The Oswegonian 3-8-19

Look Inside: A6 CTS proposes tech fee increase

Friday, March 8, 2019 VOLUME LXXXIV ISSUE V SINCE 1935 www.oswegonian.com

Students to vote on next SA president, vice president Samantha Flavell Editor-in-Chief sflavell@oswegonian.com Oswego State will choose between two candidates to select who will be the president of Student Association for the 2019-2020 school year.

Omar van Reenen, the current president of SA, is running for reelection in hopes of continuing the work he has started. van Reenen has held a variety of positions in the Student Association at Oswego State, including senator, director and now his current position as president. van Reenen is running opposed by junior finance and human resource major Baldwin Lawson.

Lawson has been a senator for two years, assisted in writing bills and held his current position as finance chair for SA. Lawson said he was drawn to join SA when he saw the need for change in African, Latino, Asian and Native American (ALANA) organizations on campus.

“I realized that, for my community [the ALANA community], we needed a lot more funding and needed people to speak for us on different platforms,” Lawson said. “SA was something that was recommended to me by my current mentor, Aloaye Tisor, who was formally the SA president when I was a freshman.”

While Lawson was originally drawn to SA for how he could advocate for and enact change for the groups he was involved in, he has noticed there are other groups with the same needs.

“I joined for the purpose of advocating for my own group, but then I realized there are other groups who need advocating for too,” Lawson said. “I realized that there was a need for empowerment in facets of all kinds of organizations. … That’s the reason I was able to step into this position and grow and want to be where I am now, which is running for SA president.”

See LAWSON, A5

Oswego marches for women Women’s Center celebrates Women’s History Month Kassadee Paulo News Editor kpaulo@oswegonian.com The cold weather may have stopped members of the Oswego State community from going outside for the annual Women’s March, but it did not stop them from marching through the Marano Campus Center on March 4.

Hosted by the Women’s Center, the march brought together women and men in solidarity to celebrate the existence of women and to fight for gender equality.

According to the national Women’s March website, its mission is to “harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change.”

Before the march through campus, community members signed a poster showing their respect for Women’s History Month, made signs and discussed why the march and feminism is important to them.

Women’s Center President Iyuhna Callands said the Women’s Center

Kassadee Paulo | The Oswegonian Senior criminal justice major Sarah Stamberg signs her name on the Women’s March poster.

and Women’s March are not exclusive to those who do not identify as women. Although it is led and pushed

forth by women, it is for inclusivity and gender equality.

See WOMEN’S, A4

Health Center to move for renovations Construction to commence after spring semester ends Peter Humphreys Staff Writer news@oswegonian.com

CONTENT

Shea McCarthy | The Oswegonian

Calendar...................... A3 Crossword................... C6 Contact Info................ A2 Laker Review.............. C1 News............................. A1 Opinion........................ B5 Sports........................... B1 Sudoku......................... C6

The Mary Walker Health Center will be moving in late May to the second floor of Hewitt Union. This move is not permanent and is due to construction and renovation plans for the building. Kathryn Wolfe-Lyga, the director of Counseling Services, said, of the available “swing spaces” on campus, this makes the center centrally located for students.

The renovation plan is set to commence in May. The proposed budget plan states the construction will continue into the spring of 2020.

The renovation is poised to rejuvenate the old 15,200-square-foot facility.

The building home to the health center is original and dates back to 1963. Few changes have been made since the initial construction.

Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian Mary Walker Health Center is expecting to be revamped after the spring semester ends.

According to a report done in 2014 by local architectural design and engineering firm QPK Design, the only notable changes pertain to a roof replacement

completed in 1994, fire alarm upgrades in 1999 and window and ventilation updates in 2004.

See BUILDING, A4

Sports

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK All we have is each other to fight for each other.”

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

- Tasha Burgess, from A4

A3

SUNY’s Got Your Back helps survivors

Oswego State prepares several comfort bags of necessities Nick Ketter Contributing Writer news@oswegonian.com Over 150 volunteers came together to pack comfort bags for victims of sexual violence from noon to 8 p.m. at Sheldon Hall on March 5 for Oswego State’s third annual SUNY’s Got Your Back event.

Oswego State also brought in renowned DJ, producer and activist Zeke Thomas.

Event coordinator and SUNY Oswego Title IX Coordinator Lisa Evaneski said she hoped to fill over 1,000 bags for victims and survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence.

“We are bringing our community together to fill these bags because we know that by involving our whole community in prevention and response that we can continue to make a difference,” Evaneski said in an email.

Evaneski said that, by learning what hardships victims endure, perspectives can change.

Some victims leave interpersonal violence situations with only the clothes on their backs and may not have common necessities for hygiene, she said.

The event has grown in the three years it has taken place on campus. SUNY’s Got Your Back packed 100 bags in its first year and then partnered with a Service to Aid Families of Oswego County clothing drive in the following year.

Evaneski said SUNY’s Got Your Back hopes to spread the message that there are caring professionals available to help victims and survivors of violence.

Services to Aid Families Oswego campus advocate Bella Winklestine helped organize the event for the first time and has seen the impact the care bags have for the survivors and victims. Winklestine said she always expects a great turnout for the event and believes it is an opportunity for people to make a difference directly in their community.

“This event is a great way to

Men’s Lacrosse vs. Morrisville, noon, Saturday at Laker Turf Stadium

Women’s Lacrosse vs. Lycoming, 3 p.m., Saturday at Laker Turf Stadium

Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian Zeke Thomas advocates for victims and survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence.

have some fun but also to give back and support others,” Winklestine said in an email. “Many of the SUNY’s Got Your Back bags are given to victims and survivors right here in Oswego County, so this event is a great way to support our community.”

Junior student volunteer Evelyn Sokolowski said she hopes other volunteers left the event feeling like they made a difference in someone’s life. Sokolowski said she was glad to help victims of sexual violence.

“Victims can take these bags and feel whole again, coming out of the darkest part of their life,” Sokolowski said.

Student volunteer Orazio Ciaschi was thrilled that he got the chance to make a difference on campus.

“It’s so great to see people from all around campus come together and just help whoever we can,” Ciaschi said.

Attendees and volunteers learned about sexual violence in the bagfilling process. The event featured practitioners and information tables, and the headline speaker DJ Zeke Thomas shared his story as a survi-

vor of sexual violence.

Thomas said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak at the event and engage with college students and change-makers.

“Every human being deserves to be treated as a human being, and … rape and sexual violence is dehumanizing for all of its victims,” Thomas said.

With an appearance on MTV’s “Catfish,” being the son of NBA legend Isiah Thomas and his stardom as a DJ and producer, he said he hopes to show that, even with his fame, he is not perfect.

“Sexual violence is not an easy topic to talk about,” Thomas said.

“It’s not a casual conversation that you have.”

He also emphasized that making the topic a casual conversation and raising awareness through education on the topic is key to making change.

Since 2016, SUNY has packed comfort bags for victims of sexual and interpersonal violence. So far, SUNY volunteers have packed over 28,000 comfort bags and spread the event to 64 SUNY campuses and PGA Tour events.

Maker Madness, 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday in Penfield Library

Planetarium: 50th Anniversary of Moon Landings, 7 p.m., Sunday in Shineman Center Planetarium

Speaker: Responding to Mass Shooting, 5:30 p.m., Monday in Marano Campus Center, Room 132

Film Screening: “Beyond Boobs,” 5:30 p.m., Tuesday in Marano Campus Center, Room 201

Women’s Lacrosse vs. St Lawrence, 4 p.m., Wednesday at Laker Turf Stadium

Battle of the Bands, 6:30 p.m., Wednesday in Hewitt Union Ballroom

The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, 5:30 p.m., Friday in Hewitt Union Design Studio Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian Student volunteers meet for the beginning of Oswego State’s third annual SUNY’s Got Your Back event at Sheldon Hall on Tuesday.

SA passed a resolution so that all clubs are treated fairly in regards to funding, particularly in regards to men’s and women’s club sports.

SA granted Habitat For Humanity club’s $600 for funding to host an event on campus.

American Sign Language club’s $400 event funding request was passed by SA.

Owen Fraser took the Student Association oath of office this meeting.

Fraser was sworn in as Seneca Hall’s only SA senator and was added to the Finance Committee.

Senators at-large Ruckdeschel and Constantini were

added to the Rules and Ju- based on their previous andiciary Committee. Senator nual budgets.

Calixte was added to the InKryskow said this will volvement Committee. make club budgets more realistic and the savings will allow for a larger contingency so student funding can be more flexible.

Student Association advisor and Vice President of Student Affairs Jerri Howland urged SA to consider its budget carefully.

The $117 student activities fee is capped by the SUNY system at $125, and SA raised it to $120 next year with a resolution passed Tuesday.

Howland said SA could find itself over-budget if it does not carefully consider which student activities deserve funding.

Similarly, Student Association Director of Finance Miranda Kryskow explained that SA will follow a zero-based budgeting for club funding next year. Student clubs will have to justify their budgets rather than receive funding

Kevin Clifford, graduate assistant for Club Sports, explained the new policy where every sports club must ask for and justify their budget fresh every year.

The new system is intended to give each club an equal opportunity for funding. Clubs can rank items in their requests for funding, with priority placed on allowing a team to be competitive.

If the total of approved budgets exceeds the Club Sports budget, Clifford explained, teams are responsible for a proportional amount of the overage equal to their percentage of the total budget.

Noting Student Association’s limited contingency funds for this year, which ended the meeting at $5,490, Student Association discussed limiting the allocation of contingency funds to student organizations planning trips to conferences.

SA Vice President Edward Kelly explained to recently sworn-in senators that the policy was discussed because SA contingency funds are intended for student activities that benefit the campus community.

The SA body discussed holding conference trip requests to a higher level of scrutiny when justifying contingency funding because conference trips include pricey travel expenses and hotel costs for the benefit of the few students attending the trip, rather than a request to hold an event on campus for the benefit of the larger college community.

A4 NEWS Women’s Center hosts annual Women’s March Building update to include Oswego State community reflects on female empowerment better security measures THE OSWEGONIAN

FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

OSWEGO from COVER “Women have been so oppressed throughout the years, throughout decades,” Callands said. “The Women’s March was created to show that we are here to be seen. … We are not trying to disregard men, but we also want to be in that path as well.”

Speaking to the men in the room, Callands said it is necessary that they stand with women but do not speak for women.

Women’s Center co-Director of Programming Tasha Burgess said, without women, humans would not exist because they are the creators of life. She said she finds it absurd that women find themselves not having access to the same things as men because men come from women initially.

“It is our responsibility to ourselves and our future generations, our siblings, our grandparents, our mothers, our brothers as well, [and] people in the LGBTQ+ community to fight,” Burgess said. “All we have is each other to fight for each other.”

Burgess said the community members who showed up for the march show that women are powerful. She said the goal of the Women’s Center is to show women how powerful they are. She said these

values need to be thought about beyond the march and Oswego because it is women’s identity.

Tiffany Peña, co-director of programming, said the Women’s Center was the first organization she got involved with on campus and it has taught her a lot about herself, women in general and the injustices against women that occur in the world. She said women have come such a long way throughout the ages.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that women are powerful,” Peñasaid. “We run this world, regardless of who tries to deny that. …

We’re celebrating our existence.”

Women’s Center Secretary Lizeth Ortega Ramirez said she has never attended a Women’s March outside of Oswego State and is grateful that the Women’s Center has given her the opportunity to experience a Women’s March twice.

“This is the most empowering moment of my whole life,” Ortega Ramirez said. “Women’s Center has really been a platform, which has allowed a lot of students like me, who never had the opportunity to be part of something like this, to feel this empowered.”

Ortega Ramirez is also director of gender equality and women’s

affairs for Student Association, which recently passed a bill to supply academic buildings with free menstrual products. Oswego State is one of the first SUNY schools to do so.

Following the march around the Marano Campus Center, graduate chemistry student Kimberly LaGatta spoke on her experience at a science conference in Baltimore.

“I was really warm on the inside when I saw how many females were at this STEM-based conference; it was a forensic science conference,” LaGatta said.

“It was amazing, and this [march] has given me a very similar feeling just to see us all together.”

Sharona Ginsberg, the learning technologies librarian at Penfield Library, said, when she was in college, there was not nearly as much awareness to women’s issues or activism for women. She said seeing the awareness the Women’s Center presents gives her hope for the future.

The Women’s Center has four more events to celebrate Women’s History Month for the remainder of March. These include the Women in Leadership Conference March 12, “Sex Study” March 13, Vagina Monologues March 27 and the organization’s dinner March 30.

HEALTH from COVER The report states the building is in “fair” condition.

As of a January 2019 facilities service update, the $4 million budget is soon to be approved. The service update stated the renovation will provide the facility with modern patient care spaces, air conditioning and increased security measures.

