The Lumberjack -- September 9, 2021

KISSES AT THE COUNTY FAIR PAGE 17

THE LUMBER JACK SEPT. 9, 2021 – SEPT. 16 2021

Online at JackCentral.org

From the Editor

A

fter studying abroad in spring 2021, I no longer recognize myself in old photos. Six months ago I was not the same person. A lot of people in my life told me to wait until COVID-19 cases went down and more places would be open. But I saw from the pandemic that we have to take advantage of our opportunities when we have them, or we blink and then they’re gone.

Students were considered essential travelers in Prague and were some of the only foreigners in the city. There were no tourists and many places were closed. Most of my time was spent walking the streets and visiting different parks. Students studying abroad in Europe normally travel to surrounding countries, but I couldn’t even leave the city.

I don’t regret my decision for a minute. Because I could not leave the city, I got to know the people and the place on a much more intimate level. I walked hundreds of miles and ate dozens of meals with other students I met.

They were on the same page as me in a way I’ve never experienced before because we were all brave enough to follow our dreams when we did. We came from different countries, backgrounds, traditions, families, but we were all in MACKENZIE the same headspace.

BROWER I gained intercultural understanding from my friends in a way I never could have in a classroom. I also had to step out of my comfort zone and DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY take initiative in my friendships. My time in Prague was limited, so I was not just going to wait for experiences to happen to me. The more I learned from my friends and what I am capable of, the more confident and empowered I became. That’s why I don’t recognize my old self anymore.

If I had waited to study abroad, I would not have the most amazing lifelong friends that I do now, nor understand the strength of my will. I encourage everyone to travel and experience themselves cross-culturally because you will learn and grow exponentially. You just have to go.

Bon voyage, MacKenzie Brower Thank you for reading.

THE LUMBERJACK VOL. 112 ISSUE 3

Editor-in-Chief Nathan Manni

Managing Editor Camille Sipple

Faculty Adviser David Harpster

Print Chief Ash Lohmann

Vice Mayor Daggett announces run for Flagstaff mayor

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

Copy Chief Trevor Skeen Director of Digital Content and Social Media Emily Gerdes

Media Innovation Center Editorial Board News Editor Mark Fabery Asst. News Editor Tess Stafford

Culture Editor Katelyn Rodriguez

Director of Photography MacKenzie Brower

Op-Ed Editor Kylie Soto

Asst. Culture Editor Haylee Emch

Asst. Dir. of Photography Brian Burke

Asst. Op-Ed Editor Marley Green

Sports Editor Brenden Martin

Director of Illustration Diana Ortega

Features Editor Olivia Charlson

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Sports Adviser Rory Faust

Asst. Features Editor Lauren Anderson

Asst. Sports Editor Will Hopkins

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Director of Multimedia Shawn Patti

On the cover A couple kisses in front of the Ferris wheel at the Coconino County Fair, Sept. 5.

MacKenzie Brower| The Lumberjack

Corrections & Clarifications The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email Nathan Manni at nem233@nau.edu.

PoliceBeat Aug. 30 At 1:54 a.m., a resident of The Suites reported a student having a seizure. NAUPD, Flagstaff Fire Department (FFD) and Guardian Medical Transport (GMT) responded, and the student was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC).

At 12:40 a.m., Rolle Activity Center staff requested assistance with a lockout.

NAUPD responded and provided assistance.

At 11:02 p.m, a student requested an escort to their apartment from the SkyView parking lot.

NAUPD responded and provided assistance.

Aug. 31 At 10:21 a.m., a Student and Academic Services staff member requested assistance for a student who felt dizzy.

NAUPD, FFD and GMT responded, and the student was transported to FMC. At 3:50 p.m., a nonstudent reported a noninjury traffic collision near the corner of South San Francisco Street and East Pine Knoll Drive.

NAUPD responded and took a report.

Sept. 1 At 10:03 a.m., NAUPD reported interacting with a nonstudent off campus.

The subject was arrested and booked into Coconino County Detention Facility (CCDF) for an outstanding warrant.

At 1:16 p.m., NAUPD received a carbon monoxide alarm from Campus Heights.

An officer responded and found it was caused by a stove that was left on. Fire Life Safety responded to clear the alarm, and the room was evacuated.

Compiled by Mark Fabery

At 7:20 p.m., a nonstudent reported a student attempting suicide in Cowden Hall. NAUPD responded, located the student and provided transportation to FMC. Counseling services was advised.

At 4:55 p.m., a student reported two subjects fighting outside Drury Inn & Suites.

NAUPD responded and one nonstudent was arrested and booked into CCDF for disorderly conduct and passively resisting. In addition, the other participant was Sept. 2 arrested and booked into At 5:02 a.m., a Sechrist CCDF for disorderly conduct.

Hall RA requested a welfare check on a student. NAUPD At 11:52 p.m., a Tinsley responded and the student was Hall staff member reported voluntarily transported to The a student experiencing an Guidance Center. allergic reaction. NAUPD, FFD and GMT responded, At 10:34 a.m., NAUPD and transported the student to reported an arrest involving a FMC. nonstudent off campus. The nonstudent was booked into Sept. 4 CCDF on a valid warrant At 12:29 a.m., a for one count of theft and McConnell Hall staff member trafficking stolen property. reported an intoxicated underage student. NAUPD, At 1:34 p.m., a nonstudent FFD and GMT responded, and requested assistance with their the student was transported to vehicle near Observatory FMC. The case remains open.

Field Complex. NAUPD and Parking Services responded to At 2:44 p.m., NAUPD provide assistance. reported conducting a welfare check in lot 3. The student was At 4:53 p.m., a McConnell found in good health.

Hall RA reported a student making suicidal statements.

At 9:03 p.m., NAUPD NAUPD responded and filed reported conducting a followa report for information only. up investigation off campus.

Terros Health-Mobile Crisis One nonstudent was arrested took over. for trafficking property.

At 11:07 p.m., Pine Ridge Village staff reported an underage nonstudent who refused to provide identification.

NAUPD responded and one nonstudent was cited and released for minor in consumption of alcohol and for providing false information to law enforcement.

Sept. 3 At 11:14 a.m., an Adel Mathematics staff member requested an escort to Campus Health for an injured student.

NAUPD responded and provided assistance.

Total cases in coconino county: 640 Seven-Day average of new cases per day: 51 Total number of covid-19 vaccine doses administered: 153, 597 Percent of people vaccinated: 57.2% Number of people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19: 72,975

Sept. 5

At 12:41 a.m., NAUPD initiated a traffic stop near the corner of Pine Knoll and McConnell Drive. One student was cited and released for DUI to the slightest degree and underage DUI. Their vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

At 6:31 p.m., a student in lot 63 reported witnessing a vehicle strike an unattended vehicle and leaving the scene.

NAUPD responded and took a report.

