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OU SWIM AND DIVE Kicks off 2024-25 season with big win against Wayne State University.
PHOTO BY KATIE REID
Students react to remote hours removal for SAFAC organizations
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
After Oakland University eliminated the option to clock in remote hours for SAFAC organizations — with case-by-case exceptions — students reacted to the new work environment in the lower level of the Oakland Center.
Student organizations that fall under the Student Activity Fund Assessment Committee (SAFAC) are those directly funded by OU. These are the Oakland University Student Congress (OUSC), Student Activities Funding Board (SAFB), Student Program Board (SPB), Student Life Lecture Board (SLLB), The Oakland Post, Student Video Production (SVP), WXOU and Club Sports.
“SAFAC student organizations must comply with the same expectations as all student workers across campus,” Glenn McIntosh, senior vice president for Student Affairs, said. “Students were allowed to log remote hours during the public health emergency (pandemic) when temporary adjustments were made to accommodate remote work for both professional staff and student workers.”
“After the public health emergency concluded, the university returned to standard in-person work expectations for all employees, including those involved in student organizations,” McIntosh said.
OUSC gathered testimonies and drafted a resolution advocating against the removal of remote hours presented to McIntosh. Regardless, by the first day of fall employment, August 26th, SAFAC organizations could no longer clock remote hours, unless approved by the Office of Student Affairs on a case-by-case basis.
“Our findings were that a significant portion of members were considering resigning from their positions or would have never joined the organization in the first place if it were not for remote hours,” OUSC President, Jimena Garcia, said. “Common issues we found were that members struggled with transportation and affording the commute to the office.”
With many student workers in SAFAC organizations being notified of the change on the first days of the fall semester, some shared their thoughts on the new policy.
“SAFB works with tight deadlines set in place for us to give funding to student organizations on time, so although I tried to work as much as I could in person, I still had to work from home before/ after classes to meet these deadlines,” Gio Liotti, SAFB chairperson, said. “While I understand the reasoning in the sense that student leaders should be around students, I believe the complete removal rather than the minimization of how much we can work remotely when compared to in-person is more of a detriment than anything else to us.”
Liotti explained that the removal of remote hours was a sudden measure with little communication to student workers, causing distress to fit in-person hours on the first days of classes.
“As the SAFB board — much like a big part of SAFAC [organizations] — is composed of many commuting students, we cannot always come to campus just to review a few requests and keep our tight schedule the same as before,” Liotti said. “I can definitely see this piling up later in the year and orgs getting their request approvals much later than we have been able to do before. I can definitely see
part of our board being forced to do unpaid work, which I believe is incredibly unfair.”
Liotti also explained that minimizing the allowed remote hours to 25% of total working hours would help students be more present on campus while allowing for urgent matters to be taken care of remotely.
Lachlan O’Neill, SPB creative director, also worked remotely over the summer. However, once notified of the removal of remote hours, O’Neill returned to working entirely on campus.
“I honestly think that eliminating remote hours for a campus organization is valid and effective because it encourages in-person collaboration, which essentially fosters stronger team connections which is the main point for SAFAC organizations to begin with,” O’Neill said.
O’Neill explained that the removal of remote hours has encouraged more face-to-face interactions within SPB and with neighboring student organizations.
“The ‘Student Activities’ in the name ‘SAFAC’ highlights the importance of engaging not only students but student leaders in face-to-face activities, which advocates for a stronger sense of community on campus — something that is more difficult to achieve through remote interactions,” O’Neill said.
Rose Smith, OUSC judiciary chair presented OUSC’s resolution against the removal of remote hours. She expressed concern with the policy change and the logic behind it.
“This is a commuter school, a majority of our workers are commuters,” Smith said. “Sometimes in order to work most efficiently, we need to be able to have class from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., work one job from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and then work a couple hours remotely for our jobs at OU to maintain the efficiency that we’ve been able to achieve in the past.”
Smith said she would like the option to clock in remote hours due to time constraints, also supporting the idea of allowing a fraction of all working hours to be remote.
Marcus Johnson, the OUSC speaker of the legislature, echoed the difficulties of coordinating on-campus presence and the efforts to foster more engagement with the larger student population.
“Sometimes trying to get every legislator to come into the office doesn’t actually work,” Johnson said. “People have class, people have things going
on outside of here and sometimes it’s easier to hop on a Google Meet.”
“Whether it be tabling at events, whether it be just listening to student concerns, whether it be voting on legislation … all of that is typically done in person because it’s literally impossible to hear from students if you’re not here,” Johnson said. “I’m simply arguing that all the red tape and minutia of every single day of what we do does not have to be done in person.”
Johnson also explained that all SAFAC organizations work differently and that no single organization or individual experience is representative of the entire sector.
The Oakland Post, for example, saw a decrease in staff, with many students resigning the week before the fall semester began.
Teams that used to comprise a section editor and at least two reporters were left only with editors, going from covering a minimum of five stories per week among three staff members to roughly getting in three stories often written by just one editor alone. A shortage of photographers and graphic designers has also been evident with reporters and editors taking in added responsibilities while working around awkward schedules.
Weekly stories are digitally submitted to and by editors on Friday and Sunday nights, followed by editing rounds during nocturnal hours. Conducting such work on campus has not been compatible either with the Oakland Center’s operating hours or with commuter students’ schedules.
“I do know that it’s very easy to comment on how you think an organization should operate, or what you think an organization should do when you don’t know the inter day-to-day workings of how an organization works,” Johnson said. “I can say our setup allows remote work to be available, it should allow remote work to be available. Just not having it only makes things more difficult for a lot more people.”
For more information on SAFAC work policies, visit the OSI website.
PHOTO BY ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES
PHOTO BY OLIVIA CHIAPPELLI
New clubs and leaders at GrizzFest
ADRIAN JIMENEZ MORALES Campus Editor
Welcome Week continued at Oakland University on Sept. 10 with GrizzFest, one of the largest events of the year revitalizing the campus community.
Half an hour before noon, Elliott Tower was surrounded by hundreds of students exploring around 50 campus groups tabling at the annual student organization and local business fair.
New clubs like Grizz Balls, founded last year, shared tables with long-standing organizations like The Fencing Club, which has been present at OU for more than 13 years.
“We gained about 60 students last year and we’re hoping to at least double our numbers this year,” Simon Roeser, Grizz Balls secretary, said. “It’s kind of cool seeing these people that we don’t see anymore and reconnecting. It also gives us a chance to connect with a bunch of new people that just like playing pool.”
Like Roeser, a new wave of student leaders populated the tables with novel initiatives to refresh established clubs or breakthrough with new student organizations. Jose Barrios, mechanical and electrical integration lead at the Electric Racing Association (ERA), was another one of such new leaders.
