The Oswegonian 9-17-21 by The Oswegonian

Look Inside: A3 New investment prioritizes mental health on SUNY campuses

Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 VOLUME LXXXVII ISSUE I SINCE 1935 www.oswegonian.com

Walker family hopeful for return of bus Students must comply with Family business looks for post-COVID-19 comeback Tomas Rodriguez Assistant News Editor trodriguez@oswegonian.com For the Walker family, it has been all about providing a means of transportation for students seeking to participate in downtown nightlife since 2003. At the time, Lee Walker III, who is responsible for the company’s communications and public relations efforts, among other roles, had just graduated high school. “I had always been the kid that answered the phone and collected money from the students,” Walker said. When the bus first started driving students in 2003, the Walker family asked those students to come up with a creative name for the bus. In turn, students named it ‘The Drunk Bus,’ Walker recalled. The family then shortened that to its current name. When they first started, drunk driving cases went down by about 40%, he said. “It’s got a slogan for it, which is ‘Here comes D’ Bus,’” Walker said. “We don’t acknowledge that name; we’ve always been very adamant. You don’t have to be drunk to ride the bus.”

On a normal night prior to the pandemic, Walker said four buses would usually run simultaneously serving nightlife. This year when they resumed, however, the Walker family was able to put only two buses on the road. “The idea of wanting it to go back to normal, honestly, isn’t there,” Walker said. “We’re kind of happy being a smaller company because it makes it easier to manage. We’re doing what we can with what we have right now, and it’s been alright.” A big part of their business relies on bars being open, according to Walker. That caused the family to only drive for two nights last year. “The two nights we ran last year no one gave an issue about masks and I would expect the same thing this year,” Walker said. “If you can wear a mask on Halloween for five or six hours, you can wear a mask for a five-minute ride.” At the moment their fleet consists of two trolleys and three buses, although when they resumed operations last weekend, they only drove two of the buses, Walker said. Initially, it cost patrons $1 for a ride, but that increased to $2 back

in 2010, Walker said. A ride now costs $3, although Walker said this had already been the plan since prior to the pandemic. But the economic impact to the family extends beyond the number of buses they are able to operate at once. Prior to the pandemic, the family had considered launching a mobile app for the bus similar to Uber’s where students could track their vehicles and request rides but COVID-19 forced them to reverse, he said. That would have cost the family $40,000, Walker said. “We’re kind of happy being a smaller company because it makes it easier to manage,” Walker said. “We’re doing what we can with what we have right now, and it’s been alright.” Their buses are sanitized frequently and now offer hand sanitizer for riders who may need to use it, Walker said. “I really want this to go well because I do want to be back. We’ve had a lot of students reach out on social media,” Walker said. “When I was out on the bus, I would tell everybody who got off the bus, ‘watch your step and have a good night.’”

CONTENT

Photo provided by Walker Family After a year hiatus The “D” Bus is back and running a weekend shuttle for students. The shuttle has been running since 2003 and costs $3 a ride.

Calendar...................... A3 Crossword................... C6 Contact Info................ A2 Laker Review.............. C1 News............................. A1 Opinion........................ B1 Sports........................... B3 Sudoku........................ C6

new COVID-19 mandates

Image from SUNY Oswego via Twitter Students were told they must comply with mask and vaccine mandates by the end of September.

Kylie Annable Staff Writer news@oswegonian.com Members of the SUNY Oswego campus community received two emails from President Deborah Stanely regarding mask and vaccination mandates on campus on Aug. 5 and Aug. 24. The first email explained updates on face coverings on campus, while the second email explained vaccination requirements for the upcoming semester. “Effective immediately, masks/ face coverings are required for all students and employees, both vaccinated and unvaccinated,” Stanley said. “In all indoor spaces, settings and events, including the classroom, except when eating or drinking.” As per the SUNY Oswego website and Oswego Forward plan, the mask requirement will be effective through Sept. 27, 2021. At this date, SUNY Oswego will assess the vaccination rate on campus, as well as the state of COVID-19 on campus and in surrounding areas to come to a decision if the mask mandate should be lifted or extended. “All SUNY Oswego students who have any physical presence on campus … must complete a full vaccine series,” Stanley said. “Any student who fails to comply will be unenrolled and will no longer have access to any in-person campus activities, ser-

vices, or resources including all Internet services sponsored by the college.” The email provided a link to the SUNY Oswego Vaccination Site Center, which is also provided on the SUNY Oswego website. Mary Walker Health Center carries both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and students can schedule an appointment to receive their vaccination at the health center or by calling 315-312-4100. The vaccines being offered on campus are currently ongoing as per the SUNY Oswego website. Pfizer vaccines were offered by Kinney Drugs on Sept. 13 and Wegmans on Sept. 14 and will be available at the Walmart Pharmacy on Sept. 15 and Sept. 20. The Oswego County Health Department will be offering Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson&Johnson vaccines on Sept. 18. All of the vaccine clinics on campus will be located in Swetman Gym, and more information concerning scheduling an appointment can be found at Vaccination Center website. SUNY Oswego students who have any physical presence on campus must complete a full vaccine series by Sept. 27. “Thank you for doing the right thing to protect yourselves, your friends and families, and the SUNY Oswego campus community,” Stanley said.

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THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

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FRIDAY, SEPT. 17 THROUGH SUNDAY, SEPT. 19

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Jenny Rivera, 35, was arrested at 4:46 p.m. on Sept. 12 for disorderly conduct after a physical altercation broke out at the Oswego High School. Tommy Coe, 52, was arrested at 8:26 a.m. on Sept. 13 for harassment in the second degree for physical contact after a domestic incident.

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Gary Brown, 39, was arrested at 11:43 a.m. on Sept. 12 for false personation and aggravated unlicensed operator in the second degree following an investigation by the Oswego City Police Department.

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Nicole Rivera, 36, was arrested at 12:50 a.m. on Sept. 10 for menacing in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree following an investigation of a physical dispute that occurred at the Oswego High School.

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Thank you for doing the right thing to protect yourselves, your friends and families, and the SUNY Oswego campus community”

-President Stanley, from Cover

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sep 17, 2021

$24 Million dollar investment in mental health

SUNY continues to fight mental health on campuses Aiden Trusz Contributing News Writer news@oswegonian.com

SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras has dedicated roughly $24 million dollars to SUNY mental health services, the largest single investment of its kind in SUNY history. With these funds added on to $35 million in current campus investments, SUNY has $59 million to advance its mental health resources.The investment will go to expanding student mental health programs and bettering current student services, such as the Crisis Text Line, Peer to Peer hotlines and campus counseling networks. SUNY Oswego President Deborah Stanley served as co-chair of the SUNY Mental Health and Wellness Task Force, which oversaw the investment. It was partially under her guidance that the task force recommended the expansion of funding, resources and partnerships for mental health resources. “We know that deep learning happens when there are fewer barriers to understanding, feeling close to others and having the freedom to be safe and secure in a comfortable environment,” Stanley said. “When our students are plagued with mental health and wellness issues, that’s not possible, so we looked to SUNY’s many mental health and wellness professionals to guide us on what we need to do for our students.” This push for mental health follows escalating reports of mental health issues in stu-

dents across the country, with statistics from the Centers for Disease Control showcasing that rates of students contemplating suicide have increased from 1 in 10 before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, to 1 in 4 since the pandemic emerged. “Our students are dealing with a once in a lifetime health crisis—first from the fear of the unknown and being away from family and friends, and now as we readjust to being in-person again, and coupled with the normal pressures of college, it is affecting their wellbeing at a higher rate,” Malatras said. College students have never dealt with a situation like now, dealing with not only a new environment, but a return to in-person learning that SUNY schools were unable to provide for students in the past year and a half. Students deal with change in many ways, and SUNY hopes to better address individual problems faced by students as well as focus on future expenditures to help current and future mental health needs. With this comes the encouragement of early intervention in mental health, training staff to identify warning signs of mental illness and helping all SUNY residents to feel comfortable with discussing and seeking aid for mental health. SUNY has already taken steps to promote mental health and wellness services in the form of the Student Mental Health Peer Advocates Training Program, over-the-phone counseling and the #ReachOutSUNY social media campaign. All of

these resources work to give constant mental health support at all hours, allow for faster wait times for in-person counseling and to show students what mental health looks like so they can help themselves and their peers. SUNY’s investment and focus on mental health is part of a greater American Rescue Plan championed by the White House to provide relief to the American people. New York Senator Charles Schumer and U.S. Congressman Joe Morelle referred to the plan in describing how they secured funds for colleges like SUNY in the wake of the mental health crisis caused by the pandemic. “Everyone deserves access to the support they need, which is why I’m so proud to have secured funds through the American Rescue Plan for this transformative expansion of mental health services across the SUNY system,” said Morelle. “I’m grateful to Chancellor Malatras for his partnership and look forward to our continued work together to end the stigma around mental health, improve support services, and uplift the lives of students and their families.” Malatras and Stanley alongside the Mental Health and Wellness Task Force, and U.S. Congressmen have worked hard to secure funds and ensure SUNY students have access to a variety of personal mental health services. Over the next academic year, students will see positive changes in the many programs SUNY offers and have a clearer picture of exactly where the investment money has gone into.

Bank TalentHQ Virtual Career Fair Tuesday, Sept. 21, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m Virtual

Trace by Red Sky Performance Tuesday, Sept. 21, 7:00 p.m. Tyler Hall

Understanding your Mental Health, Tuesday, Sept. 28, 7:00 p.m. Virtual

Discussion with Guest Artist Sandra Laronde Tuesday, Sept. 21, 11:15 a.m. Virtual Craig Walsh Monuments Wednesday Sept. 15 - Oct. 10 Dusk until 10 p.m. Main Campus Lawn

Open Skate Friday, Sept. 27 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. MCC Grief and loss Support Group Wednesday Sept. 22, 3:00 p.m. Maey Walker Health Center

Tea Talk Wednesday Sept. 22, 4:00 p.m. Penfield Library

The Oswegonian file photo 2019 The Mary Walker Health Center at Oswego State will be taking steps to promote the mental health of students on campus through investing in programs

Student Association meets at 6 p.m. every Tuesday in Lanigan Hall, Room 103

With campus opening up Student Association is encouraging students to get involved by joining clubs, attending residence hall programs and attending Student Association Programming Board (SAPB) events

The Student Association Senate and SAPB are in need of student members. SA encourages students to consider joining to “gain a new perspective while also advocating for the student experience” Those interested may contact sa.vp@oswego.edu or sapb@oswego.edu for more information.

The deadline for club re registration is approaching and students who have not yet reregistered their organization should contact Mike Paestella at Campus Life. Failure to re register an organization will result in frozen funds and closure.

Students who are concerned about the Student Activity Fee should keep an eye out in the Spring semester for when the referendum comes around. .

Rice Creek Reflection: Honey Bees Saturday Sept.25, 2:00 p.m. Rice Creek Field Station

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THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

SUNY Oswego art students ‘Monuments’ provide facial scenery at night featured in Albany exhibition Program is running for the coming weeks at SUNY Oswego

Image from ARTSwego via Twitter Artist Craig Walsh’s “Monuments” projects the faces of accomplished community members on SUNY Oswego’s natural landscape.