Stay up to date with local and campuswide breaking news at jackcentral.org SEPT. 9 - SEPT. 16, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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Local families hit by the end of CDC eviction moratorium Daisy johnston

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fter a series of extensions, the CDC’s eviction moratorium set in place to protect low-income tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic was overturned by the United States Supreme Court in a 6-3 ruling. According to data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, an estimated 253,000 Arizonans are behind on rent.

Protected by the national eviction moratorium, tenants late on rent and living in communities with high levels of COVID-19 transmission were safe from facing eviction. Now that the moratorium has ended, they will be expected to make up all past rent. The decision to end this suspension of evictions, made Aug. 26, was celebrated by Arizona landlords despite concerns from tenants unable to meet their rent.

Michele Axlund, deputy director for Health and Human Services in Coconino County, said local partners and the greater community are doing everything in their power to protect families from homelessness.

“We are very concerned and want to ensure families have roofs over their heads,” Axlund said. “Our community partners are working in conjunction with us to help as many families as possible to stay housed and avoid homelessness by providing

integrated supportive housing services and wrap-around support. … There could be an increase in the number of community members living in vehicles or finding themselves without a home.”

While local evictions are expected to increase, Axlund emphasized the resources available to those behind on rent.

“Since COVID began, Coconino County has assisted over 1,959 families locally with over $1.4 million distributed,” Axlund said. “We are hopeful that if an individual is behind, they are reaching out for assistance.”

Glendale resident Ebonee Walters said she stands in solidarity with the thousands of tenants who may find themselves displaced in the upcoming weeks. Through a clause in the moratorium, which was set in place to protect landlords unable to make their mortgage payments, Walters was evicted after falling behind on rent in April.

Walters pointed out that evicting tenants during a pandemic forces many people — families, friends and strangers alike — to live in the same home, often without the time or means for proper quarantining.

Additionally, Walters said she suffered from immense stress as her eviction impacted the rest of her family.

“My daughter had to live with an aunt and, two weeks after flying in, her uncle died of COVID after my daughter and the

The nationwide eviction moratorium has ended in Arizona, Sept. 6, 2021. MacKenzie Brower| The Lumberjack

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“Sticking together is essential. Change won’t happen with only one side arguing for fairness and equality. [tenants] need to also speak with people who are able to PAy their rent and build allies that way.

We can do it if we all stick together.”

– Glendale resident Ebonee Walters

entire household caught the disease,” Walters said. “They had all been quarantined, and my daughter was the only new addition to the home.”

Before relocating to family in rural South Carolina, Walters’ daughter was on her way to graduating early. However, following the loss of Wi-Fi accessibility due to the move, she started to fail classes.

Out of necessity, Walters eventually moved in with her father and 83-year-old grandmother, both of whom had been practicing social distancing. After working as a Lyft driver to repay her missed rent payments, the entire household came down with COVID-19 early in 2021. The family recently recovered.

“Contact your local county aid office and demand they disburse the money that was allocated to the states to prevent evictions,” Walters said.

However stressful evictions may be, Walters reiterated they don’t have to be losing battles.

“Sticking together is essential,” Walters said. “Change won’t happen with only one side arguing for fairness and equality.

[Tenants] also need to speak with people who are able to pay their rent and build allies that way. We can do it if we all stick together.”

Early in 2021, the state of Arizona received over $500 million to disburse to tenants as part of the federal stimulus package, but investigations done by The Arizona Republic showed that only 10% of these federal funds were used as of June.

If individuals are looking for support and willing to engage with local government, Axlund said Flagstaff residents are encouraged to seek help from the Public Affairs office.

“The state and Coconino County still have funds to provide assistance to families that are behind in rent,” Axlund said.

For those who may be late on payments due to COVID-19 related issues, contact Coconino County Health and Human Services. Another option is applying to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program through the state portal.

NEWS

Monsoon floods force Flagstaff to find solutions A marissa abreu

fter two years of nonsoon seasons — summers with little to no rain — Flagstaff residents faced destructive monsoons this summer, when many homes flooded, streets closed and signs of local infrastructure starting to crumble became apparent.

A majority of this year’s damage occurred Aug. 17, when a 500-year flood event occurred and left a few dozen residences within the Linda Vista neighborhood in disrepair, according to ABC15.

Reported by The Arizona Republic, much of the runoff came from the 2019 Museum Fire burn scar, which primarily affected communities on the city’s northeast side. National Weather Service meteorologist Justin Johndrow said vegetation normally absorbs rainfall, yet the Museum Fire burn scar left the ground charred and desolate, which aggravated flooding conditions. “[It was] really peaking in the middle of July, and again in parts of August,” Johndrow said.

When the floodwater approached Linda Vista, it picked up tree limbs, sediment, rocks and other debris before crashing into Vista’s culvert, backing it up and eventually overflowing into the neighborhood. Flooding ultimately forced Killip Elementary School to close and conclude the remainder of the school year in

the former Flagstaff Middle School, as reported by the Arizona Daily Sun. Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) said the combination of rainfall between the neighborhood itself and the Museum Fire burn scar resulted in dozens of damaged homes.

However, hydrologist, civil engineer and NAU Director of the School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems Benjamin Ruddell said there are strategies city leaders can employ to mitigate the problem. “[We could] put some emergency protection in place and hope for the best,” Ruddell said.

Even then, he expressed uncertainty about whether homes would be saved from flooding.

Another option Ruddell explained was the Rio De Flag Flood Control Project — a plan to build structures underneath houses and businesses to reroute floodwater — an effort between Flagstaff and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

However, according to the Rio De Flag FAQs, it could potentially fail during floods exceeding the channel, or in combination with other localized flooding. In this case, houses and businesses incorporated in the project could be under water once again.

Moreover, Ruddell described the third option — relocating people from the floodplain — as both “painful and the most politically difficult.” He went into detail about this possibility,

including proper compensation for residents. However, people could still be hesitant to move and uproot their lives.

“Then you don’t have a problem anymore, because the river can do what it wants,” Ruddell said. “The leadership choice comes down to people moving out of the way and fixing the problem, building a correct infrastructure, or letting the problem happen.”

Furthermore, Ruddell said the federal government needs to fund the forest service to allow for restoration of the surrounding vegetation.

According to an FCD press release, it is possible to build alluvial fans or detention basins in two areas in Mount Elden Estates and Linda Vista. Alluvial fans are fan-shaped masses of sediment that are meant to decrease flood speeds. Meanwhile, detention basins are designed to capture floodwater, store it and allow a small portion to be released. FCD also plans on building a water system that could redirect part of the floodwater away from the current path, thus making the effects less destructive.

According to the Arizona Daily Sun, FCD could improve the channel in Sunnyside by hardening portions of it, which may increase the efficiency of water leaving the area. But for now, Flagstaff residents continue to struggle with the threat of flooding and the damages that come along with it. Even though the city is researching ways to resolve this ongoing issue, it could take many more years until these solutions are enacted and effective.

Volunteers from the Southwest Conservation Corps from Durango, Colorado, help clear sediment deposited around a home by floodwaters in Flagstaff’s Sunnyside neighborhood, Sept. 4.