“I’ve never run this [tabling] before,” Barrios said. “Usually I go and get the flyers but it’s my first time actually giving out the flyers, so it’s a learning curve — how to approach [students] is a new and nice thing to learn.”
While posters and flyers were still a common practice, more interactive advertising techniques were employed. ERA brought their electrical racing car to the event, while other organizations had dancing showcases, traditional food or sports gear to try.
“If you’re a new organization, the best thing to do is to just push as much as you can with advertising,” Gracy Hershey, president of Echo Cognito, said. “It doesn’t matter how old your organization is, if you’re not out there doing flyers, social media, trying to weasel your way into the classroom, you’re not going to have anyone showing up.”
Hershey runs the Honors College literary magazine and like many other students, she designed new ways of advertising her organization. Hershey gave out gift bags with pens and notepads to encourage submissions for this year’s issue of Echo Cognito, An Anthology of the Human Heart.
Across from the river of students scanning QR codes and collecting flyers, Louie Lewis, the Pre-Pharmacy
Society president, echoed the importance of networking and advertising for campus organizations.
“The challenge right now is trying to find e-board members, people who want to get involved,” Lewis said. “This is my first semester being president, and I’m trying to rebuild the club and get it back to where it was, so events like this help a lot.”
Like Lewis, Ramiz Ghareeba, vice president of the Middle Easterns In Engineering Society, was also navigating campus leadership for the first time.
“We just started [at the] end of last semester,” Ghareeba said. “We wanted to get out of our comfort zone. The main goal for our club is just to make new friends, make connections, and learn as you go because that’s the main goal when you’re in college.”
Roeser attested to the importance of getting involved on campus as a freshman and later as a leader.
“When I first came to Oakland my first year, I didn’t really have too many friends to hang out with,” Roeser said. “Through these organizations, I met these people down in The Den and we started this club, and it just got us a lot more friends and I think that’s really cool.”
For more information on campus involvement, visit the Office of Student Involvement website.
PHOTOS BY COURTNEY BLACKETT
Oakland University Equestrian Team: Learning to ride with heart and style
NOAH FRANCIS Feature Editor
While Oakland University is home to a plethora of club sports, from football, to fencing, to even ballroom dance, students looking for a club sport to put the wind in their hair are in luck. The Oakland University Equestrian Team is a handson Equestrian experience that allows students to learn, practice, and compete in horse shows around Michigan, while creating bonds with the 15 horses the team has access to.
Although the team represents OU in Rochester, practices do not take place on campus. Instead, Sarah Hohensee, the president of the equestrian club, explains how their practices take place at the Fox Pointe Equestrian Center, next to Lake St Clair.
“We ride at our barn out by Lake St Clair,” Hohensee said. “Our coach has lots of borders at that barn that let us use the horses for our lessons and to practice on, so we have a large variety that we get to work with.”
Club members not only ride the horses, but create a special connection by helping take care of them each practice before even pulling out a saddle.
“We all get very excited about the horses we’re on,” Hohensee said. “We know these horses, and we’re very excited to get a chance to work with them. We get them all tacked and groomed, we’ll brush them out, put their saddle and their bridle on,
and walk out to the ring.”
The equestrian club isn’t just for those already trained in horse riding, as students of any skill level are welcome to join in.
“You don’t need any experience whatsoever,” Hohensee said. “You could have been riding your whole life and just want to continue, but we also love having newcomers who’ve never ridden before.”
An interesting draw that new riders don’t think about is the logistics of riding a horse itself.
“Horses are such large amazing animals,”
Hohensee said. “It’s very cool to watch somebody be able to sit on this 1,000 pound animal and work together while staying on the whole time.”
There are many aspects of the club to fawn over, from learning how to work with a horse, to traveling around for competitions, but Hohensee explains that her favorite aspect of the club is the bond she shares with the horses.
“I love feeling the bond that you share between a horse, that feeling of working together and trusting that horse to keep you safe,” Hohensee said. “I have some of my personal favorite horses that I would trust with my life, being on them, that I feel very safe.”
While she loves many of the horses found in the club, Hohensee’s favorite horse is Practice.
“His name is Practice, and he is a larger chestnut thoroughbred,” Hohensee said. “I feel very safe when I ride him, and I feel like I can do just about anything working together with him. I always get excited when I show up and get told that I’m going to be riding him.”
For students interested in creating a new type of bond in the equestrian club, you can visit their grizzorgs webpage, or email ouclubeqteam@gmail. com for more information.
OU men’s club soccer team: New year, new team
DAYSHAWN FIELDS
Features Reporter
Oakland University’s men’s soccer team is rebuilding its program after a change of head coaches. Head coach Paul Doroh, a former OU player and tenured collegiate coach, is tasked with leading the program back to prominence.
For the men’s soccer club, three undergraduate students, who play the sport as a hobby, are bringing OU club soccer back atop the Midwest Allegiance Soccer Conference (MASC).
In those efforts, the team hosted open tryouts between late August and September 4, 2024.
In 2019, the team won the Michigan Collegiate Club Soccer League and looked to compete among the best of MCCSL for years to come. Once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the club struggled again to find its footing.
“We were probably at our peak at that point [in 2019],” Chadwick Cole, a junior and the new club president said. “We competed with top schools like MSU, U of M. Then with COVID, the club fell apart.”
Now, however, Cole sees a bright future ahead for the club.
“We have a lot of skilled players here who love to play but don’t have the time commitment to play every day on the varsity team,” Cole said. “This is a great opportunity to get some fitness in and have
PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY MORRIS
a competitive environment, and we’ve seen a great turnout.”
Cole has been with the team since being a freshman, when he started as club secretary.
“I didn’t have a lot of responsibilities outside of playing, but this year it’s a lot different, a lot more to worry about,” Cole said. “But even if now I don’t play a lot during the game, it’s still great exercise and I’ve made more friends here than I’ve done doing any other activities here at Oakland.”
Cole made friends during practice, as the club team didn’t participate in league play in 2021 or 2022. Last year, after steady rebuilding, the team returned to the play in the MASC.
Elijah Barchue, a senior, has been involved with the team since attending Oakland.
“It’s been a great way to meet other people who love what I do,” Barchue said. “It’s competitive, and I’m competitive. There’s been lots of ups and downs, and things weren’t stable until the year I joined.”
As the team continues to revitalize its involvement in MASC competition, Barchue is “grateful” for his time with the team.
“Schoolwork can be stressful, I can come here and do other stuff outside of school,” Barchue said. “We carpool to games, we’ll all pitch in and pay for gas, there’s no stress here.”
Players do, however, have to chip in.
