THE
GL BE
@PPUGlobe March 8, 2017
By Alex Grubbs USG Beat Writer
Just a month after being reprimanded for altercations with other members, a student politician has resigned from her post. While former Treasurer Amedea Baldoni resigned effective Monday, she said the actions by United Student Government (USG) against her was not the reason for her decision. “I wanted to make sure my academics were a priority again,” Baldoni said in the Lawrence Hall Lobby on Sunday. “I [didn’t] want to commit to something if I’m not sure if I can give 100 percent to it.” Previously, the USG legis-
Co-News Editor
WPPJ, Point Park’s student-run radio station, won one award and finished as finalists in three other categories at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) award ceremony in New York City at the Hotel Pennsylvania March 4. “Leading up to the event, I was just happy to be sitting there knowing that our school – our small campus radio station – was nominated among the best of the best in the country and can walk away with some awards,” WPPJ station manager Vinnie Ferrainola said in a phone interview Monday. “It truly is an honor to be a part of this great campus radio station.” WPPJ’s four-trophy stint at the 2017 IBS international conference, which took place from Mar. 3-5, serves as the station’s seventh year winning an IBS award. Fer-
on a different side of Lincoln’s assassination Jordan Slobodinsky presents a right-wing view of education under DeVos Baseball program begins its 50th season with games in Florida ppuglobe.com
Celebrating 50 years of covering the world of Point Park University news
lative body censured Baldoni after verbal altercations within the organization. A censure is an official warning in USG. If three are accumulated within 60 days, it leads to automatic impeachment from USG. This resignation came a day after President Blaine King looked towards a “bright” future during the State of USG two weeks ago. Within the same week, former senators KacieJo Brown and Kayla Damazo also resigned. Baldoni oversaw the finance committee while Brown and Damazo sat on it. This committee determines and recommends the funds that should be allocated to clubs and organizations on campus.
RESIGNATION page 2
WPPJ continues winning legacy with one win, three finalists By Michael Richter
PAGE Pallas Theater focuses
4 PAGE 6 PAGE SINCE 1967 8
Treasurer, two senators resign from student gov’t USG
IN THIS ISSUE:
rainola, Brandon Cross and the Globe’s Editor-in-Chief Alexander Popichak won Best Celebrity Interview for their interview with Sarah Koenig, the host of the renowned podcast “Serial.” “It was kind of surreal to win that award. It was kind of crazy that we actually won,” Cross said during a phone interview Monday. “It was a big one, and the Sarah Koenig interview was interesting.” Miranda Van Bramer, Assistant General Manager of the station, scored a finalist award in the Best Promo Series category for her promos about her WPPJ show “Girls Overboard.” In addition, Ferrainola garnered a finalist award in the Best Station Promo video category, and Cross earned a finalist award for Best Public Service Announcement. “Getting a finalist trophy didn’t mean we weren’t as good as somebody else,” Ferrainola said. “It just meant
Issue 8
USG SELECTS INTERIM TREASURER
Nikole Kost| The Globe
Senior business management major and former USG treasurer Amber Mole is sworn in as USG’s interim treasurer for the remainder of the 2016-17 year March 6.
USG By Alex Grubbs USG Beat Writer
After the resignation of its treasurer, the student government president appointed a new treasurer to fill her place. United Student Government (USG) President Blaine King appointed Amber Mole to the succeed former Treasurer Amedea Baldoni for the
that they didn’t pick us over somebody else for one reason or another.” Ferrainola was a bit nervous in the hours leading up to the award ceremony this past Saturday, but after talking to multiple people from radio stations from across the country, he realized that he was satisfied just to be recognized as one of the best college radio stations. “It made it a little bit easier to sit there and relax and enjoy myself rather than crossing my fingers and hoping we came away with the No. 1 trophy,” Ferrainola said. Cross did not recall experiencing nerves about the ceremony, and he said that he had not realized the prestige the IBS awards until the day
WPPJ page 2
Submitted | WPPJ
Alexander Popichak, Vinnie Ferrainola and Brandon Cross pose with their trophy for best celebrity interview at the Intercollegiate Broadcast System Awards in New York City Saturday, March 4.
remainder of this semester. “USG is a growing process. It’s never going to be perfect. It’s always going to be a learning process of the [executive cabinet] and senators,” Mole said of the transition of power. “I’m really just expecting to get to… know the club leaders for this year and working together to make it a productive school year,” Mole continued. According to Mole, King
reached out to her through a formal email over spring break asking her to fill the position. She previously held the position during the 201516 school year. The USG Constitution states that the president must appoint a new person to an executive cabinet position within seven days of its vacancy. Due to spring break, USG was not in session and did not
USG page 3
CMI alters social media panel after cancellation Former WTAE personality withdraws amid backlash from students, alumni By Jordan Slobodinsky Co-Opinions Editor
The Center for Media Innovation (CMI) announced March 3 that former WTAE reporter Wendy Bell would no longer be headlining the upcoming Burgh 3.0 event. “My staff and I organized this event. We went out and found a panel we thought would be appropriate to replace bell,” Conte said. Bell was fired from her position at WTAE last year after posting racially insensitive comments on Facebook. After a March 2016 shooting near Wilkinsburg that took the lives of five adults and an unborn baby, Bell made comments proposing that the shooting was due to the family’s African-American Heritage. Since her dismissal from the station, Bell has started a weekly video series where she promotes positivity in what is called “Positively Wendy Bell,” and has also sued WTAE and has organized a legal team to advise her with any situation that may arise.
The attempt to bring Bell to campus was thwarted after Bell’s legal advisor said it was not good for her to participate in such an event, according to a story written by Dan Gigler of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. It was announced on the CMI Facebook page on March 6 that Tony Norman of the Pittsburgh PostGazette, Julie Grant of KDKA-TV and Oliver Schmidt of C4CS will be replacing Bell at the event. This is an annual event that Point Park hosts and is intended to “focus on the power of social media and the free flow of information,” according to its Facebook page. Replacement panelist Norman is a columnist and associate editor at the Post-Gazette according to p4pittsburgh.org. Grant is a reporter and legal editor at KDKA, according to pittsburgh. cbslocal.com and Schmidt is an expert advisor for c4cs.com according to its website.
