The Lumberjack -- January 31, 2019

EN GARDE! PAGE 16

T H E L U M BE R JACK

JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019

Online at JackCentral.org

From the Editor

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top. Yes, you. Stop and take a moment to relax.

Take a deep breath and, as you do so, focus on the sensation of breathing. Notice as the air breaches your nostrils and travels through your airways down to your abdomen. As you exhale, allow every muscle in your body to relax and return to a natural, comfortable state.

Now look around. What do you see? What objects, people or elements of nature stand out?

Attune your ears. What do you hear? What pleasant sounds strike your ear?

How do you feel? What textures does your skin perceive?

Let go of all your worries, plans, goals, memories, ideas and empty thoughts for a moment. Just observe. Be mindful of what’s happening around and within you.

Mindfulness is something we all need a little more of, especially in today’s highstakes, tech-savvy society. Mindfulness is easy. It can be achieved at any point during the day. It is the most basic expression of existence. All you have do is stop, breathe and observe. Take note of the life happening in front of your eyes.

It is hard to deny, even at its most rudimentary level, that life is miraculous.

COLLIN W. There are so many basic elements of daily life we take for granted — like our ability CLAYTON to feel, reason and perceive. We often forget the countless natural systems and FEATURES EDITOR processes that exist to serve and support us. Too often we operate in a dream state in which we are not truly awake or aware of what is going on around us. We move through life in constant worry of what we will do in the future or what we should’ve done in the past.

Be thankful for what you have and who you are right now. Appreciate the things you’ve been given. Love the people you’ve been blessed to meet. The truth is that the only moment we are capable of living in is the present moment. It is the only moment over which we have any control.

Do as the Buddha said: “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment” and enjoy the freedom that comes with living here and now.

“I am worried that with less funding comes less research, and it will be easier to cut even more funds while going unnoticed publicly” - Honors freshman Kyra Hill Photo Illustration By MacKenzie Brower

Thank you for reading.

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

THE LUMBERJACK VOL. 108 ISSUE 3

Editor-in-Chief Matthew Strissel

Managing Editor Bailey Helton

Director of Digital Content Conor Sweetman

Copy Chief Ashley Besing

Faculty Adviser Annette McGivney

Faculty Adviser, Photo Taylor Mahoney

Sales Manager Marsha Simon

Print Chief Brady Wheeler

Media Innovation Center Editorial Board News Editor Chandler Staley

Features Editor Collin W. Clayton

Sports Editor Molly Smith

Director of Multimedia James LeMarr

Asst. News Editor Ray Anne Galzote

Asst. Features Editor Pruthvi Khilosa

Asst. Sports Editor Amber Neate

Director of Photography Shannon Swain

Senior Reporter Owen Sexton

Culture Editor Sebastian Moore

Director of Illustration Katie Dobrydney

Asst. Dir. of Photography Rylee Flowers

Op-Ed Editor Peggy Packer

Asst. Culture Editor Sabrina Proffitt

Asst. Dir. of Illustration Colton Starley

Senior Photographer Michael Patacsil

Asst. Op-Ed Editor Maria Angulo

Director of Circulation Ariel Cianfarano

Asst. Dir. of Circulation Robyn Monroe

Senior Photographer Jack Mehl

2 THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

On the cover Fencing Club members Emily McNamara (left) and Diego Gonzales (right) practice their épée fencing Nov. 28, 2018. Caleb Autry | The Lumberjack

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

PoliceBeat Jan. 21 At 12:50 a.m., a McConnell Hall staff member reported a broken exit sign.

Officers responded and a student was cited then released for misdemeanor criminal damage.

At 3:25 p.m., an RA from Reilly Hall reported smelling marijuana from a student’s dorm room. Two students were criminally deferred for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jan. 22 At 1:05 a.m., a student was witnessed driving while intoxicated at Ellery and San Francisco, then stopped at Phoenix and San Francisco.

The student was cited and released for DUI. A verbal warning was also issued for expired registration.

At 7:13 a.m., someone called and reported that a student had been hit by a vehicle at Pine Knoll and McConnell. The student was transfered to Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) for treatments of minor injuries. The driver of the car was cited for no proof of insurance.

At 8:23 a.m., staff at parking services called to report an abanndoned vehicle.

The vehicle had been reported stolen to Flagstaff Police Department (FPD). The vehicle was towed for storage until the police could contact the owner.

Jan. 23 At 5:03 a.m., an officer reported assisting FPD with a subject who was trespassing.

Compiled by Teana Long

non-student was transfereed to Communication Center FMC. reported a disoriented student in the Knoles parking garage.

Jan. 24 Guardian Medical Transport At 1:32 a.m., a student (GMT) responded and the reported a non-student had student was transported to broken their car window. FMC. The non-student was arrested and booked into Coconino At 9:34 p.m., police County Detention Facility for received a call from an elevator possession of burglary tools, in the San Francisco parking burglary and criminal damage. garage. Subjects were safely removed from the elevator and At 10:50 a.m., officers facilities was notified. reported serving papers to a subject on behalf of the FBI. At 11:25 p.m., university staff reported the odor of At 5:37 p.m., an RA marijuana. Three students were called to report that a student deferred for minor in possession had told them of unwanted of alcohol. One student was sexual contact. It was found deferred for possession of that the incident had occurred marijuana and possession of off campus. FPD responded drug paraphernalia. and took a report.

Jan. 27 Jan. 25 At 2:53 p.m., an RA from At 10:48 a.m., an officer Mountain View Hall called to reported being out with report a suicidal subject. Upon two subjects. Subjects were the arrival of an officer, it was interviewed and one was discovered that the subject was arrested on an outstanding in good health. warrant.

At 4:05 p.m., a At 7:18 p.m., a McConnell Hall RA called McConnell Hall staff to report theft of three room member reported the odor of placards. An officer responded marijuana. Four students were and took a report. referred for code of conduct violation. One student was At 5:50 p.m., a staff deferred for possession of member called to report a marijuana and possession student having a seizure at the of drug paraphernalia. One Cline Library. Flagstaff Fire student was deferred for minor Department, an officer and in possession of alcohol.

GMT arrived and the patient was transported to FMC. At 11:01 p.m., university staff reported a student may At 7:23 p.m., an RA from have been drugged. The McConnell Hall called to student was then transported report the odor of marijuana. to FMC Three students were criminally deferred for use of marijuana, Jan. 26 and two of them were criminally At 12:15 a.m., university deferred for possession of drug staff reported a student with paraphernalia. a laceration to the face in Mountain View Hall.

At 11:49 a.m., a student called to report an intoxicated non-student needing assistance At 3:58 p.m., a staff in front of a building. The member from the Flagstaff

JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019 | THE LUMBERJACK 3

NEWS

Experimental program funded at NAU Owen Sexton

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AU was recently granted $1 million from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to fund a program to help students with reading disabilities. Universities across the country struggle with acquiring textbooks and other course materials in readable formats for these students. NAU will take part in an experimental pilot program with six other universities in order to try to change that.

The program, known as Federating Repositories of Accessible Materials for Higher Education, was created by the University of Virginia (UVA) Library. Aside from NAU and UVA, the other schools involved include George Mason University, Texas A&M University, the University of Illinois, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Vanderbilt University.

Disability Resources Director Jamie Axelrod said the purpose of this program is to make reading easier for both the students and universities by permitting materials to be shared.

