Thursday, August 22, 2019 | Vol. XCVI, Issue 1 | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com
The Free Word on Campus Since 1946
Starbucks truck replaces Hinman store
john atkinson position tgk
Students line up outside the brand-new Starbucks truck.
Dining hall construction leads to mobile coffee shop Gillian Mathews news intern
Three years ago, Binghamton University celebrated the grand opening of a new Starbucks in the Hinman Dining Hall. Now, the dining hall closed
for construction. But coffee addicts can still get their fix at the mobile Starbucks truck, a temporary replacement introduced by the University over the summer. Currently, the truck can be found in Hinman College near the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center. In order to keep students updated, the University will be posting the location of the truck at any given time via the @BingCampusFood
Twitter account. Information pertaining to the location, hours and menus can be found on BU’s Sodexo website on the “What’s Open Now” page. To begin, the truck will be open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. According to Deanne Ellison, director of Auxiliary Services, the truck
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR If you’re new to campus, welcome! If you’ve been here for a while, welcome back! And either way, welcome to a new year of Pipe Dream! I’m glad you’re here. Pipe Dream is your student newspaper, and since 1946, we’ve reported on Binghamton University’s campus and the Binghamton community. Through the support of our readers, we’ve been here for as long as BU has existed, with the goal of providing accurate, objective coverage while telling as many of your stories as possible. In short, we’re here to showcase your voices. Every academic year, we make changes to help facilitate this mission, and this year is no different. In the paper you’re holding right now, you’ll notice articles from multiple sections have been placed on the front page — different people pick up Pipe Dream for different reasons. Throughout the coming months, you can expect to see other changes, including new features on our website and social media profiles aimed at audience engagement and interaction. We’ll also be working on expanding our content and producing it in a variety of ways, from podcasts and videos to photo stories and traditional articles. But ultimately, the changes we make only count for so much. What really matters is you, because it’s impossible to amplify BU’s many voices and share campus stories without your help. We want to
hear about your roommate who is writing and producing a play that tackles societal norms. We want know what you think about the candidates running to be district attorney in Broome County, and we welcome your thoughts about how campus policies and changes impact your lives. Pipe Dream needs you to talk to us. We need you to take a stand about things you’re passionate about. And we need you to hold us accountable when we miss the mark. Above all, we need you to care — about your campus, your communities and those around you. So this academic year, I encourage you to email me at editor@bupipedream.com with questions, concerns, letters and story tips. You can find guidelines on submitting letters printed in the Opinions Section at bupipedream.com. You can also give me a call at 607-777-2244, visit our office in University Union West Room B03 or message me via Pipe Dream’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. However you’re most comfortable communicating, we’ll be here to listen — and we hope you’ll keep an eye out for us this semester.
Citizens rally against high prescription drug prices Advocacy groups, local leaders hold press conference Leora Schwadron news editor
As thousands of activists across the country gathered for the “People Over Pharma Profits” National Day of Action, local health care advocates and patients held a press conference and protest in Downtown Binghamton, calling on the United States Congress and the Trump administration to take action to lower drug prices. The protest, held on Tuesday in front of Rep. Anthony Brindisi’s office at the Binghamton Metrocenter, aimed to raise awareness about expense of prescription drugs and pharmaceutical companies’ role in maintaining high prices. Protesters wore necklaces made out of empty prescription drug bottles and held
signs with slogans such as “People over drug profits,” “I’m a health care voter” and “Health care is a human right.” Leaders of Citizen Action of New York and Indivisible Binghamton, who coordinated the event, said they hoped their demonstration would push Brindisi and other members of Congress to implement reforms. Linda Quilty, a member of Citizen Action of New York and Indivisible Binghamton, said protesters were focusing on a bill introduced by Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett that would allow the government to negotiate lower prices with drug manufacturers and break the patents of pharmaceutical companies that refuse to come to the table in good faith. “We have actually met with Anthony Brindisi about health care bills coming up,” Quilty said. “Even though this is not a fix-it for all, it’s a big step in the right direction, because right now it is written that [the government] can’t negotiate
prices with Medicare.” In an emailed statement to Pipe Dream, Brindisi wrote that his team is working with other representatives to introduce legislation to address the issue. “I hear from families all across our district that drug prices are too high, and no family should have to choose between lifesaving medicine and putting food on their table,” he wrote. “We need to do everything we can to bring down drug prices in this country.” But Cecily O’Neil, a member of Citizen Action of New York and Indivisible Binghamton, said health care access is an issue that crosses political and social lines, which is why publicly raising awareness about the issue is important. “Anyone can end up having a disease or injury that requires specialized medications, so there needs to be more oversight and accountability because it
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ariel kachuro photography editor Reverend Fred Brooks speaks about the price of prescription drugs in front of a group of protesters.tgk tgk tg
Documentary provides blueprint for urban restoration “Main Street Rising” screening was followed by a panel Gabriela Iacovano
Arts & culture editor
A locally produced documentary released this summer explores one upstate New York town’s path to developing a bustling downtown area, providing a blueprint for how Binghamton might follow suit. “Main Street Rising,” produced by WSKG Public TV & Radio’s Brian Frey,
was shown Monday at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator. Originally premiering June 3 on WSKG TV, the hour-long documentary explores “Main Street” as a hallmark of American life, focusing on the development of Corning’s Market Street. Frey said he had the Triple Cities in mind while producing the film, inspired by the downtown rebuilding efforts of several towns in the region. “I always thought it was interesting how downtowns could revitalize themselves using their historic architecture, so I decided to make this
ARTS & CULTURE
film that looked at how main streets are rebuilding themselves using some of the lessons learned from what Corning did in 1972,” he said. The film chronicles the work of figures like Jane Jacobs, who spoke out against the adverse effects of urban renewal on city dwellers, and Norman Mintz, who was instrumental in the revitalization of Market Street. Clips from “It’s A Wonderful Life” and images of lively midcentury towns illustrate the cultural significance of urban centers as fixtures of Americana. The screening was followed by a
discussion with Frey and panelists Dave Currie of the Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition (BRSC), Eliana Epstein, a second-year graduate student studying sustainable communities and Binghamton Food Rescue volunteer, Marshall McMurray of MCM Realty and Eva Duarte, ‘11-’13, owner of barbershop Dapper Rascal Studio. Audience members examined how the strategies shown in the film could be implemented in the Triple Cities, touching on topics like gentrification, food insecurity, aging populations and the role of outsiders and community leaders in shaping the
OPINIONS
neighborhood. In particular, Duarte emphasized a need to eliminate the divide between students and locals. “It’s way easier when we work together and learn from each other,” she said. “I’ve always loved learning from the older generation that guides me, and the younger generation needs to learn that we came into this older, beautiful city and we have to respect it and uplift it. That’s one of the cornerstones of why I started my business.”
