The Lumberjack -- February 20, 2020

DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ PAGE 16

THE LUMBER JACK

FEB. 20, 2020 – FEB. 26, 2020

Online at JackCentral.org

From the Editor

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e’re fast approaching the mid-semester lull, and the weeks of burnout are upon us. We’re looking forward to spring break and summer, signing new leases with minds set on the future.

Recently, I’ve been finding myself in various whirlwinds, so caught up with work, school or the people around me, I am losing the time I usually dedicate to myself. In order to counteract this chaos, I put any remaining energy I have into being more mindful of my actions.

I wake up and ask myself, “How can I be better today than I was yesterday?”

When this question first came to me and I began making an effort to actually answer it and execute a solution, it was in earnest. I wanted to be the best version of Scout I could be, which in itself is an admirable goal, I think.

However, over time, the sentiment of the question turned dark. I started ending my days angry at myself for my actions if they were anything less than perfect. I put pressure on myself to behave in such a way that would please every person I encountered. The sheer idea that someone could dislike me despite my best efforts literally kept me up at night.

SCOUT This is a fairly embarrassing admission. At my core, I don’t want to be a EHRLER people pleaser, but I want to do everything in my power to help those around NEWS EDITOR me feel good. The contorted intentions of this mission left me preoccupied with how people perceived me rather than how I make them feel.

This way of thinking brought on a lot of self-inflicted anxiety, which has followed me since my early teens. Only recently have I looked at this and attempted to reframe my perspective on how people view me and how I treat myself. I’m trying to put my energy toward being kind to myself — such a novel concept, I know.

If I can try to believe I am inherently good, the energy I spend asking myself these personally harmful questions can be directed toward making myself and those around me happy without the looming pressure.

Regardless of where you are or what goal you’re striving for, remember to forgive yourself.

Remember to thank yourself. Although it is seldom easy, if you are reading this, I challenge you to make a mindful effort to treat yourself with kindness. Afterall, all you need is love — what better source than from the one who knows you best?

Thank you for reading.

“We have this virus that we’re not ready for — that we’re not adapted to.”

– David Engelthaler, Ph.D., the co-director and associate professor of the Pathogen and Microbiome Division at TGen North in Flagstaff A scientist at TGen North works with co-workers in one of the nonprofit’s numerous labs, Feb. 5. Trevor Skeen | The Lumberjack

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Editor-in-Chief Bailey Helton Faculty Adviser David Harpster

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

Director of Digital Content Managing Editor Copy Chief Senior Reporter Sabrina Proffitt Sebastian Moore Brady Wheeler Print Chief Sports Adviser Sales Manager Photo Adviser Bella Valenzuela Rory Faust Marsha Simon Taylor Mahoney

Media Innovation Center Editorial Board Op-Ed Editor Online News Editor Director of Social Media Caitlin Burke Ray Anne Galzote Shannon Degrange Asst. Op-Ed Editor Features Editor Ryan Dixon News Editor Ash Lohmann Sports Editor Scout Ehrler Asst. Features Editor David Church Asst. News Editor Jacob Meyer Asst. Sports Editor Karin Johnson Cameron Richardson Culture Editor Director of Circulation Nathan Manni Online News Editor Anel Lamadrid Senior Reporter Asst. Culture Editor Trevor Skeen Asst. Dir. of Circulation Nayomi Garcia Micah Meehan

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Director of Illustration Madison Cohen Asst. Dir. of Illustration Aleah Green Director of Photography Morgan Fisher Asst. Dir. of Photography Bess Valdez Senior Photographer Shannon Swain Director of Multimedia Shawn Patti

On the cover George Wilson reaches out into the crowd as he and his friends perform karaoke at the Hotel Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge, Feb. 14. 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 Bailey Helton at brs289@nau.edu.

PoliceBeat Feb. 10 At 4:34 a.m., Wells Fargo bank security called to report an ATM alarm. NAUPD responded and the area was searched, but no criminal activity was witnessed.

At 9:27 p.m., NAUPD reported being waved down by a motorist that ran out of gasoline at San Francisco Street and McConnell Drive.

Assistance was provided.

At 10:24 p.m., an RA called to report two students arguing at McConnell Hall.

NAUPD responded, and the officers found this to be a civil matter. Both parties were separated.

a student who had hit several other students. NAUPD responded, and the student was arrested and booked into CCDF for trespass, assault and disturbance of the peace.

At 4:02 p.m., a student at lot 62 called to report witnessing a hit-and-run accident. NAUPD responded and information was provided.

The subject who was hit did not want to prosecute.

At 4:41 p.m., a student at the College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences building called to report a student who had passed out. NAUPD, Flagstaff Fire Department (FFD) and Guardian Medical Feb. 11 Transport ambulance (GMT) At 2:26 p.m., a staff responded, and the student member at The Suites called to was transported to FMC. report a dispute between two subjects. NAUPD responded, At 5:31 p.m., a nonand two students were booked student at Pine Ridge Village into Coconino County called to report an intoxicated Detention Facility (CCDF) subject in the area. NAUPD, for domestic violence and FFD and GMT responded, disturbance of the peace. and one non-student was transported to FMC for At 6:46 p.m., an NAU extreme intoxication. shuttle driver at the NAU Bookstore called to report an Feb. 13 intoxicated subject in the area.

At 3:48 p.m., an RA NAUPD responded, but no at Cowden Hall called to contact was made. report the odor of marijuana.

NAUPD responded, the odor At 10:24 p.m., NAUPD was present, but no contact at McConnell Hall reported was made. the odor of marijuana. One student was charged for At 8:57 p.m., a student at possession of narcotics, and the Honors College called to the case is open pending lab report that their mail had been results. opened. NAUPD responded and took a report.

At 10:36 p.m., a student at parking lot 62 called to Feb. 14 report a vehicle driving in At 1:01 a.m., a resident circles and revving its engine. at SkyView apartments NAUPD responded, but no reported a loud party. NAUPD contact was made. responded, but upon officer arrival, no disturbance was Feb. 12 detected.

At 12:09 a.m., an RA at Sechrist Hall called to report

Compiled by Ray Anne Galzote At 4:37 p.m., a staff member at the HLC called to report a subject with a torn pectoral muscle. NAUPD, FFD and GMT responded, but the subject refused transport to FMC. At 7:21 p.m., an RA at Mountain View Hall called to report students inside a room they should not have been inside. NAUPD responded, and one student was given an administrative referral.

Feb. 15 At 12:30 a.m., an RA at Reilly Hall called to report a student had damaged a wall. NAUPD responded, and the student was arrested and booked into CCDF for criminal damage and false reporting.

At 7:00 p.m., a student at lot 13 called to report a dog left inside of a vehicle. NAUPD responded, and found the dog was not in distress.

Feb. 16 At 12:38 a.m., a student at Gabaldon Hall called to report that a person had tried to talk to them through their window. NAUPD responded and identified two subjects in the area.

At 6:38 p.m., an RA at Cowden Hall called to report that a student had a knife in their dorm. NAUPD responded, the student was identified and NAUPD removed the knife from campus.

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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NEWS

Claudia Brough shares a tribute to her son, Colin Brough, with Coconino Superior Court Judge Dan Slayton, Feb. 11. Brady Wheeler | The Lumberjack

Cheng, Delta Chi, victims respond to Jones’ sentencing Brady Wheeler

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ess than five years ago, NAU students woke up on a Friday morning to a frenzy of missed calls and texts from their family.

As the campus approached the early hours before sunrise, Oct. 9, 2015, the sound of gunshots rang through the silent night sky, eliciting fear of a mass shooting.

Minutes later, four students were treated for gunshot wounds outside of the Mountain View student-housing complex, as police exhausted the possibility of multiple gunmen.

Then-freshman Steven Jones identified himself as the sole perpetrator to the police. Senior Colin Brough died at the scene.

Former student Reid Kemp, who graduated spring 2018, still remembers what it was like to be on campus during the day that followed the shooting. Both he and his roommate received concerned messages from their parents. “[Parents] were just worried,” Kemp said. “What scared people the most is that it technically happened on campus.”

Years separate the NAU community from the incident — years that included hearings,

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witness accounts, victim testimonies and a mistrial — but grief and confusion still ripple through the city. Coconino Superior Court Judge Dan Slayton, who sentenced Jones to six years in prison on Tuesday, Feb. 11, said the case “has been troubling for our community, for citizens of the state, even for the nation.”

Following a plea agreement between prosecutors and Jones last month, Jones faced between five and 10 years of prison time prior to the sentencing. Slayton cited Jones’ lack of criminal history, cooperation with police and age as mitigating factors, which led to his decision.

Jones was sentenced to six years on one count of manslaughter and received five years each on three counts of aggravated assault. Jones can serve the sentences concurrently, which amounts to six total years in prison based on his longest sentence.

Colin Brough’s father, Doug Brough,

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said that even after Jones’ guilty plea, he “is still getting the benefit of the doubt” and the process has been “one-sided,” according to the Associated Press.

“It doesn’t bring my son back,” Doug Brough said of the sentencing.

While both sides argued at the sentencing over whether fraternity involvement played a factor in the incident, Doug Brough spoke highly of his son’s fraternity, Delta Chi, and the support his family has received from the brothers. All four victims were members of the fraternity.

Delta Chi President Sean Hamilton prepared a statement for The Lumberjack on behalf of the fraternity.

“We continue to mourn this senseless violence against our brothers,” Hamilton said.