“Once you’ve made the team, we have a thing called ‘team dues’ that covers things like equipment and hiring refs for home games,” Cole said. “In the past, we didn’t require guys to pay to be on the team, but we’re continuing to try to get more serious about things [within the program].”
The team kicked off on Friday, September 13 at Michigan State. For more information, please take a look at their Campus Labs and Instagram pages.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OAKLAND UNIVERSITY EQUESTRIAN TEAM
Oakland University Esports compete at Riptide 2024
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Editor
Over 2,700 people gathered at Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio for one of the largest competitive video game tournaments in the midwest this year, called Riptide 2024.
The tournament mainly focused on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the latest entry in the Super Smash Bros. video game series. Other video game tournament-goers participated in Splatoon 3 and Rivals 2 — another platform fighting game.
Sponsored by Michigan State University’s Esports program and advertised as the “Largest Collegiate Smash Bros. Event in history,” the collegiate Smash Bros. bracket at Riptide consisted of 32 teams in a Swiss style pool bracket — where each team competes in five rounds then gets seeded into a playoff bracket. Oakland University competed in this tournament.
In 2019, Oakland University formed an official D1 Esports team, Head Coach Carl Leone leads the squad which now includes “Rocket League,” “League of Legends,” “Overwatch 2” and “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.”
Oakland’s SSBU team has had relative success within their collegiate e-sport conference, finishing 7-1 in their regular season and 3-1 in the postseason, placing fifth out of 63 teams nationally in the 20232024 season.
This was the first match for Oakland SSBU in their 2024-2025 season — the roster has shrunk by a few players as some graduated or moved on to coaching positions. As of now, the SSBU roster consists of Robby “Rob” Rabinowitz, Anthony “AnthonyIsntCool” Codd, Tristan “Triscuit” Toma, Pablo “Avien” Avila, Amaan “Poison Jam” Naqvi, Lucas “Nad79” Fehn, Ian “Spectre” Sellman and Kerby “Judheir” Dela Cruz.
Six competitors punched their ticket to the collegiate bracket at Riptide, but not the team’s star. Anthony Codd, according to an X post made by the player, came down with a fever before the event and could not attend.
The main six competing were Rabinowitz who plays “Snake,” Toma who plays “Pac-Man,” Avila who plays “Min Min,” Naqvi who plays “Kazuya,” Fehn who plays “Mario” and Sellman who plays “Ness.”
The stage was set, the team arrived in Sandusky
on Friday — the day before the bracket would take place — to get settled and strategize before their five-team gauntlet they would face that Saturday.
Tensions were high, as all of the Golden Grizzlies would compete in the main “singles” event for Ultimate, where 1,024 players faced off in a doubleelimination style bracket to see who would come out on top and claim the cash prize.
I talked to Naqvi right before the collegiate bracket started to get his and his team’s thoughts before they would face off against the first team, Baldwin-Wallace of Ohio.
“We’re going to do our best and I feel like we’re pretty confident in what we got,” Naqvi said. He seemed pretty sure of himself and his team going into the first match — despite Codd’s absence.
For context, the state of Michigan is an absolute powerhouse of a SSBU scene in the Midwest, especially in terms of collegiate representation. This is including six teams in the Riptide collegiate bracket, such as Northwood University, Michigan State University, Davenport University, Lawrence Tech University and Concordia University of Ann Arbor — as well as OU. Also, in the non-collegiate competitive scene, there is a power rankings list
published every quarter for Michigan players, and most — if not all — include collegiate super stars.
At the top of these power rankings are Angel “Onin” Riordan, Adam “Suspect” Ismaili, Jesse “JeJaJeJa” Valdez and OU “Cloud” player “AnthonyIsntCool.”
Even without their top player, the first two rounds versus Baldwin-Wallace and Manchester University were no big deal. In collegiate, each team gets 12 “stocks” or lives, each player on a team gets three lives — so each team gets four players.
For example, one player can beat four players on the other team in a row to win all 12 stocks. If one player loses two lives in one match but beats the other player fully, the winning player still has to compete in the next match, but only with their remaining stock(s).
Toma lost the first match against a BaldwinWallace “Sora” player by one stock, but Naqvi beat that player, plus three others, winning 10 stocks and beating BW 12-10.
“I feel pretty good I’m not gonna lie … having a team behind me, cheering me on in between everything and just keeping myself composed
throughout and getting [the win] — one of the greatest feelings in the world,” Naqvi said.
Oakland, for their round three match, faced off against the University of Texas-Arlington squad, who ended their collegiate playoff run last season. It was time for the Grizzlies to make a key upset to put them 3-0 in the bracket.
Pac-Man is a very slow and campy character in Ultimate, setting up traps and fishing for big hits — Toma plays Pac-Man like betting all on black at Casino Night. He sends it.
Toma came from behind — a four-stock deficit — to beat UTA player Skitz’s “Wario,” while only having two stocks to survive with. He laid out his trap and hit a power-play before Skitz could use his trump card.
“When the team is thriving when I am about to make an upset, all the buzz, like, flowing through me, it’s all the more drive to win any game,” Toma said. “I would’ve been in big panic mode if it didn’t hit.”
Games four and five versus MSU and Purdue University were unfortunately losses for the Ultimate team — in two close matches with 12-9 and 12-11 scores respectively. This resulted in Oakland not making the playoff bracket as they missed the top six cutoff but placed in the top eight. The Grizzlies placed second in their “Gold” redemption bracket and lost to Lubbock Christian University in a close set.
I talked to head Coach Leone about the collegiate event overall and the context within Oakland’s placement after it had ended, he seemed optimistic despite not making the cutoff.
“I’m really proud of the team’s performance this weekend. The Riptide Invitational was the largest college Smash event in history. 32 teams competed and we made top eight. We also got revenge on University of Texas Arlington who ended our national championship run in May,” Leone said. “Every player on our team had plenty of moments where they shined and surprised our opponents. We did all of this without Anthony Codd, one of our key players. What a great way to kick off the competitive season.”
Finally, for the main singles bracket, Rabinowitz and Fehn both placed in the top 65, admirable results for players not even in the top five in the region. Valdez of Northwood placed 33rd along with Rabinowtiz and Riordan of MSU placed 17th — the highest placement for a Michigan player. Overall, while not the perfect start to a season, the Oakland Esports SSBU team has a bright future ahead — let’s see if they can deliver the results.
PHOTO BY CHELSEA BOSSERT
PHOTO BY CHELSEA BOSSERT
PHOTO BY CHELSEA BOSSERT
Friday the 13th turned from scary to nostalgic at Oakland University with Y2K Night. Live music, retro outfits and vintage cameras took over Elliott Tower to commemorate the late 90s and early 2000s.
Hosted by the campus radio station, WXOU, the party included a DJ set by KARMEL, a Y2K outfit contest, cup pong tables and a live music set by The Rodri-bros.