“If we have a textbook that we use for biology 181 and there are 40 other universities that use the same text book, we all have to do the conversion for students who need it in an alternative format,” Axelrod said. “There’s a lot of duplication of effort across the country when you think of common materials that get used.”

With the federated repository in place, schools could upload materials they have and students from other schools could access them, thus saving time on the student’s part and effort and materials on the university’s part.

Axelrod said the reason why universities don’t already share resources is concern over copyright law.

Aside from the universities involved, there are three large online libraries involved too, according to the UVA library’s website.

According to an excerpt from a Jan. 11 UVA news release, the pilot also depends on HathiTrust, Bookshare, and The Internet Archive, three large digital repositories, each of which already provides service to users with print disabilities.

The news release also said the pilot program has its roots stemming from work already done in an Institute of Museum and Library Services funded grant. This grant explores how universities handle creating materials for students with print disabilities.

Axelrod said having these three repositories included is a huge bonus.

“When the pilot program starts, not only

Jamie Axelrod demonstrates how various accessibility tools work through a computer program to help students with print disabilities Jan. 25.

Joseph Whitney | The Lumberjack

will there be the converted materials provided by the universities but access to the materials from the other three organizations as well,” Axelrod said.

They work on creating the infrastructure is slated to begin at UVA after a kick-off meeting Feb. 15.

Axelrod has high hopes for the future of the new repository.

“I think what’s really the most exciting is that if this pilot goes well, and we can open up to other institutions nationwide,” Axelrod said. “Not only will it make this process better, faster and easier for us, but it will do that for every institution that joins.”

The exact number of students with print disabilities at NAU is unknown according to

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Damon Burke, digital media technologist at Cline Library. However, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, in 2008, 10.8 percent of students enrolled in universities had some kind of disability.

“First, this number has certainly grown since 2008,” Burke said in an email. “Second, it most likely under-represents the entire population when you take into account all the forms of learning disabilities that might cause a student to need some kind of assistance.”

As for options students with print disabilities already have, Burke said Cline Library is prepared to get them the materials they need as soon as possible.

“For all of NAU classes, irrespective of any disability intervention, we prepare hundreds of

“I think what’s really the most exciting is that if this pilot goes well, and we can open up to other institutions nationwide”

- JARNIE AXELROD

electronic texts and thousands of videos every year,” Burke said in an email. “We provide all manner of print, video and audio content, both in physical and in electronic formats. We do our best to make sure the content meets federal, state and local requirements in regard to meeting ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] and Section 508 requirements.”

The program will require teamwork within the universities participating, Cline Library Dean Cynthia Childrey said in an email.

“I want to emphasize just how important it is that both the disability resources offices and libraries at each of the seven pilot universities are participating,” Childrey said. “Disability resources offices have taken on the work of making educational materials accessible, often with very few staff. Libraries have expertise in managing and providing access to content.”

Childrey said the end goal is less duplication of effort for the universities and faster content availability for students.

NEWS

Where Facebook and Dutch Bros. collide Ciaran Gallagher

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or roughly six months, a student housing center known as The Standard Apartments has carried out a widespread marketing campaign. They have implemented several tactics to attract students when it comes to signing a lease, from handing out giveaways on social media to free food or drinks, such as Dutch Bros.

The Standard is located on Route 66 across the street from the Galaxy Diner, and the official move in day is Aug. 24.

Skylin Gallegos, a leasing ambassador for The Standard, shared details about the marketing campaign. According to Gallegos, it began toward the end of summer 2018 with giveaways are every Thursday in the Standard lobby.

“This is just to get our name out there a little bit more, and to make people more aware of our Instagram page along with all of our other social media platforms,” Gallegos said.

Gallegos said The Standard enjoys being able to give back to students.

“We like to be really involved with the students,” Gallegos said. “We sell who we are as a company.

We like to be transparent with every student that comes through our office, whether that be with pricing and room availability, we don’t want to scam anyone.

We aim for high quality in everything that we do, whether that’s with our marketing, our social media platforms, how we communicate to students.”

In regard to how long the giveaways will last, Gallegos strongly believes they will continue.

When the complex opens, she said they will be giving away free things in their office.

“I can’t imagine us stopping that,” Gallegos said. “I’m almost positive we’ll continue to do the free giveaways.”

The effectiveness of this approach has received mixed reviews from students. NAU freshman Irelynn Weaver said their marketing tactics accomplish only one aspect of their goal.

“It is effective, [but] then again, it is not,” Weaver said. “They are getting the foot traffic

that they want, but it is mainly people going in for the free stuff.”

Sophomore Ray Boukara agrees with this consensus, saying they know people who go for the sake of free food and coffee.

“I don’t think that it is so effective because rent in Flagstaff is already high enough, and for most people here, living at The Standard is not even a feasible option,” Boukara said. “That is why most people stick with safer options, like staying on campus.”

Freshman Luis Ruiz believes the marketing is effective in getting more people to sign a lease because of how they are relating to the college crowd.

“These students will see how ‘hip’ it is to be living at the Standard and how it is the cool thing to do,” Ruiz said.

The Standard has financially invested in providing free food and drinks. A small drink from Dutch Bros. costs around $3.50.

Hypothetically, if they were to order 30 of these drinks, that would total to $105 without tax.

That is $105 they are most likely losing because not everyone is going to sign a lease.

According to The Standard’s website, each complex comes with private bedrooms, a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a washer and dryer unit, cable and high-speed internet. They have a computer lounge and study rooms for when students need to hit the books. The Standard also has a golf simulator when students are ready to take a load off.

In addition to many amenities, The Standard also offers a range of floorpans and rent prices suitable for different people.

According to their website, rent for a single bedroom will be around $1,169 per month, with a year-long lease totaling $14,028. As the number of bedrooms increases, the price goes down quite significantly. This range is from around $900 to about $750 per month.

Whether or not the giveaways are an effective method of growing their business is unclear.

As for now, The Standard is hard at work making sure that they appeal to the younger audience, and therefore, be up to date on trends.

“It is effective, [but] then again, it is not. They are getting the foot traffic that they want, but it is mainly people going in for the free stuff”

- FRESHMAN IRELYNN WEAVER

Illustration By KATIE DOBRYDNEY

JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019 | THE LUMBERJACK 5

VISUAL SPOTLIGHT

NAU Logging

Top Left: Connor Moss participates in obstacle pole during the log competitions which the logging team attends twice a year. Top Right: Lliana Casto climbs a tree during NAU logging team practice.

They also do a log cutting during almost all of the home football, soccer and basketball games. Bottom Left: NAU logging club practices three times a week. These practices prepare them for the two competitions they compete in a year. Bottom Right: Michael Daugherty practices caber throw during practice Jan. Bess Valdez | The Lumberjack

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JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019 | THE LUMBERJACK 9

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Buzzfeed, you can’t sit with us Caitlin Burke

Straight girl in a bi world

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s a straight woman in 2019, I have observed many people assume I am bisexual and they are often skeptical when I reaffirm my heterosexuality.

In all honesty, this is not a problem, but it is an intriguing phenomenon. Through sexual liberation has come many people who are now comfortable with outwardly identifying as homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, etcetera. Within my personal culture, it is increasingly common for young females such as myself to identify as bisexual.