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SPORTS
Plan your Porchfest with a guide to performing artists
Professor Alexi Zentner discusses his latest novel, ‘Copperhead’
Contributing columnist Miranda JacksonNudelman condemns social media for its role in enabling white supremacy
Binghamton volleyball readies for 2019 campaign
BU soccer teams prepare for upcoming seasons
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PAGE II Thursday, August 2019 Thursday, Thursday, Monday, Monday, September October October April 3,22, 2,5, 2017 28, 2017 2017 2017
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FALL 2019
eDitor-in-Chief* Sasha Hupka editor@bupipedream.com MAnAging eDitor* Katy Wong manager@bupipedream.com
news eDitor* Jake Kerr news@bupipedream.com Asst. news eDitors Valerie Puma Leora Schwadron Jeremy Rubino
opinions eDitor* Evan Moravansky opinions@bupipedream.com Asst. opinions eDitor Elizabeth Short
Arts & Culture eDitor* Gabriela Iacovano arts@bupipedream.com Asst. Arts & Culture eDitors Calendra Scahill Patrick Earns sports eDitor* Justin Zion sports@bupipedream.com
john atkinson contributing photographer Intellectual Decisions on Environmental Awareness Solutions (IDEAS) holds a sustainability workshop, informing students on ways to implement eco-friendly practices into their daily routines.
Asst. sports eDitors Edward Aaron Samantha Marsh photogrAphy eDitor* Ariel Kachuro photo@bupipedream.com
This Day in History Aug. 22, 2004 A version of painter Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” and his work “Madonna” were both stolen from the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway. The paintings were recovered nearly two years later.
Asst. photogrAphy eDitor Sidney Slon
fun eDitor* Annabeth Sloan fun@bupipedream.com
Design MAnAger* Kade Estelle design@bupipedream.com Design Assts. Mikayel Harutyunyan Kailtlyn Scanlon Copy Desk Chief* Lia Berger copy@bupipedream.com
“The Amazon is on fire. The president says NGOs may be behind this. Lack of commitment to the truth is a chronic pathology. This irresponsible attitude only aggravates the environmental emergency in Brazil.”
DISCOVER ONE OF THE MOST GENEROUS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS.
— Brazilian politician Marina Silva in a tweet on Aug. 21, responding to Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro after he accused nongovernmental organizations of burning down the Amazon rainforest to hurt his government.
Asst. Copy Desk Chief Cherie Litvin
Pipe Line
DigitAl eDitor* Kimberly Gonzalez digital@bupipedream.com
INTERNATIONAL NEWS newsrooM teChnology MAnAger* Michelle Tan tech@bupipedream.com Art DireCtor
Max Samson
Business MAnAger* Maryam Soomro business@bupipedream.com Business AssistAnt Samantha Agnoli businessassistant@bupipedream. DistriBution MAnAger Preston Hill distribution@bupipedream.com
Pipe Dream is published by the Pipe Dream Executive Board, which has sole and final discretion over the newspaper’s content and personnel. Positions seated on the executive board are denoted by an asterisk. Pipe Dream is published Mondays and Thursdays while classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters, except during finals weeks and academic breaks. The content on the Opinions page with bylines represent the views of those authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Pipe Dream Executive Board. The content of advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of the Pipe Dream Executive Board. We reserve the right to reject ads for any reason. All letters submitted for publication must include the author's name, year and major. Please limit letters to the editor to 400 words and guest columns to 750 words. Pipe Dream reserves the right to edit submissions, and does not guarantee publication. All submissions become property of Pipe Dream. Guest column submissions may be emailed to the opinions editor at opinions@ bupipedream.com, and all letters to the editor may be sent to editor@bupipedream.com. © Pipe Dream 2019
stabilizing:west side story
editorial:destabilizing
Amazon rainforest burns at a record rate The Amazon rainforest, the largest rainforest on the planet, has been burning across Brazil, according to CNN. The fires have seen an 80 percent increase from the same time last year. The rainforest, which produces almost 20 percent of the oxygen in the atmosphere, slows the threat to global warming and houses a number of species.
City, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of a child and child pornography, according to WICZ. Rushmer confessed to generating sexual images and videos of a minor, as well as recording the victim. He was also found to have shared and circulated the images and videos online. Officials say he had hundreds of explicit images and videos of child pornography with minors under the age of 12. Sentencing will take place on Dec. 17 in Binghamton. STATE NEWS
LOCAL NEWS
Filmmaker utilizes city of Binghamton for new film Daniel Masciari, a Boston native, will use Binghamton as the backdrop for his upcoming black and white film, tationed at Home,” according to WICZ. Masciari presented scenes from his film, which is inspired by the feeling of Binghamton at night, at the Rotary Club of Binghamton on Aug. 20. Masciari shot the scenes in February, which were funded by crowdsourcing and fundraising efforts. Masciari will continue to hold private screenings in Binghamton before venturing into the festival circuit. Johnson City man pleads guilty to child pornography charges Michael Rushmer, 47, of Johnson
Cuomo launches new license plate replacement program Gov. Andrew Cuomo has launched a new 10-year license plate replacement program, starting with a statewide survey, according to the Democrat & Chronicle. The survey, which was launched on Aug. 19, features five designs. New York state residents can vote on the governor’s website for their favorite design until Sept. 2. Beginning in April 2020, as residents renew their vehicle registrations, those who have a license plate that is 10 years old or older will be issued new plates. A $25 license plate replacement fee will be added to the cost of their vehicle registration renewal. A $20 charge will be added if the vehicle owner wishes to keep their current license plate.
If you’d like to begin a health care career that sets you apart from your peers, consider the U.S. Army. Through the Health Professions Scholarship Program*, students can be eligible for a professional degree in medicine or dentistry. The program offers: • Full-tuition at an accredited medical or dental school* • A sign-on bonus of $20,000 • Reimbursement for books, nonexpendable equipment and some academic fees • A monthly stipend of more than $2,270 • Expert training alongside dedicated U.S. Army professionals
To learn more about U.S. Army HPSP options, go online to healthcare.goarmy.com/qd75
*Certain requirements and eligibility criteria apply. ©2018. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved. Information subject to change.