“Our focus now is on continuing to build ties across Greek life and within the larger Flagstaff community.”

“We continue to mourn this senseless violence against our brothers.”

– sean hamilton, delta chi president

Rita Cheng was just beginning her second year as NAU’s president when the student body woke up to the news of the campus shooting.

Classes remained in session that day following the incident, as Cheng assured students they were safe. Cheng did acknowledge that Oct. 9, 2015, was “not going to be a normal day at NAU.” After Jones’ sentencing, Cheng offered her thoughts to the family and friends of the victims.

“This has been a tragedy for all the individuals involved, as well as the NAU and Flagstaff communities,” Cheng said. “While the criminal case may be over, we recognize that the families and friends of everyone involved will grieve for years to come. They will continue to be in my thoughts.”

Gun violence is an anomaly at NAU. The Jones shooting was the first deadly shooting at the university, which was founded in 1899.

Prosecution attorney Lou Diesel, a longtime practitioner of law in northern Arizona, noted the unprecedented nature of the case.

“We don’t have mass shootings in Flagstaff,” Diesel said. “This doesn’t happen here.”

NEWS

ABOR Meeting: Students, alumni demand Cheng’s resignation Trevor Skeen

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AU students and alumni attended the most recent Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) meeting at ASU to demand the termination of President Rita Cheng. Members of the NAU Young Democrats and Jacks 4 NAU were among the Feb. 13 session’s participants, and numerous studentgroup representatives who addressed Cheng’s alleged inability to lead and incompetence.

Junior Sage Taylor said his favorite professor has resigned due to Cheng’s leadership. Although Taylor committed to NAU for the affordability, scholarships and education, he also expressed a willingness to leave the university, should Cheng stay. “[My favorite professor] didn’t have to leave NAU, he chose to. And he explicitly told me it was because of President Cheng’s inability to effectively lead,” Taylor said during the ABOR meeting.

Taylor said over the last year, the W. A. Franke College of Business has struggled with faculty retention and involvement. This conflict has potentially stemmed from numerous debates between the college and administration, including Cheng.

“The professors in the Franke College of Business have terrible things to say about their fight with Rita [Cheng] over funding, class sizes, pay cuts and accreditation,” Taylor said in a text interview.

Separate from coursework, Taylor is employed at the Coconino County Democratic Party as an organizer and intern coordinator. This experience has given Taylor the chance to collaborate throughout Flagstaff — with NAU, local businesses and community members — subsequently adjusting his perception of the university.

Originally, the university represented the cornerstone of the local community, Taylor explained, but now, the interactive dynamic has changed. NAU’s rapid expansion has generated conflict between employees, the university and

NAU President Rita Cheng talks about NAU welcome week at the Arizona Board of Regents meeting, Sept. 19, 2019. Brian Burke | The Lumberjack

other locals, supposedly damaging the relationship between the city and university. Cheng’s tenure has lessened this relationship, Taylor said to the regents.

Since January, questions about Cheng’s authority and leadership have only intensified. A letter regarding student concerns about Cheng’s leadership was recently circulated between students, faculty and alumni via social media.

The #RitaResign Coalition, which originated through this letter from the NAU Young Democrats, demanded Cheng’s immediate resignation following a surprising state audit. According to various reports, including an exclusive article in The Lumberjack, the audit disclosed approximately $40,000 in improperly documented travel expenses.

“The issues that are raised are either old or not factual,” Cheng said to The Lumberjack addressing the letter calling for her resignation.

When the #RitaResign movement started, Taylor was a prominent member of the NAU

Young Democrats. Although the coalition’s efforts continue, Taylor expressed a sense of pride and justice that developed from contributing to the campaign.

“The #RitaResign movement is not over. It won’t be until NAU has a new president, and I’m proud to say that I was an instrumental part in the beginning of this great student coalition,” Taylor said. “Too many people think students don’t have a voice, but when we work together to fix the issues that really matter, our voices can’t be silenced.”

David Slipher, a 2009 NAU graduate and the founder of Jacks 4 NAU, also participated in protests at the ABOR meeting. He said Cheng’s leadership reflects short-term desires, rather than long-term intentions, which likely harms all of Flagstaff. He added that her tenure has revealed a refusal to admit blame, along with an unwillingness to create open and sincere dialogue. Contrastingly, Slipher added that the academic community deserves transparency and honesty, something he said

Cheng withholds.

“What NAU needs and deserves is long-term, generational investments, not a higher ed get-richquick scheme,” Slipher said to ABOR. Despite any concerns about NAU’s growth or Cheng’s decisions, the university has advanced — in economic impact, employment and enrollment — since her hiring in 2014.

According to the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis, the university’s overall enrollment in spring 2014 was 24,407 students.

Six years later, at the start of 2020, enrollment was measured at 27,998 — an increase of 3,591 students and a rise of 14.7% proportionately.

Regardless of the consequences associated with higher enrollment, Cheng has furthered the university’s undergraduate and graduate population in the Flagstaff Mountain campus, statewide locations and online.

For the Flagstaff campus specifically, enrollment has expanded by 3,043 students since spring 2014.

At the start of 2020, the student population was measured at 20,812, as compared to the 17,763 recorded attendees of the Flagstaff Mountain campus back when Cheng was hired.

Similar to NAU’s total enrollment around the state, this figure depicts an increase of 17.1% since the beginning of Cheng’s tenure, according to the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis.

Similarly, NAU’s economic impact has grown throughout Arizona. According to a report prepared by the university and Alliance Bank of Arizona, NAU contributed approximately $1.845 billion to the state economy in 2014.

Just a few years later, during academic year 2017-18, updated figures document NAU’s economic activity at an estimated $2.64 billion. These figures demonstrate an escalation of $775 million over a relative three year period.

Finally, when Cheng was hired, the university facilitated 20,344 jobs around Arizona. According to Continued on Page 6

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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NEWS Continued from Page 5

the same economic contributions study from academic year 2017-18, NAU produced over 24,000 jobs throughout the state, which also represents a considerable increase from a few years prior.

Regardless of NAU’s documented development since the beginning of Cheng’s employment, other attendees of the ABOR gathering also spoke against her. Junior and NAU Young Democrats President Calli Jones addressed the regents.

“During President Cheng’s time at NAU, our school has seen a rapid decline in the student and faculty experience,” Jones said.

While professing this disappointment in the college

experience, Jones also established a comparison between elected and appointed leaders. Jones said Cheng should still be evaluated and scrutinized, even as an appointed figure.

“We ask that every elected official practice good governance, why would we not ask that of every appointed official?” Jones asked during the meeting.

Taylor said university presidents should be held accountable for their behaviors and beliefs. Furthermore, as influential leaders, they must collaborate with the entire academic community in a meaningful and progressive manner. Taylor said university development focuses on more than blind growth.

He explained that in the future,

when NAU searches for prospective presidents, it should follow these fundamental principles.

“NAU deserves a president who will listen to the student body and the faculty, and who leads from a place of service with the intent of supporting the university, not just growing it,” Taylor said.

Regardless of the complaints and questions stemming from ABOR attendees, the regents are not allowed to address any public comments.

Cheng, ASU President Michael Crow and UA President Robert Robbins, along with other appointed representatives, discussed different matters throughout the meeting, including legislation, academic affairs and education attainment.

Additionally, the recent dispute

regarding Cheng’s tenure has reasonable comparisons. During an interview Monday morning, Slipher juxtaposed the #RitaResign Coalition to an incident at the University of California, Davis — with former Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi — that started with a pepper spray occurrence in 2011 and concluded with her resignation in 2016.

According to numerous articles in The Sacramento Bee, Katehi’s public relations controversy intensified because of the original pepper spray encounter, alleged raises for her daughter-in-law, first-class flights, high-end hotel rooms and the “scrubbing” of online search results yielding negative stories. Slipher said these mistakes are similar to the recent debate regarding Cheng’s

international travel expenses.

Janet Napolitano, president of the University of California system, allegedly prepared to demand Katehi’s resignation, also according to The Sacramento Bee. However, the news was leaked, leading to the chancellor being placed on investigative administrative leave before her eventual resignation Aug. 9, 2016.

Slipher said Cheng could face similar consequences for her actions, and during the ABOR meeting, he demanded the president’s termination — effective immediately.

Moving forward, Cheng will host her annual spring campus forum March 3 at the High Country Conference Center, providing a chance for students and faculty to address university administrators.

Babbitt Academic Annex to be replaced

The Babbit Academic Annex, located on north campus, is set to be torn down in the future, Feb. 15.

Sharon Holtaway | The Lumberjack

Nicholas Bratcher

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AU released its Capital Improvement Plan for fiscal years 2020 through 2022, which detailed future plans for buildings across campus. Released September 2018, the 67-page report included many details for improvements to campus structures, while two long-time NAU buildings, Babbitt Academic Annex and Peterson Hall, were slated to be torn down.

According to the report, Babbitt and Peterson are scheduled to be replaced by a Multi-Discipline Academic Research Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) building.

The two departments that currently reside in Babbitt — the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Global Language and Culture — would be relocated to a classroom office building, as indicated in the report.

According to Cline Library’s Special Collections and Archives, Babbitt was built in 1958, and Peterson in 1960. For the

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first few decades they stood, the two buildings served as dorms. In 1990, Babbitt Hall was converted to the Babbitt Academic Annex to house the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Global Language and Culture. Peterson became home to several departments, including graduate assistant offices for the English and history departments.

Patricia Frederick, chair of the Department of Global Languages and Cultures, said there have been positives and negatives with being located in Babbitt.