More and more people are accepting the idea of sexuality as a spectrum, not black and white. As a result, many individuals choose not to identify or label themselves as anything. On the other hand, many take this SCOUT idea and jump to the conclusion that no one EHRLER is 100 percent straight.

OP/ED WRITER However, I am.

Yet, I am often perceived as being dishonest or in denial. In my experience, my sexuality is questioned and pried into in an inappropriate way. My “plight” is nowhere near that of a nonstraight person and I don’t intend to imply that, but denying and questioning someone’s sexuality is rude, regardless of perceived sexual orientation.

I find this curious because I think my experience is highly dependent on my gender.

As a woman, bisexuality is perceived as fashionable. If I were a man, it is incredibly unlikely that I would be considered “abnormal” for being straight. Bisexuality in women is incredibly fetishized. It gives men permission to fantasize about bisexual women in highly fetishized scenarios such as a femalemale-female threesome. Let’s be honest, lesbian porn is the most heterosexual porn that exists.

My experience is not scarring or even upsetting, but more so a reflection of sexual perception in this time, as well as among this generation. I think it is a representation of the cognitive dissonance of bisexuality — everyone cheers for LGBTQ individuals, yet tell bisexual people they need to just “choose.”

In a monogamous “heterosexual” relationship containing a bisexual person, the bisexual person is doubted and perceived as straight. Men will get off to lesbian porn and fetishize bisexual women, yet call a bisexual man gay as an insult.

Bisexuality is a very strict term for something so fluid, which is why I am more curious than upset when I am misunderstood or misidentified. I am able to feel this way because I am not threatened when I am assumed to be a bisexual woman. Bisexual and straight women aren’t necessarily in danger in the same way gay men or transgender people are.

I fully accept my straight privilege and I will use it by stating thus: Do not assume anyone’s sexuality and do not question them to their face.

10 THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

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o-called fake news has been a rampantly popular concept over the past three years, but it has always existed in the journalistic realm of the world.

Being a reputable news organization takes years of building credibility with readers. It takes constant accuracy, timeliness and availability to consumers.

The spectrum of reputable news sources is extremely vast and varies given each consumer’s personal preference and opinion. There are even outlets that exist for the sole purpose of having a reputation for profiting off of fake news, like The Onion.

BuzzFeed is a media company that has many sectors of influence on the internet but not necessarily in the cutthroat world of news.

Predominantly, they are known for their entertaining YouTube channels, online quizzes and Facebook “Tasty” recipe videos that mainly serve as distractions to college students during lectures.

Besides these, BuzzFeed does have a news outlet of their own and recently published an article aiming to indict Trump and his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, in what the Washington Post calls “an explosive article.”

After its publication, special counsel Robert Mueller’s office denied the claims made in the BuzzFeed article that stated his investigators had gathered evidence showing President Trump directed Cohen to lie to Congress about a prospective business deal in Moscow.

BuzzFeed has never been considered a reliable or credible news source and they should stay that way, given the catastrophic results of their false accusations.

To express just how badly BuzzFeed messed up in this situation, a little more context should be given.

As the Washington Post article states, “The statement was remarkable on several levels.

First, the special counsel’s office speaks exceedingly rarely, and second, the statement seems to drive a stake through a sensational allegation that Democratic lawmakers suggested earlier in the day could spell the end of the Trump presidency.”

The BuzzFeed article was strongly suggesting that President Trump had committed an impeachable act.

Although many of us would like to see Trump leave office so easily, it won’t be because of some great investigative reporting from BuzzFeed of all sources.

To claim something so largely accusatory, all while knowing it has not been confirmed is enough in my book to never presume anything BuzzFeed puts out in the future as reliable.

Being a smart consumer is not only the answer to staying educated in an increasingly fast-paced world. We need to make sure other media outlets are not under the impression their audiences can be easily fooled into believing a fabricated accusation without any backlash.

Undoubtedly, this unfortunate incident will add ammunition to the division within journalism and its audience these days.

Conservative Trump supporters will view this allegedly false report as evidence that the media is biased to the left — besides Fox News — and that their sole goal is to constantly attack and try to remove President Trump from the White House.

It goes without saying that if a news source happens to be the first to accurately report indictable behavior from President Trump that will actually get him impeached, it would be the next Watergate. Those reporters would be the next Woodward and Bernstein — the reporters who broke the Watergate scandal — and the news outlet would be on par with the Washington Post.

Until that long-awaited day, I plead with those news outlets and media organizations under the same chaotic category as BuzzFeed do not fuel the fire that is distrust in the media.

Illustration By Colton Starley

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Suicidal ideation doesn’t last forever scout ehrler

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If my 6-year-old self could see me, she’d be so disappointed in me.”

These are the words that ran through my head as I laid in the ER after admitting myself for suicidal tendencies and thoughts.

Today, for the first time since I can remember, I look at myself and think, “I’m becoming the person I always hoped I would be.”

The journey from point A to point B was tumultuous, painful and excruciatingly long. However, I’m on the other side of the hill and if you’re anything like me, I believe you will be too, eventually.

I attempt to remain tight-lipped about my mental health for numerous reasons. For one, I firmly believe no one cares.

Second, I don’t feel worthy of help. But my brain was screaming for someone to save me, for me to save myself.

Staying quiet about this type of thing is generally not wise.

While no one else can “save” you or anyone else, support was my lifeline. Once I started speaking up, I saw the people who cared

and were willing to help. I leaned on their support until I could stand on my own two feet. I peeled myself out of my misery and took myself to a counselor and a psychiatrist.

I was diagnosed with depression, generalized anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder, a mental disorder characterized by compulsive perfectionism, list-making and obsessing over the quotidian. With these diagnoses came understanding and much-needed medication.

My journey is not the same as everyone else’s and other people with my diagnoses have different stories. After two trips to psychiatric care units, countless amounts of episodes and over a dozen suicide notes, I can confidently say I’m OK. I firmly believe suicidal ideation is not anyone’s forever, nor is untimely death anyone’s destiny.

I got to this point by cutting myself some slack. Every day is still a battle. I’m not “cured” nor okay 100 percent of the time. I try to forgive myself. I try not to beat myself up over the smallest of mistakes or the biggest of mistakes. While still remaining critical of myself, attempting to better myself every day, I give myself credit where credit is due.

I have so much to offer the people around me. I have so

much to offer the people I haven’t even met yet. I’m intelligent, witty, creative and strong. I have never been at a point in my life where I am okay admitting my good qualities. I always discount them by exaggerating my bad qualities. In my mind, there’s an overcast of hatred for myself.

Despite these clouds, I forced myself to admit that I’m not all that bad. As long as I’m trying my hardest to be my best, I’m doing all I can.

I know “you have so much to live for,” and “it’ll get better,” are clichés. I know no one in a dark place wants to hear any of it.

Even three months ago, I could not look further ahead than the next day. I could not envision my future because I believed I did not have one and I did not deserve one.

With therapy, care and support, the clouds can part.

Flagstaff has a service called Terros which saved me numerous times. They send someone to wherever you are and stay with you until you’re “OK” or get you the help you need. Call them at 1-877-756-4090 if you need them.

If you are considering hurting yourself, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

We need a white Democrat savior maria angulo

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t feels like centuries since Donald Trump has been in office, and for Democrats, the light at the end of the tunnel seems closer as 2020 is just a year away.

Since 2016, Democrats have been waiting for their turn to take the oval office and many people’s names have been put out there as potential candidates to beat Trump.