bupipedream.com | August 22, 2019
NEWS
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University sees delays in Union basement renovations Student organizations displaced until spring Valerie Puma news editor
As returning students step on campus for the first days of classes, some may notice that a portion of the University Union basement is closed. As renovations take place behind the barriers, some clubs and organizations that operate in the basement are displaced, leaving the groups to adjust to delays and changed renovation plans. The plans for the University Undergrounds’ renovation were finalized in fall 2018 and put into motion at the beginning of the summer after students had mostly vacated campus. Originally, the expected completion date was Dec. 1, 2019, but the project has hit delays that have postponed the basement’s reopening until after winter break. Suzanne Howell, director of Residential Life and associate dean of students, and Pete Nardone, general manager of the University Union, wrote in an email that construction will include renovations to the bowling lanes, opening up with the recreational space completely, repurposing the table tennis room, billiards room and computer lounge, and making new games available in a new entertainment area to be called ‘The Den.’ “The University Union is currently undergoing a rebranding initiative, and the entire basement area will now become ‘The Undergrounds,’” Howell and Nardone wrote. “Additional spaces include a collaborative learning space, renovated Food Co-op, more open space and renovations to the Undergrounds Lounge, formally known as the Undergrounds.” Zoë Leone, kitchen manager at the Food Co-op and a junior majoring in environmental studies, said because they will no longer have their space in the basement, the Co-op will be focusing on holding events in coordination with other
john atkinson contributing photographer
“No Entry” signs block off parts of the University Union basement that will remain under construction until spring 2020.
multicultural organizations, tabling, planning sustainability events with farms in the community and holding bake sales elsewhere on campus. “It’s going to be hard this semester, because I see the Coop as my second home,” Leone said. “Despite this change, the fall semester is giving us plenty of time to plan for a strong return in the spring semester. One thing I’m looking forward to is more foot traffic through the basement after construction, thus more people to become a part of the Coop community.”
Binghamton Late Nite is also exploring other options. Manali Parchure, an event coordinator for Late Nite and a senior majoring in integrative neuroscience, said Late Nite will be using lecture halls for movie showings and shifting their food locations to accommodate their typical events. “We knew it would be a challenge when we found out last semester, but we were fine with it since it was told to be ready for spring 2020,” Parchure said. “Personally, I used to go to the Undergrounds to study most of
the time, so now I need to find a new study spot.” The Union staff has installed banners around the Tillman Lobby stairwells with the Union’s rebranding, highlighting key parts of the renovation. Because many students come to the Undergrounds for studying, part of the renovation plans include adding more seating options. “Although the Undergrounds Lounge is offline for the fall semester, in addition to a few other seating locations in the basement area, the Union staff has made an effort to remove several
high-top tables and seating areas that previously existed in the basement area to the first floor of the Union,” Howell and Nardone wrote. “With the renovation, a significant amount of seating options will be made available for students, including more seating in the open space, additional seating in the Undergrounds Lounge and the study room will be back online as well — this was the space next to the Meal Plan Office.” Past Student Association (SA) Congresses have had a hand in the planning for the renovation
project, collecting feedback from students to understand what is needed from a renovated space. Current SA President Emma Ross, a senior double-majoring in political science and psychology, said the project’s goal is to create a fun, vibrant place where students will want to spend time on campus. “I am excited to have a new space on campus to hang out,” Ross said. “It will be to have the basement be a warmer and bright place for students.”
New food policy regulates student groups, faculty offering items to eat Committee takes stance on food regulations Nicole Kaufman news intern
A new formal food policy adopted by Binghamton University over the summer will regulate how campus groups can sell and offer edible products on campus. The policy, which outlines the University’s responsibility in providing and approving food and beverage services, aims to guarantee that food on campus will be served safely. It requires student organizations tabling on campus to only offer pre-packaged
and low risk food items, and provides guidelines for faculty members and employees offering food to classes and in their offices. The policy was developed by a committee consisting of representatives from the Student Association and the Graduate Student Association, as well as staff from the Multicultural Resource Center, the University Union and BU Dining Services. Paul Zakrepine, co-president of the Student Culinary Council (SCC) and a senior majoring in biochemistry, said the reasoning behind generating a formal food policy was to create a convenient and accessible document that will cover the rules of hosting
food-based events. “The common practice before the implementation of the food policy was to find answers online here and there and not in any formal fashion,” Zakrepine wrote in an email. “Additionally, students had no reference as to what they can and can’t prepare on campus for others. This in turn led to unsafe food-handling practices that put others at risk for contracting a foodborne illness.” Deanne Ellison, director of Auxiliary Services, wrote in an email that the previous food policy was simply a practice rather than being formally adopted by the University. “We are very fortunate that
Starbucks truck replaces store in Hinman for fall semester starbucks from page 1 will be moving around campus as business needs and event opportunities dictate, based on the locations with the most positive feedback. “We have already received a tremendously positive response to the Starbucks truck, and anticipate it will be a very popular offering for Binghamton University Dining Services [BUDS],” Ellison said. Customers will still be able to purchase Starbucks-brand products, such as reusable mugs and cups and prepackaged food products. Ellison said the truck can still offer anything a Starbucks store can, but limited space will restrict how many items it can offer at one time. Some students who visited the truck have said their
experience was not much different from a standard Starbucks store. Elizabeth Pulley, a sophomore majoring in biology, said that the truck’s options are very similar to the store’s, if not the same. “I think the options are almost the same and prepared just as well as before,” Pulley said. “There really isn’t a problem in my eyes with any option shortages or variety. I will definitely be stopping by again.” Frances Wallace, a sophomore majoring in biology, said her initial concern was whether or not the truck would be able to keep up with long lines and weather conditions. “I think the quality of the service is almost the same, but I am still nervous about how it will play out in the
winter considering how busy it normally is,” Wallace said. “Although, everyone working was extremely helpful, attentive and prompt — just as enjoyable as before.” Jim Ruoff, resident district manager for BUDS, said he is optimistic about the addition of the new truck, adding that it could continue to be used further down the line, even once the regular Starbucks store has been renovated. “We are very excited to add the Starbucks truck to our Binghamton University Dining Services offering this year,” Ruoff said. “We are hopeful that it can help us serve the Hinman community during construction and be utilized throughout our campus community for years to come.”
our campus partner, Binghamton University Dining Services, has impeccable standards,” Ellison wrote. “We felt it was important to the campus community to formalize a policy and procedures to make sure those high standards were well communicated and practiced consistently for all events and campus activities.” According to Zakrepine, the policy will provide guidance for students on how to properly and safely handle food during events, such as dealing with food allergies. “With the food policy officially in place, students can check all their bases for the proper handling of food and other
actions related to food safety, such as hiring outside event caterers to provide food that Dining Services does not offer,” Zakrepine wrote. “Additionally, an official policy helps dining administrators regulate actions that put others at risk, like serving improperly prepared food or not advertising common allergens in prepared dishes.” Zakrepine said although the effects of the policy may not be noticeable, it will exist as support for students, faculty and staff groups. “The change will likely not be noticeable unless they are holding a relatively large foodbased event,” Zakrepine wrote. “In that case, the food policy
is there to support them as a sort of rule book to guide these individuals.” Ellison clarified that the policy will not restrict an individual from purchasing food from off-campus vendors or bringing the product to campus for individual use. “One of the most important goals for campus dining administrators and other participating campus community members is a safe, but enjoyable dining experience for students, staff and faculty,” Zakrepine wrote. “An official food policy lets students easily follow steps to a safe dining experience.”
