior Shanice McPherson attempts the long jump, Jan. 13. Right: Adam Keenan attempts the hammer throw at NAU’s Friday Night Duels, Jan. 13. Aaron Fortin | The Lumberjack

In the sprinting group, a talented group of relay teams returns. The men and women’s 4x400 teams are set to be a force once again this year.

The men are led by Fisher, while the women are led by sophomore Jasmine Malone.

“I really didn’t have any expectations coming into the season.

However, I did want to improve on what I did last season,” said Fisher.

Fisher added all he needs to do to have a chance at the threepeat in the 200m is “trust the process.” That process he says will allow him to continue his success.

“I’ll tell you what: [Fisher] isn’t coming in with a chip on his shoulder. He is coming in with a boulder on his shoulder,” McDaniel said. “His mindset is really like a tiger that wants to get out of a cage, so he really can’t wait for the season to get going.”

Jumping coach Roderick Townsend, coming off two gold medals of his own at the Rio Paralympics in the long jump and high jump, recruited well this offseason signing six new athletes as well as two transfers in Trevon Bosley and Shanice McPherson.

Bosley, who last season finished sixth in the Junior College National Championships for Glendale Community College, and earned All-American honors joins McPherson, a graduate transfer. McPherson is also a decorated jumper in her own right.

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At her time at DII New Mexico Highlands she was a two-time NCAA champ in long jump and a seven time DII All-American.

“It is about doing things correctly today so that we can do them better when they matter the most,” said Roderick Townsend.

“It’s all about trusting the process.”

The group of throwers for the Jacks may be the deepest in the conference, and the deepest unit for the entire track and field program, with all but one returnee having at least one conference title to their name.

Adam Keenan, the Big Sky record holder in the hammer throw (70.14 m) is looking to cement his legacy at NAU with an even better indoor and outdoor season, while Andersen is ready to compete for the Jacks after her Olympic trials last summer.

“I’m looking to have more self confidence in myself, knowing I can compete with higher level athletes,” Andersen said.

The team looks poised to continue the success of past Lumberjacks. With the Big Sky conference meet on the horizon hopes are set high for track and field.

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