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@PPUGlobe January 25, 2017
Mayor Bill Peduto visits USG
THE DON OF A NEW ERA By Emily Bennett and Alexander Popichak
Editor-Elect and Editor-in-Chief
USG Beat Writer
Gracey Evans | The Globe
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto
One woman show takes the stage in ‘Woody’s Order’ Jordan Slobodinsky reflects on the presidential inauguration Track and field runner Anna Shields ranks No. 1 in the NAIA 5K ppuglobe.com
Celebrating 50 years of covering the world of Point Park University news
By Alex Grubbs
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In the midst of his reelection campaign, Pittsburgh’s mayor highlighted the city’s changing landscape while disconnecting it from politics in Washington, D.C. during his visit to the university. “It doesn’t matter what happens in Washington,” Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said to over 30 people attending the United Student Government (USG) meeting on Tuesday. “If we pull together as a city, we can see… great things happen.” The mayor is currently running for re-election after winning the position in 2013, starting his term in 2014. Senator Daniel Murphy asked him how he will advocate for students in Pittsburgh after referencing his concern with Secretary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos after her confirmation hearing last week left Congress questioning her qualifications. “I don’t know what the next four years are going to be,” Peduto responded. “I’m not trying to be political or funny about that, I just think it’s different waters we’re in. “[But] we [have to] figure it out on our own,” he continued. “Any student who goes to a Pittsburgh public school is not only going to be welcomed… their own true self will be honored.” Peduto went on to ask the crowd how the city can start educating its own students, without Washington’s help, to train them for future jobs. “What can we do in seventh grade to start training people for these jobs?,” Peduto asked. He then referenced the start of a new emergency services program put into effect at Westinghouse Academy in September to focusing on students in the city. This program will allow students to be trained as firefighters, paramedics, police officers, etc. According to Peduto, students enrolled in these programs can graduate high school with certifi-
IN THIS ISSUE:
Emily Bennett | The Globe
Supporters gaze toward the U.S. Capitol as Donald J. Trump assumes the United States presidency Friday, Jan. 20, 2017.
Donald J. Trump became the 45th president of the United States upon taking the oath of office in Washington, D.C. at noon on Jan. 20, 2017. Campaign button peddlers and volunteers outside the security gates leading into the capitol assured inauguration-goers of a show that would “put P.T. Barnum to shame.” The ceremony included a speech from New York Senator Chuck Schumer and performances by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Missouri State Chorale and operatic singer and Pittsburgh-native Jackie Evancho. Most notable amongst the sights and sounds of the inauguration were the sea of bright red “Make America Great Again” hats adorning the heads of supporters on the seasonable January day.
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Sister March draws 25,000 demonstrators to downtown By Allison Schubert Copy Editor
Point Park students and faculty joined a group of 25,000 protestors in the Sister March for Pittsburgh, a larger-than-expected demonstration against the inauguration of Donald Trump. This march was yet another in a series of Women’s Marches across the country. Demonstrators with signs filled the streets of Pittsburgh as the estimated 25,000 participants in the Sister March for Pittsburgh paraded through downtown. Organizers of the event requested a permit to protest a little over 24 hours before the march. The permit was only for 400 people, but the actual turnout was nearly 62 times that amount. “This is wonderful,” Peduto said. “I was absolutely blown away [when I first saw all of these people], I expected about a thousand people maximum.” Marchers of all ages and genders met at the City-County Building at 11 a.m. to participate in the sister march of the Women’s March on Washington. Chants that began shortly after included “yes we can” along with “women’s rights are human rights”. “I march because it makes a difference,” freshman dance major Marin Lomen said. “All these people are complaining
about the next four years to come, but they aren’t doing anything about it. I march to bring attention to serious issues that have been going on far longer than this election.” The women’s marches were not just held in the United States, but in every continent in the world. According to NBC News, about 600 sister marches surrounded the world to coincide with the Women’s March on Washington. These marches totaled up to millions of participants worldwide with the end goal of making a difference. “I marched, did this same thing, when the Vietnam War was going on and it was stopped because of efforts like this,” said one protester, Marguerite Rafalko. “I believe that
together we can accomplish anything.” Teamwork was a common theme of the march, with speeches about sisterhood and signs that read “one struggle, one fight, all women must unite”. All of the marchers had different stories and different reasons for protesting, from women’s rights to LGBT rights to the entirety of the Trump presidency. “[I’m protesting] mostly because I’m against the Trump administration and everything it stands for,” freshman cinema production major Sarah Campbell said. “I feel like people don’t understand that there is a peaceful side of [the protests] because most media only shows the violence. I
MARCH page 3
Issue 3
Tuition increase coming for 2017-18 By Josh Croup
Co-Sports Editor
Students will pay more to attend classes next year at Point Park, as tuition is once again on the rise. The Board of Trustees approved a 3.9 percent tuition increase for all traditional undergraduate students in 2017-18. The figures were outlined in a letter sent to students’ home addresses dated Jan. 18 and are reflected on the university’s website. Students in the Conservatory of Performing Arts (COPA) will pay $1,380 more in tuition costs next year. Non-COPA students will experience a tuition increase of $1,080. “At Point Park University, the faculty and staff provide you with a distinctive, innovative and experienced-based education in a dynamic, urban setting,” the letter sent to students said.
TUITION page 3
Mental health club provides safe space for students By Matt Petras Staff Writer
A mental health awareness group on campus called Active Minds is still in its planning stages following its recognition as an official club at the first United Student Government (USG) meeting of this semester. “Particularly on college campuses, being aware of mental illness and having
CLUB page 2
Robert Berger | The Globe A demonstrator, wearing a paper mache Trump mask, walks along Grant Street during the Women’s March Jan. 21.