Abigail Connolly Managing Editor aconnolly@oswegonian.com Image via oswego.edu “Reflection” by Malia Minckler highlights her experiences in the LGBTQIA community.

Sydney Havens News Editor news@oswegonian.com Two SUNY Oswego art students, Malia Minckler and Caryn Nabrizny, are being recognized for their artistic talent, as their pieces are being featured in SUNY’s “Pride in Bloom’’ exhibition that opened over the summer. Minckler’s piece is titled “Reflection” and Nabrizy’s artwork is titled “Lanterns.” Both pieces were created digitally. “Their works express the joy of self-discovery, finding acceptance, friendship and love in the LGBTQIA communities on SUNY campuses,” said Jennifer Laursen, senior fellow for Arts and Humanities in SUNY Rockefeller Institute of Government. The artwork hits home for both students because they are part of the LGBTQIA community. “The piece illustrates the conflict between my younger self and the [at the time terrifying] realization that I was gay,” Minkler said. “People will always have their opinion to share but it is important to reflect on the past as a reminder to love yourself for who you are.” Laursen described Minckler’s piece as “thoughtful and elegant in its carefully edited lines.” “Lanterns” was influenced by the first date with her girlfriend, according to Nabrizny. After going to a Catholic high school, she said she could not fully express herself and only let her close friends know about her “queerself.” “I was inspired by my girlfriend because we had been together for almost two years and

I hadn’t made artwork for her before,” Nabrizny said. “I wanted to pay respect to her because she gives me a lot of motivation, she inspires me… she helps me through everything whether it’s artwork or real life.” Nabrizny continued, explaining how the shapes in her piece relate back to her life. “In the piece there are three rings, the furthest blue ring represents when I was coming to facts with myself that I was a lesbian and a part of the LGBTQIA community,” Nabrizny said. “Next, the red rings represent the point in my life when I had to hide myself and be more reserved, and the blue ring in the front is how I am presently: Free to be myself and loving my girlfriend.” Nabrizny went on to say how she hopes to inspire others to be proud of who they are. “There is a silhouette representing me and my girlfriend [and] I wanted those who are afraid to be themselves to be able to put themselves where me and my girlfriend are and feel the love and safety in the piece,” she said. Laursen noted Nabrizny’s piece “bursts with color and joy.” Nabrizny explained how being in this exhibition made her feel like “an actual artist.” “The people holding the exhibition have told me that they loved the bright colors and the many different layers of symbolism in the piece,” Nabrizny said. The “Pride in Bloom” exhibition will remain on display in the first floor gallery of the H. Carl McCall SUNY Building in Albany, NY. through November.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 13, SUNY Oswego’s Artswego program, in conjunction with international artist Craig Walsh, is honoring three unsung heroes from Oswego County. “Monuments” is a community art program created by Walsh that celebrates the accomplishments of Oswego County’s Jiancheng Huang, Kathryn Pagliaroli and Paul Stewart. The installation features projections of each community member onto the natural landscape of SUNY Oswego’s campus. Using human form, natural environment and the act of viewing, Walsh works to redefine the traditional expectations of public monuments and common history while honoring community members. “This past year has been a time marked with so much fear and uncertainty,” Miranda Traudt, SUNY Oswego’s director of arts programming said. “It has sincerely been a privilege getting to know these incredible individuals who have dedicated their lives to improving

and serving our community.” Huang is the director of public health for Oswego County and earned recognition for his efforts in leading the county through the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. He assisted in leading local medical professionals and saving valuable lives throughout the pandemic in his position. Huang described finding his calling in the field of public health. “I realized public health can help more people,” Huang said. “A physician sees a patient once in a while, public health officials take the whole population as subjects, so I could help many more people.” Pagliaroli also works in the medical field in Oswego County. A registered nurse, she fought on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic and was nominated for her dedication to her profession and community. Pagliaroli also volunteered with the Oswego Renaissance Association, a nonprofit organization responsible for revitalizing the housing in the City of Oswego, and at her local church. Pagliaroli finds her contributions to her hometown to be extremely rewarding.

“I love being able to work in the community that I grew up in,” Pagliaroli said. “It has really poured itself into me and became a part of who I am. It is a benefit for me to give back, be able to work here, raise my family here and give back to the community that has given back to me.” Stewart, a SUNY Oswego psychology professor, was selected for his impact on the Oswego Renaissance Association. Hopeful that the association will continue to grow, Stewart is proud to have helped the growth of the community. “If you want to have a better community, no one else is coming to save your town,” Stewart said. “It is up to the people in Oswego to make things happen and that is what we are doing.” The installation featuring these heroes will run daily until Sunday, Oct. 10 with the projections playing from dusk until 10 p.m. On Wednesday, Sept. 29, Artswego will host a virtual artist talk with Walsh at 7 p.m. in the Marano Campus Center auditorium, followed by a tour of the projections on the SUNY Oswego campus.

Image from ARTSwego via Twitter Walsh’s “Monuments” installation will show its projections on campus every night on the Campus Quad until Sunday, Oct. 10.

Oswego alum, key role at Olympic Ceremony

Jay Holder named deputy manager for 2020 games

Image via oswego.edu “Lanterns” by Caryn Nabrizny was inspired by the relationship with her sexuality.

Tomas Rodriguez | The Oswegonian

Tomas Rodriguez Asst. News Editor trodriguez@oswegonian.com “Behind the Mask” is a WNYO podcast now also becoming a column on The Oswegonian that locates international students on campus and alumni living abroad reports on what their experiences have been like overseas coping with COVID-19. Host and columnist Tomas Rodriguez can be reached with tips at 772-333-5501 and on Twitter @TomasFRoBeltran. Jay Holder, a 2005 graduate of SUNY Oswego, was able to experience the historic event first-hand as he served as the deputy venue media manager during the games. “It was an incredible experience; the experience of a lifetime,” Holder said. “I still really enjoy pro-

cessing all the things that I saw over there; it was awesome. It’s just a great experience for an old track-and-field fan like myself to get that.” When he was first hired for this role before the pandemic began, Holder said he was not sure what lied ahead.” A full stadium, flashbulbs or cheering crowds were some sights Holder thought he would witness. “As time went on, those expectations changed and I’m not really sure I knew what to expect when the plane took off in June,” Holder said. The Oswego alum was in Japan for nine weeks. “I would say that it was a lot more normal than I expected,” Holder said. “I anticipated no one on the streets and a quiet city. It wasn’t really like that at all. While I know there were issues around whether the people of Japan wanted the games to be there, they were as welcoming as they’re known for – as a culture and as a country.” Holder explained how long it took to get into the country and aside from having to fill out paperwork at the Japan consulate in the U.S., Holder said once in Japan he went through about two hours of processing at the airport. That included a PCR test, checking the paperwork and examining the test he had completed stateside prior to his departure, he said. “Once that was done, I was put in a van and taken to a hotel in Tokyo where I stayed for two full

weeks – 16 total days,” Holder said. “I stayed in my room for the entire time; I was not allowed to leave and I was not allowed to interact with the other people in that hotel face-to-face who were also members of the Tokyo 2020 staff.” While he was there, Holder said the staff were tested frequently and had meals delivered to their door. “We couldn’t go out to exercise – any of those things,” he said. “It was a very strict quarantine, and I think that speaks to the precautions that were put in place by the organizers of the Olympics locally and internationally to ensure that these games were safe.” In the run-up to the opening and closing ceremonies, Holder said he was wondering what that was going to look like without a crowd. “I thought it was pretty amazing how good of a job the producers and the directors of both ceremonies did in making sure that it was really focused on the television audience,” Holder said. “Being able to watch it through that lens in the stadium and knowing that ‘this must look really cool on TV,’ was pretty neat.”

Image via Flicker

NEWS Hewitt Hall to undergo renovations $65 million dollar project expected to be completed in 2023

Tomas Rodriguez Assistant News Editor news@oswegonian.com Renovations have begun at Hewitt Hall, which will become the new home for SUNY Oswego’s School of Communication, Media and the Arts. The project has been in the planning stage since 2018 and is expected to be finalized by fall of 2023. After three years of designing, Michael Riecke, assistant professor at SUNY Oswego and a member of the planning committee for Hewitt’s renovations, said they were ready to get started. “These projects take time. I think [SUNY] Oswego knew that Hewitt was a building that was going to be targeted at that point in the long range,” Riecke said. Before he joined the planning committee, there had been several meetings and tours to get an idea of what they were aiming for in terms of space, one of which was at Buzzfeed. “We also wanted to see how other universities were utilizing space that they had renovated recently,” Riecke said. Locally, trips included Syracuse University’s recently renovated Newhouse School of Public Communications. “The one we really had our eyes on was Montclair State University in New Jersey because they had recently undergone a pretty sizable renovation of their communication facilities,” Riecke said. Factors that caught the committee’s attention include that the institution is roughly the same size as SUNY Oswego and demographically had a lot in common. One reason for the renovations is that over the past 10 years, SUNY Oswego’s broadcasting program has run out of space in Lanigan Hall. “Long ago, we really outgrew the space that we were providing for our students,” Riecke said. “It was beyond time for us to have some sort of expansion.” The school’s enrollment in the School of Communication , Media and the Arts has actually gone down slightly over the past few years. That aligns

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

SUNY Oswego food pantry continues serving students despite struggles, low turn out

Tomas Rodriguez l The Oswegonian The newly renovated Hewitt Hall at SUNY Oswego is being modeled after the buildings at Buzzfeed

with national trends attributed to decreased high school graduation and birth rates. “Our numbers are not growing rapidly at the moment nor have they in the last couple of years. We’re pretty stable,” Riecke said. “Many years ago, we had already started to run out of the right amount of space to operate our broadcasting program.” The plan is for the student media organizations to stay in their current spaces and have the new space aimed toward academic programs. Once finalized, Hewitt will house a large broadcast studio and a fully fitted production control room adjacent to the studio aside from a sound stage as well as a screening room, among others. The renovations will cost $65 million and the funds will come from the SUNY Construction Fund. The new space will also incorporate virtual reality suites. The graphic design department has discussed having its designers outline those spaces said Jessica Reeher, chairperson of the Com-

munication Studies department. “I think you’re going to see a little more collaboration within the school’s departments, especially with the cinema and screen studies coming into the School of Communication, Media and the Arts this past year,” Reeher said. “From a news perspective, it’s a whole new way to tell stories about what’s going on in the world. Instead of just hearing about a story in Pakistan, you can perhaps be there along with the reporter.” The department will host a groundbreaking event at 2:15 p.m. on Oct. 1 to mark the closing of Hewitt Hall for renovations. President of SUNY Oswego Deborah Stanley will be present at the event along with SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras. “Our hope is that not only will this give us more space so that we can keep our students closer to the tools that they need to access,” Riecke said. “[But] we can keep all of our faculty in one building and our hope is that it creates more of a community sort of feeling.””