Jordan Slobodinsky jeslobo@pointpark.edu
Weather Forecast Today: Partly Cloudy H 56, L 36
Thursday: Partly Cloudy, H 49, L 31 Friday: Cloudy, H 40, L 20 Saturday: Partly Cloudy, H 36, L 26
Sunday: Snow Showers, H 36, L 19 Monday: Partly Cloudy, H 38, L 32 Tuesday: Rain/Snow Showers, H 42, L 27
Point Park
GLOBE
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017
r i B e f n I
NEWS
Treasurer, two senators cite personal reasons for resigning USG positions from RESIGNATION page 1
LOCAL The six-week search for Duquesne University graduate student Dakota James reached an end Monday morning when police pulled James’ body from the Ohio River around 9:30 a.m. James was last seen Downtown on Jan. 25. Surveillance cameras last showed James in Katz Plaza in the Cultural District as well as at the Wood Street T Station on the same night, according to WPXI. Leading up to the discovery of the body, search efforts stretched across Allegheny and Beaver counties. Divers searched all three Pittsburgh rivers, encompassing the shorelines as well as homeless camps and landfills, according to WPXI. Missing person fliers have dotted all of campus and the Downtown area for weeks, offering a $10,000 reward for any information that could have lead to the graduate student’s whereabouts. During a Pittsburgh police press briefing Monday afternoon, Assistant Chief of Investigations Lavonnie Bickerstaff would not answer questions concerning what personal items were found on James’ body, according to the Post-Gazette. Additionally, a detective present at the briefing said James was wearing the clothes he had on when he first went missing. According to TribLive. com, the 23-year-old’s body has been turned over to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner. Bickerstaff did not comment on whether police suspected foul play.
Emily Bennett elbenne@pointpark.edu.
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Despite the resignations, USG Press Secretary Sabrina Bodon said the funding period for clubs and organizations will not be affected. “What I want to extend to club leaders is that their funding dollars do not change,” Bodon said. “We are going to go through the same exact process [for] clubs.” However, President King said that clubs and organizations may receive an extension time during the transition period. “I wish there was… a time warning,” Baldoni said. “Sadly, the timing was horrible.” Baldoni further expressed the time consumption of the positions while also juggling classes and other extracurricular activities. “I would get about 30 emails a day. I [ran] from meeting to meeting to meeting. I wouldn’t get home until 11 p.m.,” Baldoni said. “It’s a busy schedule, but I
“I would get about 30 emails a day. I [ran] from meeting to meeting to meeting. I wouldn’t get home until 11 p.m. It’s a busy schedule, but I loved doing it.” Amedea Baldoni
Former Treasurer United Student Government
loved doing it.” Brown said despite enjoying being the “voice” for students’ concerns, the job’s time consumption began to get in the way of her student activities. “I highly respect USG… but I’m here for school,” Brown said. Damazo echoed the same after receiving new internship opportunities and called the timing of her resignation “unfortunate.” “I really can’t dedicate time to [USG] anymore,” Damazo said. “I feel like if I can’t dedicate time… it’s rude of me to be with them still.” As of reaching quorum, USG will not be affected. To hold a meeting, half of the legislative body plus one needs to be present to hit quorum. When a senator resigns, that reduces the number of senators on the legislative body, thus reducing the required number of present senators. Baldoni believes USG will handle the situation
accordingly. “They’ll make sure everything runs smoothly,” Baldoni said. On a tight timeline, King was searching for a new treasurer to fulfill the duties of treasurer until the end of this semester. “We just want to find somebody that we know that is able to do it [and] that’s willing to do it,” King said. The treasurer, appointed by the president, does not need to be a USG member. “I’m working very hard in finding someone to replace Amedea in the meantime so a smooth transition happens for the rest of the school year,” King said. King appointed former Treasurer Amber Mole from the 2015-16 school year as interim treasurer for the remainder of the semester.
Alex Grubbs aagrubb@pointpark.edu
WPPJ hopes to continue station excellence; runners-up proud of their accomplishments from WPPJ page 1 of the award ceremony. “It kind of hit me that we were up for an award that is something important nationally,” Cross said. “I didn’t really think about it being out of everybody in the United States.” Cross and Ferrainola both said they and Popichak were “ecstatic” when the trio was announced as winners of the Best Celebrity Interview award. “Alexander, Vinnie and I were pumped,” Cross said. “They put in a lot of work, and I put in some work; it was rewarding.” As Ferrainola, Cross and Popichak were deemed victors, Van Bramer became
excited. “At that point, I was really hype,” Van Bramer said in an interview via phone call Monday. “I was like, ‘Oh man, we’re going to bring home more than one winner’s trophy. It’s going to be great.’” Then the winner for Best Promo Series was announced. “Once I heard that it wasn’t my name, I was like, ‘Oh, that sucks,’” Van Bramer said. However, she was still honored to win a finalist’s trophy. “Being a finalist is still a pretty great recognition,” Van Bramer said. “Not everybody who submitted something is going to get a trophy. They have thousands of submissions, so even if you’re a finalist, it’s a huge recognition – just holding
“At that point,
I was really hype. I was like, ‘Oh man, we’re going to bring home more than one winner’s trophy. It’s going to be great. ” Miranda Van Bramer
Assistant General Manager WPPJ
a trophy is awesome.” Ferrainola is proud to be a part of WPPJ and its award-winning legacy. Moreover, he believes the station will come away from next year’s IBS awards with more winner’s trophies. “I have nothing but good things to say about the people who came before me, the people I currently work with and the people I work with now who will stay beyond my years at Point Park,” Ferrainola said. “I won’t be surprised if next year I see Point Park walk out with two or three awards as opposed to one first place trophy and a couple of finalist’s trophies.”
Michael Richter mwricht@pointpark.edu
NEWS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017
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USG discusses future of Port Authority’s $1 discount for Point Park student riders from USG page 1 interfere with appointment time frame. Due to the new treasurer, USG must condense its budget setting meetings for the last funding period of the semester to get allocated funds out next Monday, March 13. “It’s going to be a lot of long hours, but we’re just going to push through it and get it done in a timely fashion,” Mole said. Also during the meeting, USG questioned the Office of Residence Life on the changing city bus payment system and students being told on buses that the $1 discount is no longer in place. “[If this happens], I need you to take down the bus… the time, and what stop you were at,” Director of Residence Life Amanda Anderson said. She also said that this will be forwarded to Port Authority, the bus company in Pittsburgh, for them to correct the problem.
Treasurer Mole expressed this situation has happened to her twice. Port Authority is currently phasing out its old cash payment system for a new bus card system. Currently, Point Park has a signed agreement with the authority that gives students a $1 discount on bus rides after 7 p.m. on weekdays and all weekend, which ends at the end of this semester. Recording Secretary Davion Heron questioned whether students would get bus passes like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, which is incorporated in their student IDs. “It’s definitely a question for you all… as to whether the student body wants that added to their tuition,” Anderson said. For now, there is no definitive plan after the agreement expires.
Alex Grubbs aagrubb@pointpark.edu
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
5:22 p.m.
2:25 p.m.
Boulevard Apartments Theft Under Investigation
1:40 a.m.
Lawrence Hall Drug Violation Referred to Student Conduct
Lawrence Hall Theft Referred to Student Conduct
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 12:14 p.m.
Fourth Avenue Harassment Under Investigation
do
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25
6:53 p.m.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Student Center Lot Disorderly Conduct Cleared
1:30 p.m.
Academic Hall Theft Under Investigation
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 11:35 p.m.
not
Third Avenue Theft Under Investigation
cro
CR do IME notR EcPro SUNDAY, MARCH 5 ORss 7:09 p.m. T Lawrence Hall Harassment by Communications Under Investigation
MONDAY, MARCH 6 12:43 a.m.