“Many of us have been here for almost 30 years, so it has become a home to our faculty and students,” Frederick said.

“But as it is a 60-year-old building, it has numerous problems: flooding, plumbing and electrical problems. These are all huge issues for us.”

Daniel Okoli, vice president for Capital Planning and Campus Operations, and Stephen Vedral, the director of Planning, Design and Construction, explained the future of Babbitt. Vedral said the whole process would occur over several years.

“The actual process would not begin until summer 2021 when the buildings would be torn down,” Vedral said.

Before the buildings can be torn down, there will need to be some facility work, which is projected to begin summer 2020 and will conclude by the start of the fall 2020 semester.

The construction of the new STEM facility will be a twoyear project. Okoli said exact details of the new STEM facility are still under development.

“We are concluding the programming and figuring out what spaces we need. On a monthly basis, something new happens,” Okoli said. “We want it to be interdisciplinary, where different researchers come together.”

Okoli indicated the facility will be heavily focused on research. In planning the new facilities, Okoli said they have been trying to consider giving faculty “a sense of belonging” and have considered what impact it should have for the campus as a whole, and north campus science buildings in particular.

Vedral said there are also plans to refresh the Biological Sciences building, which houses the Department of Biological Sciences.

As far as a new home for the Department of Philosophy and Department of Global Languages and Cultures, Okoli said that the department was looking at several sites along Beaver Street.

“It would involve light renovations of South Beaver [Elementary] School, then add a new building where the trailers are currently,” Vedral said. “It will have about 20,000 to 25,000 square feet of faculty offices, meeting spaces and potentially six to eight new classrooms.”

The departments expect to have an architect selected for this building project by early April.

Frederick said the Department of Global Languages and Cultures is optimistic about the proposed new structure adjacent to South Beaver Elementary School. However, Frederick also mentioned the importance of keeping together members of the faculty already housed in the building.

“We are a very unified faculty and could not accept being scattered to different locations,” Frederick said. “Our Global Engagement and Language Learning [GELL] Center now serves thousands of students every semester. We see the new building potentially as a plus for GELL, but we would like to be involved in its design.”

The demolition of Babbitt Academic Annex will mean the end of an era for NAU. While Frederick acknowledges many memories associated with Babbitt, she feels strongly that it is time to move on.

“We’ve seen new buildings go up all around us,” Frederick said. “It is encouraging to hear that a new building is being planned for the College of Arts and Letters, one that will accommodate the varied needs of both global languages and cultures and philosophy.”

NEWS

Law enforcement enhanced by grants Marissa Ritchea

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lagstaff Police Department (FPD) was awarded a grant to maintain and improve the Flagstaff Dream Court after NAUPD’s recent announcement of its plans to improve road safety with the help of four grants from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Selected by Nancy Lieberman Charities, FPD was awarded the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant in the form of $8,500 to maintain and improve the Flagstaff Dream Court. FPD public information officer Sgt. Charles Hernandez II expressed his gratitude regarding the grant.

“The Flagstaff Police Department was extremely honored to be chosen by the Nancy Lieberman Charities,” Hernandez said. “To receive funds for continued efforts and support is exciting.”

Lieberman is a former WNBA coach and iconic women’s basketball star.

The efforts and support Hernandez mentioned refer to resources for future community engagement programs taking place on the Dream Court. Located at the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, the court is a safe haven for youth to play basketball, not only with their peers but with police officers, according to Flagstaff 365, an event website that announced the initial opening of the Dream Court last year. The Dream Court opened its gates in April 2019.

Hernandez said the goal of the Dream Court, in addition to creating a safe space for Flagstaff children, is to educate the community and create a relationship between the youth and officers.

“Police officers promote teamwork, healthy lifestyle recommendations and responsibility while building trust with the youth within the community,” Hernandez said.

To continue this effort through 2021, FPD plans to utilize the COPS

grant to purchase equipment for the court, mostly new basketballs and jerseys. In addition, the department plans on hosting community-wide development events, not only for basketball, but for tennis as well.

Since receiving the grant, FPD has been collaborating closely with the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff.

“We are working with the Flagstaff Boys & Girls Club to develop a [Badges 4 Basketball] event aimed at engaging the youth in the community,” Hernandez said.

To celebrate the improvements and future of the Dream Court, Hernandez mentioned a kickoff event that will be hosted when the weather begins to warm up, which will bring community attention to the benefits of the court, as well as the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff.

The COPS grant came just days after NAUPD received a grant of its own.

NAUPD received a total of four grants totaling $41,236 from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, according to NAU News. These are aimed at improving road safety on campus.

NAUPD will use these funds to provide a more vigilant DUI task force on campus through holidays and major NAU events like homecoming.

Funds will also go to bicycle and pedestrian safety awareness, training officers on the use of a Zero Electric Motorcycle to aid in quicker response times to emergencies, and to purchase scanners and printers for existing police vehicles, according to NAU News.

NAU students had mixed reactions on the improvements NAUPD is putting forth to increase road safety.

Freshman Savannah Mieras had strong feelings about funding for bicycle and skateboard safety education.

“There are countless days when I am almost trampled by a skateboarder or grazed by the backpack of a cyclist,” Mieras said.

Sgt. Charles Hernandez II of the Flagstaff Police Department poses for a portrait at the Dream Court at the Boys & Girls Club in Flagstaff, Feb. 3. Shannon Swain | The Lumberjack

Mieras said she does not feel as though there needs to be a greater police presence on campus.

“They should implement these funds into communicating safer ways to trek on campus, where to and where not to ride skateboards, and create safe spaces for students,” Mieras said.

While Mieras said most funding should go to pedestrian safety, some agree that funding is necessary for increased security, especially on

holiday weekends.

Freshman Cameron Cheatem agreed with Mieras that some skateboarders and cyclists are unaware of safety laws and regulations.

However, he argued that it would not be beneficial to put funding toward safety education because of the lack of engagement it would attract.

Cheatem suggested to instead focus on increased safety on campus.

“I think an increase in police presence is never a bad thing,”

Cheatem said. “A greater police force can ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves with less danger.”

While the grants awarded to both NAUPD and FPD are different in nature, the goal of both is similar: to create a safer and more involved community for the residents, which these departments pledge to serve and protect.

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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OPINION-EDITORIAL

Climate emergency is crucial other local governments that are striving to enact sustainability legislation. itizens of Flagstaff have been pushing a petition that is Flagstaff residents have been boldly advocating for climate requiring city council to declare a climate emergency. On change efforts. The initial petition that influenced city council Jan. 28, city council decided to unanimously approve the to consider moving toward announcing the climate energency progression of a climate emergency resolution for the city. This resolution collected close to 250 signatures from passionate is a huge step, but Flagstaff needs to officially make a city-wide activists, as reported by The Lumberjack. The recent council transition to focusing on climate meeting discussing the climate change efforts. emergency filled We are the entire town running out hall with of time until people who the effects of supported the climate change petition.

City are irreversible. council listened to According to an its citizens in pushing article by the United the resolution Nations on March forward, which will 28, 2019, we have a hopefully mean a shift decade left to prevent toward more climateirreversible damage to the focused legislation.

Earth.

If more local In the year 2030, there governments follow Flagstaff’s will be very little left that we can example, real change can be made do to combat climate change. Flagstaff before it is too late. Time is running out needs to act now and speed up the process to save the planet. Ten years may seem like a of declaring a climate emergency, so the proper long time to some people, but the Earth is billions measures can be taken to focus on sustainability efforts. of years old and humans have destroyed it during Declaring a climate emergency is the short time we have occupied the planet. important because it will impact the Moving toward a climate emergency decisions city council makes in shows progress in reversing climate the future. The environment damage. should be a priority in It is amazing that major city-wide decisions.

Flagstaff has moved forward From my perspective, with making real change, environmental efforts but it is only a small need to come first town. Unless other over politics and governments take economics. the same initiative, As previousy we may not be able reported in The to combat climate Lumberjack, change on a global Flagstaff Mayor scale. When 2030 Coral Evans comes around, supports the we may be resolution, but out of time to she warned the save the Earth rest of the council from irreversible that making a real effort will result damage.

Illustration By christian ayala in decisions that are politically unpopular. In Flagstaff is moving in the right direction, the past, city council has failed to act on climate but it needs to speed up the process of declaring issues because it was not politically beneficial. a climate emergency. This should be a top priority for Flagstaff’s The Earth is more important than the usual mundane city government and the federal government as well. Seeing our local council agenda items. government considering committing to the environment in cityThe resolution is a big step in making a change to the wide decisions gives me hope that it will set a good example for city’s sustainability efforts. Flagstaff should be an example to other governments.

madeline hollmann

Relying on family can be unhealthy

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ne of the major struggles for students fresh out of high school is the physical distance from their loved ones.

After living in a comfortable bubble for the entirety of one’s life, it can be difficult to step away from the familiarity of home.

It is crucial, though, that an individual is given healthy distance from family to discover themselves in their own time and on their own terms.

This is not to say that it is an easy process. The difficulty of leaving the nest does not lessen the importance of taking the first step into a life of independence.

One may find new qualities and skills within themselves that went undetected while being under their parent’s roof.

KYLIE SOTO Being a naturally introverted and independent person has made my WRITER transition smoother than it may have been for others. I tend to feel suffocated by heavy surveillance from my family.

Granted, every situation is unique to the person, as is the process toward independence.