Some students shared their thoughts on the most iconic Y2K aspects such as fashion, music and visual atmosphere.
“[The] first thing that came to mind was neon colors and ‘The Sweet Escape,’” Sydney Dochscader, a freshman, said. “That’s why I brought a Y2K tie with tech stuff I got from my dad.”
“It would definitely have to be the patterns, only patterns like cheetah print scream 2000s” Hayle Monjaras, a junior, said. “Prints were such a staple to the Y2K fashion. Also, music, what better way to remember the nostalgia of the 2000s than with the music?”
While bedazzled belts, cheetah prints, baggy pants and analog cameras were mentioned as staples of the Y2K experience, there was an almost unanimous consensus that the emblem of the late 90s and early 2000s was none other than Britney Spears.
“One of the most iconic things about the Y2K fashion is the creativity,” Monjaras said. “There [were] so many accessories, so many fun colors and patterns that were played with, people expressed themselves in so many different ways.”
After attendees grabbed refreshments, the Rodri-bros started their live music set, led in vocals by Andrew Deacon, WXOU
event coordinator. A cover of Bowling for Soup’s “1985” was the opening song for the band that also played retro hits like “All Star” and “Stacy’s Mom.” “Beverly Hills” by Weezer was also revamped to have the crowd instead chant “Rochester Hills” during the iconic chorus.
“My favorite song ever is ‘Stacy’s Mom,’ it was probably the song that inspired this whole set, if not this whole event,” Deacon said. “Something I never liked or thought I’d really get into before was ‘Beverly Hills’ — I wasn’t a big Weezer guy until today.”
Students also reflected on the fascination with retro experiences.
“I would say that the music and nostalgia are some of the reasons why we like the 2000s,” Monjaras said. “It was a time when everything was in its prime of commencement. Classics like Lady Gaga, the reminiscence of our childhood, it all seemed simpler and more colorful.”
“When we were growing up, it was what we were seeing as kids,” Deacon said. “The Wii’s and DS’s — all the game consoles back then — the technology, the music, that’s what was on the radio and TV when we were growing up.”
“It’s the same way our parents were obsessed with the 70s and the 80s, it’s the love for what was around when we were younger,” Deacon said.
As the party concluded, students also expressed an interest in seeing similar thematic events centered around the 80s and the 90s on OU’s campus in the future.
For information about upcoming events, visit WXOU’s Instagram and GrizzOrgs.
»
» Photos courtesy of
» Story by Adrian Jimenez Morales
Design by Megan Judy and Zachary Oberdier
WXOU
Aliens and awards: Top moments from the 2024 MTV VMAs
MORGAN WARNEKE Content Editor
The 2024 MTV VMAs took place on Sept. 11 in New York. It was a three-hour broadcast event with performances from various artists, most notably Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Katy Perry and Camila Cabello. The audience was just as star-studded, with Selena Gomez, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift in attendance. Let’s break down the top five moments from this year’s VMAs.
1. Taylor Swift breaks records… again
After the success Taylor Swift has had, it’s no surprise that she would be the biggest winner at the VMAs. She took home seven of her 12 nominations, including awards for Artist of the Year and Video of the Year for “Fortnight” featuring Post Malone. She now holds the title as the most awarded artist at the VMAs of all time with 23 wins to her name.
2. Roan of Arc makes her debut
Chappell Roan has had quite the chaotic year, and her performance matched that. With fiery arrows, swords and a burning castle, she sang her hit single “Good Luck, Babe!” in full body armor. This was a memorable VMA debut that showcased her vocal abilities and proved to viewers why she’s the biggest up and coming artist right now.
3. Sabrina Carpenter kisses an alien
Following the success of her recent album Short n’ Sweet combined with rumors of a love triangle with Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, Sabrina Carpenter took the stage and gave viewers something else to talk about. While performing a medley of her three hits “Please Please Please,” “Taste” and “Espresso,” Sabrina pauses to kiss a blue alien before shoving them off the stage. This is in reference to her music video for her single “Taste,” where she kisses Jenna Ortega, and it definitely got people talking — even Britney Spears posted a video to her Instagram about it.
4. Katy Perry performs amid controversy
After collaborating with producer Dr. Luke on her new single “WOMAN’S WORLD,” Katy has received some criticism. While her song has a message of uplifting and empowering other women, she is working closely with Dr. Luke, who has been accused of drugging and sexually assaulting Kesha.
He has denied these allegations, but many viewers are perceiving Katy’s new feminist approach as “performative” since she’s working so closely with an alleged abuser. She went on to perform a medley of “WOMAN’S WORLD,” “Dark Horse” and “California Gurls” before accepting the Video Vanguard award.
5. Megan Thee Stallion hosts and performs
In addition to keeping the crowd entertained, Megan Thee Stallion performed a medley of her biggest hits
— “Boa,” “Hiss” and “Mamushi,” to name a few. A highlight of the night was when Megan recreated Britney Spears’s iconic 2001 VMA’s “I’m a Slave 4 U” outfit, including the snake! The award show was full of subtle hints towards Britney’s iconic VMAs history, but this one takes the cake.
What moments stood out to you this year? I really enjoyed the visuals during Sabrina Carpenter’s performance. Personally, I would’ve loved to hear more Charli XCX recognition. It was a Brat summer, after all — but there’s always next year!
‘Manning Fireworks:’ MJ Lenderman redefines what country can be on latest record
CHELSEA BOSSERT Arts Editor
“Rudolph waking up in the road/Dew dripping off his red nose/Blue and black, tire track/Torn through a beautiful doe,” rising alt-country star, MJ Lenderman, sings on “Rudulph,” track three of his newest full length album, “Manning Fireworks.”
Lenderman laments about what — to him — “country” is. The now 25-year-old singer-songwriter is the current lead guitarist for the alt-country band, Wednesday, who released the critically acclaimed “Rat Saw God” last year. Lenderman is on his third LP — his first on a well-known label named Anti— and shows no sign of stopping his creative streak. His last two albums, a jump-the-gun self-titled record in 2019 and the lackadaisical “Boat Songs” in 2022, were high up in the modern alt-country canon for me. Lenderman comes off to listeners and critics as an absolutely laid-back individual — simply not-a-care in the world.
However, what if I could tell you that Lenderman’s message in the record is not that you should be as laid-back as him, rather, that his inaction in certain scenarios ends up crippling him with an inability to make positive, worthwhile change.
“Manning Fireworks” is an album not only about the self, but Lenderman masterfully personifies his surroundings in order to prove more than just platitudes about society.
On the opening, self-titled track to “Manning Fireworks,” Lenderman nasally sings about religious beliefs and the seemingly reductive nature of it — accompanied, of course, by twangy countrytoned guitars and solemn percussion.
