Point Park University Globe Spring 2017 Issue 4

THE

GL BE

USG Beat Writer

The university’s student legislative body censured its treasurer after the executive board called her to trial in a 6-4 anonymous vote.

“I apologize for my actions for what has happened,” Treasurer Amedea Baldoni said visibly emotional and defending herself before the United Student Government (USG) legislative body vote. “I’ll… have to fix myself. USG has been my priority.”

A censure is a formal warning against a USG member. It stands in record for 60 days. If two more censures are accumulated within this time, it is an automatic impeachment from USG. According to the censure application submitted to Parliamentarian Charles Murria,

President Blaine King filed the censure against Baldoni for a “disregard” of multiple by-laws of the USG constitution.

This includes not upholding proper conduct, participating in unethical practices, intentionally and wrongfully harm or threaten another and not acting under the president’s orders. King said that Baldoni violated all of these.

“It came to the point where I had to take control and do something,” King said.

Press Secretary Sabrina Bodon elaborated more on the situation and said the executive cabinet and senators were talking about each other behind each others’ backs.

Altercations regarding this situation led to King’s motion to censure Baldoni.

USG page 2

CAB to host its first-ever Groundhog Day celebration

By Iain Oldman For the Globe

Point Park University’s Campus Activity Board will host a Groundhog Day event for students and staff as a way to celebrate the holiday with crafts, live music and regional food on Thursday, Feb. 2.

The event will take place in the Lawrence Hall lobby from 7-9 p.m.

“We want it to be a way

Point Park alum returns to Pittsburgh for musical performance David Grande proposes mall in President Trump’s U.S. - Mexico border wall Women’s basketball player ovecomes career of obstacles ppuglobe.com

Celebrating 50 years of covering the world of Point Park University news

USG censures its treasurer

By Alex Grubbs

PAGE

4 PAGE 5 PAGE SINCE 1967 7

@PPUGlobe February 1, 2017

USG

IN THIS ISSUE:

for students to experience Punxsutawney Phil without having to wake up at 2 a.m. to go see him,” said Kristi Chenarides, the Experience Pittsburgh coordinator for the Campus Activity Board.

Chenarides said that to her knowledge, an event hasn’t been put on at Point Park University to celebrate Groundhog Day until now.

CAB page 2

RELAY TEAM RUNS AWAY WITH TOP NAIA RANKING

DRAG SHOW ROCKS BALLROOM

Trevor Kirby | The Globe Bambi Deerest, a Point Park alum, performs to throwbacks from the ‘90s at the Drag Show in LH Ballroom, Jan. 24.

The second annual drag show was held by the Campus Activities Board. See story on page 3.

Short films to emulate famous directors

By Lauren Clouser For the Globe

The John P. Harris Society (JPH) is holding its second annual “Be the Filmmaker” festival, in which participants have 48 hours to create a short film.

Filmmakers have from 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12 to complete their films, which will be screened in the JVH on Sunday at 6 p.m. Filmmakers will be competing for the title of best overall film.

According to Aurora Burgy, the president of JPH, the films will imitate the styles of various famous directors.

“Usually, in our regular Monday meetings, we kind of bounce back and forth big director names,” Burgy said.

“Last year, we had Martin Scorsese, Edgar Wright and Tim Burton. Then we have teams of three, and you get 48 hours to write, shoot, direct

and edit a film in the style of another director.”

Burgy said that JPH is planning to use some of the same directors that they used in the festival last year, while also introducing some new directors.

Senior screenwriting major Scott Kidwell was part of the team that won the festival last year. Their film parodied the style of director Martin Scorsese.

Kidwell attributed the victory to his teammates.

“I worked with a really good cinematographer, and the ability to bounce ideas off of everyone was a really strong point,” Kidwell said.

The team’s victory came as a surprise for Kidwell.

“Whenever you see you have 48 hours to do something, it could be pretty good or it could be not so good.,” Kidwell said.

The films are generally judged by the president of

JPH, along with two other JPH board members. Occasionally a professor or an academic advisor will also judge. This year’s judges are not yet set in stone; the decision will be made closer to the time of the festival.

Kelsey Myers, vice president of JPH, is a potential judge for the festival. Myers provided some advice on what it takes for a film to win.

“Just being creative and thinking outside the box and having something that’s based off of the director and pretty close to the style, but still put in your own touch,” Myers said.

Both the festival and screening are open to students of all majors, regardless of whether or not they are in JPH, and it is not necessary to have a team assembled at the time of signing up. Students can sign up for the festival by messaging the JPH Facebook page. The deadline to sign up is Feb. 9.

Lauren Clouser lclous@pointpark.edu.

Pastor challenges incumbent mayor for democratic nomination

By Dannys Marrero For The Globe

Kelly Parsley | Point Park Athletics The women’s distance medley relay team of Katie Gurnaccia, Olukemi Olugbakinro, Anna Shields and Taylor Celich ranks first in the NAIA after the SPIRE Midwest Open this past weekend in Geneva, Ohio.

See story page 8.

Issue 4

Rev. John C. Welch declared his candidacy for the office of Mayor of the City of Pittsburgh on Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Homewood.

Welch is the Chief Chaplain for the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Dean of Students at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and professor of Business Ethics at the University of Pittsburgh.