“Overall, the building will receive updated finishes, lighting, flooring and ceilings to create a modern, student-focused and welcoming facility,” the service update said.

The building assessment performed in 2014 from QPK Design references the lack of a proper security system. The Health Center did not have any security access systems, such as a key fob or ID card access, and there were no security cameras or notification devices installed in the building.

“Occupants of the building identified the absence of security/access systems and noted this as a concern,” the 2014 assessment said.

No changes have been made to reflect the security concern since the document was released.

Student and health center user Caroline Evans expressed concern regarding security in the facility.

“Honestly, the fact that they don’t have any [security] bothers me,”

Evans said. “It makes you wonder how far someone could actually get inside, especially with any medications that are likely in there. Anyone could go in there, student or not.”

Allen Bradberry, director of Major Projects, said the security concern is being taken seriously.

“The report is accurate and the changes, in fact, are in the design,” Bradberry said.

Along with security measures, the document lists the presence of various suspect interior and exterior asbestos and hazardous-containing materials throughout the building.

A previous survey completed in 2013 from QPK Design recorded over 100 samples taken from the Mary Walker Health Center for asbestos and hazardous material testing. No conclusion was published in relation to the results of these samples.

Bradberry said the report regarding the hazardous materials was accurate and the samples were received for testing. Bradberry said no changes have been implemented since the 2014 study to remove the hazardous material.

The Walker Health Center will continue to provide medical and counseling services to students, staff and faculty throughout the renovation. The exact date of the Hewitt Union location switch has not yet been disclosed.

Kassadee Paulo | The Oswegonian

Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian

Members of the Oswego State community joins the Women’s Center to advocate and march for gender equality and inclusivity.

Walker Health Center and Couseling Services will temporarily be housed in Hewitt Union.

A5 NEWS Lawson, van Reenen compete for SA presidency next academic year THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

Both candidates run on platform to speak for underrepresented students in Oswego State community STUDENTS from COVER Lawson and van Reenen both share a campaign that is built around the inclusion and involvement of all students on the Oswego State campus.

“Everything I have done on this campus is for and by the students,” van Reenen said. “Any resolution I have put forward has always included a club or organization, included student input.”

Photo provided by Baldwin Lawson

While Lawson’s campaign is largely based off the desire to advocate for the underrepresented and marginalized groups on campus, he is also aiming for advancements in campus safety, support for ALANA organizations and transparency within SA and the student body.

In terms of campus safety, Lawson is specifically pushing for more

security measures to make students feel they and their possessions are safe.

“I am pushing for more surveillance cameras to be installed in academic buildings, such as the library,” Lawson said. “Every time we have a month like Black History Month, our posters will get vandalized or snatched off the walls, and also last semester, there was a big issue with laptops being taken off the round tables in the library. … That is not OK because this is an open campus. We want to safely go around and walk in these buildings and spaces knowing that we are safe and that our stuff is safe.”

Lawson said he feels as though, through his involvement with ALANA, he has grown into an individual that is understanding of the diverse Oswego State community and can enact positive change for all if given the opportunity.

“ALANA is who shaped me to be who I am today,” Lawson said. “It grew me as a person, as a student leader, as a business professional, as a student professional as well, so it is only right that I give back to the community that gave to me. I want people to know that I am an advocator for the rights, an advocator for communities who do not feel as though they are heard enough.”

While Lawson was motivated by his support and inclusion in the ALANA community, van Reenen uses his home country of Namibia, Africa, for his motivation and values.

“When I came to SUNY Oswego, I really wanted to find a platform that I could use to give back to my community, to do the most good to as many people as I can for as long as I can, in all the ways I can,” van

Reenen said. “I think those are the values and principles I hold, coming from Namibia, Africa, people never got a fair shot at [equality and social justice.] Growing up, I was raised with the notion of trying to make sure the people around you have a fair shot at equality and equal opportunity to thrive.”

Lawson shared the campaign statement he created, which outlines what he would stand and strive for if elected as the 2019-2020 Oswego State SA president. With his final thought of wanting students to take away the call for open communication and acceptance, he hopes to extend the message across the Oswego State campus.

“If elected, I will continue to fight and advocate for justice, transparency, inclusion and equality among the student body,” Lawson said. “I will create a channel between myself and the students of this campus so that we can work together and ensure that every voice is heard, every issue, group, demographic and identity recognized.”

Lawson spoke of wanting students to feel as though their opinions and concerns matter and are valued and that his campaign would be one built upon trust and communication.

“Count on me. Share your thoughts, ideas and visions, and I will make them happen,” Lawson said. “Your vote will not be taken for granted.” van Reenen has been a part of SA since he was a freshman and has been determined to use each position to enact as much positive change as he can.

“I joined as a senator, and that was my first step on this campus. I really took that position and ran with it,” van Reenen said. “I started writing legisla-

Photo provided by Omar van Reenen

tion that either funded clubs or advocated for policy changes on campus.” van Reenen’s major take-away for his campaign is the work that he has accomplished in the 2018-2019 year and the continuation of that work he plans to do if reelected.

“I have written more than 50 legislations,” van Reenen said. “Of which, about 75 percent of them are resolutions that call for policy changes, that call for action, that call for a mandate in some sort of way to uplift student voices.” van Reenen said he is proud of the work he has done thus far and how far Oswego State as a whole has come, toward being a model community.

“The measure of any city is how it treats its women and girls and how it treats its marginalized citizens and how it treats its environment and how it treats its diverse populations,” van Reenen said. “And I think that we

have shown that the measure of our society is one that can be used about what other SUNY campuses should strive for.”

How SA has adapted is something that van Reenen said he is very proud of and something that he hopes to continue to expand upon.

“I want students to see that SA moved away from just being a bank for organizations,” van Reenen said.

“While funding student organizations is the most imperative integral part of our Student Association, we made sure that we use this profound platform that was given to us by the students to move away from just being a bank to advocating, listening and empowering student voices.” van Reenen wanted to express his belief that, in the continual improvement of the campus and the community, it is the change that is what is most important and not who is in power.

“I never needed any title or any high-ranking position to do this work.

This is the work I have been doing since my first day on this campus,” van Reenen said. “I always want to make sure that student voices are at the epicenter of everything I fight for.”

The campaign that van Reenen said he hopes to continue is one of inclusivity and an enthusiastic approach to tackle a wide variety of issues.

“I want all students to know that my platform ranges from diversity and inclusion to sustainability to patroning services for business,” van Reenen said. “It is an all-encompassing agenda that I have proven in my time as president. … I want to give all Lakers the opportunity to thrive.”

Also on the ballot will be senator Takeena Strachan running unopposed for vice president.

NEWS A6 SA responds to club funding mishap THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

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At the beginning of the semester, Oswego State’s Habitat for Humanity requested $1,500 from the Student Association contingency fund to go toward an event on March 28 because the organization never received a budget.

After the initial annual budget bill was passed in April 2018, the SA budget council noticed there was an issue with all of the community services organizations and their budgets - there were none proposed.

Student Association Director of Finance Miranda Kryskow said all student organizations were supposed to submit a budget request on Laker Life, and when the budget council reviewed the community service organizations, there were no budget requests.

Catherine Millington, the budget council subcommittee chair at the time, emailed the organizations to give them an extension on the deadline. The budget committee received budget requests from all but Habitat for Humanity, according to Kryskow. Millington no longer attends Oswego State.

The organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-AGrandparent, Mentor Oswego and Community Service, were contacted to put in a request after the annual budget bill had already been passed. Those organizations, excluding Habitat for Humanity, were approved to receive a budget in a bill passed Nov. 6, 2018.

“The community services organizations of SUNY Oswego had requested, and were approved, funding for the 20182019 academic year. However, due to errors and unfortunate circumstances, Community Ser-

Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian Habitat for Humanity spoke at the first SA meeting of the year to request funds for their upcoming event.

vices Organizations were not included on the Annual Budget Bill (SLE.53.29) and as a result did not receive their funding,” according to the November bill.

Adopt-A-Grandparent received $1,200, Community Service received $1,550, and Mentor Oswego received $675. Habitat for Humanity was noted in the bill to not have received any funding.

“The reason Habitat for Humanity still doesn’t have any money is because we never received a funding request for them,” Kryskow said. “They can still go to senate and get funding.”

There is currently $5,490 in the contingency fund for the remainder of the academic year, which is typically used for student organizations to request additional funding on top of their initial budget.

Already operating without a budget for a semester, Habitat for

Humanity President Ashley Edwards attended the first and second SA meetings to ask for money from the contingency fund and to discuss the issue of not having a budget. She requested a total of $1,500 to cater and advertise for their event, “Oxfam Hunger Banquet.” SA senators voted and granted the organization $600.

“The basic idea behind the event is to teach students about world poverty and injustices,” Edwards said. “The event itself is somewhat secretive in how it actually works, but students are given someone else’s story - like the Holocaust Museum if you’ve ever been - in order to give them more connection to the event.”

Kryskow said the process for granting budgets for the next academic year is already underway.

Habitat for Humanity requested $2,800 for next year.

CTS proposes increase to $431 technology fee

Raise in fee to support elevating costs, campus needs Colin Hawkins Asst. News Editor chawkins@oswegonian.com Campus Technology Services is proposing for Oswego State to increase its campus technology fee by $14 as part of its annual broadbased fee increase in order to support growing technology services on campus.

“One of the things that sets us apart from some of our sister schools is our cutting-edge technology,” said Victoria Furlong, assistant vice president of finance and budget at Oswego State. “Having smart classrooms and giving our instructors and processors access to the latest and greatest technology enhances the ability for students to learn.”

The current technology fee is $431 and pays for the CTS department, including college computers, campus labs and software licensing. The fee at Oswego State ranks the fifth most expensive out of 12 SUNY campuses, according to a presentation at Student Association on Feb. 26. Purchase College charges the most at $533, while Buffalo State University charges the least at $349.

“I think for the money that we offer, and we’re right in the middle with our tech fee, I feel very lucky here at Oswego. We really go back and invest in the technology that students have access to,” said Sean Moriarty, chief technology officer on campus. “It’s as good as you’d see at any school.”

The $14 increase would allow the campus to maintain its current level of tech services as those costs increase. The cost of the 45 students employed by CTS this semester will rise as minimum wage increases. Additionally, the fee allows CTS to expand services on campus, namely internet access.

“We’re all watching more video.

We’re all streaming things from the internet,” Moriarty said. “So, to offer that level of service, we’re going to need to reinvest that money into the infrastructure.”

As internet traffic on campus increases, Moriarty said he expects the need for the network on campus to support those higher bandwidths and wireless internet access to expand.

The fee also goes toward offering professional licensed software in

Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian Students’ technology fee allows for the use of computers and programs in labs around campus.

Oswego computer labs, which helps students prepare for their careers.

“It prepares students and gives them access to the things they’ll use [in their careers],” Moriarty said.

“Having access to the software really prepares them for whatever the next step is in their career.”

Furlong said the fee increases are based on the Higher Education Price Index, which measures the costs of the higher education industry.

“Inflation alone, in terms of costs associated with higher education, probably at times exceed what that price index allows for,” Furlong said. “We have a planful projection of costs associated with the next three, to five, to seven years.”

Proposed broad-based fee increases total $44 this year, including increases to the athletics fee, technology fee, health fee and transportation fee. The rising cost of maintaining current services was the main theme when the fees were explained to SA on Feb. 26. The college is required to present the changes to broad-based fees to SA every year, according to Furlong.

“We like to keep [SA and stu-

dents] abreast of exactly what the money is used for, how much the increase is every year,” Furlong said.

“It’s a good atmosphere to solicit questions and have that body have questions asked and answered.”

The athletics fee is proposed to increase by the most, requiring an additional $18 to cover rising costs of supporting college sports such as transportation, events and student employees, Director of Athletics Susan Viscomi said to SA during her presentation.

The health fee is proposed to increase by $10 next year, which will allow the Mary Walker Health Center and counseling services to maintain their current programs and leave room for additional staff if those programs meet higher demand, Director of Student Health Services Angela Brown and Director of Counseling Services Center Katherine Wolfe-Lyga told SA. Transportation is proposed to increase by $2, according to General Manager of Auxiliary Services Michael Flaherty at SA. The fee would go toward transportation contracts at Oswego State, such as bus lines.

OPINION SUICIDE HOTLINE

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VOLUME LXXXIV ISSUE V

SPORTS THE OSWEGONIAN

SPORTS B3

DONE AT REGIONALS

Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian

• www.oswegonian.com

FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

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Oswego State receives at-large bid, bye week in NCAA Tournament Team now waits for winner of Hobart College, Plymouth State for quarterfinal matchup

Kyle Kurley | The Oswegonian Oswego State will return to the NCAA Div. III tournament for the first time since the 2016-2017, where the then-No. 4 Lakers fell to then-No. 9/11 Hamilton College 3-1 at the Marano Campus Center Ice Arena.