Fourth Avenue Assault Arrest - No Campus Affiliation
2:11 a.m.
Academic Hall Harassment Under Investigation
ss
Data compiled by Alex Grubbs Design by Emily Yount
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Note: Alumni discount is not applicable for online degrees.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017
FEATURES
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Resolving student homelessness: moving forward By Kimberly Prokurat For The Globe
This is the final installment of a three-part series on student homelessness. Last week, we discussed various food service programs that offer aid and support. Food service providers such as the Pitt Pantry and 412 Food Rescue are partnered with specific universities, however, minors in need on a broader spectrum can turn to the Homeless Children’s Education Fund in Pittsburgh. The non-profit organization began when its founder, Dr. Joseph Lagana, combined $7,000 left over from retirement, one loan and his passion for children in need. The now million-dollar organization connects with the roughly 3,000 homeless kids in Allegheny County and college-ready students in hopes that higher education can be an option for them. “The thing that we’re doing that has the greatest impact is identifying kids who have potential to go through college and getting them to apply, getting them to enroll, getting them to participate and have them being mentored,” Lagana said. “To me, that’s the biggest payoff because I know they are going to break the cycle of poverty.” This transition started when Lagana, a superintendent at the time, said he had found three kids who were experiencing homelessness, were extremely bright, but had no dream about going to college. He took the opportunity to get those students into the Pittsburgh Technology Institute on scholarships. Two of the students ended second and third in their class. Point Park is one university Lagana has worked with to combat student financial strug-
gles, working directly with Dean of Students Keith Paylo. “It occurred to me that there probably were homeless kids attending school who colleges did not realize,” Lagana said. “So I said to a partner with Paylo that we should bring all of the 10 colleges and universities in Pittsburgh together and let’s find out how many they think they have with a conversation.” Only seven of the universities showed up that day in April. Among the seven, close to 30 kids were identified as possibly homeless or unaccompanied. Now the universities are starting to take a look at ways to create some common programming like a food bank at every one of them. Paylo represented Point Park for the meeting. “The difficult part of this issue is identification,” Paylo said. Lagana believes the homeless community is expanding and that there are two reasons for that: the recession and increased identification. The students experiencing these lifestyles are often not just losing a home or food, they are also gaining a toxicity no one can comfortably live through. They experience nutrition issues, health and stress issues and self-esteem issues. “The most basic thing is that I want [the homeless] to know is there is a human being that cares enough to pay attention to their circumstance and not care how they got into that circumstance,” Lagana said. “Not to think poorly about them, but purely want to help them from their heart.” In the group, Paylo mentioned the first avenue the schools should hit is the financial aid records, where he anticipates cases with zero family contributions. Once he finds the people who can be categorized as low income, he will then be able to search for their
housing statuses. After doing his own research, he plans to identify and help these students through surveying. The surveys could occur through different social media outlets like email or Twitter. Although these students may be financially struggling, research has shown that most homeless people do have a phone or access to a phone. “A lot of times these individuals don’t want to raise their hands because they’re embarrassed, and this isn’t something that is a popular thing,” Paylo said. “Plus homelessness is acquainted with drug and alcohol abuse or mental illness, but these aren’t the case.” With financial records and surveying, Point Park will try to find the data necessary to narrow down what may be a big list of the zero-dollar expected family contributions. Point Park is in the infancy stage of developing the tools to help, in contrast to Duquesne, Pitt and Carnegie Mellon, who all have food banks. However, being located in downtown Pittsburgh means students who need help can easily find the resources without much effort. “On our campus, because it doesn’t seem to be widespread with the little research we’ve done, I don’t really know if there is any homelessness at Point Park,” Paylo said. “We have been either fortunate or just not aware enough, but that’s where we need to get.” At Point Park, there are various services that assist students with advising and counseling through the financial aid department and student accounts offices. These services offer creative ways to apply for additional resources and where to go for them. One of the largest contributors toward the identification issue at Point Park is the fact that students do not have to give their current address to any office for any accounts. On
Nikole Kost | The Globe
Point Park offers various services that assists students in need through advising, counseling, financial aid departments and student accounts. top of this, about 70 percent of Point Park’s student population is made up of commuters. This could potentially mean that a portion of that 70 percent does not have a place to go after their classes end or have a source for food. If a student truly has nowhere to go, they can always express their circumstance with the school. Paylo admits that he has made exceptions for students who have nowhere to turn. “I think society has changed in the sense that they’re accepting that people need help sometimes and no one should go hungry in this country,” Paylo said. As for Kerianne Chen, the University of Pitt student who advocated for the Pitt Pantry at the start of this journey, only has six classes left in her academic career. She has had to pick and choose which classes to focus her attention on in order to survive. She and her mom last spoke in early December. They did not talk about what happened to her mom on their
break of silence, but they did talk about paying the rest of her rent for upcoming months. Chen hopes to go back home soon and make amends with her mom before she graduates. “It’s been unbearable, but I still feel so lucky to have my friends because if I didn’t have this network of support, I would not be here,” Chen said. Her story is rare, but it is not the only one; she does not know anyone else going through similar struggles, but this is not because other people like her do not exist. She urges people who may be low income or under pressure to reach out to those around them. Looking for assistance in one’s own community or school services may prove to be helpful. “People are extremely kind and it’s because we don’t deserve to be struggling alone,” Chen said. “It’s amazing how kind people are.” Kimberly Prokurat kkproku@pointpark.edu
Point Park performers take on the story of Mary Todd Lincoln By Kelsey Wolfe Copy Editor
The events that took place in Ford’s Theater on the night of April 14, 1865 shook the nation and changed the life of Mary Todd Lincoln forever. “Crazy Mary Lincoln” is a new musical by Jan Levy Tranen and Jay Schwandt that follows the events occurring after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, centering mainly on the late president’s wife. “‘Crazy Mary Lincoln’, in a nutshell, is the story of Mary Todd Lincoln after the gunshot,” Andrew Keller, the associate artistic director at Pallas Theatre Collec-
tive, said. “The play opens with the unfortunate incident in Ford’s Theater and follows the relationship that Mary Todd Lincoln has with the world around her, with the country, grieving her loss and also with her son, Robert Lincoln.” As part of the developmental process of the new musical, Keller will be directing a staged reading of the show at Point Park. The reading, Keller said, will give students the opportunity to work with a new script and learn first-hand what really goes into the artistic process of a new show while allowing the creators to see it live. “The whole purpose of this reading is for [the cre-
ators] to recognize final touches that they need to make to their script,” Keller said in a phone interview on Wednesday. The cast will have under a week to prepare for the staged reading, so audiences should not expect a fully mounted production. Gill Vaughn-Spencer, a freshman musical theatre major who was cast in the production as a merchant, says that the limited time to prepare might be the most difficult part of the process. “Right now, it’s all on the actors to start learning their stuff,” Vaughn-Spencer said in a phone interview on Friday. “But once we get in, we only have 20 hours with the
composer and with the music director to actually work through the show and get it up on its feet.” Bebe Tabickman, a senior musical theatre major, was cast as Mary Lincoln herself in the upcoming production. This is her first time working with Pallas Theatre Collective. Tabickman said she is excited to be a part of the developmental process of a new show and to have her performance used as a stepping stone for the creators in the final stages of the show’s progress. “I think it’s a gift as an artist, really,” Tabickman said in a phone interview Thursday. “We’re told to make each
character our own, so not having anything to look back to, I’m really getting to make Mary Lincoln my own.” Point Park’s performance of “Crazy Mary Lincoln” will be presented on March 22. It will be the last performance of its kind of the production before it is moved to a larger stage in Washington, D.C. this summer. A full production of “Crazy Mary Lincoln” will be presented June 1-18 in Washington, D.C. at the Logan Fringe Arts Space’s Trinidad Theatre. For more information, visit the Pallas Theatre Collective’s website at pallastheatre.org.