For most, the college experience is all about living life to the fullest. This reason is exactly why I believe it is vital that a person is allowed healthy distance from family. There is a balance that must be discovered on both ends of the relationship.

The fine line between smothering a young adult and guiding them in the right direction is a balancing act for most families. College students must set boundaries for their parents to respect.

The circumstances college may bring can permit family to be constricting at times. Constant pestering and worry from family can be too much for a young adult who is trying to spread their wings.

That is not to say that their worry is unreasonable or goes unappreciated. Simply put, young adults yearn to experiment with freedom and the opportunity to float between self-reliance and the need for family connection.

The sooner a person’s family can understand that, the sooner they will find that their relationship has transformed.

Too much involvement from relatives can stunt personal growth. No one should remain completely dependent on their family beyond a certain age.

Having said that, I don’t necessarily encourage ghosting family members as an acceptable way to achieve that distance.

I believe it’s wrong to ghost anyone, even more so when it is a family member. If the process of independence is given time and patience, it can be a gradually freeing adventure and can be supplemental in strengthening the bonds between family members. Continue reading on Jackcentral.org.

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OPINION-EDITORIAL

Students’ skateboarding strife in Flagstaff frank espinoza

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ith the 2020 Tokyo Olympics recognizing skateboarding as an official sport, there is an opportunity to show the public and the youth of Flagstaff the positive influence of skateboarding.

In Tokyo, each competitive skater will have the chance to prove to the world their undeniable skill and the level of talent it takes to be a professional skateboarder. That kind of opportunity isn’t available for local skateboarders here at NAU, but it should be.

Whilepassing the University Union, one will likely see a group of student-skaters practicing their flat-ground ability, which is skating on smooth and flat areas. Skaters also practice tre flips, which is a kickflip that spins the board in a 360-degree rotation, or ollieing, which means pushing the board off the ground, sometimes over objects.

The campus space at NAU is shared between Starbucks, the Wedge and skaters. With the amount of foot traffic through the area, near-collisions with passersby are not uncommon. However, students continue to make it work.

Former NAU student Bobby Ballard skates regularly outside of Starbucks. Ballard said he is grateful to NAU for allowing them an area that they can’t get kicked out of. He compared the school’s attitude toward skaters to that of other schools.

“NAU is nice, but at other schools like ASU, they would take your board away for practicing on the sidewalk,” Ballard said.

In 2019, there was a skate club that tried to become a recognized NAU club, so skaters could have an isolated and safe place to practice. One of the students interested in starting the club was junior Zion Maly. Maly faced many challenges in the club’s early stages, which is why the club was unable to get rolling.

The major issue Maly faced from the school was the location. Maly said the school wanted to charge the club $200 an hour to use the University Union Fieldhouse.

Ballard, Maly and other local skaters want NAU and the Flagstaff community to provide them a safe area that would have basic obstacles, such as rails and stair sets, to practice with. Ballard expressed his interest in finding funding for the local skating community.

“Skating isn’t expensive,” Ballard said.

“You don’t need a skate park.”

There are some skateparks in Flagstaff, but they aren’t nearly sufficient enough to foster the skills and interests of skateboarders in the city.

The most popular place for skaters is Foxglenn Park, which is in need of renovations to accommodate skaters.

Those who want to visit the park at night are out of luck, as the area has no lights to illuminate a late-night skateboarding session.

The park also doesn’t satisfy every skater. The park only has vertical ramps and inclines, which only allow for a single style of skating known as transition. That means other styles of skating, like street and vertical ramp skating, are not as likely to use the park.

Senior Zach Stidham likes to skate at Foxglenn rather than other skate parks like Bushmaster Skatepark.

“The other skateparks are primarily used by BMX riders because it caters to that style,” Stidham said.

Stidham also suggested the parks should have a cabana to block the snow so skaters could skate in winter months. When it does snow, his only option is to try skating in NAU’s parking garages against the restrictions in place that prohibit skating and biking in parking structures.

Another obstacle for local skaters is that Flagstaff doesn’t have a skate shop. The most recent shop was ROV Ride Shop, which went out of business in May 2019, according to the store’s Instagram page.

With no skate shop for skaters to buy boards and hardware, they are forced to buy online or at retail chain Zumiez.

The skating community needs to be recognized and treated like the real sport that it is in order for the skating scene in Flagstaff to survive. There is plenty of support for the diverse clubs and sports here, but skating is still stigmatized as being for burnouts and is treated as such, despite recent Olympic recognition.

Flagstaff seems progressive about most social issues, but the lack of action to support skateboarding suggests otherwise.

In Phoenix, there are local competitions, such as the Phoenix Am and Locals Only, which help showcase skater’s skills and talents, as well as bring skating enthusiasts together. There is nothing similar to the Phoenix competitions in Flagstaff, even though there would be more

than enough support from the passionate skating community.

Skateboarding is more than a hobby. For many, it’s a lifestyle and a form of self-expression.

Arguably more than a sport, skating is art. It allows the individual to have freedom of expression. In addition to the practice of their sport, the skating videos some make to showcase their skill are exceptionally edited, and include music and effects that represent the individual’s style.

Skateboarders see everyday places like stairs and sidewalks differently than the average person, they see opportunities for a skate spot on any street. Skating is rich in its own culture, and that’s what attracts the many people who appreciate it.

If the Olympics recognizes skateboarding as a sport, Flagstaff should as well. Reaching out to the local skating community about suggestions for parks and more accommodations is a step in the right direction. The city doesn’t have basic amenities for skaters, such as a skate shop, local competitions or quality skateparks to give skating a rightful place in Flagstaff.

The skating community will always exist in Flagstaff, but they need recognition and support for being a real sport in order for this unique art and form of self-expression to survive.

Illustration By blake fernandez

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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OPINION-EDITORIAL

Black hair is more than fashion U.S.

trinity archie

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lack History Month celebrates black achievements and culture throughout the formation of this country.

Specifically, black culture is rich in historical ties to United States slavery and its African origins.

The topic of black culture seems to be particularly controversial and black hairstyles are a prominent part of this controversy.

I have noticed that other cultures are not debated and politicized nearly as much as black culture.

Cultural insensitivity is undoubtedly an issue experienced by all races and ethnic groups, but I feel black culture is one of the least respected.

As an example, we accept that bindis belong to southern Asian culture and are primarily worn by women belonging to the Hindu religion. In the past, women not belonging to the culture have attempted to wear bindis as fashion.

Rightfully so, these women were called out for their insensitive behaviors.

The general consensus was that this is a form of cultural appropriation.

Comparatively, when Kim Kardashian West was spotted in a historically black hairstyle, it sparked a debate. Unlike the bindi example, many questioned whether something as simple as a hairstyle can even be appropriated.

Black culture is not simple. Our hairstyles are not just hair. There is deeper historical meaning rooted in years of slavery and cultural oppression. Black hair was used to reclaim our African heritage post-slavery.

In order to understand the cultural significance of traditionally black hairstyles, it is necessary to revisit U.S. history.

Slaveholders labeled black culture as barbaric. Subsequently, African slaves were stripped of all cultural identity upon arriving in the U.S. This abhorrent action was also done to dehumanize slaves.

Eventually, the abolition of slavery provided African Americans with the freedom to style their hair. This was part of reclaiming their culture. Women began wearing elaborate hairstyles that were representative of their African roots. This created conflict in some parts of the

According to Vice magazine, Louisiana responded to the conflict with the Tignon Laws of 1786. These laws prohibited African American women from wearing decorated clothing and hairstyles. Additionally, the laws forced women to cover their hair in tignons, a fabric wrapped around the head.

Then-Louisiana Gov. Esteban Miró enacted the Tignon Laws to prevent African American women from garnering the attention of white men.

Illustration By diana ortega

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At the time, Louisiana was home to many interracial relationships, resulting in biracial offspring. Local government began fighting against this.

When U.S. slavery was abolished, African Americans found they had to conform to white social and cultural norms in order to make it in society. As explained by a BBC News article, both men and women began chemically treating their hair so that it appeared straight.

The black hair industry was then formed.

The same Vice magazine article mentions that the market for black hair products became so big that it spawned America’s first black, selfmade millionaire woman, Madam C.J. Walker. According to Smithsonian Magazine, Walker developed a line of hair care products, including a hair growth treatment, that became wildly popular.

Walker also developed hair straightening treatments and tools.

It wasn’t until the civil rights movement that African Americans found pride in resisting European beauty standards. This pride took the form of Afros, braids and natural hair textures. Black people were no longer comfortable with chemically straightening their hair to get a job.

Throughout history, African Americans have had to conform to European beauty standards to be deemed socially acceptable.

This is why I don’t understand the argument against black women wearing straight hair as a way to dismiss the cultural significance of our traditional styles.

Black women are discriminated against when displaying their natural hair, and also criticized for wearing straight hair.

I have worked many jobs that did not allow traditionally black hairstyles. If you have an issue with black women wearing straight hair, advocate against workplace discrimination. Correct your friends and family when they make insensitive comments about black hair.

I do not care if a white girl wants to have a black hairstyle.

I do, however, hope it is understood that black hair is more than just hair. The argument that it’s just hair is often used to defend cultural appropriation. Understand that you cannot look at black culture through a non-black cultural lens.

While it may just be hair to you, it is so much more than hair to us.

COMIC SPOT

comic By diana ortega

comic By blake fernandez

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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FEATURES

High Country Humane helps a Tess Stafford

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lagstaff’s High Country Humane has adopted a unique approach for connecting animals with local residents. The organization works hand in hand with the community to foster safe and loving environments for animals.