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THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Trump supporters, opponents travel to nation’s capital from TRUMP page 1 “I’ve been in 35 degree weather since 4 a.m.,” said Neil Halden, 25, of Nashville, TN. “We came up from a couple states away and have camped out since four. We were up at three and came over here and stood in line for three and a half hours, but it was fun.” Halden was clad in embroidered stars emblazoned into a navy blue blazer and a red “Make America Great Again” hat. Halden said he was “not even a huge fan” of Trump, but as a loyal republican was “really excited for the future without Barack Obama.” “The atmosphere is really American,” Halden said. “It’s the exact opposite of the DNC, I don’t see anyone burning any American flags here.” The sentiment of republican solidarity was also true of Daniel Mullan, 18, of Houston, TX. Mullan attended the inauguration as part of a high school history course initiative through a campus organization called CloseUp. “I’m just hoping Trump has the common sense and the capacity to really just apply some of his economic ingenuity into the presidency,” Mullan said. “I hope he realizes it’s no longer just himself that he’s working for but an entire nation of people that are going to be looking to him.” The event drew hundreds of thousands from all different walks of the
Julie Griffith | The Globe
Protestors organized by ANSWER coalition link arms and peacefully demonstrate against the Trump presidency on Inauguration Day in Washington, D.C. political world, including Senator Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton supporters – like Georgetown University psychology pre-med major Symone Speech, 19, of Chicago, Ill. Speech said she attended the inauguration primarily because of its proximity to her university. “I’m not a Trump supporter, but I’m really big on experiencing historical events, so I just felt like it was something I needed to experience,” Speech said. “This is not exactly how I wanted things to turn out. Economically I have a little bit of faith, but right now our country’s really divided.” Among those present who were of a different political mindset was the group of young liber-
tarians who stayed posted at the entrance of the non-ticketed area all day — handing out informational brochures and holding up signs about the third party. The group’s leader, 18-year-old Trent Somes of Pennsylvania, is the National Chairman of the Libertarian Youth Caucus, and serves on the Regional Libertarian National Committee as an alternate. “This election, the Libertarian Party got over 4 million votes, the most the party has ever gotten in history,” Somes said. “We saw that people either really hated Clinton or they really hated Trump, and thought their vote had to go against the one they hated more. We hope that people are going to be coming to us because they actually
like our candidates.” Dotting the sea of red baseball caps and beanies were the occasional protester and, as some were made aware at entry points, activists of various causes. Among these protesters was 21-year-old Nate Pearce of Hershey, Pa. Pearce held a sign that read “Abort Trump” with a clothes hanger drawn underneath the text. “It’s hard to watch,” Pearce said. “I want people to know they don’t have to stay stagnant and should feel free to stand up for what they think.” According to National Public Radio (NPR), 99 different protest groups were estimated to have been present at the inauguration in Washington. After a morning of largely
peaceful protest, of these 99 groups, 217 protesters were arrested after violent riots broke out. Police responded to the ugly clashes with flash-bang devices and pepper spray. According to CNN, six D.C. police officers were injured and hospitalized. President Trump wasted no time in transitioning into his official title – changing the official @ POTUS Twitter account that once bore Barack Obama’s name to his own only moments after swearing in. President Trump also signed his first executive order — opting to scale back parts of the Affordable Care Act. On the web, in place of the Department of Labor’s report on LGBT presences in the workplace and the White House’s account on the threat of climate change, one can find access to an “America First Energy Plan” and an “America First Foreign Policy.” Other endeavors President Trump intends to see come to fruition includes establishing a plan to lower federally backed mortgage feeds, and the president is also expected to name Ajit Pai, a senior Republican member of the Federal Communications Commission, chairman of the F.C.C.
Emily Bennett elbenne@pointpark.edu Alexander Popichak apopic@pointpark.edu
Club president hopes to USG distributes money to club create environment for mental health discussion after end of funding period from CLUB page 1
a safe space… is really important,” Treasurer Beth Bogolub said. This student group is one of over 400 Active Mind chapters around the country. Students at Point Park decided to get involved after Taffie Bucci, a counselor at the university, tried to get some students she knew involved through an email sent out at the end of the Spring 2016 semester. Bucci now advises the club, she said in a phone interview Monday. There aren’t any hard plans set up thus far, President Emelina López said in a phone interview Friday. She hopes to host regular meetings centered around open discussion among members but is currently trying to find a day and time that will work best. Active Minds is not an entirely new club. During the Fall 2016 semester the club operated, albeit it was considerably under the radar. Throughout the semester, López and other executive members hacked away at the necessary requirements for official recognition, such as drafting a constitution for approval. At the same time, the club was operated on an independent basis. Before the schedule eventually devolved to meeting every
other week, the club maintained weekly meetings every Monday at 5 p.m., according to López. “I think the meetings were really helpful for those of us who were there,” senior photography major Becca Painter said. Painter was one of a tight-knit group of around five or six members, according to López. López would pick topics for the meetings and allow the group to take charge in discussion. The group also allowed students to unload and talk about the good and the bad in each of their weeks, according to Painter. “It was nice to have a group of people who will pay attention to you every week,” Painter said. This semester, López hopes to pick a day and time that will accommodate a larger group of students. Many students showed interest but couldn’t make the meetings, López said. Taylor DeLay, the vice president of the club, was among students who found it difficult to make it to meetings. López also hopes to host campus-wide events, such as something to coincide with finals week, a high-stress time for many students. López, Bogolub and DeLay were not friends before Bucci’s email encour-
aged them to get involved. “It was interesting to be all of a sudden put together,” López said. “Coming to agreements wasn’t hard.” This trio of women are no strangers to the issues at hand. Bogolub suffers from depression, for example. “It’s been a part of my life for a long time,” she said. While López is currently running a club about mental health issues, she didn’t always have that awareness, she said. When she began college, she started to suffer from seasonal depression. Whenever a loved one recommended she talk to a counselor, she initially did not like the idea. “There is nothing wrong with me,” López remembered saying. “I don’t need that.” López realized the error of that line of thinking when she actually received counseling, however. The lesson she learned influences how she operates the club today. “It’s okay to talk about it,” López said. “You’re not alone.”
Matt Petras mapetra@pointpark.edu.
from USG page 1 According to Peduto, students enrolled in these programs can graduate high school with certificates and already be qualified for jobs in emergency services across the city. This is one of his solutions for pushing students into the job field. Back to business, USG allocated $175.88 to Criminal Justice Club after the funding period ended last week. Treasurer Amedea Baldoni attributed a glitch in PointSync as the reason for the club’s late allocation. President Pro-Tempore Shaniece Lawrence opposed the motion while Sen. Shayna Mendez abstained. After rejecting $500 for Dance Club’s off-campus venue for an event, USG allocated it after the organization submitted an appeals request. Representing the organization, Maddy Miller said its members have already paid $500 for the venue deposit and are only asking the governing body an additional $500. It would also help with a plated dinner it would receive. Sen. KacieJo Brown opposed this motion.