Image from SUNY Oswego via Twitter Hewitt Hall is undergoing $65 million dollars worth of renovations on a new communications building that are expected to be done by the fall of 2023

Photo via Instagram The Students Helping Oz Peers program is a food pantry for Owego students that is located in Penfield

Brandon Ladd Editor in Chief bladd@oswegonian.com The Students Helping Oz Peers (SHOP) program launched in 2016. Since then, it has helped hundreds of students who suffer from food insecurities and lack access to food and resources at SUNY Oswego. The food pantry is a collaborative effort between students, faculty and others in the community. This past year has been a struggle as it takes advantage of students being on-campus. With COVID-19, the food pantry went from having around 300 students using its services in the 2019-20 academic year, to a mere 100 students the following year. Intern and SUNY Oswego student Helena Buttons is working to bring the numbers back to the pre-pandemic levels. “It might just be because there were less people on campus but it did hurt our users,” Buttons said. “We have been arranging collaborations and I cannot disclose all of those yet but we have also been at the tabling events. We were at the mental health and wellness fair for the entire time. We are doing outreach with Johnson [Hall] and Auxiliary Services in Marano Campus Center on a variety of things, including a food drive.” It is hard work but the internship experience for Button and SUNY Oswego student Erica Home has been enjoyable and eye-opening. The reward, according to them, is the impact they are starting to make and potentially expand upon. “For me, definitely enjoyment knowing I am making an impact on campus, no matter how small it is,” Horne said. “I’ve had students come up to me not

even in SHOP and recognize me and say ‘thank you’ and they are just very appreciative of the services we have here because a lot of [college] campuses don’t.” Buttons, who just joined SHOP in August, may have the least experience with the organization of the interns, but has already felt the fulfillment of being a part of the program early this academic year. Various surveys of the SUNY Oswego campus and other college communities around America have shown food insecurities are experienced by 30 to 60 % of students, according to data acquired by Buttons. “In spring of 2021, a survey was conducted of between 300 and 700 students living on campus,” Buttons said. “It revealed that 32% of students had experienced food insecurities within the last 30 days.” Even though SUNY Oswego’s community when surveyed recently was on the lower end of this alarming range, it in theory impacts upwards of over one thousand students living on campus. Food insecurity is defined by Oxford Dictionary as, “the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.” The key for the program, according to its interns, is finding a way for all students on campus to know that the food pantry, located in the basement of Penfield Library, is always available. Confidentiality and other measures have been taken to preserve privacy for those participating as well. Finally, community outreach and letting students know of the location and existence of the program after COVID-19 has disoriented the understanding of campus for several students. “It is really hard to ask for help sometimes,” Buttons and Hornesaid in almost unison.

NEWS Photo Brief NYSBA Award Winners

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

Photo Brief

Student Association plans

Image via oswegosa on Instagram

Brandon Ladd | The Oswegonian

Three SUNY Oswego students were awarded for their work with WNYO 88.9 FM, the student-run radio station on campus, by the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA). Junior technology education major Zac Case won the Outstanding Social Media Personality award for his performance while announcing for Oswego High School hockey and his radio show “104 Sports Report”. The category is judged by the overall quality of content, audience engagement and frequency of posts. Along with his show, Case has a strong Twitter presence. He posts about Oswego State sports and has kept the campus community updated about COVID-19 throughout the pandemic. NYSBA’s Outstanding Radio Show award went to senior broadcasting and mass communication majors Aaron Valentino and Brandon Ladd for their show, WNYO’s "Sports Hour."

Valentino is the sports director of WNYO and Ladd is a master’s candidate in the business administration program and Editor - in - Chief of the Oswegonian. WNYO’s "Sports Hour" was the first show of its kind at the radio station because it was broadcasted every weekday, which is why it qualified for the award. Shows in the Outstanding Radio Show category need to be a “regularly scheduled local show.” WNYO itself won the Excellence in Broadcasting award for the second year in a row. The staff credit its success to their staff advisor, Dr. David Crider. Without him, “we likely would have never submitted awards in the first place,” according to an article published by WNYO on May 10, 2021, when the awards were announced. Last year was the first time WNYO submitted work for the NYSBA awards and it has won five awards since.

Brandon Ladd

bladd@oswegonian.com

In an effort to reach its goals for the semester, the SUNY Oswego Student Government is seeking to fill several positions. The governing body known as the Student Association is seeking to fill several senator positions. Their senate plans on meeting every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

in Lanigan Hall room 103. “Senators get a unique experience behind the scenes of campus life and have significant input into what students experience,” the organization said in a statement. Senators are voices for the students and are crucial in club

Photo Brief

funding, the creation of new organizations and campus events. With the campus returning to normal and deadlines for club registration fast-approaching, the Student Association encourages students to get involved in organizations on campus. The Student Association will be operating a mailing list this year. Students who wish to be added to that mailing list may email Student Association Vice President Alanna Hill at sa.vp@oswego.edu. Current openings with the club are Student Association Programing Board (SAPB) President; Vice President’s Chief of Staff; Creative Director; Creative Designer; Director of Health, Life and Safety; Director of Civic Engagement; Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Director of Gender Equality and Women’s Affairs; and Director of Student Life and Involvement. Their first meeting is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. in Lanigan room 103.

Wall Street Market

Wall Street Market in Rich Hall now serves Starbucks products and joins Lake Effect Cafe in Penfield Library as the second location on SUNY Oswego’s campus to do so. Along with coffee, tea and other Starbucks beverages, the Market also has grab-and-go meal and snack options including sandwiches, salads, fruit and pastries. The addition of these products to the menu in Rich Hall was part of Auxiliary Services’ plan to return to normalcy after COVID-19 forced many food and drink shops on campus to close. Ahlearie Busbee, the Auxiliary Services assistant retail store manager said the pandemic made all but two locations close. Most locations on campus were originally open but with reduced hours. However, when campus went completely remote in fall 2020, only Lake Effect Cafe and

Crossroads in Marano Campus Center were able to remain open. “For our retail operations, we ended up closing everything that was not essential,” she said. As Starbucks is in high de-

mand for college campuses, the addition of their products at Wall Street Market will be much appreciated by students and faculty, especially because the other Starbucks location is across campus.

Brandon Ladd | The Oswegonian

Contact:

John Custodio

jcustodio@oswegonian.com

OPINION COVID-19 MANDATES

A5 Photo from Flickr

OPINION

VOLUME LXXXVI ISSUE I

“Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech or of the press.”

SPORTS B5

ROLLER HOCKEY

Jack Perdek | The Oswegonian

FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

What are you looking forward to with The Oswegonian this semester?

Back in the office

Happy to be involved

Preparation for career

I am most excited for weekly issues and long nights in the office. After a year of dodging people for capacity issues and doing things electronically, it is amazing to see writers and editors in the office again. This year we will have more events to cover, more interviews to hold and more opportunities to have fun and be active members of our campus community. The Oswegonian will have its challenges returning to normal but we have a great team that will most definitely succeed.

As a new member of The Oswegonian staff, one of the things I am looking forward to this year is developing new friendships, as well as helping in any way I can with the paper. In my past years at SUNY Oswego, I was always too nervous to join the paper or any of the media organizations for a reason I cannot quite explain. However, once I started to introduce myself to all of the people involved, I found myself getting more comfortable and enjoying myself a lot. Journalism is something I have been passionate about for a long time and now that I am finally getting involved, and working with people I genuinely enjoy being around, I cannot wait to see what the semester holds.

I am most looking forward to being in the office this year. I was hired last fall as a copy editor and I did not go into the office with my coworkers until the end of March. Working directly with my coworkers instead of over Google Docs is so much more fun and fulfilling. It gives me a sense of what my life could be after college in a real newsroom and I cannot wait to be in our office almost every day.

- Abigail Connolly, Managing Editor

- Spencer Bates, Copy Editor

- Annika Wickham, Chief Copy Editor

In The Office: The Editor-in-Chief’s column The Oswegonian: Good to be Back in the Saddle New semester means back to the grind, but a welcome struggle

Brandon Ladd Editor-in-Chief bladd@oswegonian.com The Oswegonian is actually running full meetings inside our humble but spacious 600 square foot Marano Campus Center office once again. A statement that has not been uttered since March 2020. This column is not about COVID-19 and the effects it has had on college students and leaders here at SUNY Oswego, instead this is about what the next year could potentially hold as I see it from my Editorin-Chief chair. My story has been told before, and I have been anxiously waiting to sit in this chair for two years. Now that it is here, I realize what a gift the present is for journalists. This week was the first normal week The Oswegonian has had in a long time. There is not one member on the staff from March 2020 that is still on the staff now, I am one of the few writers left. So, The Oswegonian has flipped the page of its long 86year history to a new chapter, featuring a staff that has been itching to be in the positions they now hold. The integrity, passion and effort for journalThe independent student newspaper of Oswego State since 1935 ism they hold is what makes this year full of potential. Using lessons learned from past mentors and the standard passed We want your thoughts on our coverage, campus and local issues, or any- down from last year’s staff, the paper will strive for excellence thing regarding the Oswego State community. each week. That is just talk at the moEmail all letters as Word attachments to opinion@oswegonian.com or mail ment, though, my vision is that submissions to 139A Campus Center, Oswego N.Y. 13126 it becomes reality. The 20 issues of The Oswegonian this

year will decide if I am right or wrong. You, the reader, hold the ultimate control. The student-run newspaper is finally feeling the effects of what so many other newspapers around the country have felt in past years: a shrinking budget and a new realization from some that the Oswegonian in theory could just be published online. That is why there are six less issues from previous years and a pressure to make every single one of them count. It is our bid to make sure the people who do our budget understand the importance of this club to student journalists and the community it serves. In the meantime, there is laughter and friendship developing in the office again. The staff has already seen my tendency to swear while I am stressed, so now we have the swear pizza pie template, like a swear jar, sitting behind my desk. Every 25 times I swear this semester, the entire staff will get a pizza.

The little things like that are what makes the return to being in-person special. The newspaper functioned fine with us at a distance last year but lacked those moments. It allows for a simulation of a real job with multiple members of the staff working together as a team to accomplish the publication of the paper. The excitement of campus being back fully in-person allows for all of this. Soon, hockey games will be back in the Marano Campus Center Arena and the wicked wind off Lake Ontario will make for chilly and eventful walks throughout campus. The different clubs around campus will be allowed to have the previous impact they had on students. That is the view from my seat, one last opportunity for me to experience it all in front of me. The Oswegonian will continue long after me, but the gift of the present is having the opportunity to experience the academic year and this beautiful campus.

THE OSWEGONIAN G UIDELIN ES

All writers must provide their real name, address, academic year, major and phone number (which will not be published). Members of organizations should include their title if their letter addresses an issue pertaining to the organization.

Ben Greico | The Oswegonian The Oswegonian office in Moreno 139A will be back in full swing this semester.

Draco

For publication, letters should be 250 words or less and submitted by the Tuesday prior to the desired publication date. The Oswegonian reserves the right to edit and reject letters and cannot guarantee that all letters will be published. Opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not always reflect those of The Oswegonian.