Ben Grieco Sports Editor bgrieco@oswegonian.com When the Oswego State men’s hockey team fell to SUNY Fredonia in the SUNYAC semifinals last season, former captain Mitchell Herlihey was uncertain if that game would be the last of his collegiate career.

The team’s fate was left to the hands of the NCAA Div. III selection committee.

The Lakers looked like they would receive at least an at-large bid in the tournament.

But the committee decided to give the bid to Marian University, and Herlihey’s career was over.

This season, with Devin Campbell as the captain, after losing to SUNY Geneseo in the SUNYAC championship, Campbell knew that this game would not be his last.

Oswego State was the No. 5 team in the PairWise and was the second at-large bid.

Wisconsin-Stevens Point University gained the first at-large bid, as its conference

champion does not receive an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

“Usually, your last game, there’s uncertainty on whether or not you’re going to move on, if you’ll receive one of [the at-large bids],” head coach Ed Gosek said.

“With the PairWise, we were pretty confident after the game that we could openly discuss that it wasn’t Devin’s and our other seniors’ last game.”

But before the Lakers even hit the ice for the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament, they must wait to find out who their opponent will be. On March 16, Oswego State will face the winner of the Hobart College and Plymouth State game who play in Geneva on March 9.

The Lakers have played Hobart College once this season but have not seen Plymouth State since the lone game between the two teams in 2012. Against the Statesmen this season, Oswego State won 4-2 on Nov. 9 at the Marano Campus Center.

“Obviously, you want to know who you’re playing to direct your systems and everything to it, to understand power play,

penalty kill, what they’re trying to do on the forecheck, all of that,” Campbell said. “I think this week is more of a rehabilitation week, I guess you could say, trying to get everything back on track, back together and playing the way we know we can play.”

During this week with no game on the weekend, Gosek said the team has to focus on the mistakes it made during the game against SUNY Geneseo and improving on all aspects of the game, playing a complete, 200-foot game.

For assistant captain Josh Zizek, who is a key cog in both the five-on-five offense and on the power play, fixing the little things on the offense is what will help the team in the NCAA tournament.

“It’s little things. It’s those things that make or break a season,” Zizek said. “We’ve talked about it as lines with coaching, we just got to stick with what we’ve been doing. There’s no need to panic and veer away from it.”

Gosek said he was pleased with how the defense and goaltending played against the Knights in the league championship, high-

lighting the third defensive pairing. He said Charlie Pelnik and Jeff Solow, who have become a mainstay on that pairing, have shown consistency all season long, creating chemistry and now complementing each other well.

“It’s nice to see Charlie, especially, all season long, his confidence level and understanding the role he needs to play ... That trust in one another, understanding in one another, where they’re going to be, how they need to play,” Gosek said.

Despite giving up four goals in the contest against SUNY Geneseo, David Richer also had a strong outing. The first SUNY Geneseo goal, along with the game-winning goal, were both off the stick of Mitch Ferguson on the power play. Ferguson took a wrist shot from the offensive blue line while Richer was screened, leading to both goals.

Richer said he just wants to “turn the page” on what happened and keep the momentum of his strong play going into the national tournament.

“It’s a wrist shot from the blue line.

It’s a shot that I should have 100 percent

of the time,” Richer said. “I’m still upset, but one thing’s for sure. It’s not going to happen again.”

After receiving the first-round bye and home-ice advantage for the quarterfinal round, the team is looking to gain its energy from the 3,000 fans in the Marano Campus Center Ice Arena.

There have already been some big games in the arena this season, such as the Whiteout game against Plattsburgh State, the senior night tie against SUNY Geneseo and the SUNYAC semifinal against the Cardinals. But Campbell said the crowd really boosts the energy of the team and the playoff crowd is completely different.

“It’s hard not to have a smile on your face and really enjoy the game when you have all the hometown support,” Campbell said.

Richer is hoping for the same type of atmosphere but in a completely different sense. During a press conference on March 5, Richer knew exactly what he wanted from the crowd.

“Whiteout No. 3,” Richer said.

Lakers advance to Sweet 16 in Illinois Baseball team looks for Leone says team on ‘right track’ in preparation for Marietta third-straight SUNYAC title

Nicole Hube | The Oswegonian Oswego State will face Marietta College for the Sweet 16 in Rock Island, Illinois.

Mamadou Tall Sports Writer mtall@oswegonian.com The Oswego State Lakers advanced to the Sweet 16 of the Div. III NCAA Tournament after defeating Baldwin Wallace University 75-71 in overtime on March 2.

The Lakers continued their impressive season with the win against the Yellow Jackets, being led in scoring by Liam Sanborn and Brandan Gartland, who each scored 20 points. Tyler Pierre, who has been having an excellent season, contributed 14 points and 16 rebounds to the cause.

The Lakers got through the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament proving that they have been able to step up to all of the challenges and competitors the season has brought them. In the Sweet 16, the Lakers will play the 22-6 Marietta College Pioneers. This round sees the Lakers playing on the road, visiting Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Going on the road is often tough for teams, but throughout the season, the Lakers have proved they are able to handle adversity and unfamiliar territory.

With an 8-2 record on the road, the stats

show the Lakers are not fazed by playing on the road at all.

Gartland said he likes going to a new gym for the experience and opportunity “Personally I like playing on the road better,” Pierre said. “It’s a different experience and a different atmosphere.”

With this being the Lakers’ second Sweet 16 appearance in four years, they will try to get past this point and extend their season beyond March 8. An integral part of the Lakers moving on to the Elite Eight is what gave them so much success throughout the season: depth. The Lakers team has so much depth that, in any given game, any one of their starting five can go off for a big game. With players like Pierre, Quinn Carey, Gartland, Sanborn and Joe Sullivan, no single player carries all the scoring responsibilities. Beyond just putting the ball in the basket, the players have also learned to impact the game on other sides of the ball.

“Coach has been big this year in taking me out the mindset of letting my offense affect my game,” Carey said. “There are other ways I can impact the game on the defensive end, rebounding and making the extra pass.”

In the beginning of the season, the youth and the number of new faces on

the team was a concern for the Lakers.

From the beginning of the season until now, growth has been a crucial part of the team’s success, whether it be the growth of chemistry and unity among the players or the growth in players’ IQ and approach to the game. The most notable example of this has been Sanborn. “[Sanborn] has really grown into a great facilitator and has been better with reading defenses while still keeping his scoring mentality,” head coach Jason Leone said.

As the stakes have gotten higher, the Lakers have been able to rise to the occasion. Winning games in all types of ways, whether it being blowout wins, tough lowscoring games or even overtime wins, the Lakers have found a way to pull out a win.

Pierre showed confidence in himself and his team, saying that he was sure they were going to pull out the win to get to the Elite Eight.

“I feel like a team is supposed to be able to win those low scoring, defensive games,” Leone said.

The Lakers have been able to have an outstanding season with a record of 24-5, doing all of the little things needed. In a game of this magnitude, they will have to put all of those factors together to pull out a win and keep their season going. Leone has preached to his players about not getting intimidated by the big stage that they now find themselves in.

Carey spoke about focusing on the task at hand and not getting phased by the attention and pressure.

“It’s great to see everyone interested in us, but we know that’s not what we are doing this for,” Carey said. “We know our goal is to continue to win each game and that’s where our focus is.”

The Lakers will be looking to come away with a win against Marietta College and keep their great season going. With the intangibles the team has showcased throughout the season, they are primed to win this game and advance to the Elite Eight.

“It’s all a product of what your habits are,” Leone said. “The players are on the right track, and the result of the game will be dictated by what their approach is here in practice.”

Oswegonian file photo from 2017

Luke Owens Sports Writer sports@oswegonian.com The Oswego State baseball team made another run to the Div. III College World Series last season after winning both the SUNYAC championship and New England Regional bracket. The Lakers were one of eight teams nationally that qualified for the final bracket.

However, even after losing both games in the World Series last season, Oswego State wants to make a return trip and then some.

“Every year for us, the goal has been winning a national championship, and it’s no different this year,” head coach Scott Landers said. “We have enough talent. We just have to figure out how to blend them together and make it work.”

Landers has been at the helm for Oswego State since the 2012 season and has led the Lakers to back-to-back College World Series appearances. He is no stranger to the Div. III World Series, making it three times as a player at SUNY

Cortland. Even so, Landers knows it may take some more time for his club this year to gel together.

“I think the guys are hungry. We have a lot of new faces and a lot of veterans that are leading the way for the young guys,” Landers said. “They just need to be motivated and they have to learn. For us as a coaching staff, we have to know it’s going to take some time.”

With 21 new players on the roster consisting of 13 freshmen and eight transfers, Landers is relying on his veteran leaders to show the young guys the ropes. One of those veterans is starting pitcher and captain Brian Nolan. “[It’s about] teaching what we believe in, what we strive for day in and day out, hard work and get your stuff done, 1 percent better every day as coach says, and just have fun,” Nolan said.

See COACH’S, B3

SPORTS

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

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Indoor track ends season at NCAA regionals Each week, The Oswegonian Sports beat writers give you their thoughts on each team's upcoming weekend schedule.

Men’s hockey first round bye

Ben Grieco Sports Editor bgrieco@oswegonian.com The Oswego State men’s hockey team fell to No. 2 SUNY Geneseo. As shown by the numbers, the Lakers were clear underdogs. As a result the Knights claimed their second-straight SUNYAC championship.

There were some missing key parts that led to Oswego State’s demise at the Ira S. Wilson Ice Arena on March 2. During the game, the Lakers allowed two power-play goals against the best unit in the nation, which runs at a 29.1 percent success rate .

Giving Oswego State the benefit of the doubt, goaltender David Richer was screened the first goal and the gamewinning goal, both from Mitch Ferguson. They were shots that, nine times out of 10, Richer will stop. A wrist shot from the point, while not screened, is normally a routine save.

However, the positive for the Lakers was the way all three of their goals were scored. The three goals came from the “dirty areas,” right in front of SUNY Geneseo’s goaltender, Devin McDonald.

The first goal from Jody Sullivan was a backhanded shot over McDonald’s shoulder. Josh Zizek, who scored the second goal, crashed the crease to score on his own rebound. Travis Broughman scored the final Laker goal while the puck was loose in McDonald’s crease.

As long as the Lakers can keep the “dirty goals” flowing and maintain a strong special teams presence, the team should look good in the NCAA Div. III tournament.

Gregory secures personal best, rest of team hits its marks Matt Watling Asst. Sports Editor mwatling@oswegonian.com In the biggest and brightest spotlights, some people crack under the pressure. On the other hand, pressure may bring out the best in others. After all, pressure creates diamonds. The 725,000 pounds of pressure per square inch needed to yield the precious stones was on full display at the NCAA Atlantic Region Championship track meet hosted by Ithaca College.

For the Lakers, sprinter Shaniece Gregory rose to the occasion and had the race of her life. Gregory set a personal record in the 400-meter event, completing it in 59.28 seconds, which was good for seventh place. While head coach Evan Magnussen refuses to place added emphasis on championship meets, he understands that the aura surrounding them adds pressure to his team.

“At this [regionals] meet, there is definitely pressure, whether it’s applied by the athlete, myself or just the atmosphere, because it’s the last chance to get to nationals,” Magnussen said. “Some people really thrive in that, and Shaniece is one of those people where, if you put her in a pressure cooker, she is going to run well, and she showed that on Saturday.”

Gregory’s new personal record shaved half a second off her previous best, according to Magnussen, and was over three seconds better than her first 400-meter race at the beginning of the indoor track season. While Gregory was the stand out of all the Oswego State athletes competing this past weekend at the regionals event, Magnussen was very happy with the overall performance of his team.

“Everyone else showed up and did what they were supposed to do,” Magnussen said. “And I don’t mean showed up as in, ‘they were there.’ They competed, reacted to what was going on around them.

They made the best of the opportunity they were given.”

One of these competitors was Carly Vreugde, who has already set

Each week, The Oswegonian Sports beat writers give you their thoughts on each team's upcoming weekend schedule.

Men’s basketball vs Marietta College

Mamadou Tall Sports Writer sports@oswegonian.com Shea McCarthy | The Oswegonian

several program records this season. The junior sprinter finished fifth in the 400-meter event with a time of 58.93 seconds, which is within 1.5 seconds of her personal best. Vreugde had the best finish among all Lakers, as only one other finished in the top-five. Joining her on the podium was Sarah Yensan, who soared to a fifth-place finish in the long jump. Her leap of 5.45 meters at regionals was just behind her personal best of 5.64 meters which, she achieved at the outdoor track and field regional championship last May. While Magnussen was satisfied with his team’s performance, he has been much happier with their overall growth from the start of his coaching tenure back in the spring of 2017.