Owen Sexton| The Lumberjack

SEPT. 9 - SEPT. 16, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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NEWS

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COMIC SPOT

SEPT. 9 - SEPT. 16, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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OPINION-EDITORIAL

Arizona senators are apathetic John Chaffeur

D Hidden segregation seals marginalized groups’ fate

O

ver centuries, we have become increasingly aware of the role race plays in America.

Even still, where we live has been a factor of inequity often neglected.

Racial residential segregation rates are growing higher, surpassing the prevalence of economic segregation and gentrification.

Although the Biden administration has issued a plan to establish racial equity, JESSIE the economic conditions of segregated MCCANN neighborhoods need to be addressed, as WRITER well as the promotion of racial integration.

What has partially led to the growth of residential segregation is a failure to understand its gravity. Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered major metropolitan areas of the U.S. were 80% more segregated in 2019 than in 1990.

Suburbanization created a system that inherently segregated the nation’s neighborhoods by income.The divide had a snowball effect on race, putting predominantly Black neighborhoods’ housing values at a much lower average.

A 2017 report from the Urban Institute and Chicago’s Metropolitan Planning Council found racial segregation levels linked to lower educational attainment for both white and Black people, as well as lessened public safety levels for all residents of an area.

Examining these trends is crucial because public policy has failed us and caused “multigenerational negative impacts on health, social mobility and wealth for people of color,” while also adding to the contention of society as a whole.

The Biden administration devised a number of initiatives to promote racial equity, some aimed at fair housing rates and eliminating racial bias at a community level. But what steps has he taken thus far to ensure these ambitions?

The promises themselves do little to combat racial disparities and to consider the deep-rooted problem at hand.

Not only should Americans have access to affordable housing, but these advances should pinpoint integration.

Local and state governments have made progress in diminishing exclusionary zoning, but they must be pushed to continue this agenda. From having such an ingrained system of segregation, the hope to combat it remains slim. The uproar displayed during last year’s racial justice protests needs to carry on if substantial progress is to be made.

Racial inequities must be addressed, and a racially segregated society is something that inherently prevents the nation from moving forward.

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uring debates on political issues such as COVID-19, the filibuster, the Green New Deal and increasing the minimum wage, a few moderate Democrats have been the swing vote for pressing legislation in the Senate.

In the past nine months, Arizona Democrats Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema had multiple opportunities to impact the Senate’s vote on bills addressing these issues. Instead, they have done little to help the people of their state and country.

Though they may disagree with each other on some topics, an overall theme remains: Both have been openly against the revolutionary Green New Deal that would create millions of jobs, help ignite the climate revolution and save lives.

Both senators said there are better ways to go about fixing the almost irreversible damage done to the atmosphere and climate, but these statements came without any tangible alternative.

The two have also been targets of

oil tycoon enterprise ExxonMobil in a recent push to employ lobbyists to sway legislators against the Green New Deal.

This lines up with their stances on the bill and in public.

In an interview with Greenpeace UK, Kevin McCoy, senior director for federal relations at ExxonMobil, stated who the corporation’s main targets are within the Senate: Those who have loose opinions on climate change.

“On the Democrat side, we look for the moderates on these issues,” the lobbyist said. In his opinion, this group includes Kelly and Sinema, who were listed among others who could be swayed in favor of the traditional oil companies.

The senators have played the same charade with the filibuster.

“The rules can be changed,” Kelly said in an interview with KOLD News 13 Tucson. “I’ll evaluate any real proposal in changing rules not based on what’s best for Democrats and Republicans, but what’s best for our country and the state of Arizona. We don’t have a real proposal on that yet.”

Sinema has more of an outright opinion on the filibuster. In an opinion piece in The Washington Post, she wrote, “We have more to lose than gain by ending

the filibuster.”

She went on to state, “Arizonans expect me to do what I promised when I ran for the House and the Senate: to be independent — like Arizona — and to work with anyone to achieve lasting results.”

By defending herself, she is trying to portray her inaction as fulfilling her promises. But in actuality, the people of Arizona elected her to pass legislation at the federal level, and she has proved this isn’t a priority.

Sinema has also displayed visual and verbal disrespect toward the working class by voting “no” on a $15 minimum wage with an expressive thumbs down.

This brings me to the question: What do Arizona’s senators fundamentally believe in? They have opposed progressive change, but provide no alternate options.

Most of their voter base approves of a $15 minimum wage, yet both Senators downplayed its importance by voting against legislation that would require it.

As the people and public, we are obligated to question their objectives. We must consider whether the two senators are serving Arizona’s best interest, or merely reaching a high enough status within the political world.

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., center, joined from left by, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, speaks to reporters just after a vote to start work on a nearly $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, at the U.S. Capitol, July 28. Courtesy of the Associated Press.

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Keeping up with the college kids I

Sydney Staniec

t is no secret that there is a set of unwritten rules when it comes to drinking alcohol in college. With these rules come expectations that many strive to meet. All too often, alcoholrelated incidents occur on campuses all over the nation — and they are brushed aside.

Being aware of the effects of peer pressure and recognizing alcohol’s contribution to many issues on campuses such as sexual assault, injury, addiction, and even death can help us make responsible choices for ourselves and change the standard.

An article from NYU reported “80% of college students have at least one alcoholic drink over a two-week time period. … of these college students, 40% are binge drinking … which greatly surpasses the rate of their non-college peers.”

College creates an environment where binge drinking is encouraged through peer pressure, which accounts for that difference. NYU defined peer pressure as “the direct or indirect encouragement from one’s own age group to engage in activities that they may or may not want to engage in.”

In college, binge drinking is normalized and somewhat expected. It is socially accepted and is seen as a way to create social connections. Thus, binge drinking is taken lightly and not often questioned.

Subconsciously, we strive to fit in and gain acceptance from peers. We’re susceptible to the fear of missing out when we see classmates go to parties, bars and sporting events where binge drinking is prevalent. Freshmen are particularly dependent on others when adapting to the new environment, but students under 21 are not excluded from the expectations to drink.

In addition, those who are able to drink excessively are perceived as more fun and cool. We are fed this message

through social conditioning by our peers and the media.

The 2012 film “Project X,” for example, centers around three high school seniors whose goal is to throw an unforgettable party. The movie features excessive drinking, which leads to injured people, damaged property and three main characters praised for throwing the best party of the year.

Greek life represents a bubble where peer pressure can be even more common.

According to the American Psychological Association, “Members of fraternities and sororities do drink more heavily than their nonGreek peers, referred to as the ‘Greek Effect.’

Research also shows that the Greek Effect results from the perception among members that their friends drink heavily and support excessive

drinking habits.”

Addiction Center, an informational website for those struggling with substance abuse, reports “up to 62% of sorority members admit to drinking heavily compared to only about 41% of college women not in the Greek system.”

Certainly, fraternity and sorority members are not the only ones who binge drink, but the Greek Effect shows how persuasive peer pressure can be.