Kelsey Wolfe kjwolfe@pointpark.edu
Phi Beta Lambda gives thanks to standout faculty and staff By Dara Collins Staff Writer
The staff and faculty of Point Park always go the extra mile for students. The university’s business organization, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), decided to return the favor. PBL created its most recent event, Pass It On, to show appreciation for the university’s staff and faculty. The organization wanted to relate the event to their values: education, service and progress, according to the chapter’s president, Brandon Rodgers.
“It’s a type of event where the officers of Phi Beta Lambda choose staff and faculty who either work hard, are underappreciated or are just simply glowing people,” freshman sports, art and entertainment management major Kyle Kuhns said. Community service is a main focus of the organization. The effort was to boost the overall morale of the school, according to the event description on PointSync. PBL members nominated staff and faculty members who were then broken down to a list of ten by the organization’s
leaders, according to Rodgers. The event was open to all PBL members, but six members volunteered to deliver the gift. “We met with the individuals and gave them their gift on behalf of the chapter,” Rodgers said. “We verbalized our appreciation and took pictures.” The helpers personally delivered gifts to chosen staff and faculty members on Feb. 21-23. “The staff was super appreciative about receiving the gift,” Kuhns said. “We ourselves got two different emails that were thanking us about choosing them and how much it made
them smile.” The recipients were grateful to the act of kindness from the organization. “I am very much appreciative of it,” Paylo said. “I feel good about it. They expressed their appreciation for my hard work. What they did with something that isn’t normally done, I hope they understand the impact they have.” Paylo admitted his hard work ethic is just a characteristic of him. “The philosophy of student affairs is we don’t do work for recognition,” Paylo said. “It’s our job and it’s our life.”
The small token of appreciation went a long way, according to Paylo. “I felt really good giving back to people who have made my time here amazing,” Tischler said. “To people like Angela Scarramucci who helped me get my internship, and to see people who probably didn’t feel like people cared… [it] made me feel like even the smallest gestures can mean the most.” For a full list of staff who received gifts, visit ppuglobe.com.
Dara Collins dmcolli2@pointpark.edu
FEATURES
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017
5
Only Love holds annual photo event City prepares for
St. Patrick’s day By Cody Siwicki For The Globe
Eddie Trizzino | The Globe
Senior acting major Syrah Sherwood photographs staff members from the Office of Student Life for the Only Love campaign, which took place Feb 21. By Eddie Trizzino Co-Features Editor
Sophomore accounting major Bradley Calleja had control of Point Park University’s Snapchat for its Takeover Tuesday on Feb. 21, documenting his school day, which included attending Only Love’s photo campaign event. Calleja is a member of the Office of Student Life, which helped organize the annual campaign created by the Only Love Project, a non-profit organization whose goal is to raise awareness for anyone who is struggling and show them that people in their communities care, according to the project’s Facebook page. “It’s an annual campaign created by Only Love and it’s just to make sure that Point Park celebrates love and acceptance,” Syrah Sherwood, a senior acting major and office C O H E N
&
assistant for the Office of Student Life, said. A white photo background was set up on the first floor of Lawrence Hall where Sherwood took students’ photos with props such as rainbow colored scarves, hats and Only Love banners. Students participating were required to sign off for permission for Only Love to use their photos before taking them, which would later appear on the organization’s website. Participants were also required to wear white shirts to match the campaign image, which were supplied by Student Life. “It’s the exact same idea as last year, and it’s open to everyone,” Sherwood said. In addition to Sherwood, several other members of Student Life were involved in working with the campaign. “It’s really nice hav-
G R I G S B Y
T R U S T
ing students just walk up.” Anna Rigatti, a senior cinema major and resident educator said. “Everyone is just so willing to do it, and it just shows how accepting we are.” Sherwood is also president of Point Park’s chapter of Not On My Campus, a student-led group that, according to their Facebook page, strives to start a discussion about sexual assault, harassment and sexual violence on college campuses. Sherwood said that several members of Student Life participate in each. “Point Park is so diverse but also accepting,” Calleja said. “It’s important just to be accepting and understanding that we all have different backgrounds.”
Eddie Trizzino eatrizz@pointpark.edu.
P R E S E N T S
Take a walk down Wood Street or through Market Square and you will find students and adults bracing the cold. As the season transitions from winter to spring, a sea of green will flood Pittsburgh for the celebration of Saint Patrick. On March 11, the city will host its 147th St. Patrick’s Day Parade. According to the parade’s official Facebook page, it is the second largest of its kind in the world. “No one-parade entry is what brings people downtown,” Tim O’Brien, the public relations director for the parade said. “It’s Pittsburghers loving to be with other Pittsburghers to have fun.” Produced by the Irish Society for Education & Charity, the organization is preparing for another year of excitement with festivities beginning at 10 a.m. According to the parade website, an estimated 23,000 people walk the parade route, running from the Greyhound Bus Station to Point Park’s campus. Every year, an estimated 200 different organizations participate in the march, including police units, floats and school bands. Crowds often flood to Market Square, where food vendors, face painters and Irish dancers await. Jane Griffith, the official parade organizer, said the parade will feature the same route that was designed and used since 2010. The parade itself has run continuously every year since 1950. On March 13, 1993, the St. Patrick’s Day blizzard was one of the worst snowstorms to hit the Pittsburgh area. According to the National Weather Service, 23.6 inches of snow fell,
S E R I E S
“A SASSY TAKE ON DISNEY’S PRINCESSES!” NY1
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making it the single-most snow in one day in the history of Pittsburgh. Despite the snowstorm, the parade continued. Over the years, the parade has averaged 200,000 spectators. However, last year’s parade had one of its largest turnouts, bringing in an estimated 300,000 people from every part of the city and every heritage. O’Brien believes that events like the parade that draw such large crowds shows not only how diverse Pittsburgh is, but how we come together and engage with different heritages. “I think Pittsburgh has more a sense of connectedness than most other cities do,” O’Brien said. “We like each other, we like to be with each other to have fun and that’s why so many large-scale events do so well in Pittsburgh.” Various road closures will be introduced before the parade to prepare drivers and attendees for possible delays. The committee works directly with Pittsburgh Police to ensure that the event is safe and maintain its family-friendly atmosphere. “We try to make it entertaining as we work very closely with the safety committee, Pittsburgh Police and Pittsburgh Fire Department,” Griffith said. “We have a very good relationship.” From Pittsburgh car dealership Cochran sponsoring the parade cars, to the radio station 100.7 Star Pittsburgh playing music in Market Square, the parade reminds spectators that the parade is, and always will be, about Pittsburgh. “We’ve got a lot of new acts that are going to be real-crowd pleasers,” Griffith said. “I think a lot of people are going to like them.”