It also approved its $20,000 internal budget for the spring and summer 2017 semesters. According to Vice President Bobby Bertha, this money is not from student activity fees for the semester, but rather a rollback of unspent money from fall semester. Majority of the budget is for the summer semester. To pay for PointSync, the university’s bike program and free Playhouse tickets, USG proposed $5,500 for it. An additional $4,000 went to stipends within the executive cabinet and another $4,000 towards Pioneer Community Day (PCD), a volunteer event involving students at the university. PCD will be held on Saturday, Apr. 22. Lawrence said the committee on the volunteer event are still talking to local organizations that would take the volunteers. USG’s rules committee will also release its social media code of ethics for the governing body in coming weeks.
Alex Grubbs aagrubb@pointpark.edu.
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
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Students question university’s motives for tuition hike from TUITION page 1 COPA students have paid more than non-COPA students since tuition increased slightly more for COPA students for the 2001-02 school year. Both COPA and non-COPA students paid the same tuition of $12,596 in 2000-01. Freshman acting major Braxton McCollum was in the cafe Monday celebrating the news that he was cast for the role of Fang in the upcoming Pittsburgh Playhouse production of “The Adventures of Nate the Great.” “It’s been a blast,” McCollum said of his freshman year. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I definitely am trying my best to take advantage of as many opportunities that I can.” McCollum said he is willing to pay more than non-COPA students, as long as he gets back what he puts into his college career. “I’m very fortunate to have scholarships and grants to make paying tuition easier,” McCollum said.
“However, if it were to get to a certain point [that tuition was too high], I would be concerned.” McCollum makes up part of the 90 percent of students at Point Park that receive financial aid each year. It is the No. 1 cost-driver of the university, which awarded more than $90 million of financial aid to students in 2015-16. On the opposite end of the newly-renovated cafe sat sophomore sports, arts and entertainment management major Keely Sapienza. Because she is a resident educator (RE) on the 10th floor of Lawrence Hall, Sapienza does not have to pay for room and board, which eases her burden of paying for college. What she can’t pay for in grants or scholarships, Sapienza is paying for out of pocket or with student loans. She called the increase just “another year that tuition goes up,” adding that she wants more tuition transparency.
“I don’t know what my tuition is going towards,” Sapienza said. “I know it pays for my education. What if it’s going to something I don’t know about? For room and board, I know I’m paying for housing and for food. That’s one thing. I want to know more details.” The university did not return a request for comment in time for print publication. The 2017-18 tuition increases follow a 2.9 percent increase from 2015-16 to 2016-17, which marked the smallest percent increase since Point Park gained university status in 2003. Current undergraduate COPA seniors began their Point Park careers paying $31,540 in tuition, while non-COPA seniors paid $24,980 during their freshman year of 2013-14. United Student Government (USG) President Blaine King is part of that senior class. As a broadcast reporting major, King said he is pleased with where his
Pittsburghers believe sister march made ‘huge impact’ from MARCH page 1 wanted to become part of the peaceful side.” The Sister March for Pittsburgh began with police lining their path on Grant Street before continuing on to Fifth Avenue, Wood Street and finally stopping in Market Square for speeches by activists from around the area, including Mayor Peduto. “Pittsburgh is a city that shares and shows love, and there are no laws that can take away compassion,”
Peduto said in his speech. “We’re going to roll up our sleeves and do what Pittsburghers do: we’re going to work hard and we’re going to make this the city for all. We’re going to be proud to show the rest of this country how a city can strive through compassion.” Marchers that had then gathered continued to cheer on all of the speakers and sing songs led by a small band on the stage. This mirrored the other marches as well, with many celebrities
money has gone the last four years and has learned to deal with tuition increases. “It happens at universities and colleges all over the country,” King said in a phone interview Monday. “It’s normal. A little increase here and there is going to help provide things we need… It’s something we have to deal with.” Next year’s tuition numbers represent a 15.5 percent increase for non-COPA students in the last five years, and a 16.6 percent increase for COPA students in that time. The tuition increases coincide a slight increase in the total enrollment figures in recent years. This year’s senior class was part of a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,226 their freshman year in 2013-14. Undergraduate enrollment has fluctuated slightly since, and sat at 3,276 for the fall 2016 semester. Total enrollment at the university has increased
to 4,093 at the start of the 2016-17 year, up from 3,841 in 2013-14. A key component to the university’s enrollment increase has been its online programs. Between undergraduate and graduate online programs, enrollment stood at 588 at the start of 2016, up from 38 students when the programs were introduced in 2014. Students with questions regarding tuition hikes such as Sapienza’s are encouraged by King to bring them to USG at its weekly meetings. For now, Sapienza hopes to get the most from her money at Point Park and worry about the costs down the line. “I’m hoping to pay it off later,” Sapienza said. “I want to finish my degree. I have to accept the tuition costs if I want to continue that, even though it sucks.”
CR Josh Croup jdcroup@pointpark.edu. do IME notR MONDAY, JANUARY 9 1:58 a.m. EcPr Pioneer Hall OoRss Alcohol Violation Referred to Student Conduct T 3:28 p.m.
speaking at the Women’s March on Washington, like Scarlett Johansson. Although no A-list celebrities appeared in Pittsburgh, marchers felt the impact was just as great. “I believe the march had a huge impact,” Lomen said. “It is said to be the biggest [inaugural] protest in U.S. history. I would say that’s pretty impactful.”
Student Center Theft Under Investigation
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Forbes Avenue Warrant Arrest - No campus affliation
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Academic Hall Alcohol Violation Referred to Student Conduct
Allison Schubert alschub@pointpark.edu.
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Data compiled by Alex Grubbs Design by Emily Yount
Get Involved! Be Heard! Have your own show! 2nd floor of Lawrence Hall near Dining Services
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
IN FOCUS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
VIEWPOINTS FROM INSIDE AND OUT: THE INAUGURATION
Gracey Evans | The Globe
A superior US capitol police officer stands between officers in riot gear and protestors.
Chloe Jakiela | The Globe
Protestors peacefully demonstrate against the Trump agenda under ANSWER coalition.
Troy Patrick | The Globe
A limo was vandalized and later set on fire at a protest in Franklin Square.
Chloe Jakiela | The Globe
Trump supporters watch the Inauguration ceremony on one of their phones.
Alexander Popichak | The Globe
Two men embrace in celebration after Trump officially takes oath.
Nicole Pampena | The Globe
President Donald Trump waves to crowd members during the parade.