Names like Oprah, Kanye West and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have been mentioned. Because at this point, who actually needs experience to run the country?

But with the beginning of a new year, the campaigns for the presidential run have begun. As of Jan. 23, nine Democrats have announced they are throwing their name in the ring.

Four out of nine are women. Two of them are Kamala Harris and Tulsi Gabbard, both being the first women of color to run for president of the United States, along with senators Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Even though these four women seem completely prepared for the job, I believe the U.S. is still not prepared for its first woman president and even less prepared for a woman of color.

I understand the Democratic Party’s intentions, but if Democrats want to really have a chance in the next election, sadly they will have to vote for a white man. Many have said if Bernie Sanders had been the candidate he would have beaten Trump. It is sad, but nonetheless the truth.

This is why the U.S. has had 44 white presidents.

For many, this was a stepping stone for a woman to be

president, and then Hillary Clinton came — one of the most qualified people to run.

I do understand why people may dislike her, but she had the most experience.

Instead, people only focused on the fact that she is a woman, making comments on what would she do that time of the month and how she would handle her emotions, which now just seems ironic.

This led to people voting for President Donald Trump.

As the U.S. had taken two steps forward, they also went back, showing the problem that the U.S had all along but had been hiding.

So, yes, the only answer to the Democrats’ prayers would be a white man. It’s funny how the only answer to white men problems is more white men, but that i s the truth. No matter how qualified any of these women or other people of color may be, I believe at this point, race is even more important than experience.

This does not mean I don’t want a woman to run, but it’s realizing if they do. There is a big chance Trump can stay in office until 2024.

Yet, this is not the only problem the Democratic party has, as they are also going through an identity crisis. People like Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria OcasioCortez identify themselves as Democratic Socialists, which for many just means socialist.

For many people, this is the extreme left, just as how the Republican Party has the extreme right — because wanting health care for all is as crazy as being racist.

Any candidate will have to be more moderate than anything. It has to be someone who can appeal to the Democrats, but also someone independents may like.

The party itself will have to figure out what platform they will have if they really want a chance to win.

What this past four years — since Trump announced his candidacy — have taught me is that the U.S.’s problems with racism, sexism and simple scapegoating lay so beneath society that it will take a lot to get Trump out of office.

I understand that many Democrats want to create change from the get-go and they want to take out all the bigotry the White House and the country has, but change does not happen in a day and it will not happen in just a couple of years.

Yes, this is discouraging but change has to come gradually. It always has and that does not mean it is fair, but at the end of the day competitions are about strategy.

If Democrats want to win, they have to start changing theirs.

Illustration By brooke berry

JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019 | THE LUMBERJACK 11

FEATURES

What’s the deal with all Madeline Hollmann

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any students and faculty members across campus have begun to notice the bright red carts scattered around school grounds. These carts can often be seen lying in dirt, floating down waterways or simply parked in the middle of sidewalks. The source of the carts is fairly obvious; most of them are marked plainly with the well-known logo of the No. 39 business on Fortune’s “500” list.

Target owns 1,850 chain grocery stores nationwide. However the source of Flagstaff’s cart conundrum seems to be the Target store located on the corner of South Milton Road and University Drive.

This particular Target is located near the dorms — close enough for students living on south-central campus to easily travel by foot to get their groceries as opposed to using vehicles.

Students may be using the shopping carts to transport their groceries back to their dorms. Then, instead of returning the carts, many students choose simply to leave them on campus.

As more and more students continue this habit, a concerning number of abandoned carts have built up on campus. Freshman Jack Darbourne lives in a dorm on central campus. Darbourne admitted to having left carts on campus when he was in a pinch and didn’t have the time or energy to return them.

“When I’ve brought shopping carts back to campus, I’ve definitely not returned them,” Darbourne said. “I just leave them somewhere because I’m honestly too lazy to go back to the store and return them.”

This shopping cart phenomenon, despite its negative aspects, has created a new source of entertainment for some students. Darbourne

said he has seen students racing the carts down roadways and sidewalks on campus.

According to Darbourne, one student has apparently taken to documenting this phenomenon and created an Instagram page dedicated to photos of students messing around with the carts. To Darbourne, the situation does not seem like a problem.

“There is an Instagram page of college students messing around on the Target shopping carts, and personally, I think it’s funny to see,” Darbourne said. “I think it adds character to campus.”

Despite their apparent entertainment value, the carts have become a nuisance for

“I just leave them somewhere because i’m honestly too lazy to go back to the store and return them”

- Freshman Jack Darbourne

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some. Resident Assistant (RA) Gaby De Anda said the surplus of shopping carts lying around campus is a safety hazard that should be taken care of. As an RA, it is De Anda’s job to ensure there are no hazards surrounding her dorm.

“I’ve had to move shopping carts away from the building while doing rounds outside and checking the building,” De Anda said. “I have to move [carts] at least 50 feet away from the building

FEATURES

l these shopping carts? because they could potentially block an exit. It’s a bit of a hassle to deal with.”

The NAU grounds department is responsible for collecting and storing carts until Target employees can come retrieve them.

NAUPD is also aware of the issue, but according to Community Relations Officer Breana Rintala, there are only a few actions the department can take to handle the problem.

“We are unsure

of the reasons behind the surplus of carts on campus,” Rintala said. “There could be a misunderstanding with students who believe they can take the carts with them. Or, it simply might be that students don’t want to carry their items by hand or return the carts out of laziness. Law enforcement here on campus will ensure the carts are not presenting a safety hazard. If there’s a cart interfering with traffic, we will do our best to move it to a safer area.”

Rintala said it is technically illegal for students to take carts off of store property. However, it is up to stores whether or not they want to pursue legal action against cart theives.

“In order for law enforcement to take action about the carts, Target would have to agree to pursue charges,” Rintala said.

“Target generally doesn’t want to prosecute individuals taking their carts off of their property, but they also don’t want to be a victim of theft. This presents a problem, because law enforcement can’t take action and return the stolen property to Target if the property was never reported as stolen.”

According to an article by Bob Greene of the Chicago Tribune, the typical cost for one shopping cart is about $125. If the shopping cart problem continues to go unattended, it could potentially present financial issues for Target and other local grocery stores. The Lumberjack reached out to the local Target store for information on how the company is affected by the stolen carts, however management declined to comment.

Other local supermarkets, such as the Safeway on South Plaza Way, have taken precautions to keep shopping carts from being stolen from their property. Automated cart locks are one such solution. Locking devices consist of an electronic mechanism that can lock a cart’s wheels when a sensor reads that it has left a store’s property. An underground wire is placed around the property, and an electrical current senses if a cart is wheeled over the wire.

A spring loaded bolt is released, and wheels become effectively locked.

The shopping cart situation not only poses a problem for stores, it has an effect on the entire community. Some people find the shopping carts to be a constant eyesore. De Andra said the carts detract from the beautiful scenery of NAU — one of the thing’s the school is well-known for.

“I believe that not only is it a matter of making the campus look pretty but I think it is also a theft issue,” De Anda said. “[People] are taking property from Target and bringing it onto campus.”

According to Greene’s article, February is “National Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month.” Citizens across the nation are encouraged to take into consideration the affects of taking carts off of store property.