“Nick [LeClair], when I first met him, he was coming out of a situation where he was always second best to Ben Griffin [who was an All-American],” Magnussen said.

“Now, [Nick] consistently runs in the low 1:57 [for the 800-meter]. ... We would say in terms of time Saturday was a ‘bad day,’ but it is good to see his ‘bad day’ would’ve been his best day previously.”

LeClair’s “bad day” saw him run a 1:58.33, which is only one second off his best mark during the

indoor track season. This goes to show how LeClair has changed and improved over the last few seasons as a Laker.

Although the athletes hit their marks at regionals, some were not satisfied with just reaching expectations. Tim Olmsted finished in 17th place in the 3,000-meter with a time of 8:52.36, but he wanted more.

“I set a goal to get the school record,” Olmsted said. “I went out on pace, but it was very difficult and I fell out at the end.”

The current program record in the 3,000-meter is 8:39.02, which is held by Jeffrey Beck. While Olmsted missed out on the record by 13 seconds, his Laker career is one to be proud of. As a senior, he has raced in several regional meets aside from the indoor track one back on March 1 and 2. He excelled this past cross country season, setting a personal best in the 6k and racing at the cross country regional championship. Olmsted still has one season left as a Laker this spring and throughout all this time, his goal will remain the same.

“I just want to P.R. every time I run. I don’t have a lot of races left, so I just want to run as fast as possible,” Olmsted said.

Men’s lacrosse look to build off postseason birth

The Lakers will be playing in their second Sweet 16 game in four years against the Marietta College Pioneers, after beating the Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets 75-71 in the overtime game.

The Lakers have managed to keep their remarkable season alive and advance to the Sweet 16 and will be looking for a solid performance Friday to advance to the Elite Eight. After great performances from Liam Sanborn, Brandan Gartland and Tyler Pierre in their last game, the Lakers will be looking to ride those hot hands going into the game against Marietta College.

The Lakers will hit the road for their next game, and with a road record of 8-2, the Lakers and their fans should be confident going into this upcoming game. The Lakers have the depth to compete with any team and against Marietta College they have the advantage of size with center and forward Pierre and Joe Sullivan both being offensive threats on the scoreboard and rebounding end.

Head coach Jason Leone has stressed the process of developing good habits and preparing properly for games of this magnitude. Their long impressive season has led to this point, and on the biggest stage and in high pressure moments, the Lakers have proven they are able to show up and perform. The Lakers have surprised many this season and showed resilience all throughout the season, and on Friday night, they will be surprising a lot more people with a win against the Marietta College Pioneers.

With new crop of recruits, Lakers want to take next step Aaron Valentino Sports Writer sports@oswegonian.com

Matt Watling Asst. Sports Editor mwatling@oswegonian.com With the Lakers off this week, Oswego State fans can scoreboard watch.

The most important game this weekend for the Lakers is between Plymouth State and Hobart College, with the winner heading to Oswego.

The two teams are different in the way they get their offensive production.

While both teams average right around four goals per game, Hobart College has a far more balanced offense. Fourteen of its skaters have more than 10 points, with Jonas Toupal and Zach Tyson leading the way at 26 points a piece.

On the other hand, Plymouth State has only nine skaters with more than 10 points. The team is very top heavy, as its top three scorers have eclipsed the 35-point mark. Michael Covach leads the way with 39 points.

Plymouth State has received solid goaltending from its senior, Evan Morelli. He has played in all but three games and has surrendered just 56 goals. That is good for a goals against average of 2.30 per game. His solid goals against average reflects his good play, but his save percentage of .915 does not. Much like Oswego State’s goaltenders, that number is adversely affected by the fact that his team allows limited shots, at 27.5 per game.

Hobart College, on the other hand, used an even split with Liam Lascelle playing just over a period less than his junior counterpart, Alexander Connal. As of late, Lascelle has gotten the starting nod as he played all the NEHC playoff games for the Statesmen. The freshman has looked stellar, with 1.67 goals against average and a save percentage of .936.

The snow may not be melting yet at Oswego, but it is being pushed off Laker Turf for the start of lacrosse season.

Spring is just around the corner, and the men’s lacrosse team is getting back into action.

The Lakers went 10-5 last season, finishing fourth in the SUNYAC standings. The Lakers went on a four-game winning streak before losing to SUNY Cortland in the first round of the SUNYAC playoffs. However, the Lakers only managed a 3-3 record in the conference despite their solid overall record.

They had a high-powered offense last year, scoring the second-most goals in the conference with 156 with an average of 10.4 goals per game and shooting 24.6 percent. Head coach Drew Bezek and the team are hoping to build off a really strong past season.

“Every day, [we are] making sure we get better,” Bezek said. “Talent wise, we will be fine. It’s just whether or not we continue to progress and correct things and get better as the season goes on. …

It’s really the expectation we should be in SUNYAC and competing for a SU-

NYAC Championship every year, not just hoping to make the tournament, so hopefully it’s the expectation and make it consistent thing on [a] year in and year out basis.”

Bezek said the new players will have to take coaching from the current ones.

“The nice thing for us is we don’t play a conference game until April, so it allows the new guys to be able to get acclimated to what we do, kind of our coaching style and everything that we’re doing,” Bezek said. “That’s really going to be the biggest thing for them to be able to make an impact, is to learn every single day and take the coaching.”

Bezek said he has many leaders on his team.

“I think the biggest thing is them being able to … almost coach guys a little bit on the field and be able to direct them so that it’s not just coming from the four voices of the coaches, but it is also coming from the guys on a day-today basis,” Bezek said, Some of these leaders on the team include Junior attack Kyle Bacon. Last year as a sophomore, he led the team in goals with an impressive 29 goals in just 15 games played. Alongside Bacon

Oswegonian File photo from 2018 The Lakers return their leading scorer, Kyle Bacon, who scored 29 goals and 34 points last year.

is a senior from Lake Grove, Bobby Emerson. With the Lakers looking to make waves this season, the duo needs to continue to build off their successful seasons from last year. Emerson was second on the team in goals with 27.

Despite being just a sophomore, goalie Kevin O’Donnell is another Laker looking to lead the backend. As a freshman, O’Donnell was a sight to see in net. In 15 games played, he surrendered just 108 goals. His goals against average of 7.86 propelled the Lakers to the second best average in the SUNYAC. Additionally, the stalwart was named SUNYAC rookie of the year for his impressive efforts. Although the team looked rough in front of him, O’Donnell can see its potential and wants to push to make the NCAA tournament.

“We were rough in the scrimmages, but we definitely cleaned it up by the first game,” O’Donnell said. “It’s just about getting better every day.”

O’Donnell also talked about some of his personal goals for the year. “[I like] helping out the freshmen and the younger guys to make sure they know what’s going on and building our culture as a team better than we did last year,” O’Donnell said.

Senior defenseman Mark McElroy echoed the desire to return to SUNYAC and win. He said he valued his position as a leader to get his team there.

“I came in as a freshman wanting to get … [to] where I am now—being one of the only seniors on the team, being a leader, trying to get these guys ready to get after it, it’s going to be a fun time,” he said.

McElroy said his time here has been great.

“I love the school. I love the atmosphere here. I love the coaches,” McElroy said. “It’s always fun. I love coming to play every day. Me as a senior, it’s my last go-around. I want to give it my all and go home with something I’m proud of.”

The Lakers are hoping they can make it back to the SUNYAC playoffs and make it past that as their season begins.

The Lakers won their first game of the season 6-5 against the Hartwick Hawks, and they are back in action this weekend on Saturday at 12 p.m. vs.

Morrisville State.

Aaron Valentino Sports Writer sports@oswegonian.com The Oswego State Lakers have advanced to the Sweet 16 in the Div. III NCAA Tournament and will dance into Rock Island Illinois Friday, March 8 to face Marietta College Pioneers.

In the game against Baldwin Wallace, they were only able to shoot 30 percent from three and in the first half shot 16.7 percent from three with only one field goal from behind the line. If the team is not able to space the floor, it will really struggle against a team like Marietta College, which shoots 45 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from beyond the arc. The last thing they want to do is play one of their best games this year and just simply get out-shot.

Another thing Oswego State is going to have to watch for is Marietta College is a very deep team, with 11-12 men coming on the floor each game. The Lakers are a team that really only go six men deep, and they cannot keep up with those fresh legs on the floor with which Marietta College is going to run them right out of Rock Island and back to Oswego.

The Lakers are going to be able to win this game if they play their style of play and out-rebound like they did this past weekend. Against Baldwin Wallace University, they out-rebounded the Yellow Jackets 46-31 and came up with 11 offensive rebounds. If the Lakers can be as dominant in the paint as they were last game, they might be able to dance in the Elite Eight.

SPORTS Photo Briefs COACH OF THE YEAR

Emma Leavy via Oswego State athletics For the third time in his coaching career, Oswego State men’s hockey coach Ed Gosek garnered the SUNYAC Men’s Hockey Coach of the Year award after his team fell in the SUNYAC championship to SUNY Geneseo on March 2.

Gosek also earned the award during the 2004-2005 season and the 2009-2010 season. The Lakers won the SUNYAC championship during the 2009-2010 season but not the 2004-2005 season.

Over his 16-year career at the helm of Oswego State, Gosek has earned 325 wins.

Out of all the coaches in the history of the men’s hockey team, Gosek has the best winning percentage and has tallied the most wins. His closest match was Don Unger with 290 career wins. Unger retired in 1996.

In that career record, Gosek’s teams have lost less than 100 times.

After the March 2 game, his career loss total is only at 97 games. He also has a career 29 ties through the 16 seasons.

This season, Gosek led his team to the SUNYAC championship game after falling in the semifinals to SUNY Fredonia last season. So far this season, the Lakers have a 19-62 record overall. With one more win this season, Gosek would have eight 20-win seasons.

Gosek has led his team to one national championship and is the only coach to bring a national championship victory to Oswego State.

His national championship campaign was during the 2006-2007 season and ended with a 4-3 win over Middlebury College in Superior, Wisconsin. After a 23-3-3 overall record, Gosek was presented with the Edward Jeremiah Award by the American Hockey Coaches Association as the Div. III Men’s Hockey Coach of the Year.

Inside the SUNYAC, Gosek has led three different teams to the league title. His teams won in 2010, 2013 and 2014.

Outside of the national championship and numerous league championships, he has coached 16 AllAmericans. He was also at the helm when Paul Rodrigues won the award for the Div. III Men’s Hockey Player of the Year award during the 20122013 season.

Gosek’s 16th season is not over yet, as Oswego State will play in the NCAA quarterfinals against either Hobart College or Plymouth State on March 16 at the Marano Campus Center Ice Arena. It will be the Lakers’ first national appearance since the 2016-2017 season when Oswego State fell to Hamilton College in the first round.

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

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Coach’s, team’s goal same: national championship Lakers will use deep pitching staff after losing top-2 from last season BASEBALL from B1 Nolan started 10 games last season for the Lakers, posting a 7-2 record and a 2.98 ERA. He also recorded 40 strikeouts to just 11 walks. Even with a solid season last year, Nolan knows he has to step up after losing the top of their rotation from last season.

“We relied heavily on the two guys we lost last year,” Nolan said. “Now, it’s a matter of different guys stepping up and taking charge.”

Those two starting pitchers the Lakers lost were seniors Robert Donnelly (6-4, 1.47 ERA) and Reston Pettit (5-2, 3.02 ERA).

Although the top of the rotation may not be as solidified as last season, Oswego State’s pitching staff runs deep heading into the season.

“We lost one and two, and I don’t know who’s going to play the role of one and two this year, but I do know we are very deep from top to bottom,” Landers said.

“All of our staff can go out there and beat people at any moment. It might be a little different philosophy from our staff, but we know we have the ability to go out there and win games.”

On the offensive end, Oswego State is led by standout Mike Dellicarri. Last season, as a junior, Dellicarri hit for a .351 batting average and reached base at a .364 clip. He also led the conference in runs (55), runs batted in (54) and home runs (8). His season numbers ranked in the top-10 in program history in runs, hits, triples, home runs and RBI for a single season.

These numbers also earned Dellicarri the SUNYAC player of the year along with a D3baseball.com All-American Honorable Mention. Even with all the accolades, Dellicarri is still focused primarily on his team.

“It’s definitely cool to be recognized, but I’m more focused on where we’re going as a team,” Dellicarri said.

Finding offense was an issue for the Lakers the first weekend of the season.