According to its website, since High Country Humane opened Jan. 3, 2019, it has been saving the lives of thousands of animals in Flagstaff. The organization takes in stray and surrendered animals from Coconino County and prioritizes their health and well-being to increase their chances of being adopted.

Liz Bohlke, interim executive director of High Country Humane, said that last year the organization took in 2,844 animals, 1,460 of which have already been adopted.

While the organization benefits the animals in Flagstaff, Bohlke said the community is also involved. She explained that Flagstaff locals supported High Country Humane’s decision to refuse euthanasia due to issues of space, time or treatable medical conditions. Bohlke said that typically in shelters, dogs can be euthanized for treatable medical conditions. However, the top priority of High Country Humane is to try to treat illnesses, rather than putting the animal down.

High Country Humane is ultimately in partnership with the community, as it provides education, resources and willingly listens to suggestions from residents of Coconino County. Be it their monthly food bank or making vet care more affordable, Bohlke said the organization also tries to be responsive to the needs of the community.

“We try to give,” Bohlke said. “It’s really what the community needs to keep the animal in the home.”

While High Country Humane works to promote happier lives for numerous cats and dogs, Laura Hagenauer, veterinary technician and the organization’s foster supervisor, said it’s not enough alone. Without volunteers and foster parents, animals might not be adopted, or even survive.

“There’s this great story of beginning to end where we helped save a puppy’s life, but our foster played a big part,” Hagenauer said.

Hagenauer said the puppy would’ve had a hard time in the shelter, so being in a home with a foster was best for him.

In cases similar to this, the fostering program works to place animals in homes temporarily for safety and health reasons.

Shelters can be dangerous environments for puppies and kittens who are too young to receive vaccinations, as they can be exposed to illnesses.

Additionally, young animals or “bottle babies” need aroundthe-clock care that can be better provided by foster parents. Gary, among other cats, is allowed to roam the upstairs office Hagenauer said the animals are often separated from their mother, at High Country Humane, Feb. 12. MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack

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which means they need to be fed every couple of hours and kept warm.

Occasionally, animals also need to be placed in foster homes for behavioral reasons.

Hagenauer described the adjustment into the shelter as difficult for some animals.

“Shelters are stressful environments, so nervous dogs have a hard time here,” Hagenauer said. “Sometimes, we have animals whose behavior we just don’t know. So, we don’t know is this animal good with cats, dogs, kids, that sort of thing. And sometimes foster homes can tell us those things, too.”

The first priority of the fostering program is the wellbeing of each animal. However, fostering can benefit the animals in a number of ways. Hagenauer said familiarizing them with different experiences is essential.

“The other nice thing about getting animals into foster — puppies and kittens — is that they become really well socialized,” Hagenauer said.

Hagenauer also said being fostered allows animals to get accustomed to being in a home rather than a shelter, so they are more comfortable and happier when they get to their next home.

The foster supervisor said the program is a great opportunity for college students who miss their animals or want to adopt but cannot make the commitment.

Senior Mackenzie Newell recently began fostering for High Country Humane. Newell said she and her roommate made the decision to take on foster puppies for the first time this year. She said she has had an amazing experience so far and compared the puppies to children.

“We only had them for about a week and a half, but they were crazy,” Newell said. “We taught them how to be potty trained, and we were teaching them how to sit and come and stay.

So, it was just really cool being able to be part of that experience.

Because we are in college, it is difficult to actually own an animal of your own.”

Since many animals at High Country Humane need to be fostered before they are put up for adoption, Newell said the fostering process is ultimately rewarding as it puts the animals on track for better lives.

In her experience, Newell said fostering is essential to the success of the animals for a variety of reasons. Younger animals are placed in foster homes to either gain weight or grow older before getting spayed or neutered.

In addition to younger animals, Newell said older animals need to be placed in foster homes as well. Some cats and dogs might have been stray animals or have not been in a loving home before. She said fostering allows the animals to experience what it is like to live with humans and prepare them for their adoptive home.

While at times it can be difficult, Newell said she values her experience with fostering. Due to their opposite schedules, she and her roommate are able to provide their foster animals with

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animals who had a “ruff” life attention around the clock.

Though fostering can also be an emotional experience.

Newell said that after spending so much time with the animals, it can be challenging to see them go.

“You’re in a situation where you fall in love with an animal, but you don’t have the means to keep them permanently and then you have to give them back,” Newell said. “I think that’s the hardest part because it’s always sad.”

Newell said it is important to keep in mind the animal will eventually leave, that way a volunteer won’t get too attached. As the animal becomes part of a person’s daily routine for up to months at a time, she said it can be heartbreaking to say goodbye.

It is important to know that the fostering program is not easy for everyone. Newell said if a person’s schedule does not work well with the experience, fostering might not be best for them because it is essential to put the needs of the animal first.

However, Newell said if someone’s schedule works with fostering, it can be a wonderful experience. Once an individual agrees to foster, High Country Humane provides the foster parent with resources for the animal during its stay. The

organization supplies volunteers with essentials such as formula, bottles, puppy pads and food.

The fostering program at High Country Humane plays a large role in the success of the organization. However, volunteers help keep it running and the animals happy, even outside of providing foster homes.

According to their website, High Country Humane has an assortment of opportunities for their volunteers, including working at PetSmart events and cleaning at the shelter. Two programs called Hiking Buddy and Cat Cuddlers were also recently added.

Hiking Buddy allows volunteers to sign out an adoptable dog and spend time with it for a couple of hours. Whether the volunteer takes them on a walk, to a park or to their home, the dog wears a vest to let people know they are up for adoption.

The Cat Cuddlers program is slightly different from Hiking Buddy, as the volunteers work with cats. Through this program, volunteers can spend time helping the adoptable cat socialize by reading to them.

“We have six people that take care of the animals,” Bohlke said. “That’s why we need the volunteers. Six paid folks that are animal care — that’s huge. We need the support of the community to help with them.”

Hagenauer said the fulltime staff focuses on the health of the animals and sometimes does not have time to give the animals individual attention or help them socialize. She said the volunteers make this

kind of care possible.

Newell said it is important to increase the community’s awareness of fostering, which helps save the lives of animals but can also be a trial run for someone considering adoption.

“It’s a great way to get involved in your community,” Newell said. “You get to find out the stories of your puppies or your cat that you’re fostering and you get to be part of their story.”

Through the work of employees, volunteers, the community and foster parents, Bohlke said High Country Humane helps develop the lives that Flagstaff’s animals deserve.

The organization is currently looking for volunteers and foster parents.

Information to get involved can be found on their website.

Katie Middleton (left) and Laura Hagenauer (right) work in social media and animal welfare for High Country Humane. They are pictured holding Hatter (left) and Bud (right), who are available for fostering or adoption, Feb. 12. MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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Students search for light at end of The Tunnels Alyssa Schultze

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ndergraduate students previously had the opportunity to publish in an online literary journal called The Tunnels, but now that it is inactive, students are left searching for similar experiences to fill their resumes.

The Tunnels was part of a senior-level creative writing class designed to give students experience working in editing and publishing. However, The Tunnels also gave all NAU students the opportunity to submit their work to be published in the collegiate literary journal.

Associate professor of English Karen Renner led the students who were working for The Tunnels. She said that even though The Tunnels was a class, the goal was to produce a professional literary journal for students to submit their work to.

The Tunnels opened its submission boxes to all NAU undergraduate students. Renner said that whether it was academic nonfiction, poetry, fiction or visual art, The Tunnels welcomed everything students had to offer.

Renner said The Tunnels is closing because it had grown more difficult to run throughout the years. As an adviser, she said the workload was too much for one

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person. However, the journal could start up again if the right people were to take on the challenge.

Now that The Tunnels is closed for an undetermined period of time, opportunities for NAU students pursuing careers in editing, publishing and creative writing seem more scarce.

Graduate student Stella Elam is pursuing her masters in creative writing and had submitted her writing to The Tunnels when she was an undergraduate student. She said her work was published in several issues of the online journal. While she did not work for the journal, she noted how The Tunnels was an important opportunity for English students.

“The collective creation of a literary magazine was vital in building a creative writing community in our cohort,” Elam said.

“Those people who worked on The Tunnels are still some of my best friends, and they constitute my creative support system.”

Students who worked on the journal gained experience editing what other students had submitted. Senior Kathryn Donovan had the opportunity to work on The Tunnels as well as have their work published in it. Donovan worked on the academic nonfiction editing team and helped create a podcast for The Tunnels.

Donovan said working for The Tunnels provided students with valuable knowledge of the magazine industry, which is essential for pursuing their intended career.

“It definitely helped me learn how running a magazine w o r k e d ,” Donovan said. “I had always read about them in my various English classes, but actually getting to work on one and being part of an editors group to really look at something critically and to think, ‘Is this worth getting published?’ was really helpful.”

Senior Karla Habbershaw said working on The Tunnels as a blog editor also helped her gain and improve valuable skills even though it was her first introduction to the editing and publishing world.

“It gives a lot of practical experience that I will be able to take with me into the workforce,” Habbershaw said. “It was really beneficial learning how to work with people, practical

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editing experience and scheduling deadlines. My skills in those areas were strengthened by The Tunnels.”

Graduate student Ashley DeWitt was previously the managing editor for The Tunnels. While working for the publication taught her a lot, she said the experience helped make her resume stand out from others as she entered the industry. DeWitt also said that The Tunnels prepared her for a real job in writing more than any other class she took in her undergraduate education.