PHOTO Illustrations By SHANNON SWAIN AND HOLLIS FISHBACH

JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019 | THE LUMBERJACK 13

FEATURES

Local roller derby league is HARD to forget Ashley Lohmann

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igh Altitude Roller Derby (HARD) players are powerful on the track, but according to league members, the love these women have for the Flagstaff community is just as strong as their roller derby game. Since its establishment in 2011, HARD has been successful in distinguishing itself from other leagues in Arizona and across the United States.

Within the world of roller derby, HARD is a relatively young league that has only been around for eight years. Keri Stiverson, known by members of the league as Skary Cheezus, was one of HARD’s original skaters and is the current head coach. Stiverson said what things were like for the founding members of HARD. “We not only had to teach ourselves how to play derby, we had to teach ourselves how to skate,” Stiverson said. “We had to spend a lot of time on foundational skills before we could actually learn to play derby. But we’re really lucky that Arizona has so many leagues. We were able to get some skaters from those older leagues to come to Flagstaff and help show us some of the basics. We relied on lots of help from outside leagues to get to the point where we are now.

Arizona has a really unique derby experience; we are one of the few states with enough leagues to have a state conference.”

Arizona State Flat Track Roller Derby Conference came about as a means for leagues across Arizona to network and compete. The conference allowed leagues throughout the state to grow and improve.

Within the conference, HARD stands out for its member’s welcoming, friendly attitudes.

Referee and retired skater Sarah Oman said she appreciates HARD because they’re not cliquish or hierarchical like other leagues she’s encountered. According to Oman, HARD members are friendly and supportive; to them, everyone is welcome.

“Derby is very affirming to all body types and personalities. It doesn’t matter what race you are, what sexual orientation you are, what gender you are and that’s what I love most about it,” Oman said. “If you’re gender nonconforming, if you’re gender queer, if you’re trans, there is a place for you in roller derby. All walks of life can join, and that’s what I appreciate most about derby.”

Along with welcoming everyone to participate in roller derby, HARD is also unique in the eyes of skater Monique Belanger — aka Mo’ U Down). Belanger said HARD is a

The High Altitude Roller Derby league practices multiple times a week. They have two tournaments a year, which they work hard to prepare for. During practice Jan. 25, skaters work as a team to develop and fine-tune their skills in the rink. Bess Valdez | The Lumberjack

friendly league compared to others.

“I think that we have a reputation around the state and around the country,” Belanger said.

“People tend to like us wherever we go. They think we’re the friendly league, and they know we’re really competitive on the track and that we hit hard. But off the track we’re nice, we’re friendly, we’re really supportive of each other and I think that’s not always the case. What we have here in this community is really special.”

Belanger said participating in the sport requires an extraordinary time commitment: multiple practices each week, matches (known within the league as bouts), physical training and more. It seems HARD demands a lot from it’s skaters and officials — devotion to the league is crucial for acting members.

“Derby can be sort of life-consuming.

Some people say it’s like a cult, and they’re not that far off from the truth,” Belanger said. “I skate for our charter team, which means we’re internationally ranked, and that takes a lot of time. We practice two or three times a week, we work out, we volunteer. I’m actually one of the captains of that team, so there’s a lot of extra work that goes along with that. It’s a labor of love.”

Stiverson echoed the heavy time

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commitment, but said that the rewards of this commitment have been well worth the time.

“Derby definitely takes a lot of time and effort, so it’s really easy for it to consume all of your time,” Stiverson said. “There isn’t a single person involved in derby who is not highly involved. We have to take care of all of our venues. We have to secure new venues all of the time because that’s just how derby goes. It really takes a village. It takes a whole community.”

On top of all the practice and competition, members of HARD are required to complete volunteer hours each month in order to remain eligible for participation in bouts. The higher level a team, the more volunteer hours are required of its skaters.

Requiring volunteer hours from skaters is crucial to maintaining the league. HARD is a self-sustaining organization, which means that players pay dues and run the league themselves.

Many of these volunteer hours translate to working for the league in various ways. In order for each bout to run, seven skating officials and several non-skating officials are required. Nonskating officials keep score, run the scoreboard, guard the penalty box and keep time for the bout. These positions are filled by community members who volunteer as well.

Volunteer hours are also accrued by skaters who help out around Flagstaff. Community is important to HARD, and giving back is ingrained in the league’s bylaws. Running food drives at bouts and cleaning nearby trails are just a few ways that HARD takes care of the city. The league also chooses a charity each year to fund raise for and work with.

“We’re all about our local community.

We give back to the community, we invite everybody to all of our social gatherings, we’re always out there trying to get more people to join and have fun with us,” HARD skater Keyra Powell said. “We’re just a really accepting and welcoming group. There’s so much that we do at all of our bouts. We donate portions of our profits to go to a different charity each year. Our league is just a really awesome thing to have in the community.”

While HARD contributes in substantial ways to the community, the community itself is what keeps the local roller derby league alive. Without residents attending the bouts and supporting the skaters, the league might struggle.

HARD also utilizes practice spaces provided by the community. The league currently practices at the National Guard Armory in Flagstaff and although skaters are grateful to have this space, it is too small to fit a full-sized derby track.

Belanger said the league is currently seeking to branch out.

“We do have a lot of community support which we need and love. Yet we still have people who ask, ‘There’s roller derby in Flagstaff?’”

Belanger said. “We’re still trying to reach out and get people more involved. I think it’s a super fun, family-friendly sport to watch.”

HARD and the presence of roller derby in Flagstaff has had lasting effects on skaters like Belanger, who made lifelong connections through participation in the league.

“It’s amazing being able to help your teammates rise up and do an amazing thing.

It’s just incredible to see,” Belanger said. “There are days when you’re just having a bad day and you’re like, ‘maybe I just shouldn’t go [to practice] today because it’s been crappy.’ But it turns out that it doesn’t matter what kind of mood I walk in the door with, I always I walk out in a better mood because [derby] is so much fun.

It’s challenging and rewarding. These people are amazing and I couldn’t ever leave these people. I think that derby is an amazing outlet. It allows people to shine in a way they may not have been able to in the past.”

JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019 | THE LUMBERJACK 15

CULTURE

NAU Fencing Club swings into action Audrey Woods

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n Wednesday evenings, the University Union is full of students grabbing dinner, heading to class and socializing with friends. Little do people know, in the Fieldhouse, six students are gearing up and drawing their weapons.

Swords in hand, carefully eyeing their opponents, students lunge and the dueling begins. However, no blood is shed and no screams are heard.

The only sound echoing through the gym is laughter as the Fencing Club commences.

William Wilson, author and faculty adviser for the NAU Fencing Club, shares the joys of modern fencing with his students in his beginner and intermediate fencing class, as well as those who attend club meetings.

“Modern fencing is based off systems of swordplay that goes back centuries and centuries,” Wilson said. “The Fencing Club at NAU follows the same protocols as other clubs across the country, as well as in Europe.”

Modern fencing has three weapon styles: foil, épée and sabre.

Foil is the style most common among the club members, and with this style, the intended target area is anywhere on the torso. Foil was once considered the practice weapon for proper dueling but now all styles are used purely for sport. Épée is the second style of modern fencing and a personal favorite of club president and junior Emily Mcnamara.

“I personally do épée because épée has no rules,” Mcnamara said.

“You can hit wherever you want or you can hit at the same time.”

The sabre style allows participants to hit anywhere above the waist and with the side of the sword, rather than only the tip. Mcnamara warned this style will definitely leave you with some bruises but is fun to learn about nonetheless.