FEATURES
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
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Actress, writer tells life story with new one-woman show By Victoria Lemon For the Globe
The Pittsburgh Playhouse REP Professional Company is starting 2017 off strong with a unique performance of a one-woman show about the struggles an all-American family faces when dealing with special needs. “Woody’s Order!” is a biographical play written and performed by Ann Talman and directed by John Shepard. Ann Talman takes on multiple characters in “Woody’s Order!” as she exposes her life story and her fight between what is right and what she loves. “Woody’s Order!” explores the complex relationships that exist in a family that includes a special needs member, Talman’s brother, Woody, who lives with cerebral palsy. “It is not about this person, it is not about [Ann’s] career,” said Zane Wagner, assistant director of the play. “Her idea is that when Woody passes away she wants people to be able to meet her brother.” “Woody’s Order!” displays the timeline of Talman’s life from being born, destined to be Woody’s caretaker, to taking Broadway by storm. She wants to express the lesson that it is possible to care for family while also taking care of oneself. “No matter how much you
John Altdorfer | Pittsburgh Playhouse
Ann Talman, doubling as the playwright and lead role for “Woody’s Order!”, delivers a monologue from the show. The show runs Feb. 3-19 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse’s Studio Theatre. love someone who is helpless, you cannot live their life for them,” Talman said, explaining the internal conflict she has lived with regarding her brother. “Woody’s Order!” is an opportunity for students to witness the passion and success from someone who was pushed down and fought back harder. This show can renew the dedication in stu-
dents and teach them lessons in perseverance. Ann Talman said she wants the students to take away that it is okay to put family first. “I had to put my career on hold to make choices because I loved my family,” Talman said. “I don’t regret it; I would do the same thing over. It was incredibly difficult at the time and there were moments that
I resented it. But it made me a better person; therefore it made me a better actress, a better writer.” Wagner also pulls the relatability and importance of family from the show. “We are all part of a family,” Wagner said. “By the end [of the show] you will feel so good because you see this struggle from so many of the characters but at the end you
feel relieved because it turns out okay. It sheds hope and light onto situations that can be pretty hard.” Shephard, who has worked with Talman in the past, admires her commitment to both her career and her brother and interprets the show as a lesson. “I hope the audience will identify and empathize [with the show],” Shepard said. “Because despite everyone’s experiences in life, we share common threads and I think that is one of the great things about theatre. We all share that moment in the same space at the same time.” The show opens in the Studio Theater at the Pittsburgh Playhouse on Feb. 3 and will run until Feb. 19. Tickets range from $10-$29 and can be purchased at the Playhouse’s box office at 222 Craft Ave. or by calling at (412)-392-8000. Following the performances on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m., there will be a talk back with the playwright. These talk backs are a way for the audience to ask questions about the show, process and life of Ann Talman. There will be an ASL Interpretive performance provided on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. Victoria Lemon vjlemon@pointpark.edu
Point Park facility names steeped in university history By Dara Collins For the Globe
The names of Point Park’s facilities appear engraved in the concrete walls and printed across the flags along the buildings. Students walk through and past these buildings without thinking twice about these names, although the buildings that stand today on campus hold a history.
The dance complex, known as the George Rowland White Performance Center, and the GRW Theater in the University Center reveals the story of George Rowland White. With a Ph.D. under his belt, he worked as a physicist, taught at Harvard University and became the vice president of the Xerox Corporation and the vice president of the University of Pitts-
burgh, according to his obituary published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. While working in Pittsburgh, White and his wife, Kathleen M. White, fell in love with the arts, according to Access Service and Archival Coordinator Phillip Harrity. “The person he worked under at Pitt got him into the arts in Pittsburgh because the person he worked for was a philanthro-
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pist for the Pittsburgh Opera,” Harrity said. “George and his wife saw Point Park as a center for the arts so they started giving a lot of money to the school for different things.” After a third retirement, White served on the university’s board of trustees from 1995-2005. White passed away in 2012, and the university decided to commemorate him by officially naming the George Rowland White Performance Center and the GRW Theater after him, according to Harrity. “He was an amazing man,” Assistant Dean of Students Keith Paylo said. “It was like being in the presence of a genius. I’ve sat in meetings with him, and when he talked, people listened. I always appreciated that when he had a comment, the room stopped. Whatever he had to say always had meaning and impact.” In addition to the conservatory facilities, the dormitories of Point Park possess a hidden past as well. Lawrence Hall was built in 1928 and was named after David L. Lawrence when Point Park bought the building. He served as the 51st mayor of Pittsburgh from 1946-1959, and became the 37th governor of Pennsylvania from 1959-1963. In relation to Point Park, he appeared on the original board of trustees, according to Harrity. “He was under the first renaissance of Pittsburgh which was around the time our school started so the building was named after him,” Harrity said. Thayer Hall holds a history of its own as
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the first dormitory on campus. The university built the facility from the ground up. Dorms, offices, computer labs and study lounges exist in the current building. Clara Thayer Rockwell is the name behind the title. The Rockwells were major benefactors to the university. Willard F. Rockwell Jr. became a name to the university in the 1960s when he started putting money towards the school, according to Harrity. Aside from the buildings, other attractions on Point Park’s campus are named in dedication to prominent figures. The JVH Auditorium is named after Dr. John V. Hopkins, a former Point Park University president. During his service from 1973-1986, Hopkins opened up the first Saturday college and attempted to get rid of the university’s sports teams due to financial issues. The former president passed away in 1987, according to Harrity. F. Tracy Henderson Alumni Park is dedicated to the husband of another Point Park President, Dr. Katherine Henderson. During the 1990s, a combination of turmoil within the school and a damaged economy doomed the university. As Henderson became president, changes and renovations ensued, enrollment increased and Point Park officially became a university, according to Paylo. “She is credited with saving the university in many ways,” Paylo said. The history attached to these ordinary buildings proved to be a surprise to uninformed students. “I never really thought of the buildings being named after anyone,” freshman sports, arts and entertainment management student Kara Sayers said. “I always thought the school just picked a name randomly, but I never looked into the history of it.”
Dara Collins dmcolli@pointpark.edu.