Cody Siwicki cesiwic@pointpark.edu.
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OPINIONS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017
The flaws of American nationalism: Citizens can’t ignore our nation’s past
THE
GL BE’S POINT
Keeping your constituency in mind Every week, we chronicle the goings-on of our United Student Government (USG). Two weeks ago, USG president Blaine King proclaimed that the future of the organization looks bright. This week, we report on the resignation of sophomore Amedea Baldoni as treasurer. In her letter of resignation, Baldoni said she resigned due to “personal reasons.” We at the Globe respect the privacy of Baldoni, but when one week later, two senators also resign, we are forced to ask: what’s going on with the student government? The USG Constitution’s preamble says that “we shall create from our ranks a united government to serve as a voice for the many and a communicator with those who administer the edification within and the development of the university.” In other words, USG was formed as a student service entity whose goal is to communicate for the students to the administration. We’ve seen that in previous years: USG’s vote of no confidence was instrumental in changing our food service provider and USG members consistently serve on faculty advisory boards as student representatives. We at the Globe can only speculate why these three students parted ways with the governmental body. Frankly, it’s not our place to gossip, but when the treasurer had been censured for insubordination
and “unethical practices,” our question becomes: was this because of sparring amongst membership, the identification of a systemic problem, a symbolic move or something more personal? We call upon the members of USG to continue to remember the work they do for the student body. It matters not your place at the table, but rather that you came to the table for the right reasons. In a few weeks we will follow the election process of senators and new leadership. We call upon the existing members of USG and any other concerned student considering running, to think hard about taking on a position and serve as a primary communicator between students and administration. We also call upon membership to run for next year. Several members of USG (including the current parliamentarian, recording secretary and treasurer) were appointed by King to serve instead of being elected to the legislative body then appointed to the executive cabinet. Being a USG Senator is a thankless job and we appreciate the hours members put in. That said, we would appreciate to keep the goal in mind - this isn’t a social club, it’s a representative body serving the students.
The Point Park Globe globe@pointpark.edu
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
By Autumn Barszczowski Business Manager
When you grow up in the United States, especially after 2001, you are bombarded by American flags and overly-patriotic songs, encouraging you to sing about how you’re obviously proud to be an American. Well, here it goes: I am not proud to be an American. Or at least, I am not proud of what the reality of being an American means today. Let me explain. On paper, the United States is meant to be all about freedom for all people, but in translation from paper to reality, we have somehow forgotten the rights that this nation was built on. In the past few weeks, we have taken a step backwards for transgender rights, freedom of the press and have taken a step closer to the nationalism that I fear. This nationalism I speak of is this idea that the United States is the best country in the world. That this country is the greatest, can do no wrong and is always the winner. In the past few years, the nationalism that I witness the most, is a blind love for a country whose flaws people refuse to recognize. The more I learn about the United States, the more I realize how willing we are to cover up the dark spots in our history. I did not learn until 10th grade about the treatment that was received by Vietnam soldiers after they returned from a war that many were forced to fight. It wasn’t until 11th grade that I learned about the amount of indigenous people that were enslaved or killed by Christopher Columbus, our national hero. It took me until high school to see that our his-
tory is not as squeaky clean as I once thought. I have learned that growing up in this country after 9/11 meant that I would continue to be taught this clean history, expected to stand for the national anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, even when I didn’t agree with the words and that I would keep my mouth shut about the glaring flaws of our country. I cannot let myself stand by and watch as these groups of people who cannot see the hatred that is brewing at the core of their nationalism. The hatred that is taking away rights that people have just gained. The hatred that has taken away the voices of the people who continue to be oppressed in this country.
"We have forgotten the rights this nation was built on" NATIONALISM I can’t be proud of a country that says that all men are equal, but only means that all white men are equal. That being a woman, or being black, LGBT, Muslim, Mexican, disabled or anything outside of the realm of the “perfect American” means that your concerns will not be heard. That instead, you’ll watch as your media becomes “fake news” for millions of people
just because the president says so. That you’ll watch as your rights continue to be dismantled before you and that everything that has been gained in the past eight years continues to crumble.
“In the past few years, the nationalism that I witness the most, is a blind love for a country whose flaws people refuse to recognize. ” Autumn Barszczowski Business Manager, The Globe
America is meant to be for all people. I cannot find myself being proud to call myself a citizen of this nation until we truly take into account the writing that our country was built on and work on making that written freedom into a reality for everyone. One day, I think that I could be proud of our country. The numerous protests that have happened in Pittsburgh alone have given me faith that we can restore what has been damaged. Maybe not for a long time but, eventually, it could happen. So I’ll keep my faith in those people who continue to fight back and until then, I’ll stand my ground about why I cannot be proud of this country until it recognizes its flaws and finds a way to improve them.
Autumn Barszcowski adbarsz@pointpark.edu
A right-wing view of Trump’s worst pick, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos By Jordan Slobodinsky Co-Opinions Editor
Recently, I have been looking a lot into the field of education, examining the ins and outs. I’ve concluded that we really did not learn a lot before we came to college. So, with the recent appointment of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education, it seems as if America’s youth will be learning even less over the next four years. My mother was a public school teacher for over 35 years, and we often discussed the idea of Common Core and how it is affecting the youth of America. While we both thought this was the worst thing that could happen to students, we were not prepared for a secretary of education that actually believed in defunding the public school system. While I have been a fan of President Trump’s choices lately, including his decision to go through with the Dakota Access Pipeline and the appointment of Neil
Gorsuch, I cannot support Secretary DeVos or anything she stands for. Public school systems are already at the disadvantage of not receiving enough federal funding due to low test scores.