Mcnamara started fencing in high school, but many of the club’s members first learned about fencing

Fencing Club members Emily McNamara (left) and Diego Gonzales (right) take a break during practice, Nov. 28, 2018.

Caleb Autry | The Lumberjack

in the FIT course taught on campus.

This is common and a great way to learn the basics of fencing while also earning course credits. The club’s weekly meetings are relaxed and just

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as informative.

The students start their meetings by gathering gear from the lockers or pulling out gear of their own. Once they are properly dressed in their

mask, jacket and gloves, they head into the gym and start pairing up.

New members are given a quick lesson on the basics by either Wilson or another experienced member.

Participants then start dueling.

Occasionally, Wilson huddles the group to demonstrate instruction and answer questions.

“I think the most challenging thing is coordination because I trip over my own two feet all the time,” said club Vice President Amanda Rosas.

Despite the challenges that come with learning, the Fencing Club is meant to be fun and relaxed.

Anyone can join and there is no required gear or experience. Members are also allowed to fence with any style blade they prefer and if interested, the club will help prepare students for local competitions.

However, the club faces a challenge when it comes to gaining new members. Fencing was originated in Europe and not many Americans get the chance to learn about it.

The NAU Fencing Club is planning on performing a demonstration on campus in the near future to bring in prospective members because many students don’t even know the club exists.

“Our club is so small, so it’s hard to get the diversity,” Mcnamara said.

Adding more members would help to diversify the group and could eventually lead to the club purchasing new gear. It would also give new members a convenient place to exercise and make new friends.

Attending a weekly meeting is also a great time to let go of stress.

“When I was working on my capstone last semester, I spent time here specifically to get away from my capstone,” Rosas said.

Though mastering the techniques and learning the rules won’t happen right away, getting involved with the Fencing Club is easy and quite rewarding. The only requirements are a willingness to learn and a positive attitude. Fencing, unlike other sports and activities, caters to both the brave and the shy.

“You have a mask on so people can’t tell that it’s you,” Mcnamara said. “That’s why I started fencing in the first place.”

CULTURE

Making music in the mountains Braedon Huff

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ver the years, Flagstaff has been known for its diverse community of student and local musicians. Events such as the annual bluegrass music festival Pickin’ In The Pines and a multitude of venues have made Flagstaff a destination for all types of musicians.

Notable acts in the past have included Willie Nelson, B.B. King and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. Gregory Alan Isakov and many more have made Flagstaff a stop on their touring schedule as well. Along with famous musicians, Flagstaff has also drawn student musicians to NAU’s School of Music.

The vast array of music venues Flagstaff offers include Firecreek Coffee Company, the Orpheum Theater and one of Flagstaff’s largest venues, the Pepsi Amphitheater. These locations have allowed musicians of all genres and popularity to perform for the public. The diversity of venues in Flagstaff have created a medium for musicians of all kinds to take part in shaping the music scene. Freshman Elijah Prescott has only been part of the local music scene for a short time, but he has noticed the opportunities for musicians in Flagstaff.

“Flagstaff has a good mix of small and large venues for different types of performers,” Prescott said. “Events such as Firecreek Coffee Company open mics are a great way for local musicians to gain exposure to audiences. First Fridays in downtown are also a way for artists to get their music out there. I have done it before and it was an awesome experience. I like being a part of the Flagstaff music scene because it feels very inclusive.”

The Flagstaff music scene also provides numerous opportunities for musicians to network.

Due to the variety of musicians in Flagstaff and at NAU, occasions to meet other artists are plentiful. This allows for musicians of different genres to come together and create a community of diverse music.

Freshman Ryan Binkley has taken advantage of these opportunities to further his journey with music. He described the music scene as a tool to branch out.

“What I’ve seen from living in Flag is the music scene is way more fluid than in other places,” Binkley said. “You have bands coming in from all over Arizona to perform in Flagstaff.

There’s just a lot of people here I can meet and network with. It has forced me to put myself out

The Performing and Fine Arts Center is home to many music classes and extracurricular activities, Jan. 25. KJ Kluge | The Lumberjack

there more and manage myself in a professional way.”

NAU’s School of Music also offers students the chance to network and perform in an educational setting.

The School of Music has enticed a large number of musicians to study here due to NAU having a classical music program. Classes in music theory, composition, performing and history create an environment that lets students from all backgrounds interact with each other.

Along with Flagstaff’s local music, NAU’s music program can also empower musicians to

put themselves out there and meet more people.

Sophomore Rachel Blair has been part of the School of Music for over a year and explained it as being a significant way to network with others as well as a very accepting community.

“I’ve met some of my best friends through NAU’s music program and it has helped me build my confidence with playing and performing,” Blair said. “Everyone is really accepting of the music you play and the sound you have as a musician. They also offer a lot of [opportunities] for student teaching and scholarships.”

Blair also described her admiration for

the staff of the music program and her positive experience while studying music at NAU. “My favorite part about studying music in Flagstaff is my professor, [Louise] Scott,” Blair said. “She is the best teacher I have ever had. She really understands the art of teaching and she can pick up on things you are struggling with.”

The music scene in Flagstaff continues to be a diverse community full of networking and performing opportunities. The collection of performers and genres Flagstaff houses lets musicians share their art of music while putting their own spin on it.

JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019 | THE LUMBERJACK 17

CULTURE

The Basement Marketplace is located in downtown Flagstaff and is a host to a wide array of items, including clothes, shoes, accessories and stickers. The marketplace is also known for its indoor fish pond, located at the bottom of the stairway entrance. Morgan Fisher | The Lumberjack

A store where fashion meets affordability Hayley O’Connor

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or the past 16 years, the Basement Marketplace has provided students and residents of Flagstaff with trendy clothes.

Located in the Old Town shops of downtown Flagstaff, other popular stores in the area include Black Hound Gallerie, P.J. Chillcottage, and Flagstaff Chocolate Company. Big Foot BBQ is located inside the Basement Marketplace as well.

Manager and NAU alumna Bailey Hill graduated from NAU with degrees in biology, chemistry and geology. She described the events held by Basement Marketplace and how they cater to NAU students.

“Every semester we go to the bookstore, usually within the first couple days of the semester starting, and we are always there to hand out free stuff like T-shirts, pens, stickers and stuff like that,” Hill said. “We usually pair up with Black Hound Gallerie to do that sort of thing.”

Black Hound Gallerie is located directly above Basement Marketplace and sells novelty items as well as clothing. Hill said the best way to keep up with Basement Marketplace events

is through their Instagram account. Most events even offer some sort of discount or giveaway for customers.

“This past month we did a new student mixer,” Hill said. “We had a student discount and we were also giving away $300 gift cards to Avail Tattoo. Dutch Bros came and made rebels in our store. So it was a super fun event and party. We are going to be doing something Valentine’s Day related for next month.”

Hill said it is not only college students coming in to shop. She described the main demographic of customers as women between the ages of 15 and 25.

“A lot of tourists come through, especially because Big Foot BBQ is always doing events as well and they host big events for travel groups,” Hill said.

Hill said the appeal to local Flagstaff residents. Basement Marketplace merchandise includes basics for a wardrobe, such as solid print tank-tops, T-shirts, sweatshirts and leggings.

There are a variety of deals, which are popular among customers who are looking to purchase several items but are also trying to save money.