Citizens demand reform in pharmaceutical industry, call for Congressional action rally from page 1 can be a matter of life or death,” O’Neil said. “This is an instance of injustice in our nation.” Scott Thiele said he has firsthand knowledge of how health care policy can save lives. Several years ago, his friend was diagnosed with cancer, and was only able to be treated because of former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. “I feel like every American has a right to health care,” Thiele said. “People need to understand how important and critical this is.” Coordinators also encouraged protesters and observers to contact their representatives about the issue. “We want to try to get people to start calling their congressmen, like Brindisi, and pushing for this kind of legislation,” Quilty said. “It’s about awareness, education and trying to initiate getting people to make phone calls. People don’t realize how easy it is.”
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OPINIONS Thursday, August 2019 Thursday, Thursday, Monday, Monday, September October October April 3,22, 2,5, 2017 28, 2017 2017 2017
EDITORIAL: NO STRINGS ATTACHED Superficial renovations divert funds from struggling departments and programs
max samson art director
With the many barricades and newfangled updates in the University Union, it’s hard to ignore the changes being made to the central hub of campus — but their necessity is in question. The renovations currently underway in the University Union, which started this summer but have been in the works since 2016, aim to create a “more open, inviting space,” according to Karen Fennie of Physical Facilities. They will take down walls, install new seating and revamp the Undergrounds area of the building, which previously housed bowling, billiards and table tennis. But in the process, construction will
displace several offices and groups, such as Late Nite, which will be holding activities in lecture halls for the entirety of the fall semester. The renovations have also taken space from student organizations like the Food Co-op, which voiced opposition to the changes. And in the face of Binghamton University’s financial challenges and pressing needs, including increased staff in the University Counseling Center and more resources for University Libraries, how can BU justify spending $2 million on new furniture and open spaces? The answer lies in a larger issue — specifically, how the University
allocates its money. Auxiliary services located in the University Union, like the bookstore, can only direct their profits to maintaining or otherwise improving the Union, prohibiting the money from reaching underfunded areas on campus. According to Ryan Yarosh, senior director of media and public relations, a consultant was hired to determine what areas of the Union were underutilized, and the Undergrounds was one of them. Even so, the Editorial Board is unsure as to why the renovations need to occur now. Could the money instead be saved for an emergency or until students express a real desire for certain changes? While
this earmarking policy might result in some new eye candy for visiting prospective students and their parents this year, it might not result in the improvements students want to see, effectively resulting in wasted money. Opposition from some students to the new renovations are not for lack of trying. While the renovations are an administration-led project, the Student Association was consulted to help draft plans for the changes, and its attempts to include student input in the process have been admirable, even if they will not necessarily result in a student-designed Union. That students were even given the ability to voice their dissatisfaction with the
renovations is substantial. But still, it is hardly meaningful. Many students are calling for a greater investment in other campus resources, and while those concerns exist, millions in capital dollars should not go to new furniture. Not every aspect of these renovations is unwelcome, however. The newly built mailroom has seen massive improvements that should help mitigate the increasingly cramped space for retrieving deliveries. According to Yarosh, the primary driver in the Campus Mail renovations was an increase in student packages — specifically, a jump from 83,575 packages in the 2014-15 academic
year to 112,334 packages last year. Changes like these are practical, thoughtful and responsive to concrete trends in student behavior and are more worthy of the University’s funds. All in all, the Union renovations are far from being among the worst uses of money by the administration, but we can do better. The Editorial Board recognizes the good intentions of those using the funds within the limits imposed on them, but we must ask: Why are these limits being imposed in the first place? Whether the restrictions are set by the University or the SUNY system as a whole, they have proven to be catalysts for financial waste.
Views expressed in the opinion pages represent the opinions of the columnists. The only piece which represents the views of the Pipe Dream Editorial Board is the Staff Editorial, above. The Editorial Board is composed of the Editor-in-Chief, News Editor, Opinions Editor, Sports Editor and Arts & Culture Editor.
Social media secures white supremacy’s role in gun violence After mass shootings, Americans look everywhere for a source to blame — except for where the problem lies Miranda JacksonNudelman Contributing Columnist
To state it simply: America has a gun violence problem. According to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks every incidence of gun-related violence, including deaths, injuries and crimes, this year to date there have been 35,936 violent gun episodes, resulting in 9,467 deaths. These numbers are increasing as we speak. In particular, there have been 263 mass shootings, which are categorized as any occurrence in which at least four people are shot. An amount outpacing the number of days thus far this year, we’re on track for an average of more than one mass shooting a day. The two most recent mass shootings have garnered massive media attention, including those in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. In Texas, after writing a racist manifesto condemning the
increasingly Hispanic population and their U.S. “invasion,” Patrick Crusius walked into a Walmart and opened fire. An action consequently taking the lives of 22 individuals and injuring more than 24 others, it’s been the deadliest shooting this year. Within fewer than 24 hours of the massacre at El Paso, Connor Betts opened fire on a crowd in Dayton, killing nine and wounding 27. Police have stated they knew of no motivations behind the attack; however, six of the victims were black and another was the shooter’s own transgender brother — although Betts was unaware of his brother’s identity, according to his friends and investigative sources. While the circumstances of every mass shooting might be unique, these recent shootings further expose an increasingly blatant pattern. Predominantly white, young men with the ability to obtain guns are opening fire on the innocent populace in the name of their perceived grievances, or for factors really only clear to themselves. More than a simply stated gun violence problem, specifically,
America has a problem with white men’s gun violence. Like any other brutal displays of danger to universal safety and to humanity, the public response to these events has been tremendous. The phrase “do something” has been a desperate call to public officials in the hopes of increasing background checks, gun licensing and assault weapon bans. However, the response to gun violence has been unsurprisingly divided in regards to both its remedy and its cause. Besides the ever-apparent split between gun rights and gun control advocates, there also exists a disconnect surrounding what could be coercing these young men to take such extreme measures. Following the shootings at El Paso and Dayton, President Trump used a public address along with social media to point the blame at both mental illness and “gruesome” video games. By saying mental illness is what actually pulls the trigger, this sentiment treats all mental illnesses like a volatile ticking time bomb poised to harm the