See web exclusive Opinion articles at www.oswegonian.com/opinion

Photo provided by Annika Wickham

OPINION

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

No concrete Abortion bans will not end abortion U.S. politics plan is the Texas restrictions will only result in more unsafe abortions a mess, as only way usual Abigail Conpropst Copy Editor aconpropst@oswegonian.com

Image from Flickr

John Custodio Opinion Editor jcustodio@oswegonian.com A new semester, as we all know, means a return to the fast-paced stress of deadlines and degrees. It makes me miss working at my summer job, a tourist trap restaurant in the village of Lake George. There I found good stress, worrying only about whether table 32 got their side of ranch, if the kitchen has my tray ready or if the bartender “accidentally” made an extra vodka Red Bull. At this point, I am used to the transition between summer and fall, from fun stress to class stress. For freshmen and those fearing for their future, they may feel that this is the lowest point of their life. It gets repeated too many times, but the key is to just take a breath and not worry so much. College, for decades, was touted as the most important four years of a modern person’s life. Friendships and connections were to be made, entire careers were to be plotted out and it was all meant to set someone up for the rest of their life. College is a single chapter in the average life story. If everyone lives to 80 and attends for four years, that is 5% of their life. Spoiler alert: things will change and there is no way to make a life plan.

A new Texas abortion bill went into effect at the beginning of September, becoming the latest state in the U.S. to introduce a near-total abortion ban. In 2019, restrictive abortion laws became commonplace in the U.S., with 15 states introducing, moving or enacting a six-week abortion ban, according to the Guttmacher Institute. A six-week ban is a typical time frame for states with the most restrictive abortions laws, such as Georgia or Ohio. These bills do not entirely outlaw abortion, but do ban abortion before most people even realize they are pregnant. According to the Texas Tribune, more than 80% of abortions in Texas occurred after six-week mark. The Texas abortion bill does not allow exceptions for rape or incest, even after six-weeks Similar to previous abortion bills, politicians and citizens alike criticized it, and for good reason. The near-total ban of abortion is dangerous and not backed by research. The banning of abortion does not prevent people from getting abortions; it simply causes people to seek out more dangerous methods of terminating a pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2015 and 2019, roughly 73.3 million abortions took place each year worldwide. One in every three of these abortions were done in “least safe or

dangerous conditions.” And, between 4.7% and 13.2% of maternal deaths each year are caused by unsafe abortions. Between 2010 and 2014, 45% of all abortions were unsafe, mostly in developing countries. WHO states, “almost every abortion death and disability could be prevented through sexuality education, use of effective contraception, provision of safe, legal induced abortion, and timely care for complications.” WHO also says that abortion is largely safe when done by a professional. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the legality of abortion does not change how often it occurs. African countries tend to have restrictive abortion laws, while European countries have less restrictive ones, and the abortion rate is roughly the same, 29% and 28%, respectively. The lowest

rates of abortion occur in Western and Northern Europe, where abortions are widely available. To summarize, individuals will seek out abortions regardless of its legal status, and abortions performed by non-professionals in a region where they are illegal could result in dangerous consequences. The new Texas law puts people in danger, it does not help them. I want the number of abortions to be zero. I think that is a goal most anti-abortion and abortion-rights activists would agree. But the way to achieve fewer abortions is not to make them illegal; it is to make them legal. Pairing access to quality contraceptives and good sex education with legal abortions is the only way to minimize the number of abortions while also protecting the health of individuals.

Image from Flickr Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a controversial abortion bill into law in May 2021.

SPEAK YOUR MIND, TWITTER! POLLS POSTED EVERY WEEK TO @GonianLRO

“Friendships and connections were to be No good intent with vaccine, no solid plan made, entire careers were to be plotted out, SUNY Oswego’s vaccine plan is weak with no ability to enforce and it was all meant to Abigail Connolly ing on campus were required to come along with the mandate. be vaccinated. Yet how is this I was used to seeing a plan set someone up for the Managing Editor possible to enforce? in place. For a year, the Oswego aconnolly@oswegonian.com Aside from little to no inforForward plan was a reference rest of their life.” Speaking as someone that was kicked out of SUNY Oswego after their freshman year for poor grades, life throws a lot of curveballs. I was a dumb zoology-majoring freshman who had a whole career mapped out but slipped up on more than a few tests and got booted. Now, I am a senior in journalism with no major plan after graduation. Aside from maybe graduate school for the hyper-specific niche field I would like to go into, but nothing concrete. The only way to go through college is to not have a concrete plan. Sure, finding a good job is what everyone should want, but maybe that is not in the cards for this life. For others, maybe the dream after college turns out to be living in a cute cottage in the woods or having a quaint little bakery. Too much focus is put on making as much money as possible the second college is over. While expensive meals and pretty clothes are nice, that should not be the focus of any one person’s life, though for those less fortunate, money must be the focus and that is understood. Make art, go for a 6-month hike, just hang out and learn to be at peace with yourself. The only way to truly find peace in this life is to realize nothing is truly in your control. There is no guarantee you will be happy on your current path, and that is alright as long as you allow it to change to be happy.

After three semesters of seemingly endless insanity, college campuses are only just returning to some semblance of normalcy. The vaccine rollout has certainly changed the outlook on things, but to what extent will schools go to protect their students outside of this? And what is truly motivating this mandate? In an Aug. 24 email from SUNY Oswego President Deborah Stanley, students were notified of the change to SUNY’s COVID-19 vaccination policy. The email stated that in order to comply with the policy, all students who occupy a “physical presence” on campus must complete a full vaccination series prior to Monday, Sept. 27. Roughly translated, any student planning on attending class or participating in clubs or organizations on campus in any capacity must be fully vaccinated by that date. For a full vaccination series to be completed, students must receive the two dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or the one dose Johnson&Johnson vaccine. A few exemptions to the vaccine mandate may be granted for those with medical or religious reasons, but it will impact the majority of SUNY students across the 64 school system. While I am a firm believer that the vaccine is the best option for the health and safety of everyone, it is frustrating to think about the motivations that

for clubs and organizations as well as classrooms to keep everyone as safe as possible. Now, there is no plan. It is nearly impossible to access any information regarding campus policies and safety through the SUNY Oswego website aside from the five FAQs listed under Oswego Forward. If we are meant to believe that the vaccine requirement will erase the possibility of a COVID-19 spread, we are being horribly duped. As a full-time student with a majority of in-person classes, I was ecstatic to return to the classroom. Everyone was to be fully masked and students liv-

mation being provided regarding COVID-19 campus policies and procedures, the dashboard of cases has been consolidated as SUNY-wide, which offers less information than before and nothing on vaccine numbers. If safety was the number one priority, there would be more information available. It is disheartening to think that the vaccine mandate was not in the interest of students but the lack of information and policies point towards that. The question now is not to what extent schools will go to in order to protect their students, but if they will even try.

Image from Flickr Private businesses can require proof of vaccination along with mask requirements.

Image from Flickr

Ashley Scott Staff Writer opinion@oswegonian.com The events that have transpired within the last month in American politics have been disastrous. The Afghanistan ordeal was a mess, but President Joe Biden should not have gotten as much hate. When talking to friends and professors about the events in Afghanistan, it was said that Americans were upset when we entered the country and that we were there for as long as we were. However, when the planes started to depart the country, Americans were also upset. We could not have had it both ways. In an article written by Julian Zelizer for CNN, he discussed what Biden must do going forward, especially with the upcoming midterm elections. One quote stuck out is: “Biden also has to actively shape his message and agenda, rather than react to events and circumstances as they occur.” This is absolutely the wrong mentality for a president, but it is an idea that is quite popular. Presidents promote policy packages like “The New Deal” or the “Great Society” and have messages like “no new taxes” or “government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” American presidents have stuck to these messages or ideas like their lives depended on it. I am not saying that they should not have goals, but it is as if nothing else should get attention except these messages and agendas.

“American presidents have stuck to these messages or ideas like their lives depended on This is the idea Zelizer is getting at and it is wrong. Another topic Zelizer argued is that Biden should invest and support the Democratic party. In particular, Zelizer states two moderate Democrats should be catered to in order to have them vote in support for Biden’s agenda. Why does it feel like our government is grasping at straws? It also appears as though Zelizer’s article is contradicting itself. On one hand, it is argued that Biden should focus on his message and agenda and not react to events as they occur, but it is also said that he needs to lend support to two specific senators and build up his party. So, which is it? The Republican Party is trying to “curtail voting rights and recapture control of Congress” (Zelizer 2021). It is astounding that Republicans are still focusing on voting issues when the election was almost one year ago. In other news, Texas Republicans also passed a law banning abortions once a heartbeat is detected. Not only are politics backwards in this country, but we are living in the 1950s and 1960s with these laws. It is ironic that everyone is now concerned with midterm elections approaching, but whatever the outcome, not much will change. The most recent presidential election showed us that. This is the new norm for American politics and it is quite grim.

B B33 SPORTS Several colleges coming to Oswego State for volleyball this weekend THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, SEPT. 17, 2021

Fall tournament could be springboard for teams sputtering during early season play Brandon Ladd Oswego Elmira Utica Canton Editor-in-chief bladd@oswegonian.com 2021: 4-5 2021: 2-1 2021: 1-6 2021: 0-7 The annual Oswego State volleyball tournament will be played this weekend featuring seven teams including the Lakers. The top team entering the tournament is St. John Fisher College who have went 4-3 in 2021 being led by powerful play at the net and momentum after winning all three sets against SUNY Canton this past week. They will play the roo’s again in the tournament. Oswego State enters the tournament after losing their first SUNYAC matchup versus SUNY Cortland. The Lakers will look to lean on the play of Cara Simlicio, who has 76 points already. The Lakers will face Elmira College, SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University. The first game coming at 8 p.m. Friday Sept. 17, the other two games being played at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. the following day.

Opponents for the Tourney: Elmira College SUNY Canton St. John Fisher College

Opponents for the Tourney: Oswego State Potsdam State St. Lawrence

Key Team Stats: 200 K, 115 E, 189 AST

Key Team Stats: 79K, 54E, 73AST

Top 3 Players: #11 Cara Simlicio #13 Georgia Farry #8 Emma Fiorentine

Top 3 Players: #25 Sam Sprague #22 Maddie Boucher #7 Cassidy Ryan

Last Game: Oswego State was swept from rival SUNY Cortland. The middle of each set was closely contested.

Last game: Elmira College downed Cazenovia College in three sets on 29 kills, 17 aces and five blocks

Fisher 2021: 4-3

Potsdam 2021: 2-2

St. Lawrence 2021: 4-4

Opponents for the Tourney: SUNY Canton St. Lawrence University Oswego State SUNY Potsdam

Opponents for the Tourney: Elmira College Utica College St. John Fisher College

Opponents for the Tourney: St. John Fisher College Utica College Elmira College

Key Team Stats: 376 diggs, 275 kills, 261 AST

Key Team Stats: 176K, 98E, 167AST

Key Team Stats: 292K, 155E, 272AST

Top 3 Players: #10 Alea Stiegerwald #1 Julia Halsey #7 Lindsey DeBonis

Top 3 Players: #6 Jessica Ader #4 Mikayla Myers #9 Emme Price

Top 3 Players: #7 Natalie Piper #8 Annika Kreppien #14 Coutney Benson

Last game: In their last battle the Cardinals swept SUNY Canton three sets to zero nearly doubling Cantons score each set. They will face them again come Friday.