Now that The Tunnels is closed, graduate student Courtney Brooks said future students will miss out on the chance to have their work published as conveniently. She said that while Thin Air Magazine ­— an online literary magazine produced by NAU graduate students — provides graduate students the opportunity to have their creative works published, undergraduates have lost an opportunity to submit to an NAU undergraduate literary journal.

Elam agreed that undergraduate students will be impacted by not receiving the option to submit to The Tunnels and because of that, those pursuing careers in writing, publishing or editing might be at a disadvantage.

“The Tunnels, as an undergraduate-run magazine, presented a rare opportunity for students to gain publishing experience prior to entering a masters program,” Elam said. “This sort of work is also an asset when it comes to being accepted into graduate programs. This is, not to mention, all of the writers, journalists and poets that will be denied the experience of submitting for the publication.”

The Tunnels was a journal for undergraduate students going into creative writing and now, those students do not have a class to segue into their graduate programs. Habbershaw said another class is offered to give students editing skills but with The Tunnels gone, the opportunity to have their own work published is much harder to find.

Habbershaw said undergraduate students will be far less prepared to work in NAU’s graduate creative writing program with the loss of The Tunnels.

Alternatively, Donovan said that even though the editing and publishing class does not offer the opportunity for undergraduates to have published work, the class is still a good option for students to learn valuable skills.

Brooks discussed how the editing and publishing class that replaced The Tunnels offers plenty of other opportunities to prepare students to join Thin Air Magazine when in graduate school.

“I thought [The Tunnels] was fun, I think it was a valuable class, and I’m just glad that they’re finding ways to adapt certain aspects to that class and make sure that they’re still providing really important elements of it to students,” Brooks said.

Renner said she looks forward to the future and is already brainstorming other opportunities for undergraduate students now that The Tunnels is no longer publishing. Renner said that moving on, she will always be appreciative of the hard work students put into The Tunnels.

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Record revival: The rebirth of the LP Grant Blattman

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inyl has been seen as an irrelevant form of media for decades. The previously popular record stores have disappeared over time and enthusiasts have become harder to find. While vinyl has been around for over a century, it has had a recent rebirth of sorts.

Continue reading on Jackcentral.org

Top Left: A crate full of donated vinyls is on display in the entrance of Flagstaff Antiques, Feb 12. Bottom Left: Shelves full of donated vinyls on display in the back of Flagstaff Antiques, Feb 12.

Right: Rows of second-hand vinyls fill the music selection of Flagstaff Bookmans Entertainment Exchange, Feb 12. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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CULTURE

Singing downtown at the cocktail lounge Olivia Charlson

Bieber’s breakthrough on “Changes”

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usician Justin Bieber has been a household name since February 2010 when his song “Baby” peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bieber released four albums before going on hiatus in 2017 and canceling the remaining dates on his Purpose World Tour due to “unforeseen circumstances.” This came after he had a wild streak in 2014 which included being arrested on a DUI charge after drag racing, egging a neighbor’s house and smoking marijuana on a plane in which the pilots and crew had to wear gas masks. Bieber also revealed in a 2019 interview with Vogue magazine that he had been abusing Xanax.

Over four years have passed since Bieber released new music. However, the 25-year-old singer KATELYN announced his comeback with the release of his single RODRIGUEZ “Yummy” Jan. 3 after teasing new music on Instagram WRITER and Twitter. This catchy, playful song, which can be annoying at times due to how much radio play it has received, reflects on his love for his wife, Hailey Bieber.

On Jan. 27, Bieber announced his fifth album “Changes,” released his second single “Get Me,” which features contemporary R&B singer Kehlani, and premiered his YouTube Originals documentary “Seasons.”

Bieber’s final single, “Intentions,” features Quavo, a member of the rap group Migos. The song was released Feb. 7 and was accompanied by a music video. It is a very upbeat track that’s backed by ringtone-sounding beats and lyrics that shower praise on a woman, which one could assume is his wife. However, the video features numerous stories of women involving education, foster care and homelessness, as well as their intentions to make differences within their communities.

On Feb. 8, Bieber performed “Yummy” and “Intentions” as a musical guest on “Saturday Night Live,” which was hosted by RuPaul.

Bieber mentions Hailey’s love and what it means to him on the album’s first two tracks, “All Around Me” and “Habitual.”

The song that took me by surprise was “E.T.A.,” a guitar-backed, R&Bsounding ballad with Bieber’s sultry crooning and signature falsettos. This song, along with the title track “Changes,” “That’s What Love Is” and “At Least For Now” are just a few songs on the album to veer away from the pop-heavy influence that’s seen in the middle of the album.

It’s clear that Bieber’s relationship with Hailey served as a major inspiration during the album’s writing process, seeing that a majority of the 16 songs have references to the way he loves her or how she helped get him back on his feet.

While I was a huge “Belieber” throughout middle school, I ventured away from his music due to his bad-boy antics. However, upon listening to “Changes,” it’s clear that Bieber has rediscovered himself and his place in the music industry after taking the necessary time off to turn his life around.

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otel Monte Vista is seen as a staple in Flagstaff.

The neon sign atop the historical building is visible by all of downtown. The fall season brings up spooky tales of hotel hauntings and the cocktail bar has seen its fair share of people looking to have a good time.

The Hotel Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge — locals refer to it as simply the Monte V — ­ has long been serving people, even when it was not technically legal. The bar served as Flagstaff’s first speakeasy and is now a popular spot for live music and karaoke.

Karaoke nights at the lounge are a way to spend a Tuesday or Thursday evening. The karaoke starts at around 9:30 p.m. and can run for hours with people singing anything their hearts desire. It can be crazy with host Ricky Bill at the microphone, and some interesting characters joining in as the bar serves through the night. It is a positive environment with good people behind the bar and stories rooted in the walls of the building.

According to the hotel’s website, the lounge that still stands and serves currently is the same one that ran a major bootlegging operation during prohibition. It was raided by state officials in 1931, and forced to close its doors until prohibition ended two years later. Now, it offers live music, karaoke and for those over the age of 21, legal alcohol.

The red stairs going down from the lobby of the hotel lead visitors into a dark bar with Christmas lights hanging up above it. The bartenders are friendly and quick, and the lounge has a carefree feeling.

Senior Daniel Langdorf works at the cocktail bar on Thursdays. He handles the list of people wanting to sing and starts the songs. He said the cocktail bar is a dive bar with a nice stage, sound system and good staff, and that in the lower bar, service is as good as it gets. He said there are free pool tables and darts, but also exposed walls and a cigarette machine that may or may not work.

Truman Salim has been working there for 1½ years.

He said it is a good place to come hang out and that he

loves his job at the lounge.

“It’s been getting a little hectic since the kids came back to college, but all in all, it’s been good,” Salim said.

“Karaoke is thriving. If I wasn’t working, I’d be here to participate.”

The karaoke can go long into the night until closing time at 2 a.m.

Bill is the karaoke host who gets the night started and announces the performers. Bill said the bar is popular on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and sometimes fills to capacity.

“It’s a classic cocktail bar with live music,” Bill said.

“We literally had a conga line last week. It’s just a party all the time.”

Langdorf has seen a lot during his 1½ years working as Bill’s co-host on Thursdays. Between bar fights and singers who had a little too much to offer, there are always crazy stories to walk away with.

He said a regular customer comes in and screams all of his song choices, including an entire rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Langdorf said he goes off time, is not going for any of the notes and it is surprising he has the lung power to get through it, but the look on everyone’s faces is hilarious.

Langdorf said another favorite story was when a woman who was extremely drunk picked a song from “Moulin Rouge!” and sang along perfectly. He said it is an easy and fun job to have.

“My goal as the karaoke guy is to get everyone on stage at least once, and for them to sing the song they want to sing and have fun,” Langdorf said. “I don’t care if they go up there and they sing Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” as long as they’re singing what they want to sing and they’re having fun with it.”

The Monte Vista Cocktail Lounge is very different from what it used to be. It has come from an underground bar serving everyone and anyone to a usual hangout for locals. Even after major changes to the lounge, the bar has not changed in the way that it was a place to come have a drink with friends and have fun after a long day.

The audience cheers on Grant Hettleman as he sings karaoke at Hotel Monte Vista’s Cocktail Lounge, Feb. 14.

Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack

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CULTURE

Left: Coconino Community College President Dr. Colleen Smith receives the ATHENA Award at High Country Conference Center, Feb. 14. Right: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey accepts a plaque presented by Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President Julie Pastrick, Feb. 14. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

Honoring strong women on Valentine’s Day Cynthia Gerber

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he Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2020 ATHENA Awards that took place at High Country Conference Center. The ATHENA Awards are part of an international program honoring female leaders who exemplify the tenets of the award: excellence in her field, serving the community and mentorship.

For three decades, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has given out the ATHENA Award, while the Young Professional Award was added in 2007. The Young Professional Award recognizes emerging business leaders under 40 who serve as role models for other young women, both professionally and personally.

This year’s ATHENA recipient was Colleen Smith, president of Coconino Community College (CCC).

Chamber of Commerce President Julie Pastrick served as emcee for the event with the help of several invited guests, including Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Sen. Martha McSally.

Pastrick welcomed everyone, provided an overview of the event and an explanation of the unique shape of the ATHENA Award.

“The base is solid marble, signifying the foundation these women are to their communities,” Pastrick said. “The bronze arms reaching out signify the caring nature of the recipients. The crystal signifies the multi-faceted

talents these women possess.”