OPINIONS GL BE’S POINT
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
Aftermath of the inaguration
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What went right and what went left By Jordan Slobodinsky
Apparently (crowd) size matters The media’s job is to inform the public. This is the gold standard for any journalist. So why did White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer center his very first press briefing around “alternative facts,” and why did Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to President Donald Trump, back him up? Spicer stepped into the briefing room Saturday to state that Trump’s inauguration had the largest amount of viewers any inauguration had ever seen. Period. Something that simply wasn’t true. He didn’t answer a single question. The National Park Service doesn’t provide an official inauguration crowd estimate, and the mayor’s office didn’t release an official estimate, like they did after President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009. No one has the right answer as to how many people were at the capitol Friday. Obama’s first inauguration drew a crowd of over 1.8 million. Trump called out a television network in a press conference Saturday that estimated only 250,000 were in attendance for his inaguration. If we don’t have the trust of the press, we have nothing, and if the people don’t trust the press, we have even less. Three weeks ago, that is what Spicer believed. Why is he lying to the public to make his boss look good? At the onset of his presidency, Trump hasn’t done
a knockout job of ensuring truth — not as long as the term “alternative facts” is being pawned off as accurate journalism. Can we trust Spicer to inform the media and the public? Can the public trust the media? Maybe the question is, has the public ever been able to trust the media? In this age of “alt facts” and falsehoods, it is important to remember that our stories must be airtight. As the expression goes, be critical of the media you love. We cannot be afraid to express ourselves and make our voices heard, whether that is made possible through journalism or by taking to the streets. While Spicer was lying to the faces of the public, millions of women took to the streets of Washington D.C. and hundreds of other cities to express their thoughts on women’s issues and other issues such as climate change and healthcare. Vox estimated that more than 3.3 million marched in over 500 cities. Some media outlets have said this could have been the largest collective demonstration in U.S. History. We at the Globe cannot confirm or deny this number. We can, however, guarantee that it was undoubtedly more than those present at the inauguration of President Trump.
The Point Park Globe globe@pointpark.edu.
Co-Opinions Editor
At last Donald Trump is the President of the United States. The era of a safer and greater America is here. This past Friday, hundreds of thousands gathered around Washington D.C. to watch President Trump’s inauguration. The ceremony was beautiful and well done. This event was monumental and showed the peaceful transfer of power our country has. It truly was well done and honorable. President Trump’s inauguration speech was inspiring, and really got me excited for his presidency. He spoke of a more united America who gives its power back to the people. The speech was very simple and straight to the point, something I hope continues with our president. While the ceremony and speech were well done, there was a lot that was done wrong this weekend. Across the internet, I saw videos of protestors trying to deny President Trump his position. While we do have the right to peacefully protest in this country, the protestors on Friday did it in the wrong way. Inauguration day is a time where we can all unite in order to welcome in our new leader and to be grateful that our country can transfer power both peacefully and smoothly. These protestors sought to disgrace this time.
They spoke as though President Trump and Vice President Pence’s inauguration was going to negate the rights of those who did not vote republican. I’ll admit that Trump and Pence don’t seem like the most lenient of people, but they have sworn to protect the American people and defend them no matter their race, gender or political affiliation. I am confident that our president is going to improve our standing in the world and make sure that our rights are well defended. But these protestors decided that the correct way to handle their disagreements was to riot in the streets of our nation’s capital. While we saw protests from those of the right-wing during Obama’s inauguration, it does not compare to the damage that these people created. While their fears may be justified due to our president’s far right agenda, this does not give them the right to destroy public property. While I was happy with the ceremony and displeased with the protestors, perhaps the biggest surprise to me this past weekend was the women’s march across America. These marches were not only peaceful, but they effectively got their message of dissatisfaction across. I truly believe that had the protestors in Washington done things the way the women’s march did, then perhaps their opinions would have been more respected.
Inauguration weekend was an exciting and momentous time. Our country has a new commander in chief, and it is now time for us to unite and work together. President Trump inspired me through his speech, and I hope that his speech inspired other young republicans and democrats alike.
“This event was monumental, and showed the peaceful transfer of power our country has.” Jordan Slobodinsky Co-Opinions Editor The Globe
Now it is time for our politicians and executives to begin working with President Trump in forming a better country for us. Our country is entering a time in which our power can extend further and create a safer and more secured nation. It is truly time to make America great again.
Jordan Slobodinsky jeslobo@pointpark.edu.
Five things the liberal media won’t tell you A step-by-step guide to accepting alternative facts By Lauren Ortego Co-Copy Desk Chief
In the wake of Donald Trump becoming the President of the United States, there’s been a lot of talk about “fake news,” and I’m here to help you discern for yourself what is fake and what is real. Firstly, was it printed or written by a publication that often does not fit in with your values? If so, it’s possible that you have stumbled upon a fabricated story. Don’t bother searching the internet to check the sources cited for credibility or research provided - it’s probably fake. You always had a fishy feeling about that website anyways. Second, does it sounds like something wild and unbelievable? Something that is likely to have never happened, but feeds your interest and would make a great
conversation starter on that date you’ve been nervous about going on? If yes, then it’s probably true. The world is so unpredictable nowadays, you never know what to believe. Except for that. Definitely believe that. Man, your date is going to love it so much they’ll probably ask you to marry them right on the spot. Third, does it come from your weird uncle who always smells like beer’s Facebook feed? He’s pretty wise, and he’s always watching TV, so it’s most definitely true. This is probably the easiest way to tell if something is true. Every time he posts something from FreedomEagle.LiberalsAreStupid. com, it’s almost a 100 percent guarantee of holding nothing but pure facts. Pay close attention to what he shares for all your
credible news needs. Fourth, did your one smart co-worker bring it up while having awkward small talk in the middle of the day? He’s a genius. I mean, he wears glasses and he has one of those little pocket protectors, and I’m pretty sure I read somewhere that those are guaranteed to only
“Firstly, was it printed or written by a publication that often does not fit in with your values?” Lauren Ortego
Co-Copy Desk Chief The Globe
be worn by the most intelligent people. Plus, since he’s so smart, he probably researched it himself, so he’s a pretty reliable source. Now, pay very close attention to this fifth one: did Trump tweet it? Something tweeted by Trump, who is, by the way, the most trustworthy of all available sources on the internet, is always factually researched and reasonable. Otherwise, why would his staff and advisors let him tweet it? Ignore the fact that PolitiFact, a “credible” website run by allegedly “experienced” journalists and editors who fact-check statements by politicians, said that approximately 96 percent of all of his statements contain some type of falsity. In all seriousness, journalism and the reporting of unbiased facts as it has been
known is changing. Words like “alternative facts” are being used by those in power, organizations are getting in trouble for tweeting accurate statements and the president is surrounding himself with self-indulgent media outlets filled with propaganda and bias. It’s important to note that just because something aligns with what we want to believe doesn’t necessarily make it true. Check news sources, check for credibility, read multiple accounts of the same stories, but most importantly: don’t spread something you know has the potential to be false or is false. Except for satire. Always share satire.