Last game: Lost three sets to one against SUNY Plattsburgh. The Bears were bested 46 total kills to their 41 in a contested battle.

Last game: St. Lawrence University swept their last tounament the weekend of 9/11 besting SUNY Oneonta and SUNY Plattsburgh. They went 6-1 in total sets and have good momentum heading into the Oswego Invitational.

Opponents for the Tourney: St John Fisher College Utica College Oswego State Elmira College Key Team Stats: 105K, 168 Diggs, 95 AST Top 3 Players: #14 Alyssa Adams #8 Caden Teggart #7 Cassidy Werner

Opponents for the Tourney: SUNY Canton St. Lawrence University SUNY Potsdam

Last game: With stong efforts Adams and Werner, SUNY Canton was swept six sets to zero at home vs. SUNY Plattsburgh. They remain winless going into this tournament.

Last game: Utica College was victorius in their 3-0 set victory over Morrisville State Wednesday looking to ride this momentum from their first win of the season.

Key Team Stats: 275K, 171E, 256AST Top 3 Players: #7 Kurstan Martin #1 Brianna Woods, #5 Eleanor Cepiel

William Rogers | The Oswegonian Sydney Chiffriller recorded six kills in Oswego State’s match against SUNY Cortland on Tuesday

Oswego State men’s soccer with sights on a bounce back week Munski, Lakers motivated to gain momentum after overtime battle versus Hamilton College Mike Gross Sports Writer mgross@oswegonian.com After a 9-7-2 season that ended in the SUNYAC quarterfinals to SUNY Cortland, the Oswego State men’s soccer team looks to rekindle their success in 2021. All-SUNYAC returners, such as graduate student goalie Brian Terra and senior defender Caleb Munski, veteran leadership runs deep in the green and gold. As the pride of Liverpool, New York, Munski has always been in a position of leadership for the team he plays for. Whether at Liverpool High School or his club team, Syracuse FC, Munski knows being a captain means a lot to his team, but it mandates a different responsibility as well. “It is definitely a privilege to be given the title but I think it is just an armband when it comes down to it,” Munski said. “It is nice to be recognized as a captain but when speaking with the other captains, we look upon each other for leadership. From the freshman to the upperclassmen, we are all equals.” Munski scored his first collegiate goal against Hamilton College in the 3-2 overtime loss on Wednesday, Sept. 8 and despite that, he is looking forward to continuing his success in the coming weeks. This season has a slightly deeper meaning for the center back being that this is his last season and the fact that he was part of head coach Dan Kane’s first recruiting class at Oswego State. “The hunger was there as a freshman,” Munski said. “The hunger was there as a sophomore. Junior year was really

strange but now that it is potentially [my] last year on the team, it is [our] time. It is now or never.” Munski sets the tone for the energy and attitude that Kane wants his athletes to possess. As a captain, it is important to not only uphold the team values and leadership qualities, but it is equally important to teach them to the lowerclassmen. “Your most talented players are the guys that are working the hardest and doing the right things on and off the field,” Kane said. “That really helps with team culture. We have a younger team and are counting on a lot of new players to play a lot of minutes and having [Munski] to set an example, we are very fortunate.” Kane went on to sing more

praises of his senior captain as far as his vision impacting the game on the backline. “He reads the game so well,” Kane said. “It seems like once a game he saves the ball off the goal line and that is like scoring a goal. He tackles, he organizes us, he is so disciplined and we are so fortunate to have a player like him.” Just six games into the season, the Lakers have had a bit of a shaky start, allowing 1.17 goals per game and on the flip side scoring 1.50. But, that will not stop Kane and the team from turning things around and becoming a more consistent team. In the coming weeks, Oswego State will be faced with five straight away contests which

will test the talent and congruity of the team. But with one nonconference game remaining, the goal is progressing to a higher level of play before they enter SUNYAC competition. “I think our returning guys have done really well,” Kane said. “[They] have stepped up as well. We have had some inconsistent performances but in my mind we have only had one really bad game where the other team [Rochester Institution of Technology] beat us around that we should not have.” That game was last weekend’s contest against Rochester Institute of Technology. The Tigers controlled most of the game’s pace until they took the rug out from under the Lak-

ers scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to secure a win. Besides that game, which remains on the back burner, Kane believes this team is destined for something great. “Other than that we are on a journey, we all know we are going to have a great year at the end of the year and it is just a matter of learning as much as we can during these non conference games and continuing to make progress.” After the draw against Ithaca College on Tuesday night, this moves Kane, Munski and the Lakers to 1-2-3 on the blossoming 2021 season. With a long road trip to Dallas, Pennsylvania eyeing down Misericordia University on Saturday afternoon, the Lakers look to pause and bounce back.

Lexi Fragapane | The Oswegonian Athlete of the week and senior defender Caleb Munski scored his first collegiate goal against Hamilton College in 3-2 overtime loss on Wednesday Sept. 8

Shore Report

* - Indicates NEWHL Standings #- seed clinched x- playoffs clinched e- eliminated

SUNYAC Standings

Men’s Soccer Oneonta Buffalo State Brockport Cortland

Overall 3-0-1 4-1-0 4-1-1 4-1-1 4-2-0 3-2-0

New Paltz Fredonia

Geneseo Plattsburgh Oswego State

3-2-1 2-2-0 1-2-3

Women’s Soccer

Overall

Brockport Buffalo State Cortland Fredonia Geneseo New Paltz Oneonta Oswego

Plattsburgh Potsdam

Points -

Conference 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0

0-0-0 0-0-0

3-1-1

0-0-0

2-4-0 1-3-1 5-0-1 4-1-0 1-2-1 0-4-0 2-0-0 2-1-2 4-2-0

0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0

Field Hockey

Overall

Conference

1-4 OSW:

DeMichael: 1 goal Rogers: 1 assist Scheblein: 5 saves Strenk: 3 goals, 13 shots Lee: 1 goals, 4 shots Walrond: 9 saves

Oswego

4-1

0-0

New Paltz

3-0

0-0

Brockport

3-2

0-0

Geneseo

3-2

0-0

Morrisville Oneonta

2-3

0-0

1-3

0-0

Overall

Conference

Streak

6-2 4-5 3-5 5-3 8-2 2-4 3-4 1-6

1-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-1

W1 W4 W2 W1 L1 W2 L1 L6

4-5

0-1

2-3

0-1

Around the SUNYAC

Field Hockey

BRK: 4-1-1 (0-0) HOU: 0-5 (0-0)

NP: 3-1 (0-0) SKD: 3-2 (0-0)

The women’s Field Hockey team started their season off on a 4-game win streak. In their first 4 games, they tallied 4 shutouts. This win total, matches their 2019 total where they finished 4-12. Kaitlyn Mastracco and Nancy Pagliaroli lead the team in scoring with 4 goals apiece. Their record now is 4-1 through five games.

COR:

Owens: 7 kills, 5 digs Haegele: 21 digs, 2 kills Southcott: 10 kills, 6 digs

OSW:

Simplicio: 7 kills, 11 digs Carey: 6 assists, 6 digs Chiffriller: 6 assists, 6 digs

Women’s Soccer

0-0

5-0

Tuesday, Sept. 14

Wednesday, Sept. 4

ITH:

Scott: 2 shots Whitfield: 3 saves

2 goals, 5 shots OSW: Myers: Madden: 1 goal, 2 shots

OSW:

Genrich: 2 shots Terra: 5 saves

CAN:

Riedel: 1 shots Hanna: 11 saves

Men’s Soccer Saturday, Sept. 24

Streak

0-0

Men’s Soccer

3-0

Men’s Soccer

Men’s Tennis

4-0

Cortland New Paltz Geneseo Plattsburgh Brockport Buffalo State Fredonia Oneonta Oswego State Potsdam

Tuesday, Sept. 14

Upcoming Events

Cortland

Women's Volleyball

Women’s Volleyball

Wednesday, Sept. 15

Saturday, Sept, 18

Field Hockey

Oswego Scoreboard

ROC:

Points

Conference

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

Volleyball 1

POT: 2-3 (0-1) PLT: 5-3 (1-0)

80:

Ryan Fecco of Oswego State Golf posted a tournament best score of 80 helping the Lakers to a third-place finish. The Lakers finished the tournament with a team total score of 344. Fecco shot a 42 on the front 9, then a 38 on the back 9. Freshman Jake Owens came in fourth-place in the tournament shooting an 83.

12:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m

AU 0-0 OSW: 0-0

OSW: 1-2-3 (0-0) PLT: 2-2 (0-0)

Volleyball

Field Hockey

Friday, Sept. 17

Saturday, Sept. 18

8:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

OSW: 4-5 (0-1) EC: 2-1 (0-0)

SJF: 1-3 (0-0) OSW: 4-1 (0-0)

Laker Athletes of the Week

Faith Coyle

Caleb Munski

Women’s Cross Country Freshman | Lake Hopatcong, N.J.

Men’s Soccer Junior | Liverpool, New York

Coyle recorded her first top-10 of the season, finishing seventh in a field of 36 runners at the Cortland Short Course Invitational. The Lake Hopatcong (NJ) native has led the team in each of their first two meets after posting a team-best twelfth (of 45) in the opening meet.

Munski scored a penalty kick goal in the team’s 3-2 setback to perennial powerhouse Hamilton College on Wednesday. The Liverpool native currently leads the team in minutes played with 500, with the soccer team going into over time in three of their five contests to begin the season.

311:

Kills thus far for teh Oswego State Women’s volleyball team. 69 of which scored by Victor, N.Y. native and freshman Cara Simplicio. With teh Oswego State Invitational this weekend Simplicio and her team plan to increase this number and improve their 4-5 record.

10:

Shots on goal for sophmore Kyle Ghenrich throughout six games played this season. Three of these 10 shots went past the goalie making Ghenrich teh leading scorer on the Lakers. With just a 1-2-3 record the team will need his contribution to continue going into confrence play.

SPORTS B5 Club roller hockey seeking repeat 2021 season after ‘chip’ THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

Club hockey Lakers return after two year absence due to COVID-19, insert new faces

Jack Perdek | The Oswegonian Senior captain Billy Bowling (top row, second from the right) and his teammate rasing the trophy of their March 7, 2020 ECRHA 5-3 victory over Endicott College.