“You’ve opened the Bible in a public place/ You’ve opened the Bible to the very first page/And one of these days, it will all end/Your tired approach to original sin,” Lenderman signs on the title track.
The social commentary does not stop there, however, as Lenderman tackles relationships and what it takes to make one work. This is apparent on “On My Knees,” the penultimate track of the album.
“Burdened by those nightmares/So you may find me awake/In the dark, I consider my ark/Out the window, the bushеs shake,” Lenderman sings on “On My Knees.”
The lyrics are stellar on all nine tracks. What stunned me, though, were the luscious and distinctive arrangements on “Manning Fireworks.”
Driving and soaring guitar melodies as well as country rock staple-instrumentation is everpresent on “Manning Fireworks” — the leads are impressive but what is even more impressive is what is not in some of the tracks. On “Rip Torn,” an americana-infused slowcore song, there are zero drums, an exclusion that would often draw looks and raise eyebrows on a normal country album — but Lenderman pays his dues.
“Rip Torn” is only one example of a stellar track
that is indicative of where modern country is going. Others like “Wristwatch,” “Joker Lips” and the final drone-influenced track “Bark at the Moon” play out like they were written and produced by a legion of the best musicians and musical ideologues of 21-century country music — but it is just him. Lenderman is a simple guy — hell he is just a guy — but when he has something to say, pay attention, because it could help guide you in the direction you are meant to go in as a human being.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice:’ The juice is loose
MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter
A Halloween classic, “Beetlejuice” was first released on March 30, 1988, and was considered a box office success. The success inspired an animated series in 1989, which consisted of four seasons and a rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes
After it attained its cult classic status, it was almost a guarantee for the film to receive a sequel, and in February 2022, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was announced.
Fans of the original — myself included — rejoiced that cast members of the original film would be appearing in the sequel to reprise their iconic roles. This included Michael Keaton as the titular character himself, Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz.
Some new but recognizable faces were also added to the cast such as rising actress Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid, and Willem Dafoe as B-list actor Wolf Jackson.
In the sequel, the characters kept their original charm. The actors’ chemistry with one another felt as if there was not a 36-year gap between movies, which was nice to see.
While some may find Lydia’s goth and rebellious character in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” contradictory to her original self, this Lydia is a matured character with a daughter who is giving her the same grief that she gave to her own family when she was Astrid’s age.
Winona Ryder’s on-screen and off-screen relationship with Jenna Ortega was endearing to watch and translated well throughout the film.
“The way Winona and I got along was quite weird. It was like we were reading each other’s minds a little bit,” Jenna Ortega said in an interview with The New York Times. Winona Ryder also agreed with that sentiment.
“I don’t think I’ve ever bonded with someone like I did with Jenna. It was Insane,” Ryder said during an interview with ScreenRant.
The plot itself took a little bit to get into, once
the ball gets rolling it picks up the pace quite well. Some might say that the side plots like Beetlejuice’s ex wife Delores coming back to hunt Beetlejuice was unnecessary, and I would have to agree.
However, I also think it added a bit more excitement to the story. She adds ergency as to why Beetlejuice wants to return to the live world. I also think she was just a great character to add for complexity of how the afterlife is.
These characters have done things in the past that have caught up to them and while some of them were never shown on-screen, we still see the repercussions. The chaos adds another layer of amusement.
Astrid’s romantic side plot truly made it seem like an 80s movie with the semi-cheesiness to it but considering the original is an 80s movie, it fit right in.
Overall, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” was a wellmade sequel with enough balance between original cult classic and modern film to be entertaining to both new and older audiences who grew up only with the original.. There are of course some flaws— but it was everything it was supposed to be.
Biggest films to anticipate from TIFF 2024
MOE DEL ROSARIO Arts Reporter
The Toronto International Film Festival — or TIFF for short — recently wrapped up its screenings on September 15, 2024.
The film festival hosts a variety of filmmakers and actors from around the world that come to debut new films in hopes that it will be released in theaters around the nation. This year was not short of highly anticipated films, so here are a few that created a buzz surrounding them.
“Saturday Night” dir. Jason Reitman
“Saturday Night” is a comedy/drama that retells the chaotic events that led to the creation of the first episode of sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live.”
The all-star cast includes Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, Rachel Sennott as Rosie Shuster and Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner. The film’s cast and plot drew a lot of attention and is scheduled to release on October 11, 2024.
“We Live in Time” dir. John Crowley
“We Live In Time” is a romance film starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield that details the couple’s trials and tribulations as they attempt to figure out how to live together.
The film created buzz because of the two lead stars, but also because of a promotional photo released with a semi-scarring carousel horse that quickly rose to fame because of X and TikTok.
It is set to release in U.S. theaters on October 11, 2024 as well.
“Heretic” dir. Scott Beck & Bryan Woods
“Heretic” is a psychological thriller produced by A24 following two Mormon missionaries who go door to door until they knock on a man’s door and have to find a way out.
The film stars Hugh Grant as the ominous Mr. Reed, Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes and Chloe East as Sister Paxton. “Heretic” is set to be released by A24 on November 15, 2024.
“Queer” dir. Luca Guadagnino
“Queer” is the semi-autobiographical film adaptation of William S. Buroughs’s book of the same name that follows American expat Lee’s debilitating drug use in the 1940s and his romance with Allerton— a discharged Navy man. The films stars Daniel Craig as Lee and Drew Starkey as Allerton.
Guadagnino recently created buzz for his 2024 film “Challengers,” which received praise for its camera work, characters and its love triangle between the three main characters. The current release date of “Queer” is unknown at this time.
“The Piano Lesson” dir. Malcolm Washington
“The Piano Lesson” is a drama based off of a 1987 play of the same name written by August Wilson. It follows the Charles family following the great depression and their family heirloom — a piano passed down from their ancestors.
The film stars John David Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Danielle Deadwyler, Ray Fisher, Trai Byers and Danielle Brooks. It is set to release in U.S. theaters on November 8, 2024.
“Megalopolis” dir. Francis Ford Coppola “Megalopolis” has been a work in progress since 1977. The film has been garnering attention for its striking plot, which compares the future of the United States to the fall of Rome.
The film has an all-star cast consisting of Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Joanne Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza and Jason Schwartzman. It is set to release in U.S. theaters on September 27, 2024.
For a full list of films currently being screened as well as more information on them, you can visit TIFF’s official website.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEADLINE
Trump and Harris face off in presidential debate
MALLORY WALIGORA
Political Editor
On Sept. 10, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met face to face for the second presidential debate of the election year. Following President Biden’s poor performance in the first debate, he dropped out of the race, allowing Vice President Harris to take his place. Since receiving the nomination, Harris has hit the election trail, gathering support and visiting swing states.