College drinking culture cannot be discussed without mentioning the dangers of hazing. According to Addiction Center, 55% of students who join fraternities, sororities or other campus groups experience hazing.

One such student was 19-year-old Tim Piazza, a student at Pennsylvania State University

and a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. As a result of hazing rituals conducted in February 2017, Piazza’s blood alcohol content was about 0.40 — a potentially fatal level. Two days later, Piazza was pronounced dead because of intense head trauma endured while intoxicated, specifically by falling several times.

Tragically, Piazza was a victim of the drinking culture that runs rampant throughout many universities.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that an estimated 1,519 student deaths each year are related to drinking, including motor vehicle accidents.

College drinking culture has also turned alcohol into a weapon for people to take advantage of others. The American Addiction Center found alcohol is often used the facilitate sexual assault on campus. For example, it can happen whether the victim is drugged and therefore vulnerable, or drunk and thus unable to give consent. “[Fifty percent] of sexual assaults on campus involve alcohol,” the center stated.

“Approximately 90% of rapes perpetrated by an acquaintance of the victim involve alcohol.

About 43% of sexual assault events involve alcohol use by the victim, and 69% involve alcohol use by the perpetrator.”

These findings are shocking. College drinking culture has turned alcohol into a weapon for people to take advantage of others.

Awareness of the harmful nature of college drinking culture can inspire social change. If we can collectively recognize the influence of peer pressure, we can transform the culture around drinking. We have the power to switch the narrative.

Before going out, it is important to think about why one may want to drink. Peer pressure can create a slippery slope and lead people toward bad situations. I implore everyone to think independently, look after themselves and be smart when drinking.

Illustration By Tonesha yazzie

SEPT. 9 - SEPT. 16, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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FEATURES

Surviving and recovering fr William Combs III

I

n a year like no other, students were faced with a daunting task: adjusting to college life amid COVID-19. Last year, some Lumberjacks found themselves in limbo between waking up, turning on Zoom and falling back asleep. This is the warped academia they experienced in the 2020-21 school year.

However, they must now return to the so-called normalities of prepandemic routines.

A study published by The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC) found overall enrollment in higher education fell to 16.9 million during the spring 2021 semester, as opposed to 17.5 million from the year before. This 3.5% drop was seven times worse than the decline seen in the spring 2020 semester. The study also stated undergraduate students accounted for the entire decrease in enrollment — a 4.9% drop since the previous year — whereas graduate enrollment increased by 4.6%.

As for undergraduate students who rode out the storm, burnout from the stress of online classes began to loom as the year progressed. Sophomore Wyatt Rose attributed his feelings of exhaustion and stress to the lack of retention and accountability from online lectures.

“I would just have my TV above my computer and be playing Xbox while I was in my

Zoom classes,” Rose said. “It gives you more incentive to try to find loopholes, and I definitely studied less. I just kind of winged it in terms of the Zoom classes, because it’s not like [instructors] can discipline you for it.”

Rose explained he struggled with ADHD in online classes and compared Zoom lectures to background noise in a dorm room. With the shift to in-person classes, he said he was able to retain the information in a more productive way.

“In-person classes really are improving my learning abilities because I don’t personally think you can adequately learn the material and retain it when it’s online,” Rose said. “Even though we have to wear masks, it’s still better than nothing. I’ve dreamed of going to college my whole life and having a college experience. It’s been the first two weeks and I’ve already had that. I’m just excited for what’s to come. I’m trying to live in the moment, something I didn’t do enough of last year.”

Although students like Rose experienced burnout over the course of online classes, a common trend among Lumberjacks is returning to campus

“I overload myself a lot. I’m taking 19 credits ... and i also work, so it’s definitely a balance and a struggle at times, which can lead me to get depressed. Having friends is a great thing though, because they’re all going through what you are going through. So it’s not like you’re struggling by yourself, you’re struggling with other people who also have other ways to deal with it.”

– Junior Isabel Duran sparked a new flame of academic and social motivation.

After coming to NAU in fall 2020 from Maui, Hawaii, sophomore Malia Paulino not only faced the struggles of online classes, but also the pressures of being a first-generation college student. Paulino explained she found it difficult to stay motivated for her biomedical sciences major in the academic setting of last year, which was a factor in her decision to change to a double major in political science and criminology.

Despite the disheartening college experience of last

After a year of online school, college students feel an undeniable increase in stress when it comes to the school year ahead. NAU students are finding new ways to deal with their workloads while avoiding burnout, Sept. 5. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

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FEATURES

rom the Zoom apocalypse “I’ve dreamed of going to college my whole life and having a college experience. It’s been the first two weeks and I’ve already had that. I’m just excited for what’s to come. I’m trying to live in the moment, something I didn’t do enough of last year.”

– Sophomore Wyatt Rose

year, Paulino said she is optimistic about her new career path and college life moving forward, especially as the university looks toward a sense of normalcy.

“Things have to get worse before they get better,” Paulino said. “I mean, I’ve been through a lot of stuff that does show, but I feel like a lot of people can say the same. But when I am sad, I just remember tomorrow’s a new day, and I can only go up from here.

That’s all I can do, and that’s really what motivates me.”

For what seemed like an ironclad dam in the flowing river of college life, some students are finding themselves in a new struggle — even though the floodgates are beginning to open.

Junior Isabel Duran said she found it easy to pile on to her schedule because of a false sense of routine from the previous year.

This experience led her to be more stressed, she added.

“I overload myself a lot,” Duran said. “I’m taking 19 credits, which is the max that you can take, and I also work, so it’s definitely a balance and a struggle at times, which can lead me to get depressed. Having friends is a great thing though, because they’re all going through what you are going through. So it’s not like you’re struggling by yourself, you’re struggling with other people who also have other ways to deal with it.”

Duran explained that even though stress levels may be high among students recovering from Zoom burnout, there are always resources to turn to for support, and she insisted mental health always comes first. A prominent outlet in her life has been Delta Sigma Pi, a co-ed business fraternity Duran said she has called home for the past couple years.

“That’s how I made a lot of my friends,” Duran said. “They do study sessions for the fraternity because a lot of us are the same majors, so we all get together and study for the same classes that we have. It’s hard to make friends of course, but putting yourself out there and having your mental health be your first priority is always a good thing.”

For many, mental health is an everyday struggle in college life. However, as restrictions begin to loosen and students feel motivated to pursue the lives they wish to lead, it is important to become aware of bad habits acquired in the past year — especially to prevent these feelings of burnout from recurring.

Students feel the weight of a year online as they find new ways to adjust to the full force of in-person classes, Sept. 5. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

SEPT. 9 - SEPT. 16, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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FEATURES

Flagstaff weather brings flames and floods Amarjyot Bining

T

he extreme weather conditions that have occurred in Flagstaff are bringing dramatic consequences and, in some instances, life-threatening situations. It is no surprise northern Arizona had many incidents of monsoons, fires and floods during the summer months. These events can bring the community together as citizens try to help themselves and others through the storms to come.