Lauren Ortego leorteg@pointpark.edu.
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SPORTS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
CROUP’S CORNER By Josh Croup Sports Columnist
Missing pieces obvious That team was missing height. That team was missing its old head coach. That team was missing starting experience. But that team was still finding ways to win. That team showed some promise. This team, the men’s basketball team that took the court Saturday at Indiana University Southeast, is missing pretty much everything else. The Point Park team that started the season with 14 players on the roster knew it had a lot of hurdles to overcome. The tallest players were 6-foot-5, and not one player had a full season of starting experience. The head coach of 27 years was taking a leave of absence, replaced by his longtime assistant with hopes to change the brand of Point Park men’s basketball. It took a while, but that team found a way to overcome an 0-5 start to go on a 5-2 stretch in November and December. The team really started to shape up, and showed a lot of promising signs. That team was playing defense and moving the ball. After Thanksgiving break, the players received a new sparkplug via a new and energetic assistant coach. You had to feel good about that team going into winter break. This team, the team that we are watching now, has been the exact opposite. This team is missing so much, and it’s beyond height and experience at this point. Suspensions and injuries have dwindled the roster to nine players. Saturday’s lineup was without 51.8 points per game and 121 3-point field goals made on the season. It’s frustrating and really just sad. There were several uncertainties heading into this season, but it really did look like that team was going to end up as one of the tops in the River States Conference (RSC). Saturday magnified all of the missing pieces against one of the top teams in the RSC, IU Southeast. - Sa’iid Allen remains out indefinitely due to academics. The senior guard led the Pioneers with 16.5 points per game and 39 made 3-pointers.
- Kenny Strong, a senior guard and forward, was third on the team in scoring at 13.3 points per game. He will not return this season due to academics. - Gavin Rajahpillay has emerged as a solid all-around player at guard for the Pioneers. His 14.1 points per game had to sit on the bench Saturday due to injury. - Art Christian, a senior guard and forward who has made a career as a sixth man off the bench, missed Saturday due to an injury. He averages 7.9 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game. Combine all of the injuries and suspensions with the previous troubles, and you have a team that is completely different than the team that started the 201617 campaign. Point Park has dropped to 6-13 and 4-6 in the RSC. The Pioneers have lost seven of their last eight games, including each of their last four. The men’s program has struggled on the road for years, and this year has been no different. After a pair of losses this weekend at Brescia and IU Southeast, Point Park is now 1-10 on the road this year. Its only win was a 75-72 win at Penn State-Fayette in November, the first win of the season. Luckily, the next five games for this team are at home. Four of those games are in conference play against opponents with a combined 21-15 record. But after that, Point Park plays its remaining four games on the road, with three games against RSC opponents. There’s a real chance that this team will miss the RSC Tournament. The Pioneers are on the outside looking in right now in the RSC East as the No. 5 team in the division. The top four teams from each division make it into the single-elimination tournament, and the others have to watch from home. This team has to figure out ways to win just like the team that strung together four straight wins in the fall semester, albeit with a different starting lineup. If not, this team will have a long offseason ahead.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
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Shields developing into one of nation’s top runners after successful weekend By Meghan Macioce For the Globe
Cross country standout Anna Shields can be described in three words. “Dedicated. Confident. Caring,” teammates Katie Guarnaccia and McKenzie Wilson said. Shields broke a school record this year in the women’s 5K at the NAIA Cross Country National Championship by 8 seconds and finished 60th in a race of 344 runners. A Torrington, Co. native, Shields joined the cross-country team when she was in 6th grade because she had just moved schools and thought it would be a good way to meet friends. Prior to Shields joining the cross-country team, she had never played a sport before. She quickly became one of the best athletes in her high school as she became an All-American after she won the 5,000-meter at the Nike Indoor Nationals. The race is an event that consists of 12.5 laps around the track. It is one of the many events that Shields has excelled at in the current track and field season. Shields has already qualified for two events for Nationals in the indoor season for track and field, but her goal for this season is to qualify for five total events and be an All-American at Nationals. Shields took a short hiatus from school, but not running. She coached at local high schools around her hometown until she realized she wanted to go back to school and pursue a degree in English. “I’ve always been a good writer, but what I want to do is be a coach,” Shields said. “You can go with various majors for that, so I’m hoping after I have a bachelor’s [degree] I can apply for coaching positions.”
Josh Croup jdcroup@pointpark.edu Sam Robinson | Point Park Athletics
CHEER AND DANCE MAKES DEBUT
Robert Berger | Point Park Athletics
With no other runner in sight, Anna Shields dominates the 5000 meter Friday at the YSU Invitational. Her national-qualifying time of 17 minutes, 32 seconds ranks first in the NAIA. Shields hopes to be a great coach like her current one, Kelly Parsley. He is the main reason she chose Point Park. Since Shields took a break from school, she no longer qualified for an NCAA school, but did qualify for the NAIA schools. “I called Coach Parsley, and I really liked my conversations with him,” Shields said. “He had a lot of confidence in me as an athlete, so that really encouraged me.” “Confidence” was one words that Guarnaccia used to describe Shields as well. Shields was battling an illness most of last semester
“She’s the most encouraging person I’ve ever met. She’s funny, caring and an all-around great friend.”
that left her with a low energy level at the beginning of the season. As she became healthier, Guarnaccia described Shields as “more confident in her athletic abilities.” With a healthier Shields in the lineup, Guarnaccia felt the benefits on the track. “She’s made practice way more beneficial for me because her and I run about the same times,” Guarnaccia said. In fact, at the Cross-Country National Championships, Shields was only five-hundredths of a second behind Guarnaccia. However, there is more to Shields than just running. When she isn’t training for cross-country or track, she likes to draw, write and explore Pittsburgh. She’s also a great friend and teammate. “She’s the most encouraging person I’ve ever met,” Wilson said. “She’s funny, caring and an all-around great friend.” Her teammates agree that after Shields is done running her race, you can find her cheering for her teammates.