Hill said the male demographic has

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increased since more men have frequented the store recently to take advantage of the vintage section. These items include T-shirts, sweatshirts and jeans, which are all unisex.

Merchandise buyer Caley Hatch gets her style inspiration from social media. When she purchases merchandise for the store, the customer’s wants are the main priority.

“The biggest part I do is take into account what the customers want, like what they ask for and another part goes into it is what is trendy,” Hatch said. “I like to follow trends on Instagram and people like Kylie Jenner, but it is mostly based off of what our customers are looking for and what excites our demographic.”

Store associate and team captain Dani Wipham has worked at The Basement Marketplace for the past year and loves her job. She described her work experience as a fun environment that takes care of their employees with lots of opportunities to grow into higher positions.

“Maybe three or four months ago, I got promoted to what we call team captain,” Wipham said. “Being team captain means being a source on the floor and that you have been

working here for a while. You are available if anyone has questions.”

Wipham is currently a junior at NAU studying interior design and construction management. She said working at the Basement Marketplace has helped her with her major studies. It has allowed her to work with merchandise to decide the most appealing way to display products in the store.

The Basement Marketplace’s location and their variety of products have helped it grow into a popular spot among students, tourists and residents of Flagstaff.

Upcoming events include a sweet 16 birthday party themed event to celebrate the store’s 16 years of business in Flagstaff. This event will happen in May before NAU ends its spring semester.

The Basement Marketplace aims to attract students before they return to their hometowns for summer break.

There is also a spring break promotion planned, which will include discounts for customers who attend the event.

JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019 | THE LUMBERJACK 19

SPORTS

T

So you wanna place a bet?

his is the time of year where most New Year’s resolutions are dwindling down to nothing and the holiday madness has escaped. Perfect timing for Super Bowl Sunday.

The following Monday might as well be a holiday because no one wants to share an office with the hungover guy downing a 5-hour Energy or the girl who refuses to stop talking about the halftime show.

A few things to note going into Super Bowl weekend: The Rams are coming off a major high after their game against the Saints.

Rams and Saints fans have been going at it and not giving up after a referee failed to call a pass interference penalty against the Rams.

There’s even a drawn-out conspiracy MOLLY theory that the side judge stopped the down SMITH judge from pulling his flag, preventing the noSPORTS EDITOR call. From another angle, you can see that the side judge is yelling at Saints head coach Sean Payton as he rushed towards the play.

Nice try conspiring ... it was just a blown call.

As for the Patriots, who wouldn’t have a big head marching into their third consecutive Super Bowl?

If you said not you, it’s OK. Quarterback Tom Brady’s got it covered. The guy has won five Super Bowl rings and is getting the chance to add another to the collection on Sunday. To add another flame to that fire, head coach Bill Belichick is making his ninth Super Bowl appearance.

Internet trolls gave Brady a hard time over the weekend.

The Patriots hosted a send off rally at their own Gillette Stadium.

30,000 fans didn’t just show up to post a picture on Instagram.

They came in with high energy and left with one last victory cheer. Brady grabbed the microphone and continuously chanted “WE’RE STILL HERE!” followed by a mic drop.

The internet blew up with comments of those tired of seeing the Patriots this far in the postseason. Some described the moment as “truly corny” while others are excited to see the veteran quarterback so fired up.

The Patriots are ranked fourth in the NFL for points per game while the Rams are ranked second. Although the Patriots are trailing their opponent by over five points, they’ve got an offense that’s proven to be stacked.

Their offensive line has protected Brady from being sacked in either of their playoff games. Despite the impressive display by the O-line, the Rams have Aaron Donald who is arguably the best interior defensive lineman in the league. According to ESPN, Donald is going into the Bowl game with 20.5 sacks and 24 stuff yards, half of which came from the postseason.

At this point, we’re clear to say that it’s the new versus the old. Rams quarterback Jared Goff has been a fan favorite. The youngin’ has racked up almost half of his career touchdowns this season alone with 32. He may only be in his third season, but Goff is making his first Super Bowl appearance at the age of 24 meanwhile Brady is 41 and basically old enough to be Goff’s really cool dad. But hey, age is just another stat, right?

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NAU IceJack seniors line up before being honored during Senior Night at the Jay Lively Activity Center Jan. 25.

Matthew Strissel | The Lumberjack

Seniors honored in one last fight Matthew Strissel

I

t was an explosive evening full of fanfare during Senior Night at the Jay Lively Activity Center Friday, Jan. 25 as the NAU D2 IceJacks defeated state rival GCU 3-1. The NAU seniors were honored by their family, friends and fans before the opening puck drop. For most of the team, this was just another home game, but for the seniors, it would be their last.

“I’m going to miss it,” said senior forward Max Mahood, who hails from Winnipeg, Canada. “It hasn’t even hit me yet, you know? We still have more to go in the season, but I can’t imagine not playing hockey and I’m glad I got to spend it with these guys.”

Senior goaltender Josh Nolan made 33 saves on 34 shots through the full 60 minutes of play. It was almost a shutout until GCU scored with less than a minute left in the game. As for his college career, Nolan couldn’t be happier playing for NAU. “It’s been awesome, I love it,” Nolan said. “If I could, I would do it all over again. This is a great team to be on and I have no complaints in the past three years I’ve been on here.”

Nolan played held off the opposition for the majority of the game. Even the GCU statisticians said that their team was putting good shots on net, the NAU goalie was just playing too well. They said that statistically they should be winning the game, if it wasn’t for the goaltending. Nolan even managed to fend off a difficult 5-on-3 penalty kill.

“5-on-3s are always rough, but I just kind of got it in my head that they weren’t scoring then,” Nolan said. “Ultimately,

you have three guys who are busting their ass and it really goes out to all of them. If they give a good penalty kill, then it makes it easier for me.”

This game marks the IceJack’s ninth win in a row, with NAU outscoring their opponents 53-15 over that streak. Two of those games were shutouts and NAU even defeated the University of Washington 10-0 Jan. 21.

“Everybody is just happy, everyone is flying,” Nolan said.

“We are all working together, we have a great group of guys so that’s all it is.”

The opening period of the game saw no goals, as did the majority of the second period until sophomore defenseman Nick Pizzey scored for the IceJacks with 1:02 left in the period.

Mahood notched an assist on the play.

Just 39 seconds later, junior forward Alex Shupe made it 2-0 for the IceJacks.

“Basically, Jordo [sophomore defenseman Jordan Nolan] made a good play bringing it to the net. It was actually the first time all year that I knew he was going to shoot it,” Shupe said. “I kind of collapsed low and the puck just popped out right to me and I was lucky enough to put it in.”

Shupe attributes NAU’s on-ice success to hard work.

“It’s basically everybody vibing in practice,” Shupe said.

“Guys are starting to try a lot harder in practice, so we are starting to see a lot of results in games. Everybody is finding their systems and coming together at the right times.”

The final goal for NAU came at 4:02 left in the third period from sophomore Tegan Harrington with assists from

SPORTS senior forward Lucas Lomax and, once again, Mahood.

“They strive for their greatest and give it their all every game” - head coach travis johanson With the NAU seniors playing together for so long, it’s only natural for them to work well together.

“Well at the end of the year, you just start trusting guys and people are going to put [the puck] in the net,” Mahood said. “There’s a lot of good players on the team.”