The September debate marked the first time Harris and Trump met in person. Harris notably shook Trump’s hand and introduced herself — a strategic move to potentially illustrate sportsmanship and cooperation on her part. During the June debate, Biden and Trump did not shake hands when they met on stage.
The debate started with moderator David Muir bringing up the number one issue to voters: the economy and the cost of living. Harris shared her economic plan and specific policies she plans to implement.
“We know that young families need support to raise their children. And I intend on extending a tax cut for those families of $6,000, which is the largest child tax credit that we have given in a long time. So that those young families can afford to buy a crib, buy a car seat, buy clothes for their children,” Harris said.
She also went on to explain her plan to support small business owners with a $50,000 tax deduction. Trump responded by criticizing the current inflation under the
Biden-Harris administration.
“We have inflation like very few people have ever seen before. Probably the worst in our nation’s history … many things are 50, 60, 70, and 80% higher than they were just a few years ago,” Trump responded. “This has been a disaster for people, not just for the middle class, but for every class.”
After a long discussion on economics ranging from AI to COVID-19, the conversation switched to abortion — another critical issue for voters.
“I believe in the exceptions for rape, incest and life of
the mother. I believe strongly in it,” Trump said. “Every legal scholar, every Democrat, every Republican, liberal, conservative, they all wanted this issue to be brought back to the states where the people could vote … but each individual state is voting. It’s the vote of the people now. It’s not tied up in the federal government.”
Harris responded by mentioning the actions of the Trump-appointed SCOTUS members.
“Donald Trump hand-selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v. Wade. And they did exactly as he intended,” Harris said. “And now in over 20 states there are Trump abortion bans which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide health care. In one state it provides prison for life. Trump abortion bans that make no exception even for rape and incest.”
Other topics were brought up throughout the evening including Project 2025, immigration, January 6th and the war in Ukraine.
As for the results of this debate, some have argued that Kamala was more prepared for the debate, and early polling is in her favor. Many of Trump’s allies, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have supported Trump and claimed his victory.
Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz and Republican nominee JD Vance will debate on Oct. 1 on CBS. Harris’s campaign called for a second debate though Trump has since declined this offer, doing so in an announcement on his platform Truth Social.
What the polls say about the presidential race
NICHOLAS
KABLAK Political Reporter
Recent polls suggest that the two major party presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, are practically tied in the popular vote. This fact has important implications for both parties in relation to their political strategies and the nature of the political system.
A Times/Siena Poll, a top-rated and prestigious political poll, recently found that Trump was ahead by around 2% of the popular vote. Five ThirtyEight, an online political polling analysis website, finds on average Harris is up by 2.8% in national polls. Pew Research Center found in their own analysis that both candidates are evenly tied.
With the race being so close, every little decision matters and every moment could mean the election. This means the candidates’ campaigns will be in overdrive for every last vote, especially in key battleground states.
The candidates are reacting in different ways to the closeness of this race. The Harris campaign is playing it safe, largely avoiding unscripted events and interactions with the press. Trump’s campaign is going in a different direction, with the former president interviewing frequently, going to events that are hostile to his campaign and even appearing on a number of podcasts.
Both candidates are likely to lean into their respective strengths going forward, making sure
to get every vote possible. Polling data from Pew Research Center suggests Trump is more popular on the economy and Harris is more popular on abortion.
This may lean in favor of Trump, as polling data from Times/Siena show that when asked about what voters saw as their most important issue, 21% said the economy as opposed to 14% who said abortion. With more people prioritizing the economy when voting and more people favoring Trump with the economy, Trump may gain more than Harris from the two key issues.
However, both vice president nominees are working in favor of Harris. JD Vance, Trump’s vice president pick, has been unpopular according to the polls. However, Tim Walz, Harris’s vice president pick, has been rather popular in the polls.
The key to understanding what this polling data means to the election is understanding how the Electoral College works. The truth is that a candidate does not need the support of the majority of the voters to win an election.
The Electoral College is a winner-takes-all system — those 538 votes that decide the presidency are not divided equally amongst all voters. For this reason, Trump has an advantage as much of his support is from rural states, who have more electors per vote as opposed to urban voters who have comparatively less representation.
Because of this fact and the state of the race in the key battleground states, Nate Silver, a renowned pollster, recently predicted that Trump is more likely to win the presidency, by 63.8%, than Harris.
Although it is hard to say exactly what direction the election will go in, the remarkable circumstances of this election season make it clear that everything counts. One reason, beyond the closeness of the race, is the fact that Harris started campaigning so recently.
“You’re compressing two years of campaigning into five months basically, so if you want to look at it heuristically, everything is four times as important,” Silver said.
The election is still undecided with no candidate showing any obvious lead in the polls. It is also important to remember that the polls can misread the public and misrepresent opinions.
Anything can change — the following weeks could bring surprises that could throw the best predictions out the window.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC NEWS
DOJ alleges that Russians funded right-wing influencers
NICHOLAS KABLAK Political Reporter
The Department of Justice recently filed an indictment against a U.S.-based media company Tenet Media, saying the company was a front for Russian state media. Tenet Media has partnered with popular internet personalities like Benny Johnson, Tim Pool and Dave Rubin.
The indictment does not blame the influencers, claiming the media company had misinformed them. Instead, the indictment charges employees of Russia Today (RT), a Russian state media asset, with laundering money through corporations to produce media content in the United States that served Russian interests.
“We are disturbed by the allegations in today’s indictment, which make clear that myself and other influencers were victims in this alleged crime,” Johnson, one of the influencers involved with the indictment, said.
The indictment also does not name Tenet Media, merely referring to “U.S. Media Company-1,” but Tenet Media was quickly discovered to share all the specifications of the company in the indictment.
The defendants are Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, employees of Russia Today, who are charged with laundering nearly $10 million dollars to Tenet Media.
“Using multiple fake personas, Afanasyeva edited, posted, and directed the posting by U.S. Company-1 of hundreds of videos,” the indictment reads.
The indictment alleges that Tenet media had been creating and spreading content that challenged American opposition to Russia.
“The subject matter and content of the videos are often consistent with the Government of Russia’s interest in amplifying U.S. domestic divisions in order to weaken U.S. opposition to core Government of Russia interests, such as its ongoing war in Ukraine,” the indictment stated.
This indictment is met with skepticism by some who draw connections between this event with the supposed U.S. government malpractice when investigating Donald Trump for alleged Russian collusion in 2016.
However, there are key differences between the two events. Notably, the internet personalities involved with Tenet Media do not deny the allegations. They bring up that, if the indictment is true, they were misled and did not know the origins of the funds they were receiving.
Some of the influencers involved claim that Tenet Media had no influence over their editorial decisions and that the business deal made with the company was purely for licensing.