Climate change can be caused by several factors such as deforestation, fossil fuels and livestock farming. Around Coconino County in particular, the Flagstaff Vulnerability Assessment stated a longer warm season and intense wildfires could potentially increase the risk of diseases and respiratory health problems.

Junior Connor Farrell experienced the flooding when his arrangement to meet friends did not go according to schedule.

Farrell said he was supposed to hang out with someone, but

their plans took a turn when they both ended up shoveling a foot of mud out of the driveway first.

He also said he helped his family with sandbags to prevent more water damage, because they cannot risk it happening again.

The flood ruined the floors, carpets and stairs, Farrell explained, which resulted in replacing everything.

“The flood came away and swept the cars,” Farrell said. “The walls were covered in mold and it was all over the house. It took a lot of time to sort it all out because mold went under stairs and in the walls.

They had a few sandbags, but they had no idea it would completely flood the house.”

Illustration By Diana Ortega

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In this instance, insurance couldn’t cover the damages.

For a while, Farrell said the family covered costs out of pocket, and prioritized damages caused by water, mold and corroding infrastructure.

When discussing memorable weather events, former Flagstaff resident Ilana Landes brought up the 2010 winter storm. It was so intense that snow accumulations reached six feet in 24 hours, she said.

“The storm even made the roof of [a nearby store] break down,” Landes said. “I have moved to [Scottsdale] and now I don’t have to shovel through the snow!”

Unlike locals, NAU students from around the world may be completely unaware of the intense floods and fires. Having never experienced weather like this before, junior foreign exchange student Chloe Farrer offered a different perspective.

“I was feeling very anxious about the weather as England doesn’t experience dramatic weather, so turning to your phone and seeing alerts and life-threatening messages is quite daunting,” Farrer said. “When I was visiting downtown Flagstaff I saw sign levels regarding fire [risk], which was alarming. I’m also worried about the winter, as I’ve heard that the weather can be up to 2.5 meters. It’s just nothing I am used to.”

Stefan Sommer is a member of the Board of Directors for Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance. He explained climate change intensified weather conditions experienced by Flagstaff residents this summer, and also discussed overall trends.

The more energy humans trap and use, the more climate change will cause extreme weather. He said this concept is difficult for individuals to understand if they don’t have a scientific background, and nowadays there is a lot of online interpretation about climate change, which is often misleading or inaccurate.

Sommer mentioned a study he read — conducted in 2019 — that assessed 100- to 500-year rainfalls. Having experienced this summer’s monsoons himself, those levels were reached multiple times within a few weeks.

“My basement completely flooded from the water, and suddenly there was a lake between mine and my neighbor’s house,” Sommer said. “When I went to the backdoor there was a river. I’ve lived here since 2003 and never experienced anything like that.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) keeps individuals informed and educated about what to expect. NWS also posts flood advisory and flash food warnings to keep individuals in the community prepared.

Meteorologist Brian Klimowksi reiterated that Flagstaff experienced high amounts of flooding this year, which led to several feet of water in neighborhoods.

“You should always be aware of the surroundings and threats around you,” Klimowksi said. “[Also] be aware of locations that are most vulnerable to flooding and, of course, follow city guidelines protecting companies when and where possible.”

At times like these, it is important to remain alert and be safe. Residents of Flagstaff should keep themselves updated, so a fun night out does not turn into dealing with disaster.

CULTURE

SEPT. 9, 2021 – SEPT. 16, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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CULTURE

Lorde’s new album finally sees light of day

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verybody stop and drop what you are doing. It only took one millennium, but Lorde is back, babes. “Solar Power” was released Aug. 20 and my inner angsty teenager is jumping for joy. This new album is nowhere close to perfection — but that is what makes it so good.

I grimaced at the shocking album cover for “Solar Power” until I realized whose butt was plastered on the front. I truly thought the day would never come when Lorde OLIVIA would release new music, and I was ecstatic.

CHARLSON “Pure Heroine” influenced a large part of this FEATURES EDITOR generation, at least in the fact that everyone had “Royals” stuck in their head at one point.

“Melodrama” went beyond the first album with melodic beats and hard tones I was obsessed with in 2017.

“Solar Power” is different, though. It does not have the same edge and aura as the first two; instead, the album is quite literally brighter with its sunny visuals and upbeat lyrics. This change is not as simple as a pop artist creating hits that are better suited for radio and are less deep than they were before — I am looking at you, Twenty One Pilots.

“You’re all gonna watch me disappear into the sun,” Lorde sings at the end of “Liability,” which was featured on her last album.

When comparing this to her running on the beach and the new message of “Solar Power,” Lorde’s journey is astounding. It is easy to forget she was only 16 when her first album came out and skyrocketed in popularity.

Lorde sang that you will grow out of the music you loved at 16 in “Stoned at the Nail Salon.” I was this age when I fell in love with her music, and this is why the album is such a relief. Waiting for her return, fans have been holding on to songs like “White Teeth Teens” and “The Louvre.” “Stoned at the Nail Salon” is my favorite on the new album. It is silly — like many of the songs — but also simple and warm.

It is like she is saying goodbye with songs like “Leader of the New Regime,” when she is asking for someone else to watch over burnt-out teenagers. She is passing a torch, especially with new artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo singing backing vocals on the album. If she wants to spend the rest of her life on a beach or getting high during beauty appointments, so be it.

This new album is messier than her others, and the imperfections add to its charm. I think “Solar Power” is going to be sickeningly overplayed as well. However, the album was finally something I could relate to in my twenties, and it feels like an ending I can be satisfied with. All right, it is time for me to hunker down again and wait for Hozier’s new music.

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Students throw their hands up in a Y in response to the 1978 song by Village People “YMCA” that played at the Throwback Time Machine dance, Sept. 3. Taylor Schwartz-Olson | The Lumberjack

Students danced through the decades at LAB’s latest event Taylor Schwartz-Olson

L

umberjack Activities Board (LAB) hosted a Throwback Time Machine Party on Sept. 3 at the International Pavilion. Referred to as a “Dance Party Through the Decades” on the flier and email, the event featured music from the 1960s through the early 2000s.

Earlier in the week, LAB posted on its Instagram story and encouraged people to dress up for whatever decade they enjoy, in addition to uploading outfit ideas to social media for inspiration.

Ultimately, many attendees decided to dress in attire such as ’60s-inspired dresses and hairstyles, ’70s white leather boots, ’90s blazers and plaid. Students got into the spirit of the event.

Brittney Barnett, a sophomore and social coordinator for LAB, attributed the idea of the dance to planning done the previous semester.

“The idea of some sort of dance party, just a casual thing, was brought up, and so I think that was the initial thought we had,” Barnett said. “We wanted to make sure to include all different types of music, so that’s kind of where I think the idea of throwing it back to the ’60s-2000s music came into play.”

There were some challenges to planning the event, Barnett added, including the search for enjoyable, clean music.

Jasmine Schowalter, a senior and top event coordinator for LAB, said the location was another difficulty.

“We know that the International Pavilion is not exactly well-known to students that don’t go there,” Schowalter said.