McSally led the sold-out crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and later assisted Pastrick in introducing the nominees for the Young Professional Award. Many current and former elected officials, like Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans, were present, along with local businesses owners and representatives from NAU. Pastrick said the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce is the largest in the state with over 1,000 members. The support and excitement for the chamber and the awards were palpable.

Ducey, Arizona’s 23rd governor, delivered the keynote address. He spoke of his administration’s accomplishments in balancing Arizona’s deficit and the removal of 18 boards and commissions.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to read the name of each one,” Ducey said. “You won’t miss them.”

Ducey outlined some of his plans for the state, including the widening of Interstate 17 and investing in K-12 education.

“I hope people don’t think this is a selfserving plan, because I’ve made that drive hundreds of times and this will make it easier,” Ducey said.

Ducey also spoke of touring the new Arizona Department of Transportation facility with Evans.

“The last time I was there, I was watching a movie with my family. You would never know it had been a theater, except when I went to

the kitchen, it smelled like popcorn,” Ducey said. “This opportunity for recognition is well deserved.”

The 15 nominees have achieved excellence in professional leadership through careers and community service that demonstrated their success. This was the sentiment among everyone in the room, as the process to be nominated is lengthy and involved. Each nominee could have received the award. Many of these women did not prepare a speech, presuming another nominee would receive the award.

DancEvolution owner Jesica Barker received the 2019 Young Professional Award.

Overwhelmed and emotional from the announcement, Barker was still all smiles as she gave a brief and sincere acceptance speech.

“Watching the girls achieve their goals is what fills my heart,” Barker said. “It’s why I do what I do. Also, thanks to the love and support of my own family, my husband and my own girls.”

Many past nominees and recipients were in attendance, including Theresa Bierer, a professor at the W. A. Franke College of Business. Bierer was the 2017 recipient of the ATHENA Award.

“A lot of women don’t trust other women,” Bierer said. “We need to support each other.

We don’t have to step on the backs of others to achieve our goals.”

With the help of the 2018 ATHENA Award recipient, Christina Caldwell, all the nominees were presented. Pastrick tried to

hold suspense while announcing the recipient of the award. However, when Pastrick said the recipient has worked in male-dominated fields, it became clear that Smith was the winner.

Smith joins the ranks of other recipients who did not prepare a speech. She humbly accepted her award and began by speaking to the caliber of the other nominees. She said she was honest about her “shock,” and not believing it would be her to receive the award. Smith went on to thank many other women who make wonderful contributions, like Caldwell, president of the CCC Foundation, helping provide scholarships to students.

“I feel like my husband and I have been welcomed into this community from the very beginning and been given so many opportunities to serve,” Smith said.

Later, Smith offered a piece of advice for the other nominees and everybody in the audience.

“Trust yourself,” Smith said. “It’s important to listen to your intuition. Also, find what you’re passionate about. I did. The community college is so meaningful to me and I love being there.”

With all the expertise, energy and support in the room, it was clear why the event had sold out. The ATHENA Awards ceremony is not about one person, it is about all the people who make a community thrive.

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020| THE LUMBERJACK

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CULTURE

Stronghold Coffee Company: By whatever beans necessary Lisa Hall

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Coffee and culture manager Zachary Shouse prepares a vegan almond hot chocolate at Stronghold Coffee Company, Feb. 13. Brian Burke | The Lumberjack

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offee almost seems like a rite of passage for a college student. Going to cafes to do homework and relying on caffeine to get through the day, coffee plays a part in almost everyone’s daily routine.

Stronghold Coffee Company, previously known as Single Speed Cafe, has an attractive environment and diverse selection. As part of a rebranding effort, the company has revamped the interior and updated the menu at its location on the corner of Beaver Street and Phoenix Avenue.

Haley Yaeger is a manager at Stronghold and looks forward to the uniqueness of the rebrand.

“We did add quite a few menu items,” Yaeger said. “Our new signature drinks are really awesome. We also added our boozy drinks and we started serving a vegan donut every day.”

Boozy drinks were created

by Zachary Shouse, who is the coffee and culture manager at Stronghold. In putting together the cocktail menu he cared for it as if it was his “child.” Shouse figured out the alcoholic combinations for every drink in only 30 minutes. Of course, he has his personal favorite drink from the menu.

“The espresso martini was an idea of mine,” Shouse said.

“The Dutch chocolate is very high quality from Wisconsin and it’s also vegan. It’s super killer. They use really good vanilla and cocoa.

You can’t really find it anywhere else.”

When visiting Stronghold, one enters the establishment and is greeted with welcoming hellos and friendly smiles.

NAU sophomore Gabrielle Crislip has studied at various locations in town and was impressed with the atmosphere set

by this coffee shop.

“I’ve only been here a couple of times, but it’s a really nice place to do homework and vibe,” Crislip said. “They have a lot of seating, their own parking lot, free Wi-Fi and the coffee is super good, so it makes it even better.”

Crislip referred to Stronghold as a quiet, easy place to focus, and added that the employees are friendly and welcoming.

The ambiance is great for college students seeking solitary study sessions, and the staff wants to make sure students know they are very encouraged to visit Stronghold.

“They’re welcome here anytime,” Yaeger said. “I want them to come here, drink coffee, and hang out and meet new people.”

If looking for relaxation, Stronghold offers a cannabidiol (CBD) infusion in their drinks.

CBD oil is often used for relieving pain and reducing symptoms of anxiety, among other stressors. The menu features a specialty CBD drink, but it offers CBD oil in any drink upon request with an upcharge of $2.50.

“We wanted to incorporate CBD because more people are using that than regular Tylenol or Advil nowadays,” Yaeger said.

The employees at Stronghold take pride in their work. They attempt to be environmentally conscious and incorporate sustainability practices in day-today operations.

“We focus on little things with our coffee, making sure that what we buy and sell is having a positive impact in the world,” Shouse said.

The bags of coffee purchased

by Stronghold are from the Dominican Republic and the supplier plants a tree for every bag sold. One of the main focuses of Stronghold is to know exactly

where a product comes from, and the impact that is made from what they buy and sell.

“We take a lot of pride in what we do,” Shouse said. “We want to [source] from the beginning of where everything comes from, and really pay attention to every step of every process we do.”

Shouse makes sure that every step of the process is as perfect as possible in each drink. He has been in the coffee industry for 11 years and takes his job very seriously.

The company is very aware of the product they are selling to their customers. Yaeger said the company prides itself on really caring about the coffee and food it sells and making sure it gives customers the absolute best product.

“We’re not using things filled with preservatives and we’re able to answer any questions because we know exactly where all of our stuff is sourced from,” Yaeger said.

Stronghold is like no other in Flagstaff. Shouse said the company plans on competing in the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, and will hopefully bring that trophy home to Flagstaff. The championship promotes original drink recipes, and baristas’ and barkeepers’ skills in a competitive setting.

The atmosphere and staff really complete everything about Stronghold. It is extremely community-based and runs like a family business in the way the staff operates. Shouse and Yaeger both referred to the employees more as a family, rather than co-workers.

Stopping by Stronghold, which is located on the intersection of Beaver Street and Phoenix Avenue, could really bring something special to someone’s day.

Whether craving coffee, cocktails or CBD drinks, Stronghold has something for everyone.

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FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020| THE LUMBERJACK

19

SPORTS

S

From the field to the sports desk

ports are an essential part of my everyday life, but baseball and softball especially. As a former player, I have always followed the game closely. Growing up in a family surrounded by baseball is what gave me the desire to want to play.

The game gave me an outlet and something to look forward to every week, especially the weeks ending with a tournament. After seven years of hitting home runs and throwing people out at the plate, it was time to hang up my cleats and focus on my health. When my softball career ended, I was still constantly involved with the sport.

I coached for a team, worked as a scorekeeper for my high school and, of course, watched the NCAA College World SUSIE Series. Softball will always hold a very CONRAN special place in my heart — ­ reliving the WRITER memories of challenging myself to slap the ball over the third baseman or running as fast as I could to steal a base to put myself in scoring position.

I had opportunities to challenge myself, but in hindsight, I was helping my team get closer to a win.

If it wasn’t softball on the TV, it was baseball. I began to fall more in love with baseball and the strategies that differ from team to team and game to game — from small ball to sacrifice flys, you name it. The game of baseball is the greatest professional sport out there. The love I have for the game mostly comes from relating to the players on the field and all of the thoughts running through their minds after every pitch, out and inning.

Watching your favorite team get closer and closer to the World Series brings back the feeling of getting closer to winning a tournament. There is so much more to the game than the ability to execute plays and drive in runs to snatch the win — all of the ins and outs of the game, sitting down with a group of friends on a Thursday night to watch a game. Discussing the outcome is what gave me the desire and the motivation to pursue a career as a play-by-play commentator for MLB. If I had the chance to watch and talk about baseball every day, I would never work a day in my life. Being able to relay to the viewers at home what is happening on the field — what could be better than that.

That brings me to where I am now. NAU gives students like me the chance to get out and learn how to report, broadcast and commentate on sports. The skills I have obtained on several different platforms, and having the confidence to try something new, is exciting. Studying what goes into being in the sports media industry is rewarding because I know that in the back of my mind, I am one step closer to my dream job.

Division III IceJacks’ evolution johnny Crane

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ith the crisp air slowly but surely turning its dial to spring, another season of club hockey for the NAU IceJacks wraps itself up like a bow on a new pair of

skates.