“The Culture War show is a conversation show on various topics, the subject matter of the show editorially is there’s no thought into it … the first episode that actually appeared on Tenet was about skateboarding,” Pool, one of the involved influencers, said.
However, the indictment alleges that those involved with Tenet Media had been influencing the editorial decisions of the influencers, referred
to as commentators.
“AFANASYEVA demanded that Founder-1 press U.S. Company-1’s hired commentators to share U.S. Company-1 content with the commentators’ preexisting audiences — thus magnifying the impact of RT’s messaging through U.S. Company-1,” the indictment reads.
The validity of the indictment is not entirely clear. Even if the indictment is true, it is hard to tell what content produced by Tenet Media and the company’s related influencers was direct propaganda.
Additionally, some of the influencers’ opinions may naturally lean toward a view sympathetic to Russia. This in itself is not a good enough reason to assume the opinion is compromised.
However, the threat of foreign interference in American public life is still a real threat. The possibility of government influence over media and public opinion, whether foreign or domestic, should always be taken seriously.
Not in OUr House: Men’s soccer earns first win of the season aga inst MSU
EVAN BLANCHARD Sports Reporter
Nobody wants to start 0-4. You work hard all offseason and practice your tail off for the first game, only to come up short. It’s disappointing, especially in the first year of your new head coach, Paul Doroh.
Narrow losses to the University of Omaha, Michigan, Butler and the University of Illinois Chicago filled the four losses in the record. With rival Michigan State University (MSU) visiting Oakland, the boys were poised to right the ship and get the season back on track.
Back on track, it is. The Golden Grizzlies dominated the Spartans to the tune of three goals to none, pouncing on the MSU defense in the first half before controlling the game defensively the rest of the way.
“The team was able to stay positive and keep a strong mindset,” freshman Andrew Darakdjian said. “As in this game and many previous games, we had many great moments within the matches, but not all of them swung our way. We took those games as great learning lessons and look to the next game to improve.”
Michigan State had numerous opportunities to score, but fifth-year goalkeeper and captain Alex Flowers was up for the challenge. He finished the game with nine total saves, including one just before the 39-minute mark, when he leaped and deflected a shot with his hand. He was tested frequently throughout the game, as the Spartans took 21 total shots and 12 corner kicks. Oakland’s first goal came in the 24th minute when junior forward Jack Klomparens fired a shot off his left foot, sneaking past Spartan goalie Zac Kelly. A brilliant
pass from junior defender Jace Foster set up the shot.
Only nine minutes later, the Golden Grizzlies would strike again, this time from senior forward Lejs Pličanić. The newcomer from Croatia finished a pass from Darakdjian in the box, sliding in to knock in Oakland’s second goal. Foster would get credit for the assist as well.
Just a few minutes before halftime, Pličanić found himself with the ball and an easy one-on-one opportunity. He took advantage, scoring OU’s third goal in the first half and giving the Golden Grizzlies a huge boost going into the break. Darakdjian again assisted him.
In the second half, Oakland opted to defend the goal and withstood a barrage of MSU shots. The Spartans took ten shots to Oakland’s one in the second half, but Flowers remained implacable. He recorded five saves and absolutely refused to let anything get by him.
“I think it’s just the team’s mentality. We spoke about being locked in from the start to the final whistle,” Foster said.
The focus showed. The Golden Grizzlies would emerge with a strong 3-0 victory, earning their first win of the season and evening the all-time record against the Spartans at 11-11-1.
“We were waiting for this all through the preseason and non-conference games, and finally, at the most important time, it came. MSU had a couple of great chances, but our goalkeeper Alex Flowers was on another level,” Pličanić said.
Pličanić was all praise for his new head coach. “He is doing a great job; he is always supportive of us and well-composed in all things outside and inside the
field,” Pličanić said.
Pličanić also gave his thanks to assistants Joey Tinnion and Dáire O’Riordan, as well as athletic trainer Sawyer Williamson.
“It felt especially rewarding to get him his first win as a head coach, particularly against a Power 5 team,” Flowers said.
Doroh, a longtime assistant at Oakland, hopes to elevate the program to new heights and return to the NCAA tournament.
Who knows what the rest of the season will hold, but these players are incredibly enthusiastic and ready to chase after more success. The Golden Grizzlies will kick off next against Northern Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 21, on the road.
Breaking down the new additions to the Oakland women’s basketba ll team
SUMMER WEATHERS
Sports Reporter
The Golden Grizzlies have been active in the offseason and welcomed ten new additions to the team.
With a nearly entirely revamped roster, here’s a closer look at the new faces joining the squad for the 2024-25 season.
Danielle Grim
A dynamic 5’7″ senior guard from Columbus, Ohio — Grim brings a wealth of experience and skill to the court. Known for her standout performances at Mercyhurst University, she averaged 11.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and led the team in steals and blocks her junior year. Her performance earned her a well-deserved spot on the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West First Team. Her previous experience includes a strong freshman year at Long Island University, where she made the Northeast Conference All-Rookie team.
Leah Bullard
Leah Bullard is a 6’1″ forward out of Orlando, Florida, and is a promising new addition. Bullard has an impressive high school resume, including being a McDonald’s All-American Nominee and earning All-District MVP honors. She led Dr. Phillips High School to three state championships. Given her achievements and winning mentality, Bullard is set to contribute offensively and defensively to the team.
Sereniti Roberts-Adams
The freshman center had an outstanding high school career at Butler Prep in Chicago, Illinois. As a four-year varsity player, Roberts-Adams earned Illinois All-State Third Team honors and was named to the All-Noble First Team.
Kylie Buckley
Kylie Buckley, a 6’0″ forward from Livonia, New York, plans to make an immediate impact in her sophomore year. Before joining Oakland, she showcased her skills at Niagara University and played in 30 games. During that season, she posted a 57% field goal percentage and looks to add depth and strength to the forward role.
Madilynn Rendall
The redshirt freshman from Kennewick, Washington, is ready to make her mark. Rendall is a notable product of Kamiakin High School, and she spent her first year of college at Idaho State University.
Jaidyn Elam
Jaidyn Elam, a 5’11” freshman wing, brings her local talent from Pontiac, Michigan, to the team. The Second-Team All-State player was relentless at Detroit Country Day High School, and will easily translate her well-rounded game to college play.
Macy Smith
The 5’10” senior from Minneapolis, Minnesota, comes to Oakland with a background from Utah State and California State, Northridge. Last
season at Utah State, she averaged 5.3 points and 1.9 rebounds per game. At Northridge, she was recognized with Academic All-Conference honors and scored a season-high 20 points.