“Part of the reason why we’re doing the Throwback Time Machine in the International Pavilion is because we really want to involve international students in this event.”

Members of LAB were not on their own in arranging the dance party, as they hired an outside vendor specializing in events that include soundtracks from multiple decades.

Schowalter said the vendor displayed music videos for the decades featured.

“It kind of just adds an extra spin on what a normal dance would be, because you get that element of being able to watch the video,” Schowalter said.

Junior Aubrey Van Allen said she enjoyed the DJ and music, while also mentioning that the dance reminded her of

high school. She explained her happiness about being able to request Pitbull songs.

“I love Mr. Worldwide so much that I requested him,” Van Allen said.

LAB members working the event also went wild when Pitbull came on and made a mad dash for the dance floor.

Despite working the entire night, they still found time to dance to their favorite songs, in addition to talking to students at the event.

Hailey Ortiz, a freshman and another attendee, also said she enjoyed the music.

“I think it’s really cool,” Ortiz said. “I like the button — the rewind thing — [and] I think that’s really exciting.”

The rewind button sat on a table near the front of the room, and every so often, the master of ceremonies (MC) would call someone from the crowd to step up and push it.

Students cheered and clapped as the word “rewind” flashed on the TV until a new song came on. The MC continued to interact with the crowd for the rest of the night, keeping them energized and excited while helping the DJ. Out of all the decades, ’90s and early-2000s songs were popular among students, as well as the most played. Ortiz said she was most excited for 2000s music due to the familiarity and memories associated with that time. However, she concluded that she most enjoyed ’90s music played at the dance party.

Van Allen also expressed that 2000s tracks were her favorite, although the crowd got excited about some throwbacks: The 1978 song “YMCA” and the 1982 hit “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, in particular.

In addition to the music and accompanying videos, snacks were offered. Schowalter said the purpose of bringing food was to give students a break to step away from the dance. On a long table outside the dance hall, a food and beverage bar featured everything from chips and brownies to Blue “Lilly” Lemonade — also known as blue raspberry lemonade.

Overall, Schowalter said the goal of the dance party was for students to get out and have fun. She added that she hoped students enjoyed the event and completed the post-event survey, which helps LAB plan events. Next on the schedule is movie night in Prochnow Auditorium Sept. 10.

CULTURE

Downtown Flagstaff’s park of art Aidan Schonbrun

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rt in the Park, created by Stuart Wolf, has helped northern Arizona’s artists collaborate with the Flagstaff community for over two decades. The event occurs twice a year over July 4 and Labor Day weekends, welcoming artists across the Southwest. Wolf coordinated the last 20 years, but it is now run by Ryanne Sebern, who continues the tradition of connecting the community and artists.

Taking place in Wheeler Park from Sept. 4-6, the event proceeded normally as the outdoor setting minimized health and safety concerns. In addition, the location allowed artists and community members to have personal interactions in one of Flagstaff’s most popular parks.

Joni Pevarnik, who helps coordinate with Sebern, said she believes the Flagstaff community helped the event grow over the previous two decades.

“Wonderful people come from the community, like family, because they are very friendly and supportive of the artists,” Pevarnik said.

Some featured artisans include jewelers, pottery workers, metal workers, painters and photographers. Many of them have traveled around the Southwest to different art shows, including Flagstaff’s event.

NAU alumnus Troy Anderson dedicated over 20 years of his life to woodworking and currently runs Spoonwright, a business centered around the craft. He described this year’s Art in the Park festival as special, mainly because exhibitions are coming back in full force after nothing last year.

“Events are opening up again right now,” Anderson said. “Vendors work very hard, [and] art events such as this are very important.”

Art in the Park gave artists a chance to display work they created throughout the year. Those such as Anderson, and many other vendors at the festival, have devoted their lives to the craft. Most of them run personal businesses as full-time jobs and without shows they struggle to promote their work and create personal connections with other artists and community members.

Rachel Kausch, a vendor from Tucson brand Juju and Moxie Co., said meeting and interacting with attendees allows artists to see that the public wants to support small businesses and buy locally.

“I love going because interacting with people who give feedback allows me to improve my product,” Kausch said.

Kausch, Anderson and other artists said an exciting energy stemmed from being back and seeing that other vendors have new work. Kasuch explained that viewing different creations and newfound products lets her know artists never stopped working during last year’s pandemic restrictions.

The park was full of tents, vendors and live music from local musicians to keep the event

Jewelry, paintings, candles, pottery and wind chimes are just a few of the items offered at Art in the Park on Labor Day, Sept. 6. MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack

Photographer Dave Schleisher flips through printed images by Guy Schmickle at Art in the Park, Sept. 6. MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack

moving throughout the weekend.

Lois Lang, a first-time attendee, heard about the event through an online advertisement and said it appealed to her love of art. She added that the Flagstaff community is friendly and described some of the art as unique.

“I love to see how creative people are,” Lang said.

Jon Sayler, who recently relocated to Flagstaff, wanted to connect with the city and decided to attend the show for the first time.

“Flagstaff is a great area for an art show because of its great weather, downtown and good community,” Sayler said.

Based on his experience with art shows in the valley, Sayler said the event wasn’t as busy as he thought it would be.

Art in the Park also included the National Art Honor Society at the Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy. Katie Runnels, an academic interventionist for the academy, said the event was a perfect opportunity to promote the creativity and importance of art.

“Art is a freedom of expression,” Runnels said. “The school promotes that students should have the ability to express their creativity.”

Similarly, some of the artists spoke about how their work is a way to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship.

Guy Schmickle, a photographer from Sedona, has worked for over a decade in the arts and makes a living off the work he sells. Schmickle said he learned of similar events through other vendors who share a passion for creative art.

“Better shows through the year are important to my income,” Schmickle said.

Schmickle and other artists said events give them community feedback and face-to-face interactions that leave a better impression because of the personal touch that comes with in-person communication.

Throughout the event, the community continued to support the artists, with many vendors gaining the exposure and human connection missed over the year. Flagstaff’s Art in the Park gave attendees and artisans alike a memorable Labor Day weekend, while providing community engagement within the creativity of local artists around the Southwest.

SEPT. 9, 2021 – SEPT. 16, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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CULTURE

Spanish music is played loudly at the Coconino County Fair, Sept. 5. A crowd of people danced for hours until the fair closed.

MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack

People on the Freak Out swing high above the crowds at the Coconino County Fair, Sept. 4.

Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

A young boy reaches out to pick a duck at the Coconino County Fair Duck Pond game, Sept. 4. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

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Travis La Macchia and Rachel Mount ride the Music Express at the Coconino County Fair, Sept. 4.

Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

CULTURE

A couple kisses in front of the Ferris wheel at the Coconino County Fair, Sept.

5. MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack

The Yo-Yo swings spin Coconino County Fair guests around, Sept. 4. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

Return of the coconino county fair Kelsey Friend and Ariel Franz go for a spin on the Sizzler ride at the Coconino County Fair, Sept. 4. Megan Ford-Fyffe | The Lumberjack

SEPT. 9, 2021 – SEPT. 16, 2021 | THE LUMBERJACK

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SPORTS

BLUE AND GOLD IN ACTION Howling for a home

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rizona’s lone professional hockey team has been in the desert since 1996, starting as the Phoenix Coyotes and transitioning to the Arizona Coyotes in 2014. The team created a home in the desert, where a fan base has formed, despite being underdogs almost every season. This fan base is driven by its love of hockey and the limited KRISTEN opportunities for watching it in the CHANCELLOR desert. The most dedicated followers are forced to endure failed seasons, constant WRITER managerial changes and arena drama.

The Coyotes have played in Gila River Arena since 2003, creating a home in Glendale. This partnership has been ideal for fans and the organization alike, as it is a great venue with multiple surrounding businesses, creating a fun environment beyond the game. However, this partnership has recently begun to crumble.

Gila River Arena has decided to cut future ties with the Coyotes, suddenly ending their contract after the upcoming 2021-22 season. With constant payment issues and a lack of communication, Glendale city leaders have settled on not housing the team after this season.

The Coyotes seemed shocked by the news of this partnership cracking, but told fans the organization hopes to stay in Arizona. Followers are losing hope, however. For years, Coyotes fans were informed a new arena was in the works, but plans have been denied every time.

The Coyotes organization is attempting to break ground on an arena in Tempe, but had no luck in gaining approval so far.

Having been in Arizona for so long is keeping fans attached to the team — for now — but sadness is also looming.

With arena negotiations going nowhere, fans are looking toward a successful, but potential last, season in Gila River Arena. However, in the age of rebuilding, the Coyotes are looking at a completely different roster compared to last season.

With right winger Conor Garland, defensemanAlex Goligoski, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and more players gone from the team, few familiar faces remain.

As for Coyotes fans, it is hard seeing the team trying to rebuild with little hope. Year after year, the team alters its roster, but this year was more significant as the Coyotes turned over their roster and made a number of offseason trades.

With half the known players departing over the last few years, no captain after the trade of Ekman-Larsson and a quickly ending era at Gila River Arena, the future of the Coyotes is slowly fading into the unknown.

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Upcoming Games Lumberjack classic NAU Volleyball vs Uc Davis Sept. 10, 11:30 a.m (rolle Activity Center) NAU (0-4), UC Davis (3-3) NAU Volleyball vs Arizona State Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m.

(Rolle Activity Center) NAU (0-4), ASU (3-3) NAU volleyball vs Utah Valley Sept. 11, 2 P.m.

(Rolle Activity Center) NAU (0-4), UVU (1-4)

Football NAU football @ South Dakota Sept. 11, 11 a.m.

(Vermillion, South Dakota) NAU (0-1), USD (0-1)

Soccer NAU Soccer vs denver Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m. (phoenix, Arizona) NAU (0-5), DU (4-1)

Recent Game Scores SFA Tournament Sept. 2: nAU Volleyball @ Stephen F. Austin Final: (L) NAU 1 - SFA 3 Sept 3: NAU Volleyball vs Texas A&M - Corpus Christi Final: (L) NAU 1 - A&M - Corpus Christi 3 Sept 4: NAu Volleyball vs Louisiana Canceled - Louisiana Covid contact tracing

Football Sept. 2: Nau Football vs Sam Houston State Final: (L) NAU 16 - SHSU 42

Soccer

Sept. 4: NAU Soccer vs Grand Canyon Final: (L) NAU 0 - GCU 3

Freshman defensive back Trejan Apodaca (10) celebrates after defeating Southern Utah 34-33 in the last two seconds of the game at Walkup Skydome, Feb. 27. Brian Burke | The Lumberjack

SPORTS

Arizonan NASCAR Cup playoff drivers chasing Phoenix dreams Cameron Richardson

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or a second-straight year, NASCAR will return to the valley early in November for championship weekend at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale.

NASCAR’s premier series set the playoff field of 16 drivers at the end of August following a rollicking regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway.

Surviving the calamity that usually comes at the high banks of Daytona were Arizona natives Michael McDowell and Alex Bowman.

McDowell was the first Cup Series driver to clinch a spot in the playoffs after winning “The Great American Race” on Valentine’s Day, also known as the Daytona 500.

After his first-career win at the Daytona 500, McDowell returned to his hometown of Glendale, where he received a key to the city and was honored with a “Michael McDowell Day” proclamation on March 11.

This is McDowell’s first playoff appearance during his 14-year tenure at the Cup level.

“Just talking about being in the playoffs and what it means has been fun,” McDowell said. “It kind of makes you appreciate and enjoy the process.”

McDowell has been a driver for the

Front Row Motorsports race team since 2018.

However, this season marks his best in the Cup Series, with a career-high average finish of 19.7 through 26 races. He also set a career-best of five top-10 finishes in a single season.

Bowman is from Tucson and has worked toward one of the more memorable seasons in his career.

The 28-year-old scored a victory at Richmond Raceway in April that marked his third-straight season with a win. Over the summer, Bowman went on to win at Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway to earn a solid spot to begin the playoffs.

Even with the trio of victories to give himself a 10-point cushion ahead of the Round of 12 cutline, Bowman said his team still needs to operate at a championship level — and as soon as possible.

“I think you need to be maximizing each and every week throughout the entirety of the playoffs,” Bowman said. “I don’t think you can turn it up toward the end of the playoffs. While we didn’t have the summer that we wanted, I think we can have a great run.”

Bowman drives for the legendary Hendrick Motorsports team, which has existed in the Cup Series since 1984 and currently holds 274 wins and 13 championships.

Illustration By Jessie Siemens

“Just talking about being in the playoffs and what it means has been fun.”

– Michael McDowell At the start of the 2018 season, Bowman replaced the retired Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick. Following the retirement of Jimmie Johnson last season, the No. 88 was substituted out of the Hendrick lineup, and Bowman had big shoes to fill in taking over Johnson’s No. 48 car, a seven-time championship winner.

All three of Bowman’s Hendrick teammates qualified for the postseason as well.

Kyle Larson enters the postseason as the championship favorite. He leads all drivers in wins (5), top-five finishes (14), top-10 finishes (18) and laps led (1,566). Larson won the regular season title as well, which awarded him an extra 15 playoff points to increase his buffer over the current cutline.

Chase Elliott enters the postseason as the defending champion.

In the season finale at Phoenix Raceway last fall, Elliott snapped a streak of bad luck at the 1-mile oval to dominate his way to his first championship. The 25-year-old said there’s a fine line between changing your approach for the playoffs and sticking with what you get.

“I do think it’s important not to reach too far or reach outside of what your reality is,” Elliott said. “If you start this thing and you’re an eighth-place car, that’s just where you’re at. You’re better off having a solid day and finishing eighth than you are trying to reach for a win. I just think you can get yourself in a lot of trouble doing that. I’ve done that in the past.”