Jack Perdek Sports Editor jperdek@theoswegonian..com The Oswego State club roller hockey team is on a renewed quest to return in 2021 as Eastern Collegiate Rollar Hockey Association (ECRHA) champions. The Lakers, who lost their 2020 season due to COVID-19 are eager to continue the success they had two years ago. Just like most teams in college sports over the past year, there have been several setbacks facing the Lakers, such as lack of returning players, coaching their system to new players and building team chemistry. To get the team back on top, senior captain and defenseman Billy Bowling believes that a lot of the responsibility for the roller hockey team falls on his shoulders. “It is all about showing the rook-

ies how Oswego plays the system that we run and the way that we have played the game over the last few years,” Bowling said. “I will make sure that the rookies stay calm and take that extra step back in learning the way that we approach the game.” For Bowling, building team chemistry and passing on what he has learned at Oswego State will be crucial for the team’s success this season. Bowling and junior goalie Matt Quast are the only two returning players from their ECRHA championship run two years ago. The team had been averaging seven to eight returning players a season pre-pandemic, but this year they will have to approach the season with a little more effort to rebuild this team. “The expectation is to go out there and compete at a high level,” Bowling said. “As a team, we were

able to achieve a top four placement in the 2019 nationals. Then in 2020, we were able to secure an eastern regional championship. Placing us as the top team going into nationals that year. We hope to carry that same momentum into this season and compete for a national championship.” Expectations for the team are at an all-time high considering their previous success. Their final record concluding the 2019-2020 season was 12-3, now with a fresh record heading into the season the same kind of result is on their mind. Leading this team from the side of the rink will be a crucial task this year, Head Coach Jack Tofallos understands the obstacles his team will have to face in order to meet those expectations. “We are going to have to work really hard early on to learn the system,

build the chemistry and get back in the swing of things, especially because we cannot practice at the school,” Tofallos said. Regardless of the limitations for practice times and locations, Tofallos still envisions enormous potential for his team. Building a great foundation and culture is everything a coach looks for when bringing a team together. The roller hockey Lakers are going to face adversity throughout the season but an opportunity to exceed expectations is what Tofallos hopes for. “This is a fresh start and a fresh opportunity for everyone on this team,” Tofallos said. “We’re defending ECRHA champions, would you want to be remembered as a one-hitwonder team, or do you want to be a part of a championship program?” There is certainly a lot of energy surrounding coaches and players

Around The Diamond

Perdek’s Corner

Jack Perdek Sports Editor jperdek@oswegonian.com

Benjamin Diamond Asst. Sports Editor sports@oswegonian.com With sports finally returning, there is a lot to cover this fall season. As the new assistant sports editor for the Oswegoinian, I am excited to cover Oswego State Hockey for the first time. Due to COVID-19 cancelling last year’s season. I was able to write stories for the Oswegonian, but it was difficult for me to get a real first hand look at Oswego State sports. I am particularly excited to cover whiteout weekend, when Oswego State faces rivals SUNY Plattsburgh, and SUNY Potsdam. In the last whiteout game they played versus Plattsburgh, the Lakers took home the 3-0 victory. I am also excited to see them face off against rival SUNY Geneseo which should make for an entertaining rivalry game. During that 2019-2020 season, the leader for points was Travis Broughman with 27, who also led the team in goals with 15. The Lakers ended that season with a 16-10-1 record making it to the SUNYAC championships, beating Plattsburgh again before losing to Geneseo. The Lakers open up their season against Utica College on October 16. The men’s Ssoccer team has been off to a rocky start going 1-2-3 in their first six games. Most recently they played a total defensive bout with Ithaca College ending in a 0-0 tie. Their next game is on Saturday, against Misericordia University. Kyle Gehnrich leads the team with three goals so far this season. Brian Terra has been in goal for majority of the season boasting a very strong 1.07 goals allowed average, with 15 total saves. The Lakers are hoping they can turn their season around, and it is still pretty early so it is definitely possible. Their defense as a whole has been strong at keeping games close but they have been unable to score with the opportunities they are presented with.

on this Lakers team. Something that will keep them ready to take this season on with full strength will be the relationship between Tofallos and his players. Tofallos has a lot of faith in his captain’s leadership and has a strong commitment to the team. “Billy knows how this organization has been run and what it takes to be a successful team,” Tofallos said. “I have all the faith in the world that he will continue to lead this team down the right path with the help of our assistant captain Matt Quast.” The last glimpse of action the team had was in their 2019 ECRHA championship victory win against Endicott College. They won the game 5-3 and were on pace to participate in nationals before the season was cut short. Bowling also understands that spending time with the team and keeping the mood light is a great way to get where they want to be. “I think the main reason for our success was due to the great chemistry that we had as a team,” Bowling said. “We were always together, whether it was team dinners, or just throwing around a football on the weekends. We were like a family on road trips and it was a great atmosphere to be around that year. I hope to build that same atmosphere this season, even though we lost the large number of graduates we have had these last two years.” Despite the long build-up for this season, it is safe to say that Bowling and his team are ready to take on the challenge of their Columbus Day opener in October. It has been nearly two full years since the team has been on the rink in a game setting. “There is a lot of excitement,” Bowling said. “We haven’t worn an Oswego jersey in around 18 months, we are really pumped to get back onto the tile and compete for a national championship.”

Alexis Fragapane | The Oswegonian

With a sense of normalcy coming back to SUNY Oswego after the early stages of COVID-19, many Oswego State athletic teams have been anxiously awaiting a return. Now in fall 2021, every team has a chance to pick up where they left off. As a sports editor here at the Oswegonian, I am ecstatic to be covering Oswego State’s teams this year, especially basketball and baseball. In my experience covering basketball games here at Oswego State, I have very big expectations for this team and the young talent that they possess. In 2019-2020 the team finished 19-8 with a conference record of 12-6 reaching the SUNYAC championship. Despite their loss to SUNY Brockport, I feel like these returning payers have a lot of unfinished business to settle come winter. Baseball season is just around the corner as the Lakers are coming off of a 25-7 overall record last spring. Similar to basketball, baseball made it to the SUNYAC championship before their 7-6 loss against SUNY Cortland. It will be interesting to see how Head Coach Scott Landers and his team reply to their strong run from last spring. Considering all of the new bodies joining this roster time will tell how the Lakers plan to keep a good pace going. Sports are truly one of the most special things we have at SUNY Oswego and I look forward to relishing in the return of them. Events such as whiteout weekend and potential NCAA tournaments are extremely exciting things that we have back and it will be interesting to see sports atmospheres beyond 2021 at Oswego.

Sports Men’s Soccer

Bounce Back

Pete for America via Flickr

SPORTS THE OSWEGONIAN

NEWS Hewitt Hall

Renovations

Nicole Hube | The Oswegonian

VOLUME LXXXVI ISSUE VIII• www.oswegonian.com

FRIDAY, Feb. 7, 2020

Oswego State sports are back, fans are loving it

William Rogers | The Oswegonian

After months away ... they are finally back

William Rogers | The Oswegonian

Oswego State field hockey rides hot streak to start fall 2021season

DeMichael and her team are optimistic after a closely contested battle against RIT 1-4 Wednesday Benjamin Diamond Asst. Sports Editor sports@oswegonian.com After not being able to play for over a year, the Oswego State Field Hockey team is off to a strong start to their 2021 campaign, going 4-1 in their first five games. Despite their 4-0 start they were bested by Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T) 4-1 Wednesday. Head coach Heather Moore knows what her team needs to return to their winning ways. “I think a little bit of resiliency,” Moore said. Even though the result isn’t what we wanted, it was a really good benchmark game for us, and I would expect them to play at that level moving forward.” Senior Alyssa DeMichael knows that the team played well against RIT, and although they lost, said they need to continue their strong play. “I think we just need to keep up our intensity,” DeMichael said. “We actually played a really great game yesterday, they were a really tough team, and we need to look back at the game footage to see what our mistakes were so we can build on it.” Moore is glad that her team is able to come back and play after the long hiatus. This is her first real in-person interaction she had in a while. She said she is happy they can finally be to-

gether as a team. “We were just very grateful to be back after more than a year off,” Moore said. “We are grateful to be able to play again, and be together as a team which is something we weren’t able to do other than virtually over Zoom. I think being together and focusing on playing has stimulated us and got us ready to start the season, and helped us come out strong.” There are a few players that caught Moore’s eye this year, she sees a big impact from these individuals and how they have played to start the season. Junior forward Kacie Simzer, senior forward Alyssa DeMichael and junior defender Kaitlyn Mastracco all have helped push the team forward. Moore also credited her defensive unit for being strong to start the season. “Simzer has been playing really well and so has DeMichael, I think the both of them have had good looks at the cage, and have been great at generating some offensive momentum for us,” Moore said. “I think Mastracco has done really well in the midfield, being able to break through and distribute the ball.” Like most coaches, Moore finds team chemistry very important when it comes to success in games. Not being able to play together for over a year would normally be a bad thing, Moore believes that the chemistry within the team is as strong as ever.

“I think they all work really well with each other on and off the field,” Moore said. “I think the chemistry was there right from the get go, they did a lot of stuff on their own in the off season, and all of their efforts were motivated by themselves, so I think that started us off on the right foot.”

Kacie Simzer agrees with her, as they spend a lot of time outside of practices and games with each other, strengthening their bond. She is glad that the chemistry has been strong allowing them to stay focused on their play. “I feel like our chemistry is really strong this year,” Simzer said. “Everyone gets along, everyone’s

really inclusive. Everyone has been having a good time, and it’s been good on and off the field.” The Lakers hope to bounce back and improve to 5-1 versus St. John Fisher on Saturday. Moore is certain that the team can push through, and continue their strong play to start the season going forward.

William Rogers | The Oswegonian Action from Oswego State field hockey’s 7-0 victory over Medaille on Sept. 3rd, 2021, the Lakers dominated the first year program.

INSIDE

C2 ‘Shang-Chi’ transcends C3

Marvel movie formula

‘Donda’ shows ‘Untourable Album’ C4 Kanye West at his finest displays calm indie sound

FRIDAY Sept. 17, 2021

LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

‘Shang-Chi’ marks new high for Marvel Cinemtic Universe

Ethan Stinson Laker Review Editor estinson @oswegonian.com

Rating: The second film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) “Phase Four,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” commences the franchise’s post-Infinity Saga run on a positive note by introducing its newest Avenger. Boasting a strong cast of characters, beautifully-choreographed fight sequences and much-needed Asian representation, the film breathes new life into the MCU, while also showing new possibilities for superhero films as a whole. Following the events of “Avengers: Endgame,” the film follows the titular Shang-Chi (Simu Liu, “Blood and Water”) as he is drawn back into the world of his villainous father, Wenwu (Tony Leung, “Hero”), and the evil Ten Rings organization. Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) stars as Shang’s best friend, Katy, and Meng’er Zhang makes her film debut as Xialing,

Shang’s estranged sister. Though it may adhere to a formula similar to what has been featured in other MCU origin stories, “Shang-Chi” demonstrates a level of emotional depth which elevates it past most of these films. This is made apparent through the film’s themes of family and familial obligation, which are brought out through the well-realized conflict between father and son. “Shang-Chi’s” characterization is top notch, representing extremes of the “flawed hero” and “sympathetic villain” archetypes, which were previously unexplored in the MCU. Furthermore, it is leaps and bounds ahead of other Marvel films when it comes to establishing a relationship between the hero and villain. By providing a strong context to the inner-workings of Shang and Wenwus’ dynamic as father and son and its complicated nature, the film allows the audience to, at times, equally empathize with them. Audience empathy especially works in favor of Wenwu, whose layered character

Image from Marvel Entertainment via Instagram ‘Shang-Chi’ brings much needed Asian representation to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

development, tragic motives and a stellar performance by Leung help place him among the best of the MCU’s villains. The aspect of the film which deserves the most praise is its action sequences. From the engrossing, dance-like qualities of the fight choreography to the sometimes unorthodox nature of the environments and situations in which the action takes place,

each scene feels memorable for its own distinct features. “ShangChi” also remedies a common MCU flaw by keeping its action sequences simple, rather than overstuffing them with rapid cuts and sensory overload. Unsurprisingly, “Shang-Chi” uses digital effects to its advantage to develop awe-inducing creatures and scenery, as well as enhance its already stellar action

with five possible endings. The other gameplay mechanic is completely unique to this installment. Alex is an empath, and can feel other people’s emotions and to a certain extent, read their minds. This is well utilized, and deeply intertwines with the story of the game. As you search around the idyllic town of Haven Springs, Colorado trying to solve Alex’s brother’s suspicious death, you willl need to read the emotions of every character, friend or foe,

to progress. Along with progressing through the story with this, it also shines a light on the townsfolk of New Haven. Each character you meet has depth. Using Alex’s emotion reading abilities shows that even the most seemingly one-sided characters have depth important to solving the mystery and to Alex’s own personal revelations. This emotion reading even extends to random non-playable characters, who all have their own unique thoughts, which is a

sequences. However, there are moments throughout the film where smaller details were clearly given less attention than they should have, putting a slight damper on the surrounding visuals. Though these instances of lesser efforts are few and far between, those who notice them may be left with a slightly bitter taste. Undoubtedly, the film gives people of Asian descent the representation they deserve, not only in the MCU, but in superhero films as a whole. By doing great justice to the cast, locations and culture which it honors, it provides a level of empowerment which puts it in a similarly important vein as “Black Panther.” While it may possess minor MCU tropes and flaws, “ShangChi” presents an abundance of excitement and innovation which opens many new doors for the franchise. One may only hope that Marvel studios will follow in the footsteps of this film and continue to transcend its formula in the future.