masses. Arthur Evans, CEO of the American Psychological Association, was one of the first to put the groundless dysphoria aimed at mental illness to rest, stating its blame for gun violence is not only inaccurate but goes against basic scientific evidence. Stressing that an overwhelming majority of those with mental illnesses are nonviolent, many fail to grasp the concept that much of mental illness is aimed more so at self-destruction rather than at others. The fact that a designated ‘’loner” would go out and murder multiple guiltless people clearly shows the state of an unhealthy mind, but not necessarily one plagued by an existing mental illness. Additionally, the link between prior mass shooters and their histories of mental illness is fairly nonexistent, similar to the link between shooting civilians and playing violent video games. The amount of gun violence in other countries within Europe and Asia with similar and higher rates of video game use, even playing the same exact games as Americans, don’t compare to America’s gun
violence rates in the slightest. Although there’s a clear divide within the discussion of gun violence causes, a psychological and statistical understanding of possible contributing factors provides much greater insight than playing a superficial blame game. The real source of the problem is rooted in American culture and history, overflowing with the defense of armaments, white supremacy and violence as a means to solve conflicts. Today, social media networks are vehicles to connect and radicalize like-minded individuals, grieving about their “newfound” place in the world, their loss of power, control and rights. They are exposed to subtle racist, homophobic and sexist ideas through memes, tweets or statuses, and when repeating and sharing them, they’re largely called out and shamed by those they are attacking through these “jokes.” Embarrassment and humiliation are powerful tools for shaping an individual’s beliefs, even more so for men suffering from toxic masculinity, a mutant
form of masculinity influenced by “traditional” masculine stereotypes and societal norms that are greatly harmful to all. Young men seek to find blame for their circumstances, consequently narrowly targeting their anger at marginalized groups. Fueling often undetectable communities of white, nationalistic and alt-right social media amplifies and provides support for shared sentiments of general unhappiness and greater anger. Determined to do anything in their capacity to remedy such feelings and standing in the world, the ease of obtaining a gun in this country aids the white gunmen’s plight along with support from a hateful online community. Online anger amounting to its most extreme produces violence in its most brutal form, especially in the name of a cause, even one as revolting as uniform white dominance and the obliteration of anyone who disagrees. – Miranda Jackson-Nudelman
is a junior majoring in political science.
Israel’s barring of congresswomen is silencing free speech Weakly supported claims of anti-Semitism are the justificiation for denying Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib entrance into Israel. Seth Gully Contributing Columnist
Recently, the Israeli government denied visas to two U.S. congresswomen: Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar. The action comes shortly after President Donald Trump stated on Twitter that “it would show great weakness” if Israel allowed Rep. Omar and Rep. Tlaib to visit. Reps. Tlaib and Omar are vocal supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement. This was the
justification of denying their visits, as Israeli law bars entry to individuals who support the BDS movement. This is something that should alarm all of us. It is a flagrant freedom of speech violation. Of course, we live by different laws in the United States, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look at this act as going directly against freedom of speech. This action — and its justification, for that matter — is wrong. Why? It is right out of George Orwell’s “1984.” If you support peaceful economic pressure to bring an end to an illegal occupation, you’re banned. Think about it in another context: what if the U.S.
government denied entry to any person who supports a boycott of the U.S. government because of Guantanamo Bay, for example? What if the President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, banned any person from entering the country who supports an oil boycott because of human rights abuses? In any other instance, it is clearly evident that to ban someone simply for their political views is against the spirit of free speech, and if that is something we value, then it follows that we ought to be against its violation. Furthermore, I would like to add some context to this conflict. When I stated “an illegal occupation,” that’s not just my
opinion; that is what has been ruled internationally multiple times. A 2004 International Court of Justice ruling deemed the construction of an Israeli wall in occupied Palestinian territories illegal. In addition, the United Nations has ruled multiple times condemning the settlements in occupied Palestine. For example, in 2016, the U.N. Security Council adopted Resolution 2334, which condemned the settlements in the West Bank. Some may argue that one can’t look at the international consensus because there are many in the Middle East and around the world who are very anti-Semitic and believe in the elimination of Israel and the Jewish people,
but this resolution was voted on, almost unanimously, by countries including the U.K., France, Japan, New Zealand and Spain. Are all of these countries just acting in horrible anti-Semitic malice? I argue not. They looked at the evidence and concluded that the settlements are illegal and condemned them. However, this is not to say anti-Semitism is not a large problem that doesn’t deserve attention as well — it most certainly does. For example, the “Proud Boys,” a group the AntiDefamation League described as “overtly Islamophobic and misogynistic … anti-Semitic and racist,” recently held a rally in Portland. There were upwards of
1,200 people at the rally. There is nothing inherently anti-Semitic, nor wrong, with supporting boycotts of the occupied territories. Representatives such as Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar being denied entry is a blatant attack on the spirit of free speech. Meanwhile, the justification used in barring their entry is based on a broad generalization — one that groups true anti-Semites in with people who are merely critical of the treatment of Palestinians and occupation of their rightful land. – Seth Gully is a sophomore
triple-majoring in philosophy, politics and law, economics and French.
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This Sunday, the fifth-annual Binghamton Porchfest will take over the West Side. Porchfest runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will feature a wide variety of musical artists performing on residential porches and driveways throughout the neighborhood, popular for student housing. With more than 150 performances spread out over seven hours, it can be difficult to figure out a timeline that satisfies an attendee’s musical tastes. Check out our map to plan your day around your favorite genres. - Krishna Patel, Arts & Culture Intern mikayel harutyunyan assistant layout designer
Rock: 1. The Watts (1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) 2. Expressions (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 3. Matt Burt (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 4. Yesterday’s Baby (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 5. Grownups (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 6. K Gould & Friends (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 7. Island Hoppers (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 8. Emerald Rain (3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 9. Brewhaha (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 10. Bad Kung Fu (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 11. Oarlock (12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.) 12. Honker (4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) 13. Robb Riddel (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 14. Pat and the Cat (2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) 15. Tijuana Danger Dogs (3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 16. The Gents (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) 17. Stay Off the Fence (4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 18. Wreckless Marci (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) 19. Good Time Rebels (1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) 20. Humble Beginnings Band (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 21. Pasty White & Rocket 88 (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 22. Krooked Knuckles (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 23. Reprise (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.)