McKenzie Wilson
Junior runner, Women’s track and field
Meghan Macioce mkmacio@pointpark.edu
WEEKLY SCOREBOARD JAN. 17 - JAN. 23 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (16-7) (6-4 RSC) POINT PARK 56, Brescia (Ky) 47*.......................................................... Jan. 20 POINT PARK 54, Indiana University Southeast 55* .............................. Jan. 21 Next: Jan. 27 vs. Asbury*, Jan 28 vs. Alice Lloyd*
MEN’S BASKETBALL (6-13) (4-6 RSC) POINT PARK 71, Brescia (Ky) 84*........................................................... Jan. 20 POINT PARK 54, Indiana University Southeast 83*........................... Jan. 21 Next: Jan. 25 vs. Villa Maria, Jan. 27 vs. Asbury*, Jan 28 Alice Lloyd*
WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD YOUNGSTOWN ST. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE INVITATIONAL.......... Jan. 20 5,000m: Anna Shields, 17:32 (No. 1 time in NAIA; qualifies for nationals) 5,000m: Katie Guarnaccia, 18:21 (No. 5 time in NAIA, qualifies for nationals) Weight Throw: Kiana Daley, 10.59 meters (school record) Next: Jan. 28, @ SPIRE Midwest Indoor Open
MEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD YOUNGSTOWN ST. UNIVERSITY COLLEGE INVITATIONAL.......... Jan. 20 Shot put: Chance Callahan, 10.37 meters (school record) Pole Vault: Tyrone Robinson, 4.25 meters (school record) 800m: Desmond Marrow, 1:59.76 (school record) Next: Jan. 28, @ SPIRE Midwest Indoor Open
COMPETITIVE CHEER SPARTAN SHOWCASE @ MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY, ........ Jan. 20 5th of 5 teams LINDENWOOD CLASSIC @ LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY, .............. Jan. 21 6th of 6 teams Next: Jan. 29, Halo Classic @ Sienna Heights University
COMPETITIVE DANCE NOW OFFering Piercing
NOW OFFering Piercing Submitted photo | Missouri Baptist Athletics
The Point Park University Competitive cheer team poses for a photo at its first-ever competition Friday, Jan. 20 at the Spartan Showcase hosted by Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis, Mo.
SPARTAN SHOWCASE @ MISSOURI BAPTIST UNIVERSITY, ........ Jan. 20 2nd of 8 teams LINDENWOOD CLASSIC @ LINDENWOOD UNIVERSITY, ............ Jan. 21 5th of 9 teams Next: Jan. 29, Halo Classic @ Sienna Heights University *River States Conference game
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2017
SPORTS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Track and field has strong start at YSU Invite By Robert Berger Co-Sports Editor
Anna Shields of the Pioneer track and field team left Youngstown Ohio number one in the in the National Association of Intercollegiate (NAIA) in two different events. “This feels great,” Shields said. “I’m so happy to be here doing what I love. I started off a little too strong, but my finish was a personal best so I can’t complain.” The women’s 5,000 meter was the first event Saturday at the Youngstown State University (YSU) College Invite. Shields took charge from the start as she gained a track lengths lead on competition. By the end of the race, she was lapping runners on her way to the finish line. “She’s been training so hard, which is why she came out so hard,” said head coach Kelly Parsley. Finishing with a time of 17 minutes, 32 seconds, Shields was 17 seconds ahead of second place finisher junior Michelle Klim
of Youngstown State. She reached the NAIA, a qualifying standard for the National Championship meet March 2-4 in Johnson City, Tenn. The Torrington, Conn. native continued to set standards when finishing third in the 800 meters with a time of 2 minutes, 15 seconds. Both of her times established school records Junior Katie Guarnaccia qualified for nationals at the B qualifying standard in the 5,000 meters behind Shields. She finished fifth in the race with a time of 18 minutes, 21 seconds. Her time is the fifthbest in the NAIA this year. “It’s a relief that I qualified [for nationals] because I can focus on improving rather than qualifying,” Guarnaccia said. “Compared to other indoor race, I have only ran better than this once, so I can’t be mad.” Also representing Point Park in the 5,000 meters was freshman Jenny Murtha, who finished with a time of 19 minutes, 19 seconds, a personal best. Murtha now ranks 11th in the NAIA in the 5,000 meters.
In the men’s 5,000 meters, sophomore Sean Hilverding finished 14th overall and first for the Pioneers with a time of 15 minutes, 47 seconds. Heading into the race, Hilverding was shooting for 15 minutes, 35 seconds, but was thrown off when officials miscounted laps. “I went into what I thought was my final lap and was giving it my all,” Hilverding said. “ By the time I got to my actual last lap, I had no energy left.” After Saturday, Hilverding ranks ninth in the NAIA in the 5,000 meters. Breaking a school record on the track was sophomore Desmond Marrow, who placed 16th in the men’s 800 meters. With a time of 1 minute, 59 seconds, it was the first time a Point Park runner has finished below two minutes in the race. On the field, freshman Chance Callahan set the school record in shot put, with a 10.37-meter toss. Matching his own school record on the field was sophomore Tyrone Robinson
McPhatter nets 1,000th point as Pioneers split weekend games By Mike Turk For the Globe
Senior forward Ja’Nia McPhatter scored her 1,000th career point as a Pioneer Saturday afternoon in a loss at Indiana University Southeast. The New Castle, Pa. native became the 14th player in the 37 year history of the program to accomplish the feat. Senior Carly Forse also surpassed 1,000 points earlier this season, giving Point Park its first pair of teammates in 23 years to do so. It was a milestone that had not been accomplished in the same year since Lara Lang and Dorethia Jackson in 1994. “It’s a great feeling,” McPhatter said. “It took a lot to come back and get to that point. I’m proud of myself and proud everyone who was is my corner to help me achieve that goal.” McPhatter served as an assistant coach to head coach Tony Grenek last season when she was out with a knee injury. Grenek has been alongside McPhatter every step of the way. From being one of the best overall individual players in the conference to being set back because of injuries, Grenek has high praise for his starting forward. “What a tremendous accomplishment,” Grenek said. “She’s basically done it in an injury filled career in three years. It’s a complete warrior effort.” While McPhatter was etching her name into the history books, the Pioneers were struggling offensively. Point Park could not put the ball in the basket. They shot nine of 34 from the field in the first 20 minutes, good for 26 percent. At the half, the Pioneers only faced a 33-25 deficit despite shooting cold. The script was flipped in the next 20 minutes as the Pioneers began nailing shots while IU Southeast was coming up empty-handed possession after possession. With a big offensive third quarter, Point Park tied the game at 41 headed into the fourth. The Pioneers took a 4944 lead with five minutes remaining in the game, but IU
in the pole vault, finishing eighth overall with a height of 4.25 meters. On the women’s side, Kiana Daley threw 10.59 meters in the weight throw, topping her own school record. Junior Jryi Davis and freshman Tyler Carter finished fifth and sixth respectively in the men’s triple jump. While fifth is not where Davis was hoping to finish, he was not dissatisfied with the results. “Today was a whole new level,” Davis said. “I got to face division one athletes. I wasn’t far off from them, so I now know I can compete at that level.”