They dropped two games to Salisbury University, scoring just three runs total. Oswego State struggled with runners in scoring position, which are the most important situations in baseball.

“Honestly, we really didn’t hit in key

Oswegonian file photo from 2017 The Lakers will be looking for their third-straight SUNYAC championship this coming spring. situations last week, and we have to accept it and move forward and get better,” Landers said. “We had just come out of the fieldhouse for the first time, but there are no excuses. We have the athletes to do it.”

The Lakers proved they had the athletes to do it in their third game against Wesley College. Oswego State put on an offensive clinic, earning a 22-4 victory. With 29 games remaining, the Lakers sit at 1-2

but have plenty of time to put it all together.

Oswego State has one goal in mind for the 2019 season: making a third-straight run at the College World Series.

“Our goal is to get back there again,” Dellicarri said. “If we make it back, I want to get a win. But we’ve got to make it back there first. I think we will get back there honestly.”

Campus Rec Report: broomball champions Church group 5th time takes CoRec recreational tournament

WRESLTING ENDS AT REGIONALS

Shelby Stewart via Campus Recreation The CoRec recreational broomball tournament was won by Church group 5th time, who defeated Broom Broom Pow for the championship.

Morgan Meaney Contributing Writer sports@oswegonian.com

Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian After Troy Seymour went to the national wrestling meet last season for Div. III, no Lakers will attend this season. The Oswego State wrestling team’s season ended at the NCAA Mideast Regional hosted by The College at Brockport.

Overall, the team placed ninth out of 18 teams, accumulating 54.5 points throughout the tournament.

Despite no wrestlers heading to nationals, five Lakers did earn AllRegional honors. Those five wrestlers also were in the top-eight for their respective weight classes.

Rocco Russo finished in sixth place for the 149-pound weight class. He fell 3-0 to Ryan Budzek of The College of New Jersey and eventually also lost 11-6 to Zack Stedeford of the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Classmate Jeff Lombardi finished fifth in the 184-pound weight class. He won 13-12 over Daniel Surich from The College of New Jersey in a close matchup. He eventually lost the next two bouts to Michael Dooley of the Stevens Institute of Technology by a score of 9-1 and Ryan Marszal from SUNY Oneonta by a score of 3-1 to claim sixth place.

Fellow senior Bryan Coll finished one spot better than Lombardi and Russo during the regional meet. Coll

won a 7-6 decisison to Alex D’Angelo from SUNY Cortland but fell 13-8 to Robert Dinger in the next round.

Dinger is from The College of New Jersey. Coll would finish fifth in the regional meet for the 141-pound weight class.

Seymour started his day off with a chance at the national championships once again after defeating Dominick Esposito of the Merchant Marine Academy 3-0. Shortly after, Jimmy Fratantoni from Muhlenberg College eliminated Seymour’s hopes of the national championship after Fratantoni won a 5-4 decision. Seymour bounced back with a 4-1 victory over Robert Gennat from the Stevens Institute of Technology to claim fifth place in his weight class.

Sophomore Christian Gramuglia was the youngest top-eight finisher for the Lakers and took the fifth spot in his weight class. Gramuglia won 7-3 over Kyle Shaffer of Scranton University but then fell to Stevens Institute of Technology’s Kyle Van Sickle 15-10. Gramuglia bounced back for a rematch against Jawan Jones of Ithaca College to take his fifth-place finish.

Oswego State will return for the 2019-2020 season looking to return at least one wrestler to the national championships.

This week proved to be a great one, with competitive games in every league and tournament. There were some close match-ups and tough losses that made this week one of the best yet.

In the CoRec competitive soccer league, We Have Pink Eye picked up two nice wins over both 1st Kicking & Screaming in the first game of the week (10-2) and We Destroy Audrey (91). Let’s Get Messi continued to dominate this league, however, with three wins over Netkicks and chill (12-4), 1st Kicking & Screaming (6-4) and We Have Pink Eye (12-6). Netkicks and chill also made their presence known with a victory over 1st Kicking & Screaming (7-5).

In the CoRec recreational league, About to Get Messi took home their third, fourth and fifth wins this past week with victories over Kick My Balls (7-3), Shoot Your Shot (4-3) and team game canceled (8-4). Despite an early week loss, both Kick My Balls and team game canceled picked up some nice wins over Church group (remastered) (4-3) and Trash Rats (9-1).

In the men’s competitive league, the 1926ers defeated real Caholics (116), but later in the week, real Caholics were able to claim their own victory with a win over Give it to the italians (8-6). FC Deportivo Oswego nabbed their second victory with a big win over give it to the italians (10-6).

Finally, in the men’s recreational league, Oswego’s Finest outlasted OZ GOLF in a closely fought game with a final score of 2-1. Tuesdays are for Jon and Halls & Balls both fought tooth and nail the entirety of the game, but both teams came out on top with a tie game

of 4-4. Los Pollos Lokos took home their second win over Halls & Balls with a final score of 6-1. 5-star grabbed their third victory over OZ GOLF in a close game of 6-5.

In the CoRec recreational tournament semi-finals, Broom Broom Pow defeated You Got Rec’d in a close shoot-out victory score of 2-1. In the second game of the night, Church Group 5th time defeated Down The Hatch with a final score of 2-0 to secure their place in the finals. The championship game was won by Church group 5th time, who defeated Broom Broom Pow with a final score that was as close as it can get of 1-0.

In the CoRec competitive tournament, Ram ranch really Rocks defeated Injury Attorneys (2-1), and Broom, Roasted held nothing back in their win over Hots N Yachts (5-0). In the championship game, Broom, Roasted and Ram ranch really Rocks will face off in what looks to be a competitive game.

The CoRec recreational volleyball league had its fair share of games this week with some teams bouncing back, teams continuing to dominate and others fighting for a spot in the upcoming playoffs. Lil Bump started off the week strong with a three-set victory over

Two Bump Chumps (3-0) but later fell to Scrambled Legz (2-1). USA Volleyball added six more wins to their record with wins over Milwaukee’s Beasts (30) and Waterbury Wreckers (3-0). Also, continuing to dominate is the No. 1 ranked team in the league, Popped AVolley I’m Settin. Without a single loss this season, Popped AVolley I’m Setting is the team to beat, capturing six more victories this week with wins over The Village People and THE LAST HURRAH. The Empire Spikes Back also had themselves a nice week, defeating both Karasuno (2-1) and Waterbury Wreckers (3-0). The Village People, despite falling earlier to Popped AVolley I’m Settin, came back strong with a 2-1 victory over Milwaukee’s Beasts. Karasuno also added some wins to the record with a 3-0 win over Kiss My Ace (3-0). Halls and Balls defeated Sets on the Beach in dominating fashion with a final score of 3-0. In the final CoRec rec game of the week, Safe Sets took down THE LAST HURRAH in a final score of 2-1. In the men’s rec league, Where’s my dad captured three more victories, defeating 1926ers with a final score of 3-0.

In the only other game of the week, Volleybaes took down No Game Scheduled with a final score of 3-0.

Shore Report

NCAA Div. III Tournaments Men’s Hockey

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

Oswego Scoreboard Women’s Lacrosse Friday, March 1

16

14

Saturday, March 2

4

3

Laneve: 5 goals Shattuck: 5 goals, 2 assists Sanchez: 14 GA, 24 saves

GEN:

Ferguson: 2 goals, 1 assist Empey: 1 goal, 1 assist McDonald: 3 GA, 16 saves

CLA:

Roderick: 3 goals, 1 assist Gladd: 7 GA, 0 saves

OSW:

Zizek: 1 goal, 2 SOG Richer: 4 GA, 26 saves

Saturday, March 2

75 OSW: BW:

Men's Basketball

Men’s Hockey

OSW:

Men’s Basketball

Shea McCarthy | The Oswegonian

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Men’s Lacrosse Saturday, March 2

6

5

Sanborn: 20 points, 5 rebs Gartland: 20 points, 2 blks Pierre: 14 points, 9 rebs

HAR:

Ven Dernark: 2 goals, 5 SOG Alesandrini: 6 GA, 10 saves

Nader: 18 points, 10 rebs Battle: 17 points, 1 steal

OSW:

Bacon: 3 goals, 1 assist Hollfelder: 1 goal, 1 assist O’Donnell: 5 GA, 21 saves

Upcoming Events Men’s Basketball Friday, March 8

Men’s Lacrosse Saturday, March 9

@

@

6:30 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

OSW: 22-5 (15-3) MAR: 20-6 (14-4)

MOR: 0-0 (0-0) OSW: 1-0 (0-0)

Men’s Tennis

Women’s Lacrosse

@

@

Saturday, March 9

Wednesday, Mar. 13

12:00 p.m.

OSW: 1-1 (0-0) ELM: 0-4 (0-0)

4:00 p.m.

STL: 0-0 (0-0) OSW: 1-0 (0-0)

Laker Athletes of the Week Shea McCarthy | The Oswegonian

Around the SUNYAC Baseball

Softball

Women’s Lacrosse

Elianna Sanchez

Women’s Lacrosse Junior | Queens

5

10

2

11

8

1

7

13

3

COR: 1-0 (0-0) ITH: 1-1 (0-0)

BPT: 3-3 (0-0) BAR: 2-0 (0-0)

CSI: 2-1 (0-0) FRE: 2-2 (0-0)

11

5:

NAZ: 1-2 (0-0) BPT: 2-0 (0-0)

Oswego State finished the men’s hockey season ranked fifth in the PairWise Rankings. This propelled it to the second at-large bid in the NCAA National Tournament, behind No. 1 Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

Saturday, March 16, the Lakers will host the winner of Plymouth State and Hobart College.

9

Tyler Pierre

Men’s Basketball Senior | Deer Park

LOU: 7-5 (2-4) ONE: 1-1 (0-0)

In her first collegiate start, she made 24 saves in the Lakers’ win. The team took down Clarkson University by a score of 16-14. Sanchez’s 24 saves in a single game is the second most in program history, behind the 26 that Kathleen Ward put up in 2002. The Lakers will continue their out-of-cconference slate Saturday, March 9, where they will host Lycoming College.

For the second time this semester, Pierre has been recognized as the Laker Athlete of the Week. This past weekend, he was dominant in the paint and recorded two doubledoubles. Despite fouling out Friday night, he scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds. In the second round of the NCAA tournament, he scored 14 points against Baldwin Wallace University. He also snagged 16 rebounds in the overtime victory.

Oswego State’s Sweet 16 opponent in the Div. III basketball tournament, Marietta College, is ranked No. 22 in the national poll. In comparison, the Lakers are No. 25. The two will face off at Augustana College Friday, March 8. If the Lakers manage to win, they will face either Augustana College or Wheaton College the next day.

In their first weekend of the season, the Oswego State baseball team scored a combine 25 runs. The offense started slow with just three runs in its double header against No. 20 Salisbury State, but it exploded for 22 runs the next day against Wesley College. Mike Dellicarri leads the Lakers in RBIs with four.

In the season opener for the women’s lacrosse team, 73 combined shots were taken by Oswego State and Clarkson University. The Lakers accounted for just 27 of those, but they were very efficient.Twenty-one of them were on goal, and 16 were goals.

Clarkson University, on the other hand, had 38 of their 46 shots hit the net.

FRE: 0-2 (0-0) KEA: 4-1 (0-0)

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OPINION

THE OSWEGONIAN FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

B5

One issue, System of providing period products poor One issue, two two Complimentary Menstruation products on campus not logistical perspectives perspectives Drug tests promote productive workplace

Photo from Pixabay

Alexis Hanna Staff Writer opinion@oswegonian.com

The job market is the one market everyone has had to deal with, has to deal with and will have to deal with. Being employed is a necessary aspect for success in life, as unfortunate as some may find that to be, and it is getting harder to find a job as the days go on. The interview process has become more demanding in not only the appearance of a resume and one’s qualifications but also in dress, etiquette and, for some companies, drug tests.

A lot of employers require drug tests for hire, and some issue regular or random tests throughout years of employment. This can result in employees being suspended or even fired for failing a drug test, which tests for various drugs ranging from marijuana to methamphetamines and cocaine in an interviewee/employee’s system.

This is a controversial aspect of employment, although it should not be. A number of employees or prospects who get fired or do not get put up for a job complain and disagree with the drug testing portion, as they see it as ‘unfair’ or ‘discriminatory.’ There are those calling to not require drug testing, allowing applicants to possibly achieve jobs all while they purchase and engage in doing drugs. To hire someone with drugs in their system is to provide them with the money needed to purchase substances and continue the activity. Some are sympathetic to drug users in that they are still people who need to earn a living wage to survive. Some drug users have kids to feed, bills to pay and have to ensure heat is flowing in the winter.

Drug users and their kids deserve to live and be comfortable.