“DeVos has no idea what the public school system is like, nor will she ever. How can you argue to fix a broken system you have never been a part of?” Jordan Slobodinsky Co-Opinions Editor, The Globe
Our school system may be in a state of crisis, but defunding public schools
for alternative methods of schooling is by far the dumbest thing I have ever heard of. According to fairreporters.net, the United States is currently ranked 29th in the world for math and science. So instead of trying to advance a system that supports American children who are living in less fortunate situations, DeVos would rather take that federal funding and put it towards charter and parochial schools. Now let me make this clear, I am a God-fearing Republican who believes that this world was created by a higher power. I also condone the idea that this higher power initiated the big bang and that we are where we are today due to the evolutionary process. DeVos finds it essential that our students learn about creationism in not only these alternative schools that she wants to create, but also in the public schools she is looking to decimate. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe
that’s a violation of the separation of church and state? Now in a parochial school setting that’s fine, many parents pay the tuition for those kinds of schools because they want their children to learn more about religion. Yet, I think that our public school students who are trying to obtain scholarships, grants, GED’s and diplomas would rather learn about financial literacy, or the proper way to study. DeVos has no idea what the public school system is like, nor will she ever. DeVos never attended a public school or public university, and neither have any of her children. How can you argue to fix a broken system that you have never been a part of? From the perspective of a teacher’s son, I can honestly say that I am scared for the future of education. What kind of country do we live in where someone who is directing the future of American education, has barely been involved with the system?
BETSY DEVOS secretary of education
PUBLIC
Jordan Slobodinsky jeslobo@pointpark.edu
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GLOBE
The Globe board consists of Alexander Popichak, Emily Bennett and fellow editors. Opinion articles, letters to the editor, columns and cartoons do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper or editorial board. The Globe reserves the right to refuse advertising and edit all submitted articles and letters to the editor. Letters to the editor must be signed and include the author’s contact information. Offices are located in rooms 710 and 712 Lawrence Hall. Writers should address letters to:
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Robert Berger, Co-Sports Editor Sabrina Bodon, Online Editor Carley Bonk, Copy Editor Dara Collins, Staff Writer Josh Croup, Co-Sports Editor, Editor Emeritus Jonathan D’Antoni, Delivery Assistant Gracey Evans, Sports Photo Editor Julianne Griffith, Layout Editor Alex Grubbs, USG Beat Writer Matthew Hankinson, Copy Editor Casey Hoolahan, Social Media Coordinator Chloe Jakiela, News Photo Editor James Kail, Copy Editor Arianna Khalil, Graphic Designer Nikole Kost, Features Photo Editor Victoria Lemon, Playhouse Beat Writer Derek Malush, Staff Writer Morgan McCoy, Public Relations Coordinator Jonnah McClintock, Copy Editor
Kayla Novak, Copy Editor Hannah O’Toole, Asst. Social Media Coordinator Iain Oldman, Staff Writer Isabelle Opsitos, Graphic Designer Lauren Ortego, Co-Copy Desk Chief Nicole Pampena, Co-Features Editor Matt Petras, Staff Writer Carrie Reale, Co-Copy Desk Chief Michael Richter, Co-News Editor Allison Schubert, Copy Editor Jordan Slobodinsky, Co-Opinions Editor Kristin Snapp, Editor Emeritus Kayla Snyder, Co-News Editor Eddie Trizzino, Co-Features Editor Mike Turk, Staff Writer Beth Turnbull, Co-Opinions Editor Hannah Walden, Copy Editor Kelsey Wolfe, Copy Editor
SPORTS
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017
7
CROUP’S Softball earns five wins in Florida spring break games CORNER By Josh Croup Sports Columnist
Shields of strength Anna Shields had a spring break she will never forget. It was hardly a break, though. She was busy earning All-American status at the 2017 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Indoor Track and Field National Championships. She claimed second place in both the mile and the 1,000 meters Saturday to earn All-American honors, becoming the first Point Park track athlete to complete the milestone. The 26-year-old sophomore is in her first year at Point Park, where she has been able to reignite her passion for running and improving. She was one of the best high school runners in New England during her junior year in 2008 and committed to run at the University of North Carolina. A series of injuries and illnesses her senior year led her instead to attend Central Connecticut State University. After a frustrating freshman year, Shields redshirted her sophomore year and had a heart-to-heart talk with her coach. She decided to take a break from running, moved into her own place and got a job at a bank. “I just didn’t think I had it in me to do it anymore,” Shields said. After competing in some races in 2015, she realized she still had potential to run at a high level. She then joined her former high school track coach as an assistant and discovered a passion for coaching. But coaching opportunities are limited without a college degree, especially at the college level. She sought out Point Park, the closest NAIA track and field program to her Connecticut home. A selling point for Shields was the excitement level of Head Coach Kelly Parsley at the prospect of signing her.
“He had a lot of faith in my potential, even though I hadn’t run track in a long time,” Shields said. “That excitement is really infectious.” She signed with Point Park in June 2016 and began running on the cross country team in the fall, all while looking forward to track season. When she got to the indoor season, Shields didn’t take long to begin dominating on the track, emerging as one of the top runners in the NAIA. She started to see improvement, qualifying for six events at nationals. “I got to do what I love,” Shields said. “Yeah, there’s a lot of pressure I put on myself, and I was nervous. It’s amazing that I even get to be here. I was thinking about that a lot.” She was joined at the meet at East Tennessee State University by five teammates from the Point Park men’s and women’s track and field teams. Among those was Jryi Davis, who also had an unforgettable weekend. Davis jumped 14.44 meters in the triple jump, giving him a sixth-place finish and NAIA All-American honors. He is the first field athlete in Point Park history to earn the honor. “It was so amazing to watch,” Shields said of Davis’ jump. “I had tears in my eyes. I was so happy.” It was an all-around happy weekend for the program that once again made history. You can bet Shields isn’t done achieving on the track. And she’s optimistic for the team looking ahead to outdoor season. “I’m really proud of how everyone on our team did (at nationals),” Shields said. “They were all amazing. I think that we’ll get to do it again.”
Josh Croup jdcroup@pointpark.edu
Robert Berger | Point Park Athletics
Sophomore Anna Shields placed second in the mile and 1,000 meters at the NAIA National Indoor Track and Field Championships Saturday, earning All-American honors.