24. Black Hat (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Alternative: 1. Cooled Jets (4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) 2. The Cosmic Groan (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) 3. The Wombats (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 4. Mike Davis and the Laughing Buddha Episodes (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) 5. Tom Jolu (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 6. Dreas (5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 7. Yard Party (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) 8. Mary McPherson (12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.) 9. Second Suitor (1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 10. No Soap Radio (3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 11. MoonMade (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Pop: 1. The Clique (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) 2. Mystery Box (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 3. Sydney Rose & Mike Whittemore (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 4. The Bro-Bros (2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) 5. Noor Hila (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 6. Curbside Find (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) Hip-Hop: 1. Uke Nukem (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 2. Youngkingebf (5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) 3. ProjectDCX (2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Multiple Genres: 1. Treasure (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 2. Matthew Cornwell & L’Bonti (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 3. Bad Hombre (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) Country & Americana: 1. Bug Tussle (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) 2. The Lone Ryderz Band (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 3. Dirt Farm (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 4. The Kitchen Sink Band (2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) 5. The Old Shoe String Band (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 6. Lady Purple (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) Folk: 1. Lutheran Skirts (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) 2. Old-Time Jam (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 3. The Vollmers (3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 4. Simmerin’ Stew (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) 5. Bridget Sweeney (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) 6. Craig Russell (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 7. Moose & Squirrel Three (1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.) International: 1. Nukporfe (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
2. Celtic Charm (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 3. Blue Velvet Band (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) Jazz: 1. Fall Creek Brass Band (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 2. Peaches & Crime (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 3. Voodoo Highway (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 4. Dave Scott (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 5. Just For Kicks (4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) 6. A Touch of Brass Quintet (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 7. Festive Fagotti (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) Other/multi-genre: 1. Mosher & Company (6 p.m. to 7 p.m.) 2. Flute Studio of Binghamton (3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) 3. The 4, 5, 6 (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 4. Rare Vintage Band (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) 5. Phil Hazen (12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.) 6. TRiCMD (4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 7. Lomo Solo (12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.) 8. The Apalachin Annies (12:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.) 9. Justice & Martin Shamoonpour (3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.) 10. Adam Ate the Apple (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 11. Motherwit (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 12. Legendx (2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
13. Martha & The Stewarts (3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) 14. Crumbling Tumbleweeds (1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) 15. Mike Morrison (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 16. Ugly Dolphin (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 17. Michael Pero (1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) 18. Next to Kin (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) 19. Blishak (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 20. Friday At Fred’s (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 21. It’s Personal with Michael Saarie (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) 22. Mosaic Winds (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 23. Ty McHugh (3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) 24. Elijah Summers & the Get Together (4 p.m. to 5 p.m.) 25. Pat Donnelly & Friends (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 26. Daniel Dunham (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 27. Joe Weil (5 p.m. to 6 p.m.) 28. Theresa Lee-Whiting with Max Rebhun (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 29. Flute Song (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 30. BootKnife (2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 31. Mountain Aire Brass Quintet (12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) 32. The Parlor City Flute Ensemble (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) 33. RonnyDan Band (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.) 34. Jonathan D. Sorber (2 p.m. to 3 p.m.)
Professor and author Alexi Zentner talks latest novel ‘Copperhead’ explores racism in a college town Gabriela Iacovano
arts & culture editor
In “Copperhead,” author Alexi Zentner, the son of two staunch progressive activists, sets out to ask, “What would my life have been like if I’d been raised with a different lodestar?” Zentner, an assistant professor in Binghamton University’s English department, released “Copperhead,” his third novel, in July. The novel chronicles the aftermath of a tragic accident caused by Jessup, a teenager conflicted by a dependence on his stepfather, David John, and a growing discomfort with David John’s white supremacist leanings and history of violence. In the wake of the accident and Jessup’s attempts to cover it up, this conflict is heightened, and everything Jessup values — including relationships with his black football coach and his mixedrace girlfriend — is compromised. Pipe Dream sat down with Zentner to talk about the novel. PD: The novel’s setting, an
upstate New York college town, shares demographic similarities with cities like Ithaca or Binghamton. Aside from your familiarity with places like these, why write about them? AZ: I think there’s a lot of tension that comes with towns where a university is central, because there’s a portion of town that is privileged beyond the people who live there year-round, and then the people who are employed by the university have a stability in their job that is not really available to everyone else, so there’s a kind of economic and class tension driven by that. And as a writer, there’s something really freeing about writing a fictionalized version of a place you know, because you know it, so it’s an easy model to build upon, but it’s still fictionalized. You’re changing things that don’t fit, so you’re not beholden to the actual geography of the place. PD: Have you noticed anything particular about this region when it comes to racial or class dynamics? AZ: In upstate New York, you have towns and cities, and there can be a quick dividing line between the people who live within the cities and those who live outside. The barrier between rural and urban is
often very quick, and I think people forget that there are pockets of poverty that are often hidden from sight. And when people think of New York, they think of New York City — they don’t understand how big, diverse and varied New York state is. Even when you just look at Binghamton, there are several different Binghamtons: There’s the University itself, there’s Downtown, there’s Vestal, there’s some rural areas around Vestal — it’s not monolithic. PD: A recurring trend in the novel is the educated, white liberals’ neglect for people like Jessup. Have you found that academia does a poor job of addressing the concerns of the white working class? AZ: I think academia as a whole can be problematic because there’s a lot of privilege that goes into getting into an institution like BU. You don’t just have to be smart, you have all these other hoops to jump through, and a lot of what academia does is focus on ideas instead of people, which can be a bad thing because people fall through the gaps. But I would always argue that a good teacher teaches to students, not to the class as a whole, so I think if you’re paying attention, you
should be able to teach students of every background. PD: The relationship between gun violence and right-wing radicalism has been a hot topic lately. What did you intend to say about it here? AZ: Gun culture in America is heavily masculinized, and guns are violent instruments. I don’t have a problem with hunting, and I come from Canada, where there is a hunting culture, but there’s no gun violence culture there comparable to America’s. I do think there are aspects of gun ownership that are not about simply owning a gun, but about sending a message, and unfortunately, there’s only one message you can send with a gun. PD: There’s a dichotomy in the novel between overt and covert white supremacy. For example, David John won’t let his family use the N-word. Why illustrate this? AZ: I think one of the interesting things about the book is that David John, aside from the racism, is a pretty wonderful father and wonderful guy, but that’s a very big aside. It would’ve been easier to write a book that flatly says “racism is bad,” and obviously, my personal belief is that racism is bad, but I don’t think that
accomplishes anything other than just proving that I have the correct morals. So I wanted to explore this question of what you do when the people you love hold beliefs that are problematic. It’s an extreme example, but I hear this from a lot of students even: What do you do when your parents are voting for a party that holds a position you can’t stand? PD: In telling this story, do you think you run the risk of portraying white supremacy as a two-sided issue? AZ: I think that I tried very hard for that not to be the case, but I didn’t want to write a novel that just serves to show that I’m a good person, with the “right morals.” I wanted to raise these questions instead of giving a lecture. I don’t
think you can convert people by yelling at them, which is a shame because it’s easy to yell. I think whatever complaints people had about the book, that wasn’t one of them, but that is one of the things that’s scary about writing a book like this. To write it well is incredibly risky, but that’s what art is. PD: What’s one point you most want readers to take away? AZ: I want people to know that if you ask honest questions, you get honest answers, and if you don’t ask those hard questions, you don’t progress. The point of being progressive is that you progress, and in order to do that, you have to ask questions that are difficult. But pretty much anything worth doing that is difficult.