Robert Berger | Point Park Athletics
Men drop to 1-10 on road with thin roster For the Globe
Sam Robinson | Point Park Athletics
Southeast went on a 9-1 run in the next four minutes to jump in front. The game came down to free throws. IU Southeast had a 55-54 lead with 12 seconds remaining and took to the free throw line for two shots. Both free throws were missed and the Pioneers had an opportunity to win the game with one final shot. After a timeout, Point Park held the ball for the last shot. As the game clock expired, senior guard Celina DiPietro’s shot went up, hit the basket, but rimmed out. The Pioneers suffered their fourth conference loss of the year. It was the first time they lost all season when holding their opponents under 60 points. They had won the previous 12. “We work really hard on defense,” said junior guard Shaniya Rivers. “We take pride in that.” Both teams shot poorly from the line. Point Park shot 8-17, and IU Southeast was 12-21 from the charity stripe. On Friday night, Point Park played in Brescia for a conference matchup. While the Pioneers struggled to score once again, the defense pushed them to victory. In the second quarter, Brescia did not make a single field goal, and the top ranked defense in the River States Conference (RSC) held the Bearcats to five points. “We’re just not a very
strong offensive team,” Grenek said. “We need those efforts on defense to be able to pull these games out.” It was a low scoring affair as neither team shot very well. Point Park shot 27 percent from the field, while Brescia shot 22 percent. Point Park had a lead as high as 17 with seven minutes left in the game, 51-34. The Bearcats ended the game on a 6-0 run in the final minute but the Pioneers came away with the win, 56-47. McPhatter was the only Pioneer in double figures with 18. Rivers contributed nine points and seven rebounds. Baylee Buleca was a workhorse down low pulling in 15 rebounds to go along with her eight points. After being on the road the past two weekends, Point Park looks forward to playing in front of a home crowd this weekend. The Pioneers are 8-6 on the road this season, but have posted an 8-1 home record. “We’ve been on the road so long and I think being at home will give us a little extra motivation and a little extra focus to have our fans watching,” DiPietro said. Point Park will host Asbury and Alice Lloyd this weekend for two more RSC matchups at CCAC South in West Mifflin, Pa.
Mike Turk mjturk@pointpark.edu
Robert Berger raberge@pointpark.edu
Sophomore Bryan Partika kisses his necklace before competing in the 60 meter hurdle at the YSU College Invite Friday.
By Derek Malush
Senior forward Ja’Nia McPhatter notched her 1000th career point Saturday afternoon, joining fellow senior Carly Forse as the second player this year to achieve the career milestone.
YSU welcomed 20 schools including the University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock University, Robert Morris University, Notre Dame of Ohio and YSU. “This is a great start to the season, and it will only get better from here,” Parsley told his teams at the end of the day. “This is the best we’ve ever looked at this point of the season.” The men’s and women’s track and field teams will travel to Geneva, Ohio this weekend for the SPIRE Institute Midwest Indoor Open.
The Pioneers took the floor this weekend looking to end their four-game River State Conference (RSC) losing streak with a pair of road games. The Pioneers tipped off the RSC road games at Brescia (Ky.) University Friday night with a win in mind, having dropped every road game since November. The Pioneers were sluggish to start, and trailed by 19 points at the half, shooting only 30 percent, along with some offensive blunders that caused nine of Point Parks 14 turnovers. “We come out bad in the first half a lot,” junior guard TJ Bates said. “We need to learn how to play all 40 minutes and bring the energy.” The Pioneers only managed to sink one 3-pointer in the first half, but shot 70 percent from the free throw line going 7-10. In the second half, Point Park began to pick up the pace, shooting 43 percent from the field with four three-pointers. However, the late game momentum was not enough to seal up a win for the Pioneers, as they fell to Brescia 84-71. The team was led by junior guard Rushan Roberts who ended the game with a double-double, claiming 18 points and 10 rebounds. Roberts adding a steal and swat to his defensive efforts in his 30 minutes of play. Sophomore guard Asim Pleas also aided the late game comeback with 15 points in 35 minutes of floor time. The Pioneers were without four top players for their matchup at Indiana University Southeast Saturday. Junior guard Gavin Rajahpillay joined senior guard and forward Art Christian on the bench with injuries. Point Park is still without leading scorers Sa’iid Allen and Kenny Strong due to academics. Rajahpillay says he is 95
percent recovered from his injury and expects to be back for the team’s next game this Wednesday against Villa Maria. IU Southeast ranks No. 1 in the nation in field goal percentage defense, allowing the opposition to shoot only 36 percent from the field. The Grenadiers displayed that statistic Saturday, holding Point Park to 30 percent from the field, and only 11 percent from long range. The Pioneers only managed to put up 23 points in the first half on 27 percent shooting. They shot just 11-41 from the field and 0-10 from beyond the arc. It was more of the same in the second half, as Point Park was outscored by 14 points allowing the IU Grenadiers to shoot 47 percent from the field. The Pioneers were also heavily out-rebounded by the Grenadiers 65-33, leading 50 points in the paint from the opposition. The Pioneers remained out of sync, as they finished with nine turnovers and only totaled six assists. “It’s you against the world [when playing on the road], Rajahpillay said. “It’s hard to replace guys like Allen and Strong, but we all need to step up, including myself.” Sophomore guard Asim Pleas lead the way with 21 points in the RSC loss to IU Southeast, 83-54. This marks the fourth RSC loss in a row for Point Park as the team’s road woes continue. The Pioneers have only recorded one road win this season. The Pioneers will play host to their next five contests beginning Wednesday with a non-conference matchup against Villa Maria (N.Y.) at 7 p.m. Point Park will resume conference play Jan. 27-28 at home against Asbury and Alice Lloyd.
Derek Malush dwmalus@pointpark.edu