While this is true, most drug users are not focusing on livable needs but rather on purchasing their drug of choice first. Drug users

Drugs ruin lives, and drugs in a workplace only contribute to the downfall of that workplace.

and their kids deserve to live and be comfortable - this is not an arguable fact. However, drug users should not be granted the ability and freedom to engage in drug-related activities without consequence either. Employers do not have to deal with the side effects that come with drug users. Drug testing is not an unfair, discriminatory or unnecessary thing to carry out for employment. Rather, it is extremely necessary. Drugs ruin lives, and drugs in a workplace only contribute to the downfall of that workplace. Where drugs are illegal, no matter the drug, drug testing is a reasonable policy to enact.

If an employer does not want to hire someone with drugs in their system, that is not discrimination. Failing a drug test before hire or years into employment is on the employee, not the employer. Some employers do not want to fund a drug addict’s habit and would rather hire a reliable employee in need. If you do not want to have to pass a drug test, do not apply for a job that requires one.

There is nothing unfair, discriminatory or wrong about requiring drug tests before or during employment.

Samantha Flavell Editor-In-Chief sflavell@oswegonian.com

On Feb. 19, the Oswego State Student Association signed in the period resolution. While this sounds like a good idea, there are a lot of unanswered questions in terms of funding and execution that should cause people to hold off on celebrating.

Free is always a nice word to hear. It is commendable that SA took the time to strive to make feminine hygiene products available all across campus for all members of our campus community who may need to utilize them.

While at face value the resolution sounds like a wonderful idea, there are too many unanswered questions to allow skeptics to celebrate quite yet.

One major issue is that the SA resolution does not guarantee that the college administration will follow through with this suggestion. Students can celebrate their agreement on this topic as much as they want, but that does not change the fact that ultimately it is the administration that has the final say.

Another concern is that, even if the administration chooses to follow through with this SA suggestion of what the campus community wants, where is the money for this funding coming from?

According to the resolution, $500 will be drawn equally from the SA president’s executive civic engagement fund and the SA contingency fund. While it is reassuring that it will not be a cost added to a student’s bill, it is still being taken out of the contingency fund. This fund is used to provide campus organi-

zations with extra funding when needed for unforeseen or extra expenses.

This means that this amount of money will be taken away from student organizations to use.

Another concern is that only $500 is being taken between the two funds from SA. To buy 36 tampons, it costs approximate $7 at a retailer such as Walgreens. The resolution calls for free tampons and menstrual pads to all women’s restrooms, gender-neutral restrooms and one third of men’s restrooms on campus. Assuming there are approximately three female bathrooms in each building on campus, that alone is easily well over $500 worth of feminine products. There are at least 23 buildings on campus, which is approximately 69 bathrooms and does not include gender neutral or the one third of male bathrooms that are planned to offer these products as well.

While I support the idea of offering

these products for free, the logistics just are not there. Yes, it is unfair that females have to pay a luxury tax on feminine hygiene products they are forced to buy. And yes, it would be wonderful if Oswego State would be able to offer this to their students for free but given the allotted money and logistics of the situation, that just does not seem to be a viable future.

It is so important to fight for and continue to work toward the better future that we believe in, but great ideas are only achievable through viable logistics. Yes, $500 is a start, but it offers a whole new host of problems for which buildings it will be offered in since that amount is clearly not enough to cover every building for all of the restrooms that the resolution claims to cover.

Great ideas can only go so far as what can actually be achieved. It is unfair to present something as fact when the true possibility of it is unlikely.

Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian Menstruation products will be provided free of charge in bathrooms across campus.

SPEAK YOUR MIND, TWITTER! POLLS POSTED EVERY FRIDAY TO @gonianOPN

Fake Momo Challenge causes uproar Internet known for spreading false information, leads to panic

Drug addicts deserve employment

Photo from Pixabay

Francesca Miesner Opinion Editor fmiesner@oswegonian.com Drug testing is often used as a way to sort through applications for employment.

In some private schools, colleges and companies, students and employees can be subjected to random drug testing at any point with or without motive. If they fail this drug test, they can be fired from their position or be removed from school.

Usually, this drug test is a worry of those who partake in recreational marijuana usage. This behavior is still illegal in the state of New York, but the state government is currently in the process of deciding whether it should be legalized for recreational purposes. Many of those who use marijuana use it as a way of self-medicating for anxiety or depression. Obviously, those who do should simply seek help from a medical health professional, but if they are abusing drugs, they deserve support, not ostracization from their peers and coworkers.

If they are using a more dangerous drug than weed, like meth or cocaine, they still do not deserve to lose their jobs. These people have families to feed. Of course, some of that money could go to feeding their addiction, but if these people have children, they should not lose their jobs. They should be sent to court to make sure they are seeking proper help, such as attending narcotics anonymous or rehab, if necessary.

Those who attend school or have a job could be on the way out of a drug-filled home.

Peter Wendler Staff Writer opinion@oswegonian.com Recently, news agencies, such as CNN and Fox News, have made reports regarding a viral phenomenon known as the Momo Challenge. The Momo Challenge is said to be an online dare where a viewer must watch a YouTube video showing the image of a bird-like woman known as “Momo” set to a voice encouraging the viewer to harm themselves or others. Despite the media attention surrounding the “Momo Challenge,” the challenge is a hoax news outlets used as a scary story to attract an audience.

The “Momo Challenge” did not begin as a YouTube video. A basic YouTube search shows a number of news agencies commenting on the Momo Challenge without an original video.

YouTube has also announced it has no evidence of a Momo Challenge video being uploaded to its platform.

The legend of Momo is believed to have begun as a Facebook post containing a picture of Momo and a phone number associated with Whatsapp. If the Momo number was contacted on Whatsapp, Momo was said to respond with profanities in Spanish or lewd images. Although there is more credibility to Momo’s Facebook origin, no one has yet to confirm the origin of the Momo Challenge.

Momo has some traction on the Spanish side of YouTube, but the Momo Challenge is a nonentity to the rest of the internet. With the credibility of the Momo Challenge in question, and news agencies already retracting their stories on the Momo Challenge, people must ask themselves, “why did the Momo Challenge get media attention in the

Photo from The Sun via YouTube Japanese statute “Mother Bird” made by artist Keisuke Aiso was the face of the “Momo Challenge.”

first place?”

News agencies who claimed the Momo Challenge was real were being lazy journalists. In addition to there being no Momo Challenge video, the creepy image associated with the Momo Challenge is a cropped image of a sculpture made by Japanese artist Keisuke Aiso. Aiso’s sculpture depicted a creature from Japanese folklore known as the ubume, or the Bird Woman. The image of Asio’s sculpture made its rounds on a number of horror-based social media accounts months before the creation of the Momo hoax.

Although the Momo Challenge is a hoax, the coverage of the legend could lead people to act out in a destructive way. In May of 2014, two 12-year-old Wisconsin girls lured a younger girl into the woods to sacrifice her to a genuine online myth known as Slender Man. Thankfully, the two girls failed to kill their friend and the would-be stabbing victim was able to

check out of the hospital six weeks after her attempted murder. The two 12-yearold girls who tried to commit the murder were both sentenced to many years in a psychiatric hospital in 2017.

Cases like the Slender Man stabbing are rare, but they highlight how online trends can affect people. Momo is a fake online legend, but the extra coverage given to Momo by the press increases the possibility of the character influencing someone. The Momo hoax’s dark message encourages self-harm and murder. Ghost stories and urban legends, including legends that started online, have cultural value and require genuine creativity to create. While most scary stories are harmless fun, the Momo hoax only exists to scare parents and encourage destructive behavior. News outlets should be ashamed of pushing out a non-newsworthy story with a destructive message.

If a person uses drugs, they still deserve to get an education and feed themselves. Private schools, whether they be a religious high school or a prestigious university, should use different methods to stop their attendees from using drugs that is not threatening expulsion. Oswego State does have expulsion as a potential punishment for drug usage, though the campus does not drug test those who attend. Other than expulsion, some potential punishments include suspension, limited use of on-campus facilities and required attendance of a seminar or class related to drug safety.

Those who attend school or have a job could be on the way out of a drug-filled home or a bad situation. If they are still using drugs or alcohol, they should be helped down the right path. Turning people from their place of employment or learning could lead to worse issues with drugs in the future. This is when homelessness and poverty can surface, even when they get their drug problem on the right path. A mark on their resumé saying they were fired from a place of employment due to drug use could lead to continuous unemployment in the future.

Drugs are serious and can cause problems in people’s lives. However, the solution to the problem is not to throw those who use to the curb. This only causes more harm in the long run.

NEWS WOMEN’S MARCH

A1 Kassadee Paulo | The Oswegonian

OPINION

VOLUME LXXXV ISSUE V • www.oswegonian.com

SPORTS B2

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

LOOK TO IMPROVE

Oswegonian File Photo

FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

STAFF EDITORIAL In a time of such hostile political and social climates, it is important to remember that despite all of our differences and problems, hate will not solve anything.

The majority of problems arise when people become self-infatuated, so concerned with their own gains and troubles that they will hurt others while trying to achieve what they believe they deserve or merely what they want.

The seven deadly sins are pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed and sloth. They are well known from both biblical tales, children’s stories and even in horror movies. The platforms may differ, but all are promoting the same truth: when we put our own interests above others and treat each other negatively, we are only hurting ourselves and all those around us.

The misery of another will not make your day any better. Life is not always what you believe to be fair, and no one ever gets everything that they want. We can, however, be happy for the successes of others, supportive in the hard work and dedication of our peers. We should respect those who we disagree with and feel free to share our own thoughts and opinions, all while remaining respectful and open-minded.

The moral of every children’s story is how these negative traits only bring about harm and are often the character’s pitfall. It may be cliché to hear, but there is a reason that children’s authors write these stories to illustrate the negative affects these emotions have on us.

It is easy to worry about yourself, what you need and how you can succeed. It is normal to want things

to go your way, but it is when we embrace caring about and supporting each other that we all do better.

If for no other reason than for your own gain, be nice to those around you. When you do not forgive and hold grudges, you only trap yourself. We often waste so much energy hated and being envious of those around us that we fail to see all of the blessings in our own lives.

Pining after something you do not have will not help you get it, nor will it make you feel any better about your own life. Be happy for those around you and learn from them for how you may improve your own.

You can learn so much from those around you if you take the time to learn and listen from them rather than make shallow judgements and waste your energy and breath putting them down.

IN THE OFFICE

Suicide hotline provides support Employees on the clock constantly to help, deserve recognition Suicide is a national problem that kills, on average, 44,000 people per year, according to Mental Health America. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been proven to be a life-saving resource for those at risk for suicide, but this crucial service is underfunded, understaffed and overloaded at a time when it is needed the most.

An August 2018 article from PBS News Hour revealed that the Lifeline system is struggling. Lifeline centers are funded by state and local sources, according to its website, and staffed mostly by trained volunteers and professionals. Unfortunately, funding is far lower than what the centers need to support the influx of calls Lifeline is receiving, especially in recent years.

Between 2005 and 2017, call centers received a collective 12 million calls, and Lifeline expects 12 million more between now and

Jessica Wickham Chief Copy Editor jwickham@oswegonian.com 2022. Meanwhile, Lifeline only receives around $5.3 million per year in an infrastructure grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association. From that, crisis centers receive an annual stipend of $1,500.

The people who run these centers say they need far more than that to keep up with the rising call volume – closer the $1 million per center range. John Draper, the di-

rector of Lifeline told PBS that the severe lack of funding and other needed resources are causing centers to shut down. Since 2008, 35 centers have either left the network or shut down completely because they could not financially support themselves.

This is a serious problem that is not being properly addressed. Lack of resources means wait times for these call centers can be as long as 45 minutes, which is downright scary when considering how important every second is when someone is seriously considering ending their own life. The centers need more funding – both from local donations and increased federal resources. The people who run these centers are working hard to save people’s lives every day, and it is about time we, as a nation, show them we appreciate everything they do.

Each political decision made effects citizens Everyone has opinions, just underestimates their importance Francesca Miesner Opinion Editor fmiesner@oswegonian.com “I do not have any opinions.”

This is a common line tossed about when discussing certain topics, especially those political in nature.

This statement is plagued with ignorance. Perhaps the opinions you have do not pertain to the situation at hand, but they definitely exist.

According to Dictionary.com, an opinion is a personal view, attitude or appraisal. Based on the definition alone, it is impossible for a human being to be without an opinion. It does not have to be who should be The independent student newspaper of Oswego State since 1935 the U.S. president, whether there should be plastic cups in the dining hall or whether eating meat is healthy. It can be something simWe want your thoughts on our coverage, campus and local issues, or anything ple, such as what movie is the best, regarding the Oswego State community. what color flatters you the most or a favorite thing to drink. Stating that

THE OSWEGONIAN G UIDELIN ES

Email all letters as Word attachments to opinion@oswegonian.com or mail submissions to 139A Campus Center, Oswego N.Y. 13126 All writers must provide their real name, address, academic year, major and phone number (which will not be published).

one has no opinions is, in itself, an opinion. If you are not fond of honey mustard, that is an opinion.