For the Division III IceJacks team, this time of the season is for last-minute skates and drills. After playing their final series of the season against Western Colorado University earlier this month, the IceJacks had only a handful of practices remaining.

With the clock reading 8:45 p.m., the Jay Lively Activity Center was quiet. Floors were being mopped and only two people remained in the stands.

Under a new head coach and with over half the team being rookies, the team discovered the long road that was ahead of it.

With another season of hockey coming to an end, the transition brought its challenges.

For Ryan Haar, a first-year head coach, the newfound position gave him the opportunity to help student-athletes take their skills to the next level.

“The coaching aspect is pretty much what I expected,” Haar said. “It is running drills. It is helping kids with their weaknesses, helping them amplify their strengths, and figure out their weaknesses and turn those weaknesses into strengths.”

As a former IceJacks player, Haar understands the struggle of transitioning from a high school player to a collegiate student-athlete. Haar learned to transition through time management skills and having independence from his parents.

Being “forced” to grow up, as Haar put it, aided him in becoming a more developed hockey player and student. The key slogan that made him get through it all

was Nike’s “Just Do It,” which helped him harness these lessons toward coaching.

“I was able to use being a player as a coach, and I think it helped a lot,” Haar said.

In season filled with youth and adversity, the IceJacks were forced to battle. After losing 14 of their first 15 games, there were growing pains. On-ice issues were not the only obstacle. With rookies navigating college life and club sports, the challenge was even more difficult.

However, for the players, it was all about keeping a positive attitude. For freshman defenseman and forward Timothy Weinert, the transition from high school to college brought its challenges in both athletics and academics. Nevertheless, the transition was made and Weinert adapted in the classroom.

“It was a lot more difficult because there was a lot more expectation ... The first couple of months were tough for me, but as soon as you hit that stride, academics get a lot easier,” Weinert said. “I am pretty sure the more I do this, the better it is going to be.”

The 18-year-old Weinert, nicknamed “Thor” by his teammates and one of the youngest players on the team, said his biggest improvement came from his conditioning. In the classroom, it was responsibility.

“I have gotten in better shape,” Weinert said. “I definitely skipped that ‘freshman 15.’ In academics, I was able to hold myself more accountable, and that is something that, I guess, could work for here as well.”

For others, the transition took longer, like 24-year-old sophomore goaltender Merle Morgan, the oldest player on the team.

After serving in the United States Air Force prior to transferring to NAU, the adjustment to academic and student-athlete life was a grind for

Illustration By Tonesha Yazzie

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SPORTS

Junior forward Reed Harbison takes a practice shot before a game against Grand Canyon University, Feb. 9, 2019. Matthew Strissel| The Lumberjack

Morgan.

“Coming in and trying to get back into college took me basically two semesters,” Morgan said. “That first semester was more of a wash. I did not do all that great. So, I am trying to recover from that. Basically, trying to learn skillsets.”

With a good support network, including his wife, Morgan persevered and began to excel. Now in his third semester at NAU, Morgan has become more of a leader on the young team.

“For me, it was trying to take more of a leadership role,” Morgan said. “I have always been a quieter person. I have always been playing with people my same age and people who were always better than me. Now that I am the starting goalie and also now the oldest person on the team, I try to take a more commanding

role on the ice and try to talk more to people.”

The IceJacks began to see more success as their players developed on and off the ice.

That ticket turned into the jackpot, as the young IceJacks used the newfound positive teamwork to find more success. The IceJacks concluded the season winning four of their last six games.

The X-factor was attributed to the team coming together and relying on each other on the ice.

“Trying to come together and be actually a cohesive unit was probably one of the biggest things,” Morgan said. “Seeing us not being able to connect even the simplest passes to being able to basically thread a pass in traffic toward the end of the season is probably one of the biggest things. Teamwork is one of the biggest

things.”

With the practices dwindling, many statements could sum up the IceJacks’ season. For Morgan, it was the struggle to find success. For Weinert, it was maintaining positivity. For Haar, it was simple: perseverance. Through the losses and transitions, the IceJacks finished the season strong and established a firm building-block toward the future.

“They are more than just a hockey team,” Haar said. “I feel like these guys are our brothers now, and for the next three to four years. I am hoping they all stick around and play for NAU hockey, grow with the organization and grow as hockey players. I’m real excited for them and for the future.”

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

21

SPORTS

Women’s golf team finds their drive April Hettinger

T

he NAU women’s golf team relies on each other to succeed. Teammates who have each other’s back in all situations can separate the winners and the losers. It’s all about a team effort, and although golf is considered an individual sport, the women who make up the NAU golf team work tirelessly to achieve greatness.

Over the years, the golf team has had both individual and team success, and they don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.

The Lumberjacks have earned three Big Sky Conference championships since 2009. They have also finished second twice and placed third three times.

“NAU has won eight conference championships in total in 25 years — more than any other school in the conference,” head coach Brad Bedortha said. “We have a long history of success.”

The team is working to improve its short game to attempt to win another conference championship this spring. The Lumberjacks ended the fall 2019 season in Boulder City, Nevada, with a three-way tie for 13th place at the Las Vegas Collegiate Showdown.

Bedortha has been with the women’s golf team for almost 12 years. He has led the team to three Big Sky Conference titles and the team’s 18 tournament victories. He went to college to become a golf professional while working with golf pros in Oregon, Arizona and other states around the country. He was the head coach for Ferris State University in Michigan and was named the Division II National Coach of the Year in 2005 Even though Bedortha has experience coaching men and women, he enjoys working with the women to focus on making them something more than just better golfers.

“I enjoy connecting with them.

I enjoy making them better people,”

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Sophomore Aleksandra Chekalina poses for photo. Photo courtesy of NAU Athletics.

Bedortha said. “Obviously, we want them to become better golfers, but at the end of the day they’re going to graduate, and go out into the world and be viable members of society.”

With a desire to advance the players in maturity and work ethic, Bedortha said this encompasses his own personal goals as well. He hopes his 19 years of coaching experience can bring his teaching abilities to the next level for his team.

“As a coach, I’ve been here long enough that hopefully, my maturity as a coach and my growth as a coach has helped me become a better coach, so I can better assist them not only in golf, but in life,” Bedortha said.

Assistant coach and graduate assistant Barbora Bakova has been playing golf since she was 10 years old. As a longtime athlete, she tried tennis and dance but found her passion for golf, especially when it came to coaching.

Bakova is from the Czech

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Republic and finished her undergraduate degree at Coastal Carolina University in 2017. She ended her college golf career averaging a score of 76.3 per round.

“I think the best feeling is when I’m walking with them on the golf course and they hit a shot, and then they look at me like, is it good?”

Bakova said.

Sophomore Ashley Croft is from England and said her life is not just about golf. Although golf is her passion, she has other reasons to be grateful for the sport.

“I love golf, but the best thing it has done for me is taken me across the world, and the fact that I’m sitting here today is unbelievable,” Croft said.

Croft also said that golf has taken her to places she never dreamed she would be able to visit.

Sophomore Eliska Kocourkova is from the Czech Republic and said she has enjoyed the experiences more than

anything. She said she appreciates the relationships she has made with her teammates and other opponents.

“Golf showed me a lot of different places where we went for tournaments,” Kocourkova said.

“Also, I met a lot of people who are now good friends.”

The women’s team is constantly working to improve its scores, hoping to have the lowest score possible compared to other universities.

The players have the same mentality when it comes to preparation for a match up.

“I think it’s really important to have a good warm-up that you know works for you, whether that means you spend a long time on the range, or you just take five minutes to yourself to really get in a good mindset,” Croft said.

The importance of a consistent warm-up is key to achieving an adequate score. Kocourkova explained her routine before every golf match,

which includes practice on the driving range and a putting warm-up.

“I always do the same warm-up every time,” Kocourkova said. “I am a really organized person, so it makes me feel comfortable.”

On top of a strategic warmup routine, Bedortha feels he has the women well-prepared for their matches.

He doesn’t believe in a motivational speech and knows the women can go out and apply the skills they know best. He aims for them to shoot close to par or even under, if possible.

“My belief is that if I have to go give them a [motivational] speech before they go out to play to get them motivated, I’ve done a really bad job getting them prepared before we get there,” Bedortha said.

In order to improve his team’s scoring, Bedortha has implemented several team-building aspects for the players to get comfortable around each other.

Croft said she has gotten closer to her teammates because of the activities on the course.

“We always get together and encourage each other to play our best so that when we go out there, we’re all thinking of each other and we play as a team,” Croft said.

This type of team bonding can give recognition to victories within the team. Bedortha is hungry for another win and pushes his team to improve each week. He said he believes they can do it because of their history iof winning conference championships.

Bedortha said the formula for championship golf is pretty simple.

“Putting, chipping and short game is probably number one,” Bedortha said. “And then I would say big numbers — eliminating anything more than a bogey.”

The NAU women’s golf team has proven to have a championship drive, and plan to continue it for years to come.

SPORTS

Lumberjacks fall short against the bears 84-54

Left: NAU sophomore guard Cameron Shelton (20) pulls up for a jump shot. Top Right: NAU junior forward Bernie Andre (10) celebrates after hitting a 3-point shot in the first half of NAU’s game against the University of Northern Colorado. Bottom Right: NAU freshman guard Isaiah Lewis (14) takes a shot, Feb. 13. Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack

FEBRUARY 20, 2020 – FEBRUARY 26, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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