Maya Mitchell
A 5’11” junior forward from Shakopee, Minnesota — Mitchell has a track record of contributing on both ends of the floor. As a sophomore at Rock Valley College, she posted 14 points, 6.4 rebounds per game and shot 55% from the field. As a freshman, she averaged 12.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
Cali Denson
Cali Denson is a 5’8″ sophomore guard out of Milwaukie, Oregon, and transferred to Oakland from Eastern Michigan University. Denson’s shooting ability was a cornerstone of her success and will instantly be a major asset to Oakland.
Riley Abney
Riley Abney, a 5’9″ freshman guard native of Ortonville, Michigan, can create space and score from various positions. At Brandon High School, she surpassed the 1,000-point scoring milestone. Her game-changing performances throughout the season earned her the Flint Area Player of the Year honor.
The newcomers have brought a lot of excitement, and to ensure you don’t miss a game, the complete schedule for the upcoming season is now available.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CEEJAY ROUND
Oakland swim and dive flourish in meet against Wayne State
EVAN BLANCHARD Sports Reporter
They’ve been winning consecutive titles for longer than you’ve been alive. They compete year after year, always finishing on top. They are perhaps the most dominant sports dynasty ever. They are inevitable.
They are Oakland University (OU) swim and dive.
Superlatives and hyperbolic statements aside, the swim and dive team here at Oakland is dominant. The men’s team won their 46th consecutive conference championship last year, while the women won their 30th consecutive title. This level of accomplishment is virtually unknown in the sporting world.
To kick off their 2024-25 season, the Golden Grizzlies hosted the Wayne State University (WSU) Warriors on Sept. 12. Let’s dive in and see how the meet went.
Women’s Events
The evening began with absolute domination by Oakland in the 200 medley relay, where the women’s A, B and C teams took the top three spots. The A-team featured swimmers freshman Grace Albrecht for the backstroke, junior Bella Gary for the breaststroke, graduate student Rhianna Hensler for the fly and senior Jordyn Shipps for the freestyle. Gary and Shipps both earned preseason all-conference first-team honors from the Horizon League.
Next came the 200 free swim, which the OU women again won in convincing fashion, led by junior Erika Pietras and junior Mia Englender in second.
For the 50-yard swims, the meet was done in a shootout style where the top four swimmers
from each team competed in the first eight, then the fastest two from each time, finishing with the fastest swimmer from each team. The Golden Grizzlies took three of the four events. The 50 fly was dominated by Shipps, who won each heat in comfortable fashion. In the 50 backstroke, standout freshman Albrecht crushed the competition, winning every heat by more than two seconds. Keep an eye out for her races as the season progresses.
Freshman Delaney Parker from Wayne State won the 50 breast, finishing just ahead of OU’s Gary and freshman Maya Dobry. Finally, in the 50 free, fifthyear senior Mia Keranen won all three heats, followed closely by another fifth-year, Ronja Riihinen.
In the 100-individual medley, Golden Grizzly freshman Kate Teng took first, with senior Sam Thiessen taking second. The men and women teamed up for the mixed 500 free relay, as Pietras, senior Englender, senior Jonas Cantrell and junior Micah Scheffer finished first overall.
Once the scores were all tallied, the Oakland women were victorious again with an overwhelming score of 45-16.
Men’s Events
Oakland’s men’s team had no problem handling the Warriors, either. However, Trevor Jones from Wayne State won the 200 free, with Cantrell coming in second.
A shootout-style competition was again used for the 50-yard races. In the 50 fly, Golden Grizzly freshman Archer Jankoviak overtook fifth-year senior Colin Martin, who won the event’s first heat. The first heat of the 50 backstroke was won by a freshman from Wayne State, Gabriel Arias, with four Oakland swimmers following him. However,
junior Harry Nicholson from OU took first in the next two heats of the race.
The same pattern followed in the 50 breast. Joey Dombkowski from WSU won the first heat, followed by three Golden Grizzlies. Yet, again, in the next heat, OU junior Christopher Palvadre won the next two.
Finally, in the 50 free, the black and gold took the top three spots, led by Scheffer, who held his place at first in all three races. Teammate and fellow junior Charles Brown almost beat him in the final heat, coming up 0.02 seconds behind Scheffer.
Coming again to the 100-individual medley, graduate student Jack Wike would lead the way for the Golden Grizzlies, with senior Dane Charleston and sophomore Max Haney coming in second and third.
Finally, in the 200 medley relay, Oakland’s A-team won over Wayne State’s A-team by 2 seconds. Nicholson, Palvadre, Scheffer and Brown formed the leading team.
A resounding 42-19 win for the men put an exclamation point on the day for the program.
Takeaways
This is a very deep team, with lots of all-league talent returning along with some serious skill in the new first-year students. With Teng, Albrecht and Jankoviak all having strong swims, second-year coach Mitch Alters will have a lot of flexibility in his decisions for races. The top-end talent is still just as incredible as it was last year, as Shipps, Wike and Scheffer will all continue their excellent careers. Oakland is well on their way to more conference titles.
Oakland women’s basketball releases full 2024-25 schedule
SUMMER WEATHERS
Sports Reporter
The 2024-25 season for the Golden Grizzlies is set to feature a dynamic mix of matchups and key conference games under the guidance of head coach Jeff Tungate.
The Golden Grizzlies will begin with an exhibition match on Saturday, Oct. 26, against Rochester Christian University. For their first regular season game, they will head to the Breslin Center to play the Michigan State Spartans on Nov. 5.
After having a strong showing against Cleary University last season, the Golden Grizzlies will host them again at the OU Credit Union O’Rena on Nov. 8. This opening game is anticipated to set the tone for the season as the team looks to establish early momentum.
The non-conference schedule includes several notable contests, including showdowns against the University of Michigan, University of St. Thomas and Central Michigan University. Oakland will then participate in the Coast 2 Coast Classic in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 and face off against the University of Richmond and Old Dominion University.
These games will provide the team with a valuable opportunity to test their skills and gauge their readiness for Horizon League play.
Horizon League Begins
The schedule becomes even more crucial as the team transitions into Horizon League action. The Golden Grizzlies will begin with a conference home game against Wright State on Dec. 6. The Horizon League calendar includes three straight home games against Cleveland State University, Purdue Fort Wayne and IU Indy on Jan. 3, Jan. 5 and Jan. 8, respectively.
To kick-start a series of away games, the Grizzlies will then head to Calihan Hall on Jan. 11 for a rivalry matchup against the Detroit Mercy Titans. They will then head to Wisconsin to face the Milwaukee Panthers and the Green Bay Phoenix on Jan. 16 and Jan. 18.
As the season progresses, the Golden Grizzlies will aim to continue building on their strengths. With a talented roster and strong leadership, they are ready for an exciting and competitive season. The full schedule is listed below.