To say one has no opinions is overestimating the degree of importance an opinion has to have.

Having opinions that could, theoretically, cause worldwide change hold more weight than really liking a film. Those who have no opinions simply do not understand how important they are.

Every decision made, especially those political in nature, are so incredibly important, whether it be related to economics or social, environmental or immigration policies. Every decision the government makes affects you directly. Issues related to LGTBQ+ affairs affect even those who are not LGBTQ+. Issues related to immigration affect you, even if you are a citizen of the U.S. who lives in central New York.

The decision on the next president, governor or senator will affect everyone, even those who do not live in the country. Whoever gets elected to those positions makes decisions that affect everyone in the world. They, without exaggeration, have the power to choose to declare war on nations, which, in turn, can dictate who lives and who dies. The votes we have the opportunities to cast are writing history.

Not only is it exciting that we have the power to choose, but it also shows how incredible the democratic process is.

Opinions are constantly existing and swimming through our brains. If someone is walking too slowly ahead of you and you are irritated, that is just as much of an opinion as who should be president. Sure, one probably matters more, but to say you have no opinions is ignorant.

Wego

Members of organizations should include their title if their letter addresses an issue pertaining to the organization.

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 @mariapericozzi8 via Twitter

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INSIDE

C2 Why Oscars should no C3 Pokémon games set C4 New ‘True Detective’

longer have hosts

for Nintendo Switch

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FRIDAY March 8, 2019

Laker Review Lorem ipsum

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FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

LAKER REVIEW

Academy Awards no longer needs host(s) This year’s ceremony breaks tradition, best telecast in years

Image from Oscars via YouTube James Franco and Anne Hathaway got 2010’s Oscar ceremony off to a poor start, with Franco rumored to be high for the entire show.

Brandon Fallat Asst. Laker Review Editor laker@oswegonian.com This year, the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences made history. For the first time since 1989, there was no host for the televised event, and despite this action breaking decades of tradition and sending the Oscars into the unknown, the risk surprisingly paid off.

Leading up to Oscar night, this was only one of the many reasons why fans were almost certain this year’s Oscars were going to be a complete and utter failure. Strike one was the introduction of the Popular Film category, a pathetic excuse by the Academy to “honor” blockbusters.

Basically, it was created to give “Black Panther” a worthless award just so the Academy could boost ratings and gain approval from mainstream moviegoers who are not rushing out to see “If Beale Street Could Talk” and “The Favourite.” The category was immediately scrapped after facing justified backlash from everyone and their mother, who clearly saw through the Academy’s desperate scheme.

Strike two was the infamous Kevin Hart (“The Upside”) situation. The Academy forced Hart to apologize for homophobic tweets he made years ago and had already apologized for. It presented Hart with an ultimatum of either apologizing or being fired, and to his credit, Hart quit. After that, no one with half a brain in Hollywood wanted to take the hosting gig, as it would lead to almost-certain career suicide. Therefore, the Academy was left with no host and a fanbase still bitter over the Popular Film category.

Then came strike three, arguably the Academy’s most idiotic offense to the film community. Certain awards were slated to be given during commercial breaks, but two of these awards were for Cinematography and Editing. This decision caused uproar around all of Hollywood Boulevard. From Spike Lee (“BlacKkKlansman”) to Alfonso Cuaron (“Roma”), film fans were furious that the two most fundamentally defining attributes of cinema were being shoved aside to simply save time. Screenplays derive from literature and acting from theater, yet cinematog-

raphy and editing are completely synonymous with cinema, and the Academy heard this point ad nauseam.

Long story short, the Academy went back on its decision, showing it had no spine and simply wanted nothing more than to be liked. However, Oscar night was only days away, there was no host, nor Popular Film category, and all the awards were to be given on air. Absolutely no one knew how this was going to turn out.

All of that confusion, doubt and pessimism went away within the opening 10 minutes of the broadcast, where, instead of having a host come out to give a topical, latenight style monologue, as per usual, the Oscars brought out Queen. Led by Adam Lambert, who had been touring with the band for the last couple of years, Queen came out and tore the roof off the Dolby theater, bringing every celebrity to their feet and making a statement that this was not your daddy’s Oscars. Seconds later, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph walked onstage with a hilarious, compact monologue followed by the night’s first award. It was, much to everyone’s surprise,

the most enjoyable Oscars opening ever.

As the night went on, awards were being given out like hot dogs at a baseball game, they were going so fast. There were multiple performances to help give the show some life, specifically Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper steaming everything up with their rendition of “Shallow” from “A Star is Born.” The speeches were tight yet impactful, and there were not any pointless, unfunny skits or polarizing political statements to suck all the fun out of the room. The “In Memorium” featured Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, much to everyone’s happiness. To top it all off, despite giving out every award on air, the show ended up being over a half-hour shorter in length than it usually is.

So, the Oscars were finished at no later than 11:20 p.m. People watching at home did not have to stay up past midnight, and the show moved at a brisk pace. For once, the Oscars felt truly fun, which could only mean one thing: No. More. Hosts.

The Oscars has dipped in ratings every single year since 2014 and has finally seen a spike. Furthermore, everyone who watched the ceremony liked it for the most part. There were no objections to the host because there was no host. The Oscars have struck a goldmine idea by simply focusing on the art and the artists, having some fun along the way and not catering an entire show for one comedian or late-night host to shine as a host. For future years, if the Academy lets the focus be on the films nominated, keeps the show to three hours instead of four and has other fun acts instead of a host, it will finally gain the approval of the mainstream moviegoers, and that will make the Academy popular.

First official traile r drops for the final season of HBO’s epic “Gam e of Thro ne s.”

Steven Spielberg declares war on Netflix, stating that he is bringing new measures to the Academy Awards board of directors to prohibit Netflix content from qualifying for Awards.

Luke Perr y, of “Beverly Hills 90210” an d “Riverdale” fame, passes away from a series of strokes on March 4. He was 52 years old.

LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

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Weezer’s album loses hype after unexpected album drop

Ben Grieco Sports Editor bgrieco@oswegonian.com

Adding to its rainbow of albums, Weezer released its sixth different-colored album in its 27-year history. After releasing the “Teal Album” on Jan. 24, which was just 10 cover songs, the band released the “Black Album” on March 1.

Following the release of “Can’t Knock the Hustle” in October and then “Zombie Bastards” in November, the band was pretty silent until the “Teal Album” was released.

But, on Feb. 21, two more singles came out from the “Black Album”: “Living in L.A.” and “High as a Kite.”

Weezer, once again, is coming back to its Los Angeles roots, making sure to include the aforementioned song “Living in L.A.” and “California Snow.” Previously, it was one of the only songs the band released relating to its origin city.

Image from Weezer via YouTube “Can’t Knock the Hustle” is the headliner song of Weezer’s new “Black Album.”

This album is extremely diverse between all 10 songs, from a song like “Zombie Bastards,” which has a more mellow, simplistic sound, to the final track “California Snow,” where the chorus has a stronger and heavier sound that comes out of nowhere during the verses. It is also a big change from the ninth song, “Byzantine,” which is much lighter.

Weezer is still straying away from what it was once

known for in the band’s early years. Once a more rock-heavy band, with songs like “Beverly Hills” and “Hash Pipe,” adding in guitar solos and a deeper guitar sound, Weezer seems to be evolving with the alternative rock universe. Now, it adds electronic pieces to its music, including outside music elements and different noises outside of the “standard” vocals, guitars, bass and drums.

However, one of the interesting things about this

album is the different styles of songs that Weezer has not really branched out to until this album. One of the biggest changes the band presented is in “The Price Who Wanted Everything.” The song is more of a swing style with bounce and rhythm.

“California Snow” is probably the closest to the original 1990s Weezer that fans once knew. But, going back to the idea of evolving with alternative rock, there is a unique rapping-style tone to River Cuomo’s lyrics during the verses and a basic chorus in terms of lyrics.

The band does a great job with where each track was placed. The opening is strong, especially since the opening songs are the pre-released singles, with the final three songs also being very strong with their unique sounds.

There was a distinctive process to this album, which really made a lot of listeners, perhaps, a lot less excited for the album. Cuomo said that

2017’s “Pacific Daydream” was originally supposed to be the “Black Album,” but the former came together well enough to be released prior.

And, after the unexpected “Teal Album,” which featured the band’s cover of “Africa” on it, a lot of people seemed to forget that, in just over a month and a half, Weezer would be releasing “the Black Album.” That is primarily why this album got the rating it did.

Moving forward, Weezer needs to try to get back to its roots, even though each album has had some top singles so far. Cuomo also said the band is getting its next album ready, which has the working title “OK Human,” and also has a future album, going back to its heavier rock and guitar solos, with the working title “Van Weezer.”

If “California Snow” has any indication as to what Weezer’s new “heavier rock” sound might be, listeners should be excited as to what is in Weezer’s future.

New Pokémon Generation Six games announced; fans full of questions Nathaniel Ahart Staff Writer laker@oswegonian.com This past week, the Pokémon Company finally revealed the games in the next generation of Pokémon, which will be titled “Pokémon Sword” and “Pokémon Shield,” for the Nintendo Switch.

During a seven-minute Pokémon Direct, fans were introduced to a new region, new starters and a slight graphical overhaul to the Pokémon games they know and love. These new installments will take place in the Galar region, which is based on the United Kingdom. Some have even pointed out that it is essentially the UK flipped upside-down. The world itself strikes a resemblance to the region on which it is based and has much reference to certain geographical locations (i.e., Stonehenge). One town shown off in the trailer has a very steampunk kind of vibe, which is certainly welcome.

The new starters include Grookey, the grass monkey, Scorbunny, the fire rabbit, and Sobble,

Image from GameTrailers via YouTube The sixth generation of Pokémon games are revealed to be “Pokémon: Sword” and “Pokémon: Shield,” which will bring back the eight-gym format.

the water lizard. Most Pokémon trainers seemed to have gravitated toward Scorbunny due to its incredibly appealing design and are also concerned that it may evolve into another fire-fighting type, a combination seen many times before. Sobble also has its fans, with some accrediting that to its extremely timid demeanor.

Not as many fans have poured out

their love to Grookey, but overall, fans seem satisfied with these new designs.

The graphics in “Sword” and “Shield” look stunning. While they are not far beyond what players saw in “Pokémon: Let’s GO Pikachu and Eevee” or even Sun/ Moon and Ultra Sun/Moon on the 3DS, they are noticeably better in quality and breathe fresh air into

this long-running franchise. The graphics make the Galar region look more expansive and open than previous ones. Some fans have been clamoring for an openworld Pokémon game, and while it does not seem that is the case for the game (the eight gym structure returns as well), the vastness of it at least looks promising. It is safe to assume the gameplay will

certainly be different this time around, with the games’ director Shigeru Ohmori even stating that the development team is challenging themselves to try new things.

The previous mainline entries made it a lot easier for competitive players to train their Pokémon with relative ease (i.e., EV training and IV manipulation) and try something other than gyms, such as trials. Gyms may be back, but it will be interesting to see what new things are implemented. Rumors swirling around the web suggests there may be something akin to the mechanics of mega evolution added in the generation six games (X/Y and Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire) or even hybrid Pokémon obtained through breeding certain ones together. If these are the new elements to which they are referring, fans are sure to be pleased.

It would also be interesting to see what control options are available, from the likes of the Joy-Cons to maybe even the GameCube controller. 2019 is an exciting time to be a Pokémon fan and not just because of the series’ jump to home console.

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LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

‘True Detective’ makes stunning comeback with new season Dominic Rizzi Laker Review Editor drizzi@oswegonian.com

HBO has had a fantastic track record when it comes to dramatic storytelling. Few other networks have been able to churn out as much consistent quality when it comes to content, not to mention the fact it is the network behind two of arguably the biggest shows of all time: “The Sopranos” and “Game of Thrones.”

In 2014, HBO decided to hop on a bandwagon and follow a trend that had been started by one of their biggest cable competitors, FX, with the anthology format. FX had previous success with both “American Horror Story” and “Fargo,” so HBO decided to green light its own anthology show, “True Detective.”

Developed and written by Nic Pizzolatto, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, the show is a dark twist on the typical buddy-cop genre. It tells a story much more focused on how certain character flaws could perhaps prevent the greater good from being accomplished, as well as other themes

such as southern gothic horror, multiple timelines and, of course, something that HBO has become famous for in recent years, incest.