‘Life is Strange: True Colors’ brings new life to popular game series Jacey LaComb Contributing Writer laker@oswegonian.com

Rating: Square Enix’s “Life is Strange’’ series has been one of the biggest names in story-based video games since the release of its first installment in 2015. The latest title in the series, “Life is Strange: True Colors,” is just as much of a hit as its predecessors. Released on Sept. 10, fans immediately adored it, but “True Colors” is enjoyable for anyone who owns a gaming console or PC. Its simple controls and focus on story rather than fancy gameplay mechanics make it easy and fun to pick up and play, regardless if you are a gamer or not. The whole point of the game is for it to be an interactive movie of sorts, and it does just that with the class of grade A cinema. Best of all for newcomers, the “Life is Strange” series is an anthology, meaning you do not need to play the first two mainline games or the spinoffs to understand the newest release. The game gives players the ability to choose where the story

goes next as you guide the protagonist, Alex, through a dramatic story about empathy, grief, a corporate cover-up mystery and what it means to feel your feelings. These decisions are the heart of the game, as you will end up changing lives forever, saving people and possibly falling in love. These choices are where the game shines, as different decisions take you down multiple paths, changing the story in ways both minute and drastic, allowing the player to craft their own story

Image from Life is Strange via YouTube Protagonist Alex possesses empathic abilities which players use to see the thoughts and emotions of other characters.

great little detail that shows the care put into the game. “True Colors” is gorgeous, both to look at and to experience. On a next generation console or decently powerful PC, it looks fantastic. Environments are especially amazing, and it is clear that the developers paid great attention to detail. You are given a beautiful woodsy Colorado mining town to explore as you go through the extremely well written story with moments both heart-wrenching and heart-melting, and twist after twist. Every path of the story is a tale worth experiencing; no corners were cut, even on the “bad” paths. Every character is unique and multifaceted, and you will definitely find yourself getting attached to them, even the ones you do not think you will. The music is amazing as well, featuring artists such as Alt-J (“Left Hand Free”), Hayley Kiyoko (“Curious”), girl in red (“Body And Mind”) and Phoebe Bridgers (“Motion Sickness”) on the soundtrack. All in all, whether you are already a “Life is Strange’’ fan, a fan of story-based games in general or even a non-gamer, “True Colors” is an experience you will absolutely enjoy.

LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

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Emotional album ‘Donda’ displays Kanye West’s songwriting talents Connor LaLone Contributing Writer laker@oswegonian.com

Rating: Kanye West (“Famous”) added to his resume with the late August 2021 release of “Donda.” The album, named for West’s late mother, is an effective 1 hour and 48 minute blend of the many musical styles he has utilized throughout his career. “Praise God,” “24,” “Lord I Need You,” “Donda” and “New Again” all use samples of gospel music or features West’s Sunday Service Choir, a staple of previous albums, like “JESUS IS KING,” and “The Life of Pablo.” Several other songs on “Donda,” are more rap focused, a callback to West’s earlier albums. Prominent artists like JayZ (“Empire State of Mind”), The Weeknd (“Blinding Lights”), DaBaby (“Red Light Green Light”) and Playboi Carti (“Magnolia”) are featured on “Donda.” As well as collaborating with already notable musicians, West continues his practice of attempting to bring attention and recognition to musicians who are

less famous, such as KayCyy (“Flew By You), Westside Gunn (“327”), and Shenseea (“Shen Yeng Anthem”). One of the most striking and effective things West does with “Donda” is use a recording of his mother in the song that shares its name with the album. An address given by Donda West in 2007 provides a linearly structured chorus that is followed by the Sunday Service Choir, another West creation. The song does an excellent job of paying tribute to the late Mrs. West, as well as encompassing and demonstrating the creative genius of West. West refers to his recent divorce with superstar model, designer and media personality, Kim Kardashian. frequently in “Believe What I Say” as well as “Lord I Need You,” with lyrics such as: “Starting to feel like you ain’t been happy for me lately, darling,” and “tryin’ to do the right thing with the freedom that you gave me.” One cannot help but think that the split heavily influenced the tone of the album, as “Donda” has a generally subdued and more introspective feeling when compared to previous

Image from Kanye West via YouTube Kanye West renounces his formerly arrogant ways and past works in songs such as “Come to Life.”

Kanye albums. “Jail,” “Ok Ok,” “Junya” and “Jesus Lord” all have second parts, labeled “pt 2,” that end the album in consecutive order. These tracks share almost everything with their part one counterparts, but feature different artists. Having these tracks on the album gives it a slightly repetitive feel, something that is only worsened by “Off the Grid,” in which West repeats the title of the song several times in quick succession, as well as the very first “song” on the album, “Donda Chant.” “Come to Life” is one of

West’s best compositions, with an uplifting melodic theme that culminates in West’s self-realization and a huge step away from some of his previous selfimportance: “Come and purify me, come and sanctify me, You the air that I breathe, the ultra-ultralight beam … This is not about me, God is still alive, so I’m free.” This song seems like a natural stopping point both melodically and lyrically, but is followed by “No Child Left Behind” and the “pt 2” songs, a missed opportunity for West to nicely tie up his most recent album.

“Donda,” while perhaps failing to meet the unrealistic expectations of many, is generally very listenable and features a few masterpieces that perfectly exemplify West’s ability as a writer, producer and musician. West provides a little bit of everything for his fans, mixing in seemingly all of his styles. The album gives a great glimpse into the complex mind of West, and expresses almost every emotion in existence. The result is a nearly two hour classic, that, while perhaps a bit repetitive, will be enjoyed by many for years to come.

Uninspired ‘Cinderella’ retelling fails to improve classic story Ashley Scott Staff Writer laker@oswegonian.com

Rating: Amazon Studios’ 2021 “Cinderella” movie is different than any other version of the fairytale that has been released. Written and directed by Kay Cannon (“Pitch Perfect”), this modern remake is reminiscent of what the creators of “Hamilton” set out to do; give an old classic a modern make over. While “Hamilton” was very successful in this endeavor, “Cinderella” flopped. Camila Cabello, in her first acting role, plays the role of Cinderella. While other prominent names like Idina Menzel (“Frozen II”) and Billy Porter (“Like a Boss”) have key roles in the film, they fail to elevate it in any way.

Image from Amazon Prime Video via YouTube Camila Cabello’s singing voice poorly matches songs she sings in “Cinderella.”

In this version of the classic story, Ella is living in a male-dominated world and does not fit in like the other girls. She is loud, outspoken and daring. Her passion is dressmaking and her dream is to sell her dresses. Likewise, Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine, “The Craft: Legacy”) does not fit in his royal family. His

father wants him to marry for political reasons, but he is not so keen on the idea. These two cross paths and Ella is initially reluctant to the idea of love and only wants to sell her dresses. While the plot sounds like it could make a great movie, it is generic and the acting could be better. The big difference between this film and other

“Cinderella” films is that several of the songs in this film are covers of other songs. While this puts a fun and unique spin on the traditional fairytale musical, the choice of songs was awkward at times and hard to watch. The most out of place moment comes when “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is performed, and the viewer is left wondering how this song fits in the movie. Cabello, while having a great voice, does not fit the songs that she sings in the film. “Cinderella” does have some standout moments, Including instances of comic relief from James Corden (“Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway”), who plays a mouse that turns into a human. The interactions between the king and queen, Pierce Brosnan (“False Positive”) and Minnie Driver

(“Modern Love”), are also standout moments of the movie. The two characters are seen quarreling over their son’s, Prince Robert’s, marriage, and while there are cheesy moments between the two the seasoned actors, they are ultimately very entertaining to watch. The cinematography of the movie is easily its best qualitiy. The bright colors and flow from scene to scene work well to keep the audience engaged. It is clear this film did not do the story justice. We have seen the recent trend to do modern remakes of classic Disney films, and while some have been successful renditions of classic stories, films such as “Cinderella” are just cringeworthy. Because it very loosely followed the source material, it did more of an injustice than a service to the fairytale classic.

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LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

Mysterious ‘Dark and Shallow Lies’ impresses young adult fans Caitilin Alicea Asst. Laker Review Editor calicea@oswegonian.com

Rating: In September, “Dark and Shallow Lies” by Ginny Myers Sain officially released from Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Since March 2021, when the cover of “Dark and Shallow Lies” was first revealed, Penguin Teen had been promoting the novel with little sneak peeks of the first chapter and character blurbs. They also sent out advance reader copies (ARCs) of the book to give reviewers and bloggers a chance to read it in hopes of receiving great feedback before publishing. ARC copies are paperback and normally have a permanent sticker that states it is such. They are for reviewing and promotional purposes and are very popular when an author traditionally publishes with big companies. When the ARCs are sent out a month or two before the

book’s release, it is already getting the buzz it needs to grab reader’s attention. “Dark and Shallow Lies” is Sain’s debut novel that left readers with high expectations for her future releases. The book is a Young Adult Thriller which follows 17-year-old Grey, who returns to La Cachette, Louisiana, six months after hearing about her best friend, Elora Pellerin’s, disappearance. La Cachette has been known for its mysterious nature. However, Grey had hoped to find people who could explain exactly what happened the night of Pellerin’s disappearance. When she is given no answers to her continuous questions, she starts to wonder why no one has any clue of her whereabouts, especially since the town is full of psychics. As she tries to uncover what happened, Grey realizes that even the people closest to her are hiding something and begins to slowly lose trust in them. Then one night, a stranger

Image from Caitlin Alicea via Instagram Readers of “Dark and Shallow Lies” should feel goosebumps after experiencing its dark, twisted thrills.

appears from the bayou, with connections to Pellerin and the town’s deepest secrets. In desperation for answers, she must put her trust in someone she does not know while having to hide secrets of her own in the process. “Dark and Shallow Lies” is considered a Young Adult book which normally targets audiences of 12 to 18 but is, however, attracting attention from slightly older audiences. For a standalone novel, Sain does a fabulous

job of keeping the focus on the mysterious elements that make it a great thriller, while also adding a magic component, which brings in fans of supernatural settings. Like many thrillers, this one offers a dark twisted story with the goal to give readers the chills. It is the perfect read for the fall season especially since it is drawing near to the spooky season. The overall plot is pretty fast paced and hooks readers with an intriguing opening

sentence, “The last time I saw my best friend, she called me a pathetic liar and then she punched me in the mouth.” Many reviewers commented on this hook about how well it makes people curious enough to think about why her friend would punch her if they were best friends, and what had them in the dispute in the first place. Now that is what makes for a good thriller. That and the impressive writing throughout with a great world structure.