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‘Main Street Rising’ shown Downtown rising from page 1 Epstein noted that a more genuine investment in the area from students might be a huge help in developing the Downtown Binghamton area. “Brain drain is a pretty big phenomenon in Binghamton,” she said. “Students come and stay for a few years, and then when they’re done with the University, they leave, and there needs to be more ways to keep students here and ensure that
the facilities here for students aren’t just for students in the short term.” Binghamton community member and Roberson Museum executive director Michael Grasso, ‘07, said the film and panel were especially relevant to current trends in Binghamton’s urban landscape. “In our region, I think there’s a really strong resurgence of this Downtown identity that’s at least partially attributed to
students who are looking for that sense of place, but I think it also applies to other areas as well,” he said. “People want to be in walkable cities, they want entertainment in their backyard … It’s economically almost a return to the way cities were set up today to give you a sense of community that you don’t always get from the suburbs.” Frey said he has fond childhood memories of Binghamton’s Main Street, and
the panel confirmed that other community members share his experiences and values. “Everybody has those memories and nostalgic recollections growing up. Main Street and Downtown is part of the culture of the community, and a strong Downtown and Main Street reflects the values and diversity of the community,” he said. “I think that’s important, it really needs to be a place for everyone.”
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Horoscopes
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08/22/19 ACROSS 1 It can cause a bad trip 4 Renders speechless 8 Late-night host with an orangeblimp running gag 13 Show of hands 14 Some Pequod crewmen 16 Tapped pic 17 Many Bach compositions 18 Sources of “Family Feud” answers 20 Soccer officials 21 Till this moment 22 Utah lily 23 Hush-hush org. 26 Rebuffed, with “off” 29 Mob scenes 31 In bygone days 33 Retailer with blue-and-yellow megastores 34 Does penance (for) 35 Clothing line 37 Go-aheads 39 Eye layer 40 Say 42 Hops hot spot 44 “Things Are Fine in Mount __”: Charley Weaver book 45 Augment 46 Unborn 48 Scale members 49 Preserves, in a way 51 Baton-passing event 54 Switch partner 55 Makes moist 57 Electrical generator 61 “The Matrix” actress Carrie-__ Moss 62 Clothing accessory, perhaps ... or what you can see in each of four groups of circles? 63 Cupcake decorator 64 Andean shrubs
65 Little piggies 66 Nero Wolfe creator Stout
32 Sparkly stone 34 Boss’ backup: Abbr. 36 Witty remark DOWN 38 __ de toilette 1 Center of power 41 Strict diet 2 Panels illustrating restriction film scripts 43 __ paper 3 High capital 46 Whole 4 “Hey, sailor!” 47 Get to work again 5 General 50 Japanese concerns? aborigine 6 Unit of work 52 Subsidiary 7 Let off 8 Solace 9 Responsibility 10 Wii forerunner, briefly 11 Onassis nickname 12 Foreign policy advisory gp. 13 Plastic choice 15 100 sawbucks 19 Place for pins and needles 22 Salts, say 23 King’s philosophy 24 Jousting mount 25 Test for purity 27 Scottish isle 28 Half a giggle 30 Letters for short people? 31 Equidistant
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structure 53 Belgian river 54 Phi __ Kappa 55 Dish (out) 56 Son of Zeus and Hera 57 TV network with much Shondaland programming 58 Summer sign 59 Solace for a sad BFF
08/22/19
9
SPORTS
bupipedream.com | August 22, 2019
Volleyball looks to rebound in upcoming campaign
sidney slon pipe dream photographer The Binghamton men’s and women’s soccer teams arrived on campus ready for their 2019 seasons.Sophomore middle blocker Tyra Wilson led the Bearcats in the 2018 season with 64 blocks and added 97 kills.
Wilson, Adams lead revamped Bearcats team Justin Zion
sports editor
Following a long offseason over the winter, spring and summer, the Binghamton volleyball team is finally gearing up to return to the court for the 2019 season. Though the team possesses some steep holes to fill with the departures of several key players from last season, the Bearcats have some returning players primed and ready to fill that gap. “We’ve got some good
returners back,” said BU head coach Glenn Kiriyama. “They’ve been working hard. We’ve just got to keep working hard for the rest of this preseason, and I think that we’ll be good to go here.” Of the departures from last season, replacing three specific players is where the Bearcats will face their steepest challenge. Former America East (AE) Player of the Year Gaby Alicea, along with outside hitter Erin Schultz and middle hitter Lexi LaGoy, combined for 720 kills last season — 70 percent of the team’s total on the season. They also combined for 843 points. “We’re hoping that our
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returners that we have coming back can step it up a little bit,” Kiriyama said. “And they have improved a little bit through the offseason. They’re working hard this preseason … We lost a lot of our offense, with both of our outsides graduating, and we’re hoping that some of these outsides that haven’t played much will be able to step in right away and contribute.” Returning for Binghamton is the team’s key setter from last season, sophomore Kiara Adams, who recorded 638 of the team’s assists. On the defensive side, the team’s leader in blocks from 2018, sophomore middle blocker Tyra Wilson, said she is
ready for the bigger role she will assume on this year’s team, and believes the Bearcats are ready for competition. “Overall, with our team, I think we’re doing pretty well,” Wilson said. “We’re coming together pretty strong. Obviously, we have lulls, but we’re really good at snapping out of them, and everyone is really supportive of each other.” Last season, the Bearcats only managed to win five of their 25 contests. With only three victories in 12 total AE matches, the team missed out on AE postseason play as well. Though such a record can be demoralizing, the team knows exactly what it needs
to improve upon to better last season’s record. “We’re gonna need to be a lot more consistent with our ball control,” Kiriyama said. “Hopefully, that’ll help our offense come around a little bit better, and we’re gonna need to be a really good serving team this year and be able to serve pretty hard and get [our opponents] out of their system.” In the 2019 AE Preseason Coaches’ Poll, the Bearcats were picked to finish last in the conference, where a total of six teams compete. The Stony Brook volleyball team is the near-unanimous pick to finish atop the conference. BU will not
have the chance to defy that low expectation until October, when conference play begins. Until then, the Bearcats will participate in several nonconference tournaments that will encompass the first month of their season. The first of these is the Delaware Classic, hosted by the University of Delaware. The Bearcats have three games slated for this competition, starting with their season-opening match against Coppin State.
The season opener against the Eagles is slated for 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, Delaware.