By Robert Berger Co-Sports Editor
The Pioneer softball team spent spring break in central Florida enjoying the sun and gearing up for the upcoming regular season. The Spring Games in Clermont, Florida hosts more than 300 teams annually for the largest softball event in the country. After playing 13 games, the Pioneers finished 5-8 overall, an improvement from the 2-10 record the team posted last year in Florida. The team kicked its spring season off with an 8-2 win against Brandeis University. Sophomore Ashley Iagnemma threw a complete game, finishing with nine strikeouts and two earned runs. Iagnemma is returning for her second year after finishing the 2016 season with a 10-10 record and 2.16 ERA. In her first year she was named the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) newcomer of the year, and earned a spot as an all KIAC first team member. The Pioneers faced No. 11 Weber International the same day following the Brandeis victory. After seven innings, a 3-3 tie sent the game into extras. In the eighth inning Freshman Katie Tarr gave up 11 hits allowing eight runs as the Pioneers suffered their first loss of the season, 11-3. Freshman first baseman Caitlin Corey reached base twice against Weber after registering her first hit in a Pioneer uniform. “I think we hung in with a lot of the teams we lost to,” Corey said. “Weber International is one of the better NAIA teams and we stayed in the game until that last inning.” Point Park bounced back the following day with a pair of wins. The first was an 11-4 victory against Middle Georgia State University. The Pioneers took a 3-0 lead in the first inning en route to the win. Senior Becca Babincak finished 4-for-5 at the plate, while Iagnemma threw her second complete game. Another new addition to the team, freshman Paula Ambrose, scored a run while making her Pioneer debut against Middle Georgia. Ambrose reached base on a walk in the fifth inning and was driven in after. “I think spring went great,” Ambrose said. “I personally don’t like playing indoors as much and it felt great to start playing again.” The team picked up its third win later that day against St. Thomas University by a score of 5-4. Trailing 4-3 heading into the seventh, the Pioneers came from behind as Jess Beitler drove Babincak for the winning run. Tarr picked up her first win of the season after giving up only one hit in three innings pitched. The Pioneers dropped two contests against University of Michigan Dearborn and Wheeling Jesuit University on day three of the trip. In the first game, Point Park registered both runs in the bottom of the second of the bats of freshman Amber Cook and Sophomore Chelsea Rogel. Iagnemma picked up her first loss of spring after allowing four earned
runs. In the end, the Pioneers fell to the University of Michigan Dearborn 6-2. Point Park fell to Wheeling Jesuit University 4-0 three hours later. Sophomore Tiffany Edwards earned the loss in six innings pitched. Point Park turned things around the next day picking up a 5-3 win against Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Iagnemma notched her third victory with a complete game, allowing one earned run. The Pioneers fell to Gannon University 3-1 in the day’s second game. Babincak went 2-for-4, while Senior Alyssa McMurtrie went 2-for-3 with an RBI. In a rematch against Mount Vernon Nazarene, the Pioneers took their final win of spring in eight innings with a 1-0 final score. Edwards pitched a complete game for Point Park and allowed just four hits. Point Park dropped its final three spring games to Calumet College, Calgary University of Michigan and the No. 2 Xavier University. The team is remaining confident heading into the regular season, as much of the spring is used for development. “The first half of spring we were trying things out with our lineup, but by the second half we figured out a
lineup that we think will work out,” Ambrose said. The Pioneers’ final loss against Xavier University was a 1-0 final, as Xavier pulled ahead in the sixth inning on back-to-back doubles. Edwards pitched in the final contest allowing only one earned run on five hits. The team left Clermont with a 5-8 overall record, three more wins than last year’s spring season. The Pioneers hit for a team average of .248 and allowed 19 errors on the field, four more than last year. Babincak lead the team individually at the plate with a .449 average. “The team was disappointed in how they did last spring, so everyone feels great about the outcome of this year’s trip,” Ambrose said. The Pioneers finished the 2016 season with an overall record of 23-19, and went 14-4 in conference games. After graduating three seniors last year, the program added six freshman to the roster for this year’s campaign. The Pioneers will host Gannon in the first regular season game of the season Mar. 18 at Lind Field at Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Twp.
Robert Berger raberge@pointpark.edu
SOFTBALL BEGINS 35TH YEAR
Ann Groves | Globe Archives
Anna Trapuzzano runs out a base hit against Ursuline on April 12, 2008. The Point Park softball program is entering its 35th season in 2017.
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8
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 2017
THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY
Hot bats cooled in RSC play By Jordan Slobodinsky Co-Opinions Editor
Coming off a third-place finish in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) last year, Point Park baseball took its talents to Florida last week in preparation for the 2017 season. The Pioneers enter this season after losing 7 seniors to graduation including Gold Glove outfielder Demetrius Moorer, All-KIAC First-Team pitcher Jason Kim and All-KIAC Second-Team pitcher Jarrad Brown. Point Park finished 28-24 in 2016. The Pioneers were ranked third in the River States Conference (RSC) Preseason Coaches’ Poll, behind Rio Grande and Indiana University Southeast. The Pioneers attended the RussMatt Central Florida invitational in Winter Haven, Fla. from February 25-28. In
PRIZES
its first competitive play of the season, Point Park managed to split two games with Trinity Baptist (Fla.) College by winning 6-1 and then falling 7-3. The next day, the team split a pair of games with two separate schools. The Pioneers rallied for a 12-7 win against Davenport after trailing 7-1 in the bottom of the third inning. After that, it was lights out from Point Park’s bullpen, as junior Gustavo Barbosa pitched 3.2 innings while allowing only two hits. Davenport still threatened to score in the sixth inning leading 7-4, but reliever Keenan Smith came in and shut down Davenport’s offense, causing them to leave two men stranded. Point Park gained some ground in the seventh inning, cutting the lead to 7-6 and eventually gained the lead in the eighth inning at 10-7. The Pioneers were able
All participants will be automatically entered in a random drawing to win:
1 of 4 iPad minis (worth $400) 1 of 15 CulinArt gift cards (worth $15)
Freshmen and Seniors: You’re invited to participate in…
THE NATIONAL SURVEY OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT (NSSE) WHEN Feb. 1 - March 31, 2017 WHERE Online – check your Point Park email for an invite WHY This national survey helps us understand how students spend time inside and outside of the classroom, which helps guide decisions to benefit Point Park students.