‘Untourable Album’ boasts smooth, relaxing indie tunes John Custodio Opinion Editor jcustodi@oswegonian.com

Rating: Canadian indie band Men I Trust (“Lauren”), featuring Jessy Caron on bass and guitar, Dragos Chiriac on keyboard and Emmanuelle Proulx as lead vocalist, released their fourth album “Untourable Album” on Aug. 24. Men I Trust’s overall sound is similar to Phoebe Bridgers (“Garden Song”), or Clairo’s “Sling” album, with a relaxed energy and simple, but poetic lyrics. “Show Me How” is the band’s mostplayed song on Spotify, with 85 million plays. Produced during quarantine, Men I Trust named the album thinking they would not be able to tour for it. However, they are currently on tour, and their closest stop to Oswego will be on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2 in Brook-

Image from Men I Trust via YouTube

Despite its poor cover art, “Untourable Album” impresses with its indie sound.

lyn, or Nov. 4 in Toronto. At 13 songs and 38 minutes, “Untourable Album” fits exactly what the band wanted to say for this album with little room for interludes or unnecessarily long ballads. “Untourable” quickly shows itself as less of an interpretive art project, and more of a straightforward tone. First on the album, “Organon” gently drifts the listener in with smooth synths

and whispers in Proulx’s usual dreamy voice. With lyrics crooning, “When I smell sweet hay, peace of mind comes, distant land I’m from, honey and sun,” Proulx lulls the listener into a better headspace than before to fully prepare for the easy listening of the rest of the album. “Untourable Album” focuses heavily on the band’s dreampop/jazzpop aethestic and the end of summer re-

lease date greatly benefited the tone. “Before Dawn” and “Serenade of Water” feel like the drive home from the beach, or the drive home after your last shift at your summer job. However, not all songs are as gentle and sweet as those previously mentioned. “5am Waltz” is darker, with limited vocals that encapsulate the feeling of being up at 5 a.m. after a long night or an early morning. Bouncing back from the more depressing, Men I Trust wraps the listener back into a repeat of the easy beats and pleasant feelings with “Always Lone,” a simple bass jam with Proulx swinging throughout. “Untourable” makes excellent use of stereo sounds, mirroring smaller beats to keep the listener interested in what would otherwise be a bit of a repetitive sound. Proulx’s voice carries through it all with an ethereal feel, binding the beats

and making it unique. Without Proulx, Men I Trust and “Untourable,” especially, would not stand out. His gentle whispers allow the band to fill its niche easily and effectively, standing out from other dreampop bands like the Cocteau Twins. The only major negative for the album is the cover art. The children on the front are an eyesore. However, the photo of mundane Canadian life is intentional. The photographer, Lynn Goldsmith, released a photobook called “A Day in the Life of Canada.” Men I Trust was inspired by the daily rhythm and pattern of regular life, transposing it onto their music, and Goldsmith created the cover photo specifically for the album. “Untourable” is a massive success, and will be on repeat every chill weekend while working through chores or assignments.

LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

Kacey Musgraves' new album sparks powerful blend in genres Abigail Connolly Managing Editor aconnollly@oswegonian.com

Rating: Kacey Musgraves ("Justified"), the Grammy-awardwinning singer-songwriter stuns yet again with her fifth studio album “starcrossed.” Released Sept. 10 through MCA Nashville and Interscope Records, the 15 track album has been met with mostly positive critic reviews and received a 77 on Metacritic, a website dedicated to the rating of albums, movies and TV shows. A pop album, “starcrossed” crosses over genre lines to create a powerful blend of country, folk, soft rock and R&B. This blend is exactly what propels the album forward, creating a compelling and easy listening experience. It differs from the traditional Musgraves sound, one that tends to lean a bit closer to country, making for a fresh and new sound. The titular first track, “starcrossed” serves as the perfect

prologue for the rest of the album, setting the scene for a tragedy. Lyrics like “Two lovers ripped right at the seams'' and “Did we fly too high just to get burned by the sun?” provide literary allusions to Shakespeare and Diodorus for “Romeo and Juliet” and the story of Icarus and Daedalus. These allusions, while subtle, show a mastery of songwriting in addition to providing the idea that the album follows a traditional three act play. The three acts in question detail the feelings of someone caught in a relationship, attempting to make it work, realizing it will not and then accepting life after. This album has been dubbed Musgraves’ “divorce album” containing references to her divorce from Ruston Kelly, an American singer-songwriter with whom she was married for two years. While the concept of a three act play might be hidden in the album, Musgraves hides little else, speaking in plain and rather simple

Image from Kacey Musgraves via YouTube Singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves impresses fans with another hit studio album.

terms. The second track “good wife,” begins with Musgraves muffled voice pleading: “Let's go back to the beginning/I just wanna be a good wife.” This is not a veiled attempt to convey the pain of not feeling adequate in a relationship, this is a raw and blatant wish. The fact that Musgraves spells this out so clearly is an integral part of the album and adds to the overall under-

standing that “star-crossed” is both deeply emotional and unreserved. The tables begin to turn with “breadwinner” as Musgraves details: “You're gonna give it all and give it all/But you won't get it back/I'm tellin' you, it's gonna hurt.” Moving away from the wishes of improving a relationship to understanding that despite your best efforts it will not work. Musgraves

has a way of conveying this idea without much sense of revenge or anger, something that audiences may not be accustomed to when thinking of traditional break-up ballads. This is yet another example of her knack for pinpointing and articulating emotion. The “second act” is marked by this grief of reflecting on a relationship that dissolved. Songs “camera roll,” “easier said” and “hookup scene” illustrate the most gut wrenching feelings of the entire album. Which is juxtaposed incredibly with the song “keep lookin’ up” and the album’s remaining three songs. Wrapping up with a cover of “gracias a la vida,” Musgraves perfectly encapsulates the idea that life, however painful, is still a beautiful thing. The pointed lyrics and dreamlike instrumentals mix fantasy and reality to create an album worth listening to. Musgraves has proven her ability to encapsulate emotion in a carefully curated and deeply moving way.

"WarioWare" franchise brings high quality gaming to Nintendo fans Ethan Stinson Laker Review Editor estinson@oswegonian.com

Rating: At the 2021 E3 gaming convention, Nintendo fans were treated to a surprise when it was announced that a new entry in the “WarioWare” franchise titled “WarioWare: Get it Together!” will be released this September. Like past installments in the series, the game confronts players with a unique assortment of fast-paced minigames that are to be completed in rapid succession. Even for those who have not played previous titles, “Get it Together!” still allows for a fun, challenging and nostalgic experience. “Get it Together!” consists of 17 levels, each possessing their own distinctive collection of “micro-games.” Players are encouraged to build streaks in each level by playing each minigame as many times as possible in one runthrough, while also being al-

lotted four failures. In terms of gameplay, players are given a wide variety of characters to choose from. Each possesses their own unique skill set and movement limitations to work with, thereby making

each useful for different types of minigames. Although only three characters are available for use in the game’s beginning, each level introduces a new character whose abilities are crucial toward completing its boss stage. Over-

Image from Nintendo via YouTube "WarioWare: Get it Together!" provides gamers with fun, fast-paced gameplay.

all, the diversity of the game’s roster provides something for everybody by accommodating for differing playstyles. While some may enjoy “Get it Together!” for its fast-paced nature, others may be overwhelmed by the rapid-fire transitions between each minigame. However, by promoting multiple playthroughs of each level, a learning curve becomes apparent for each challenge. So long as players are willing to endure multiple failures for some of the more difficult tasks, they will find great satisfaction in learning to understand them in a short time period. The game sports an art style which, though minimalist, stands out for being reminiscent of older Nintendo properties with its vibrant, cartoonish qualities. The same may be said for the minigames, which each deserve praise for their unique aesthetics and delightfully bizarre content. Though “Get it Together!” may be played as a solo effort, it proves to be even more fun in its two-

player format. While the goal of completing the game’s levels and minigames remains the same, differing approaches toward completion, in addition to the characters used, may lead to great hilarity as duos scramble to conquer them. However, the fast-paced gameplay may act as a slight hindrance in this mode, as unintentional interference between teammates may waste some of the brief amount of time given to them. Overall, “WarioWare: Get it Together!” is an upbeat, imaginative experience that is all in good fun. As a game dedicated solely to minigames, it succeeds in keeping players engaged without feeling repetitive in the games’ objectives or methods of completion. Though some may see it as more of a chore, those willing to repeat the games in order to understand and complete them in a limited timespan will find it to be an exciting time. As a whole, “Get it Together” is a great escapist game for players to turn to whenever they are looking for a good time.

FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

Crossword Puzzle

Across

Sudoku Fill in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 block contains 1-9 exactly once.

1. Make a boo-boo 4. Chaps 8. Vegas machine 12. Yankee ___ Gehrig 13. Satanic 14. Inheritor 15. “Leaving ___ Vegas” 16. Schedule 18. R&B singer ___ Franklin 20. Heavy linen 21. Horse feed 23. Twice five 24. Levels of authority 28. Wriggly fish 31. Binds 32. Decay 33. Norwegian port 34. Coolidge’s nickname 35. Pain 37. Mama’s boy

40. Bog fuel 41. Cooper and Faye 44. Obtained illegally 48. Chinese dialect 50. Grand ___ Opry 51. Nature walk 52. Done 53. NNW’s opposite 54. Blue-pencil 55. Berths 56. Browning’s “always”

Down

1. ___ Fitzgerald of jazz 2. Loud noise 3. Pretense 4. Fatal 5. Pilots 6. Poorly lit 7. Snow toy 8. Dishonor 9. Beirut native 10. Greases

11. Difficult journey 17. Create lace 19. Baby’s “piggies” 22. Nosy person 24. List ender (abbr.) 25. Undercover gp. 26. Capital of Finland 27. Uncensored 29. Raised railroads 30. ___ Angeles 33. On top of 36. Diners 38. Group of eight 39. “The Matrix” hero 41. Tooth discomfort 42. Put down 43. Uppity one 45. Misplace 46. More 47. At no time, in verse 49. Eden dweller

For this week’s puzzle answers ... Go to Oswegonian.com and click on the Laker Review tab!

LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, Sept. 17, 2021

Shea McCarthy

Jacob Fallat