The first season was a tremendous hit commercially and critically, so naturally, HBO immediately green lit a second season that premiered a year later in 2015. This season changed location and cast, this time set in Los Angeles and dealing with themes of power struggle and corruption within systems. The cast this time consisted of Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch and Vince Vaughn, and it was met with very mixed reviews. Criticisms were lobbied at the casting choices, the location shift, the overall change in feel of the show, etc. Whatever the case was, audiences were just not having the new season, so needless to say, the show went on hiatus.

Rumors of a third season started to pile up in late 2017, when Pizzolato announced that he was indeed continuing work on a third season, but he simply needed time to finish the story before he started looking for talent. This was verified when HBO announced that the show would officially be returning sometime between late 2018 and early 2019. This time, Pizzolato recruited Jeremy

Image from HBO via YouTube Mahershala Ali portrays Detective Wayne Hays in the third season of HBO’s “True Detective.”

Saulnier to direct the first three episodes while “Deadwood” creator David Milch would help write the script for episode four. The show would return to the familiar southern location, this time taking up residence in the Ozarks of Missouri, and the cast this time around consisted of Mahershala Ali, Stephen Dorff, Carmen Ejogo, Scoot McNairy, Mamie Gummer and Ray Fisher.

Any apprehension viewers may have had going in had it immediately erased with the premiere of the third season. The story, similar

to season one, is set over three different time periods, 1980, 1990 and 2015. Unlike the first season, the timelines do not build progressively into one another as one big linear story, but rather all exist parallel to each other, creating yet another interesting framework for what seems like a typical story. The story itself follows two detectives, Wayne Hays (Ali) and his partner Roland West (Dorff) in their investigations into the disappearance of local child Julie Purcell, whose brother turns up dead in the woods. The

show takes place from Hays’ perspective over the three timelines, as a young Vietnam veteran on the case when it first popped up; as an older, more experienced father when the case rears up again; and as a confused old man suffering from some form of dementia who is seemingly providing a nuisance for his adult son Henry (Fisher). At the same time, he is trying to remember things from his past that just keep slipping from him.

Ali has given incredible performances before, but he truly disappears into the character of Wayne Hays, combining a large sense of insecurity and unfamiliarity with residual post-traumatic stress disorder. The performance resembles that of a true character actor, the likes of which television has not seen in a while. Dorff as his partner also turns out a showstopper performance, providing a lot of the humanity to Hays’ more reserved character.

The show itself does a magnificent job of balancing out its long, entangled story with its many twists and turns. Cleverly able to subvert where people may think the story is going, the third season of “True Detective” is one that people should definitely watch, sooner rather than later.

‘Game of Thrones’ season 2 crash course before final season Garrick Groover Staff Writer laker@oswegonian.com

Following a masterful first season, season two of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” is where the program underwent a major revamp. The series was already a spectacle to behold, but with an increase of budget, multiple elements were improved and expanded upon.

On the technical side, the fantasy drama would ease into a style it would maintain for the remainder of the series. This particular style was the culmination of numerous upgrades, including enhanced lighting, a more vibrant color palette, elaborate set design and enhanced visuals that trumped the special effects of the previous season. “Game of Thrones” was growing to a size that could rival the best

Image from GameofThrones via YouTube “Blackwater,” the climactic fight from the highlight episode of the show’s second season.

fantasy films on the market.

It did not want to be a fantasy show; it wanted to be THE fantasy show.

Even with an increase in budget, no show would flourish without characters with whom to emotionally involve ourselves. Fortunately, this has never been an issue with “Game of Thrones.” As season one proved, the show’s greatest strength is its rich and developed characters.

From the sharp-tongued and witty Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage, “Avengers: Infinity War”) to the strong-willed Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke, “Solo: A Star Wars Story”), there is no shortage of characters to love and even love to hate.

In addition to the incredible cast of characters introduced in season one, season two introduces new characters that are just as fleshed

out as our original players.

These include the no-nonsense Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane, “The Outlaw King”), seductive sorceress Melisandre (Carice van Houten, “Incarnate”), the humble Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham, “24 Hours to Live”), the fiery wildling Ygritte (Rose Leslie, “Sticky Notes”) and female warrior Brienne of Tarth (Gwendoline Christie, “Welcome to Marwen”), among many others.

As mentioned earlier, the increase in budget allowed “Game of Thrones” to expand its scope to become grander and achieve battle sequences that could put some movies to shame. This is evident in the ninth episode of the season, “Blackwater.” Unlike other episodes, “Blackwater” focuses on one centralized location for its entire runtime. It is also the second episode of “Game of Thrones” to be written by George R. R. Martin, the author of the

original book series, “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Needless to say, this episode has perhaps the most elaborate action set pieces of any episode at that point. “Blackwater” is not only the highlight episode of season two but also one of the best episodes of the entire series.

Season two cements why the series achieved such a large following. The vast array of characters, political intrigue and action set pieces are unparalleled to other shows on the market. There is a reason why this show continues to accumulate awards to this very day. It is truly in a league of its own.

Many have tried to emulate the program’s style, but none have come close to matching the dominance that is “Game of Thrones.” It is a show that encompasses the character development of “Mad Men” while painting an epic fantasy tale equivalent to “Lord of the Rings.”

LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

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Netflix's 'Paddleton' proves to be sweet, charming cancer story Alex Kent Staff Writer laker@oswegonian.com

“Less is more” is a phrase that is synonymous with the new Netflix film “Paddleton.”

Written by siblings Mark and Jay Duplass, this 89-minute tale hits heavy topics with a light-hearted aroma. The true bonds of friendship are tested through the eyes of mortality, and director Alex Lehmann keeps it small and low fare with his approach toward the material.

The story opens with Michael (Mark Duplass, “Tully”) being diagnosed with terminal cancer, with his older neighbor Andy (Ray Romano, “Get Shorty”) awkwardly questioning the nurse. Their mundane life consists of eating pizza, watching retro kung fu movies and playing a game they created called Paddleton.

This unique lifestyle is com-

Image from Netflix via YouTube Mark Duplass and Ray Romano star in the new Netflix comedy "Paddleton."

promised now that Michael’s days are numbered, and they must adapt.

A key element to any buddy film is the chemistry of the two male leads. Straight-laced Duplass and the lovable Romano go together like Abbott and Costello. The two men are each other’s best (and only) friends.

Andy is very socially inept, and Michael constantly has to

watch over him during public appearances. Their relationship resembles Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman’s roles in the 1988 masterpiece “Rain Man.” Romano’s career has evolved greatly since his career breakthrough in the 90's classic “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Duplass continues his trend of playing an everyday Joe with deep emotional layers.

The Duplass-penned script takes on the idea of death with quirky humor. Andy’s idiosyncrasies are highlighted with Michael trying to understand them. Their banter over odd topics establishes a fluid connection that brings them closer together. Andy also frequently uses pop culture references to get his messages across, subtly showing his lack of human interaction. The dialogue contains frequent brief pauses between lines that enhances the authenticity of the characters.

At times, the central focus of the plot is hidden due to the simplicity of the film. Some viewers might lose interest due to certain questions remaining unanswered. “Paddleton” is a candid piece revolving around death that solemnly ponders the meaning of existence. The low-budget affair is a breath of fresh air in relation to overblown blockbusters.

The beauty of the film is it leaves people wanting more, just like Andy wants

more time with Michael. All of humanity inevitably faces true loss, and the pains of this hardship are displayed tremendously. The final half hour is a tear-jerking ride of vulnerability and sincerity. The Twilight Zone episode “Time Enough at Last” comes to mind when thinking about the stages of grief that form as Michael’s health deteriorates.

The work is highly aware of its semblance toward being one’s self. The two men do not have any dramatic life goals. They just want to enjoy each day to the fullest and play some Paddleton. The memories they create are endowed with tenderness, warmth and confusion as Michael faces bodily expiration.

“Paddleton” continues the trend of Netflix producing quality content. It is a film that sticks with viewers hours after ending because we all have experienced true loss. As the famous saying goes, “Death is only the beginning.”

Bizarre graphic novel does not translate well to small screen Stephen Novak Staff Writer laker@oswegonian.com

When lead singer of “My Chemical Romance” Gerard Way announced he would be creating his own series of graphic novels, some people may have found that a little weird. When that same series was about seven children born under mysterious circumstances being taken care of by a monkey, a robot and an eccentric billionaire, the same people might have thought that was even more bizarre.

When Netflix decided to create a 10-episode special based on said graphic novels, that is where things get the weirdest.

“The Umbrella Academy” is an urban fantasy story centering around 43 children born from women with no previous history of being pregnant, prompting billionaire Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore, “Marcus in Astronaut Moon”) to adopt and raise seven of them with the help of his chimpanzee butler Pogo

(Adam Godley, “Breaking Bad”) and robot mother Grace. Under his guidance, he trains six of them to fight crime and live as one big family.

The show starts 15 to 20 years after this time in their lives, once these heroes have grown up and found themselves trapped in their own vices. They have hung up their masks and now live singular adventurous lives only to be brought back together by the death of the man

who raised them. As far as setups go, it is an effective way to get into the story. Granted, audiences will find some characters more interesting than others, and there are a lot of characters to get behind in this story.

For starters, with Luther Hargreaves (Tom Hooper, “Game of Thrones”), an astronaut with the upper body of a gorilla (not a joke), his personality boils down to being an overprotective big brother. It is a general flaw of the

writing where the characters are all defined by what the audience can gather from their stereotype. Some of the more flamboyant characters like Diego (David Castañeda, “We Die Young”) and Klaus (Robert Sheehan, “Mortal Engines”) can be more entertaining to follow. The show seems to agree, as they take center stage whenever necessary and have some of the more engaging stories in the special.

Worst of all is Vanya Harg-

Image from Netflix via YouTube The members of Netflix's newest, bizarre superhero show assemble in "The Umbrella Academy," based on the graphic novel.

reaves (Ellen Page, “Flatliners”), who simply comes off as passive. She is never the master of her own destiny, which is fine, but whenever asked to carry a scene on her own, all she does is whimper and stare. It is almost as if the showrunners found out Page could cry on demand and chose to ring every penny out of that opportunity.

Thankfully, the dialogue can balance out some of that awkwardness with well-timed humor and a good conflict. Granted, that conflict can feel diluted in some of the fight scenes, which feature popular songs that feel a bit inconsistent. The main pull of the show is watching it peel back the layers on how much weirder it will get, which is aided by the straight-edged tone.

In the end, the show hits more beats than it misses, with some really funny scenes and memorable moments, even if the ending is essentially a waste of time. It is easy to find one’s self glued to that ever-infamous one-more-episode feeling that has become synonymous with Netflix specials.

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FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

Crossword Puzzle

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

Down 1. Leather strap 2. Neighborhood 3. ___ Moore of “A Few Good Men” 4. Mister (Sp.) 5. Woodwind instrument 6. Aged 7. Ball holders 8. Serious injury 9. Got together again 10. Bond creator ___ Fleming 11. Choose 16. Bogus butter 20. Rigid 22. West Pointer 24. Cowboy ___ Autry

25. Chances 26. Scoundrels 27. Church word 28. Rose Bowl city 30. Sent another way 32. Ship’s staff 35. Wore away 36. Understood! (2 wds.)

39. Foe 41. Singer ___ Diamond 43. Munitions, for short 44. Sow 45. Advantages 46. 32nd pres.

47. Mexican waterway 49. Bus depot (abbr.)

Across 1. Spoiled 4. Glasgow native 8. Group of three 12. Before, in verse 13. She, in Toulouse 14. Gather crops 15. Citrus drink 17. Cousin’s mother 18. Suit maker 19. Ignore 21. Musician ___ Clapton 23. Friend (Sp.) 26. Guitarist’s aid 29. Told (a story) 31. Medical org.

32. Surrendered 33. Finale 34. AWOL soldier 36. 15th of March 37. Entrap 38. Foot digits 40. Crossword direction 42. Discomfort 46. Dancer ___ Astaire 48. Respected 50. Eat at eight 51. Ledger entry 52. ___ Ryan of “Sleepless in Seattle” 53. Address word 54. Godiva’s title 55. Keats work

For this week’s puzzle answers...

Go to Oswegonian.com and click on the Laker Review tab!

ARTWORK

LAKER REVIEW

FRIDAY, March 8, 2019

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Flashback Friday

Artwork contributed by Shea McCarthy

Image from YouTube Movies via YouTube

On March 8, 1965, film classic “Fargo,” directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, was released in the U.S. The black comedy-crime film starred Frances McDormand, William H. Macy and Steve Buscemi. It won two Oscars for Best Actress and Best Screenplay and currently sits at 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. The film even spawned a TV show of the same name, which sits at 97 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

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