VOLLEYBALL
BU ready for opener SEE PAGE 9
Thursday, August 22, 2019
BACK IN ACTION
Binghamton fall teams prepare for long-awaited seasons
pipe dream archives
The Binghamton men’s and women’s soccer teams arrived on campus ready for their 2019 seasons.
Men’s soccer seeks return to AE playoffs
Wo m e n ’s s o c c e r r e t o o l s o f f e n s i v e a t t a c k f o r 2 0 1 9
Samantha Marsh
Edward Aaron
assistant sports editor
As the new fall semester gets underway, the 2019 men’s soccer season is around the corner, and after a disappointing 2018 season, the team is looking to improve upon its record. In the 2018 season, the Bearcats mustered just three wins. While the start of the season was plagued by losses, the start of conference play looked promising for BU, as it won its first two America East (AE) matches, including upsetting eventual conference champion New Hampshire. The Bearcats, however, lost their momentum, ending the season with seven straight defeats. To try and right the ship, BU head coach Paul Marco has made changes to how he runs his preseason practices. The team is doing fitness testing throughout the season rather than at the beginning and has decreased its practices from two per day to one. “We wanted to try to keep the guys as fresh as we could,” Marco said. “We’ve only been in a week and classes [have begun], so the volume on the guys’ legs has been a lot less than in normal seasons. What’s really important for us is that we keep the guys healthy, and I think we’ve done a pretty good job.” While the team lost some key players, last season’s top scorer, junior midfielder Noah Luescher, is returning as a co-captain alongside graduate student defender Stephen McKenna. “I think our two captains have come back with open minds and expanded hearts and the eagerness to lead the group,” Marco said. “I think Stephen McKenna and Noah Luescher have done a great job. They helped bring a young group of guys close together.”
Last season, Luescher led the team with three goals and four assists, started in all 17 games and was named the AE Offensive Player of the Week. Luescher picked up an injury over the summer and missed most of the preseason, but he has since returned to the field and has opportunity to showcase his leadership skills, which will be needed with the Bearcats welcoming 12 freshmen onto the team. “I think it’s one of the hardest things to get everyone on the same page, because everyone comes in from high school and their club teams, and they were all starters,” Luescher said. “Now they might sit on the bench for a while, but I think they’re doing a great job of keeping the spirit of the team high.” Of the 12 new freshmen, the team welcomes one local player: freshman forward Dan Mansfield. Mansfield, a native of Vestal, was captain of his high school team for two years and a 2018 New York State Public High School Athletic Association All-State selection. In his senior season, he scored 14 goals. Alongside Mansfield, Marco is excited to see what the large group of new faces brings to the team. “The thing that’s been impressive so far is the speed of all the guys,” Marco said. “Now how quickly they can adjust and adapt to the combativeness, the intelligence of Division I, will be their challenge.” The Bearcats will face Drexel at home in their season opener this year, and they have a chance to avenge their loss to the Dragons in last year’s season opener, which the Bearcats dropped 3-2 on the road.
They will kick off their 2019 campaign on at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30 at the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.
assistant sports editor
With a talented senior class, strong leadership and a revamped offensive attack, the Binghamton women’s soccer team returned to campus on Aug. 5 to prepare for its 2019 season. The team has been working to develop chemistry throughout the offseason, and its progress will be tested in tonight’s season opener at home against St. Bonaventure. “Throughout the spring season, we focused so much on our team chemistry,” said senior defender Lauren Spinnato. “We really brought that in this fall and we really implemented that on the freshmen as well. It seems like we’re getting that team chemistry down, which is making us play much better than we have.” After a disappointing 2018 campaign that saw the Bearcats falter in conference play after a strong start in the nonconference season, the Binghamton women’s soccer team was picked seventh by the other coaches in this year’s America East (AE) preseason poll. “We talked about [the poll] very briefly as a team, and I wasn’t going to discuss it again,” said BU head coach Neel Bhattacharjee. “If there’s any team that can show how meaningless some of these
preseason polls are, it’s us. The year we won it we were actually predicted to finish next to last.” The most significant change for this year’s Binghamton squad is a new offensive attack following the graduation of standout forward Kayla Saager, ’18. Saager, the 2017 AE Striker of the Year, scored 11 goals in each of her two seasons as a Bearcat. Earlier this week, she signed a contract to begin her professional career with 1. FC Slovácko in the Czech First League. “Our attack is going to be more multifaceted, incorporating not just one primary target forward and everyone else in a supporting role, but really a multifaceted attack where we can attack centrally, out wide, in our front line, in the midfield, getting our outside backs involved in the attack,” Bhattacharjee said. “I think what people will see is that it is more of a varied attack and it’s also going to be more unpredictable.” The balanced offensive attack should allow several returning members of the supporting cast, as well as some newcomers, to score more goals this season. Aside from Saager, the team retains most of its contributors from
last season. Junior midfielder Dora Hayes is expected to lead Binghamton’s retooled offensive unit, and Bhattacharjee noted her potential to receive greater scoring opportunities. Junior defender Erin Theiller leads the unit defensively as a talented playmaker who was named to the second team allconference as a freshman in 2017. She, along with Spinnato, will anchor the team’s back line. During the offseason, Spinnato, Theiller and senior midfielder Abby Wick were selected as team captains by their teammates. “We like to lead by example, the three of us,” Wick said. “We try to encourage other voices to step up. There’s definitely 27 leaders on this team — 27 girls — so it’s not just up to the captains to help lead the team.” Led by Wick and Spinnato, Binghamton’s current senior class is the first to play its four years entirely under Bhattacharjee’s leadership. “I think, especially since we’ve been the first group with Neel for four years, we’ve definitely learned how we would like to grow our team culture and establish it,” Wick said. “[We], as a senior class, are really close and we get along really well and that just carries [its] own down to the other classes as we fold them
into our team culture.” The contributions of the group, both on and off the field, have been significant for the team, and Bhattacharjee said she hopes they will help Binghamton develop better chemistry and a more cohesive team this season. “These are seniors that have been here the whole time since I’ve been here, so it’s really nice that they already know what this program is about — not just from the soccer side, but everything we want to represent as a program,” Bhattacharjee said. Prior to competing for a playoff spot against its AE opponents, Binghamton will play a nine-game nonconference slate, including a matchup against Georgia of the Southeastern Conference, as well as strong mid-major programs such as American and George Mason. “It all starts with Thursday night — our focus is on St. Bonaventure,” Bhattacharjee said. “They’re a team that gave us a tough battle last year and certainly we want to make sure that we show well for it being the first athletics contest of the year and second day of classes and giving our students and our fans a good show.”
Kickoff against the Bonnies is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Bearcats Sports Complex in Vestal, New York.