WEEKLY SCOREBOARD: FEB. 21 - MARCH 6 WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD NAIA INDOOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.............................. March 2-4 Mile: Anna Shields...2nd (4:51.39), NAIA All-American 1,000: Anna Shields...2nd (2:51.80), NAIA All-American Distance medley relay (Olugbakinro, Celich, Shields, Guarnaccia): 10th (12:22)
MEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD NAIA INDOOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS.............................. March 2-4 Triple Jump: Jryi Davis...6th (14.44 meters), NAIA All-American Triple Jump: Tyler Carter...24th (12.45 meters)
BASEBALL (6-6) (1-3 RSC) RussMatt Central Florida Invitational (Winter Haven, Fla.) TRINITY BAPTIST 1, POINT PARK 6, ................................................. Feb. 25 POINT PARK 2, TRINITY BAPTIST 7................................................... Feb. 25 POINT PARK 12, DAVENPORT 7.......................................................... Feb. 26 (RV) JUDSON 7, POINT PARK 6 (10 innings) .................................... Feb. 26 POINT PARK 18, UVA-WISE 3.............................................................. Feb. 27 UVA-WISE 13, POINT PARK 9 ............................................................. Feb. 27 MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE 5, POINT PARK 6 ............................ Feb. 28 POINT PARK 19, DAVENPORT 10........................................................ Feb. 28 POINT PARK 1, RIO GRANDE 8*......................................................... March 4 POINT PARK 5, RIO GRANDE 4 (9 innings)*..................................... March 4 POINT PARK 3, RIO GRANDE 4*......................................................... March 5 POINT PARK 0, RIO GRANDE 3*......................................................... March 5 Next: March 10-11 @ WVU Tech*
SOFTBALL (5-8) (0-0 RSC) NTC Spring Games (Clermont, Fla.) POINT PARK 8, BRANDEIS 2, ............................................................. Feb. 24 POINT PARK 3, No. 11 WEBBER INTERNATIONAL 12 (8 innings)..... Feb. 24 MIDDLE GEORGIA 4, POINT PARK 11............................................... Feb. 25 POINT PARK 5, ST. THOMAS 4............................................................ Feb. 25 MICHIGAN DEARBORN 6, POINT PARK 2........................................ Feb. 26 POINT PARK 0, WHEELING JESUIT 4............................................... Feb. 26 MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE 3, POINT PARK 5 ............................ Feb. 27 POINT PARK 1, GANNON 3.................................................................. Feb. 27 POINT PARK 2, MSOE 5........................................................................ March 1 MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE 0, POINT PARK 1............................. March 1 POINT PARK 0, CALUMET 6................................................................. March 2 CLEARY 8, POINT PARK 5*................................................................... March 2 POINT PARK 0, No. 2 SAINT XAVIER 1............................................... March 3 Next: March 18 vs. Gannon *River States Conference game
to score two more runs in the ninth, securing a 12-7 win. Smith received the win with his 2.1 hitless innings. The Pioneers fell later in the day to the same momentum that brought them victory. Point Park starting pitcher Amiel Abreu threw six innings against Judson University (33), giving up just two runs and left the mound with a promising 4-2 lead. But the bullpen was not as sturdy as it was in the earlier game, giving up five runs en route to a 7-6 extra-inning loss. The result left Point Park at 2-2 after the team’s first four games of competition in Florida. The Pioneers’ offense exploded for resulting in 27 runs and 36 hits in a pair of games against NCAA Division II University of Virginia-Wise. Despite this powerful showing of offense, the Pioneers still only managed to split the doubleheader. Point Park scored eight runs on eight hits in the second inning of the first contest to lead to an eventual 18-3 victory. Richard Perez led the Pioneers at the plate, going 4-for-6 with a home run, two RBIs and three runs. Nicholas Beardsley threw six shutout innings for the Pioneers, allowing just four hits and did not walk a single batter. The second game turned out to be a different story for Point Park once again, falling 13-9. Point Park gained an early 4-0 lead, but it was lost when UVA-Wise (5-8) put up eight runs in the top of the fifth inning. Again, Point Park left the day with an even win-loss record, sitting at 3-3. The final day at the invitational, the Pioneers began to show that its offense could make them a legitimate contender this year.
Mary Anne Doggett | The Globe
Senior Logan Linder takes swings in the cages in the Student Center. Linder has started 2017 hitting .333 with 3 RBIs and 11 runs. He has a .1.93 ERA in three appearances and a save. Point Park came away with a 6-5 win over Mt. Vernon Nazarene after trailing 5-2 in the sixth inning. The Pioneers rallied for three runs during the final offensive stand in the seventh inning. The rally was capped off by Daniel Sanchez’s game-winning single that scored Logan Linder, who had hit an RBI double earlier in the inning. Smith received another victory in the contest after tossing 1.2 innings in relief of starter Roberto Rodriguez. Rodriguez gave up six hits in six innings, including two home runs. Point Park then met with Judson again and came out victorious 19-10 after another offensive explosion. With the
game tied 10-10 after five innings, the Pioneers managed to 5 runs in the sixth inning and 4 runs in the seventh inning to secure the win. Point Park returned north to open conference play Saturday. The Pioneers split another doubleheader on the road at Rio Grande, losing 8-1 in the first game and then winning 5-4 in 9 innings in the second game. The following day the Pioneers dropped two straight games to Rio Grande 4-3, and 3-0 bringing their record to 6-6 on the season. The Pioneers will continue conference play this weekend at West Virginia Tech.
Jordan Slobodinsky jeslobo@pointpark.edu
Volleyball lands four recruits By Mike Turk Staff Writer
Volleyball Head Coach Mike Bruno has kept busy this offseason, as he has landed four new recruits in preparations for the fall 2017 volleyball season. After winning the River States Conference (RSC) regular season title last year, Coach Bruno is losing four key players from the roster, including both starting middles in Nikki Inquartano and Kirsten Burkes. Inquartano led the RSC in total blocks last season with 149 and had a career-high in kills with 183. When Inquartano was not on the court, Burkes was picking up where Inquartano left off. Burkes had a comeback season that resulted in 74 blocks and 164 kills. Bruno will also be without his starting setter from the past three years, Emily Meng. The Indianapolis, Ind. native ranked fourth in the RSC in assists (1023) and averaged 7.8 assists per set. Shiloh Simonson, the 5-foot-9 all-around outside hitter spent her last four years at Point Park. Simonson surpassed 1,000 career kills last season and ranked second on the team in kills with 293, only behind right side hitter Ashley Taylor (310). “We’re trying to pack on as many recruits as we can,” said senior defensive specialist and Captain Juliana Ross. “It’s going to be a struggle filling in what we had.” A key signing was Meg
Reineke from Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. Reineke is 5-foot-10 and will be expected to try and fill the shoes of Simonson on the outside and play all six rotations. Reineke, who will be transferring as a junior, is a two-time all conference player who also earned NJCAA Division II second-team All-American honors. In her two years at Sinclair, she collected more than 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs. “I’m definitely excited to play against better competition,” Reineke said about making the transition to NAIA volleyball. “I think it will be fun and good for me too. It’ll make me work harder.” The Ohio recruiting did not stop there. Abby Miller, a 5-foot-9 native of St. Clairsville, Ohio will start her collegiate volleyball career at Point Park. Miller was an all-district player her senior year on the outside. Miller was a middle blocker for the majority of her volleyball career until she was moved to the outside her senior season. She collected 196 kills and recorded 44 aces from the back line last season. “I liked how welcoming they all were,” Miller said about her new team. “They brought me into the team immediately and I like their chemistry.” Bruno was able to recruit some local talent as well. Jada Jones will be coming to Point Park next season from Keystone Oaks High School. The 5-foot-10 Jones was a middle blocker her senior year
at Keystone Oaks, but Coach Bruno has other plans. “She will probably be on one of the pins,” Bruno said. “She’s very athletic and coachable.” The fourth recruit was named to the All-WPIAL third team her senior season at Gateway. Jazlyn Rozier, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker, will also start her collegiate volleyball career at Point Park. Rozier currently plays on a club team coached by Bruno. Thus far, her new coach likes what he sees. “She will be a for sure middle hitter next season,” Bruno said. “She’s going to transition to the collegiate game pretty easily from what I see.” Rozier’s mother, Jana Orlofske, played volleyball at Point Park from 1994-97 and is in the hall of fame. She was the conference freshmen of the year and then she went on to be selected for first-team all-conference the next three years and, on top of that, earned conference player of the year her senior season. “With a bigger roster comes more personalities,” Bruno said. “With more personalities comes the bigger challenge of creating that cohesiveness.” Coach Bruno is still working to get more recruits for the 2017 season. He intends on having a deep bench, and is fishing in every pond possible.
Mike Turk mjturk@pointpark.edu