William Byron completes the Hendrick quartet in the playoffs. He was first on the

team to clinch a playoff berth after winning at Homestead-Miami Speedway in February.

When it comes to returning to their home states for racing, both McDowell and Bowman share a common theme in missing the local food.

“We don’t have the same quality or style of Mexican food in North Carolina,” McDowell said. “My favorite place, Pedro’s [Mexican Restaurant] in Glendale, actually shut down in the last year or two. Macayo’s [Mexican Food] and [Popo’s Fiesta Del Sol] are two of the places we usually go to.”

Bowman quickly followed up on his local food of choice.

“Pat’s Chili Dogs in Tucson is pretty amazing,” Bowman said. “That was one of my favorite places to go.”

In 2018, Phoenix Raceway underwent a $178 million renovation that reconfigured pit road and the infield, along with moving the start-finish line from the flat-front stretch to the 11-degree banked straightaway just before the first turn.

After decades of cooking under the desert heat, renovations also improved the fan experience by moving the main grandstand out of direct sunlight. Furthermore, metal bleachers were demolished and replaced by individual seats for everyone in attendance.

“It’s amazing how much has changed there,” McDowell said. “I think I’ve been through three different track configurations and the movement of the finish line. It’s one of the cooler race tracks that fans can go to and really see the inner workings of the garage and how the teams function. It truly is a family sport and to be able to have a facility that matches the dedication of our fans is really cool.”

The NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway is scheduled for Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. on NBC. Bowman and McDowell’s playoff runs will continue this weekend in Richmond, Virginia.

SEPT. 9 - SEPT. 16, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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SPORTS

NAU football’s newest tran

Quarterback Cale Millen (7) hands off to running back George Robinson (2) against Sam Houston State, Sept 2. Jonah Graham| The Lumberjack

Kody Malouf

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ale Millen comes from a football family. His dad, Hugh, was drafted in the third round of the 1986 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams and played nine seasons, while his brother, Clay, is a freshman quarterback on the University of Nevada football team. Millen has NFL aspirations of his own, remarking that when the time comes, he hopes to be selected earlier in the draft than his father.

For now, Millen is a redshirt freshman quarterback on a NAU team that carries five others at his position. Four of them are also redshirts or true freshmen; the outlier is sixth-year QB Keondre Wudtee, who started for the Lumberjacks during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. NAU has a full 11-game slate for this season and still has questions at the quarterback position after its 42-16 loss to defending FCS champions, Sam Houston State. With the quarterback battle unfinished, Millen said he feels good about where he is — and doesn’t want to surrender the role

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just yet.

“I’m still competing for the starting job this year, and my time will come very soon,” Millen said after a practice that saw him and Wudtee each take their share of reps with the starting offense.

Competing for a starting job is nothing new to Millen, who transferred to NAU after ultimately losing the starting quarterback job at the University of Oregon to Boston College transfer Anthony Brown.

After choosing to move on from Oregon, Millen ultimately decided on NAU, and it’s a choice he doesn’t seem to be secondguessing either.

“I’ve loved it here so far, [and] I think it was a great choice for me,” Millen said. “I love the town, the people here, the team and the coaches, and I feel like this is a really close team. It’s been a very easy adjustment since I moved here in June. My family actually moved to Phoenix as well, so my family’s close to me now too. I’ve just really enjoyed being here.”

THE LUMBERJACK | JACKCENTRAL.ORG

Coming from a school that’s produced NFL starters Marcus Mariota and Justin Herbert in recent years, Millen has caught the attention of the local football community. Oregon is certainly well-known for its football program in comparison to NAU, as competition in a Power Five conference like the PAC-12 is generally perceived as being greater. Millen noted some truth to that idea but is much more focused on the competition he faces now, as well as with the new audience gained rather than the one potentially lost.

“Playing in the Power Five conferences, it’s bigger football; there’s a lot of talent, but competition is the same,” Millen explained. “On paper, guy to guy, it really hasn’t been much of a difference. Obviously, the big-time recruits play in the Power Five, the speed of the game is a little faster. That being said, I think the FCS is great. It’s a great conference to watch, I’m glad we’re on ESPN+ now and it’ll be fun to get a lot more people watching. It should be exciting.”

Back in June, the Big Sky Conference and ESPN announced

SPORTS

nsfer will not be outworked a partnership that allowed conference games to be streamed on the platform.

A starting role is all Millen is focused on, as he’s still in the running to lead the NAU offense with Wudtee injuring his ankle against Sam Houston State. Healthy competition might better describe this dynamic, as the pair has struck up quite the friendship since his arrival. According to Millen, the two passers got to know each other by throwing together all summer, and eventually became close teammates as well as friends. Wudtee described Millen’s work ethic as outstanding, pegging him as a “mind-over-matter” player.

Millen’s work ethic also caught the attention of his head coach, Chris Ball, who led the Lumberjacks to a winning record during the pandemic-shortened season. The team’s 3-2 tally was the best since 2017, when NAU went 7-5.

“He’s a really hard worker, one of the hardest working guys on the team,” Ball said. “He’s extremely talented and very athletic. He came in here and did a great job in summer conditioning, and he continues to get better every day.”

Ball also offered praise for Wudtee, describing last year’s starter as one of the smartest players he’s ever been around. Clearly, the coach likes his options.

Millen doesn’t expect to win the starting job just because he’s a PAC-12 transfer. All he’s worried about is making sure his teammates know how hard of a worker he is, and that he doesn’t carry himself any differently based on where he’s come from.

Quarterback Cale Millen under center about to take a snap against Sam Houston State, Sept. 2. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack “I don’t really listen to that,” Millen said. “The point I first wanted to make when I came here was to earn the respect of my teammates by the way that I work, and I’ve shown that from day one. Coming out every day in the summer workouts, giving my all, winning the sprints, all that. I think I’ve shown my teammates that I’m not cocky. I’ve come from a bigger school, but I just want to work, that’s all I want to do.”

Millen also had high praise for the man with which his fate ultimately rests, noting some coaches just coach football, but Ball is different.

“I think [Ball] does an amazing job,” Millen said. “He’s teaching us to be grown men and how to live outside of football once it’s over, because it ends for everybody at some point. He’s helping to groom us to be the grown men we’re supposed to be. In just the short time I’ve been here, he’s given us so many valuable life lessons. Whether it be relating to your family, your future wife or your kids, he’s a great person and I love him already.”

NAU football kicked off its season Sept. 2 when it lost to Sam Houston State at the Walkup Skydome, 42-16. The season opener saw Wudtee replaced early in the game due to an ankle injury, completing one pass for a 3-yard loss. Millen got some playing time at the very least, completing 2-of-3 passes for 19 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Stacy Chukwumezie.

Millen might not have gotten to showcase all his talent in Week 1, but one thing’s for certain: Cale Millen didn’t become a Lumberjack to sit on the bench.

Quarterback Cale Millen looks to throw against Sam Houston State, Sept. 2. Jonah Graham | The Lumberjack

SEPT. 9 - SEPT. 16, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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