Senior night wasn’t the only reason NAU needed to show up for the crowd. The IceJacks are vying for a bid to the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) national tournament.

“If we go to nationals again, that’s four consecutive years that we’ve gone to nationals and this group has been a huge part of it,” said head coach Travis Johanson. “It’s just what they bring to the rink every day. They are a fun

group to be around.”

NAU is graduating 10 seniors this year, which will be a huge gap to fill for the IceJack team.

Johanson said one thing he appreciates about his senior players is their dedication to the team.

“Awesome group of guys from start to finish,” Johanson said. “You can’t ask for much more than that as a coach.”

Other seniors graduating are forward Lucas Lomax from Peoria, Arizona, forward Kristjan Toivola from Bellingham, Washington, center Steven Thompson from Palmdale, California, defenseman Christian Foster from Temecula, California, forward Desmond Conley from Anchorage, Alaska and goaltender Jaxson Gosnell from Phoenix Arizona.

“We’ve got to recruit and hopefully the younger guys learn a lot from this group and know what it takes to win at this level and carry it in to the future,” Johanson said. “We’ve got some good kids from D3 that have the possibility of coming up and playing next year, so it’s just the revolving door of a hockey team to keep putting the best 21 guys on the ice that you possibly can every night.”

As for Mahood, one of the best parts of playing in Flagstaff has been the fans.

“It’s electric in here,” Mahood said. “That’s what I’m going to miss most. No other ACHA team has a crowd like that.”

NAU cheer captains Gabby Burchett (left) and Kelsey Kuniej (right) stand for a portrait with their first place medals Jan. 28. Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack

Cheer champions capture crown Kelsie Coval

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Junior Alex Shupe cheers with and for his fellow seniors during their senior game Jan. 25.

Matthew Strissel | The Lumberjack

fter traveling and almost a week of absence, the NAU cheer squad returned home early morning Jan. 22 from Orlando, Florida with a winning title for Premiere All-Girl World Championships that took place Jan. 18 to Jan. 20.

This competition is one of the most prestigious college cheerleading events in the country and was held at the Walt Disney Resort.

The event is nationally televised on ESPN and ESPN2 to more than 32 countries every year.

Varsity, junior varsity and junior high cheerleaders from around the world competed.

They learned from each other, created lifelong memories and advanced their cheerleading careers.

This is the team’s fourth year competing at the UCA College Nationals in the All Girl Division. A couple of years ago, before coach Rebecca Virgadamo became a part of the NAU Squad, the team competed as a strictly co-ed team. They were the only team from the United States in their division competing for the same event.

This is the first time in the school’s history

that NAU took the win in the University World Cup Cheerleading Championships at UCA College Nationals.

“After all the challenges the team has overcome, I just wanted them to perform a routine that they could be proud of,” Virgadamo said. “I wanted them to be able to leave everything on the mat and not have any regrets and on Sunday, they did just that.”

The Lumberjacks took first place overall in the All-Girl Team category with Brock University from Canada right behind them during the special 25-year anniversary event.

“It’s such an amazing feeling for my team and me. I am so blessed to coach such a phenomenal group of athletes,” Virgadamo said. ‘To celebrate, they spent the rest of the day Sunday and all day Monday at Disney World,” The preparation for Nationals was intense for the cheer team. The girls practiced twice a day for a total of six hours a day prior to leaving for Florida.

The cheer squad lightened the mood of consistent practices throughout winter break by having team bonding activities. They shared inspirational quotes and daily goals and had a Continued on Page 22

JAN. 31, 2019 – FEB. 6, 2019 | THE LUMBERJACK 21

SPORTS

Blue and gold in action Men’s Basketball — On Jan. 28, men’s basketball will host the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at 12 p.m. They are coming off of a tough loss against Northern Colorado with a final score of 48-63. Feb. 4, they will travel to Cheney, Washinton to face the Eagles.

Swim and Dive — Women’s swim lost against Boise State this weekend in a two-day tournament with a final score of 78-143.

The Lumberjacks participated in 23 events total.

They will host their second diving invite Feb 1-2.

Track and Field — On Feb. 1, NAU’s track and field team hosts the Mountain T’s invite at the Walkup Skydome at 9 a.m. Track events will continue Feb. 2 at 8 a.m.

Senior cheer captain Kelsey Kuniej holds her first place medal Jan. 28. Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack Continued from Page 21

throwback Thursday dress-up day, where the girls could wear their old cheer uniforms. To end each practice they would shoutout stand-out athletes of the day.

“Something new we tried this year for Nationals was a secret sister, where we pulled names out of a hat and each team member was responsible for making sure their specific sister felt encouraged and motivated,” senior captain Kelsey Kuniej said. “This really strengthened the team’s dynamics and helped everyone feel more confident each practice.”

The Lumberjacks had a proud presentation of how hard they worked. They hosted a Spirit Squad Sendoff event four days before leaving for Florida to show their routine to the school.

Virgadamo expressed her pride for the team. She said that despite challenges presented prior to Nationals, the team did not let negativity affect them, rather bring them closer together.

Practicing for and attending a National Championship can diversify and lead to a lot of change within a team. Finding the good, bad and overcoming hardships helped progress the team.

“Our strengths include the versatility of everyone who was willing to try new skills, make things work out and really adjust the drive of motivation,” said senior captain Gabby Burchett. “We always have to be the best we can be.”

The event lasted Friday through Sunday. It was up to each team if they’d wanted to participate in more than one division.

The Lumberjacks competed in the Division I All-Girls as well as the World Cup University Championship division.

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Friday’s event consisted of the ‘Game Day’ and Partner Stunt division. Saturday consisted of the preliminaries and finals for the Division I All-Girl Division.

“Unfortunately, Saturday was not our best day,” Kuniej said.

“We did not execute our skills to the best of our ability, resulting in our score not being high enough to advance our team to finals.”

Sunday was The World Cup Division. The Lumberjacks had one last chance to perform perfectly.

“I definitely think that our team dynamic got us through it all to take first place for Sunday’s event,” Burchett said. “Everyone was on the same page about giving it 100 percent and doing what we need to do for ourselves and each other.”

Usually the Cheer Squad competes at USA in Anaheim, an event that consists of stunt-group performances at the end of February. Unfortunately, the Lumberjacks won’t be competing this year due to the event being canceled.

Although the team was disappointed about the cancelation, coach Virgadamo aimed to keep the team morale high. Virgadamo wants the girls to focus on their victory and teamwork.

“I had a couple of coaches who impacted me in many positive ways when I was a cheerleader,” Virgadamo said. “I wanted to have the same positive impact on other young athletes by sharing my passion for cheerleading.”

Kuniej and Burchett explained the personal impact of being captains of the squad. They each believe that there has been a family dynamic created and are proud of the legacy they are leaving behind.

Women’s Basketball — On Jan. 28, women’s basketball will travel to Cedar City, Utah to face the Thunderbirds at 6:30 p.m. Shortly after, they will host the Idaho Vandals Jan 31, at 6:30 p.m.

Women’s Tennis— The Lumberjacks are coming off of a loss against the Sundevil’s, 0-4. They will travel to Tucson to face the Memphis Tigers Feb. 1 at 2:30 p.m. and Feb. 2 at 8 a.m. they will challenge UA in Tucson.

Now leasing for Fall 2019!

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Buses to Arizona Snowbowl will run every 30 minutes on holidays and every 60 minutes on other weekends.

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