Born in the Hill District and raised in Homewood by a single parent, the Rev. John Welch graduated from Central Catholic High School and received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Economics at Carnegie Mellon Univer-

sity. He later went on to earn a Ph.D. in Healthcare Ethics from Duquesne University.

“In this moment, we are launching an unprecedented movement here in the city of Pittsburgh,” Welch said. “An unprecedented movement here in Pittsburgh which will begin to demand the restoration of our democracy. The one that is supposed to be for the people, of the people and by the people.”

Sympathizers and enthusiastic supporters of all ages and ethnicities attended the event. Many supporters were live-streaming the event through various social media platforms, including 17-yearold Akil Keasley, a senior at the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy, who attended the event with his family.

“He’s very motivated and,

based on his words, I believe he can really do some change for the better of Pittsburgh,” Keasley said.

Currently, Welch is the only declared opponent that incumbent Bill Peduto faces for the Democratic ticket.

According to the list of past mayors in Pittsburgh, a Republican hasn’t been elected into the office since 1933, making the democratic nomination crucial.

Although the City of Pittsburgh has historically re-elected sitting mayors and has never elected an African-American as mayor, Welch is stepping up to the challenge.

“I’m not scared or discouraged because of running against

CANDIDATE page 2

Weather Forecast Today: Snow Showers H 38, L 24

Thursday: Partly Cloudy, H 31, L 18 Friday: Partly Cloudy, H 30, L 16 Saturday: Mostly Sunny, H 33, L 21

Sunday: Rain/Snow, H 37, L 26 Monday: Partly Cloudy, H 32, L 23 Tuesday: Snow to Ice, H 32, L 24

Point Park

GLOBE

2

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

Candidate says he will Accordion player to perform polka ‘bring Pittsburgh together’ tunes at Groundhog Day festivities from CANDIDATE page 1 an incumbent,” Welch said.

Members of Welch’s campaign team are also optimistic about this election.

Jacqueline Barnett, political strategist to the Welch campaign, clarified Welch’s campaign efforts.

“I can say he knows young and older people want someone who’ll listen to them,” Barnett said. “He knows young adults want and very much need an affordable college education. He knows that the citizens of this city don’t want to be burdened with student debt and want a clear opportunity for a job once they finish their education.”

When asked about Welch’s chances against Mayor Peduto, Barnett remained optimistic about the candidate.

“I think we are in the time for upset, and no one should take their position for granted,” Barnett said.

“We’ve seen that in a national level, and this is the time for disruption.”

Welch made it clear through a press release that the purpose of his mayoral candidacy was to “have the opportunity to make Pittsburgh the kind of city where everyone can flourish and find their place.”

His campaign also pledged to “improve safety, create fair and equitable community development, support a robust public education system, foster grass-roots economic development and support responsible philanthropy.”

During the event, Welch expressed concerned for the troubles Pittsburgh citizens face.

“This city is in pain,” Welch said. “There’s the pain of homelessness, there’s the pain of relocation and dislocation.

There’s the pain of addiction, unemployment and underemployment. We the people, can do something about it. Before we can become most livable, we must become most equitable.”

In an interview, Welch

expressed his reasoning for running for mayor after the official announcement.

“I’m running for mayor because a lot of people are looking for change,” Welch said. “There is inequality in our justice and education systems. There are unspoken problems within our schools. People need the attention they deserve, the people of the City of Pittsburgh deserve better conditions in our schools and better living conditions across the city, no matter where they are or what their demographics are.”

In 2005, Welch was part of a national leadership team that organized a protest of more than 4,000 people from across the country in Washington D.C. The protest successfully urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to vote down a bill that would criminalize anyone who aided undocumented immigrants.

“I can bring Pittsburgh together,” Welch said. “This unprecedented campaign will force us to dismantle structural racism.”

Welch compared himself and his movement to the current President of the U.S. “This is not like Trump’s movement,” Welch said. “I will not be the president of the divided states of America.”

Barnett said Welch is open to new ideas.

“Dr. Welch is not afraid of diversity of thought,” Barnett said. “He is not afraid of new experiences.”

During his closing statement, Welch received a standing ovation and many of the participants were seen signing up to volunteer and/or donate to the Welch campaign.

“This is the people’s movement and this will be a city for the people of Pittsburgh,” Welch said.

Dannys Marrero damarre@pointpark.edu.

from CAB page 1 Punxsutawney Phil is the name given to the groundhog that determines the length of the rest of the winter season based on whether or not he sees his own shadow. According to folklore, Groundhog Day is an annual holiday that originated in central and southeastern Pennsylvania, though the official celebrations are now held in nearby Punxsutawney.

Groundhog Day is traditionally celebrated with German food and music. Chenarides stated that the Campus Activity Board has activities planned for the event, which conform to the holiday’s customs.

“We’re going to have perogies, crafts and interesting facts about groundhogs,” Chenarides said.

The Campus Activity Board is bringing in Pat Septak, an accordion player, to provide live music at the event, as well.

Septak is a regular performer at the Holiday Market in Market Square, which ran from Nov. 18 to Dec. 23 in 2016.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership passed his information along to Chenarides for the event, and she and Septak coordinated for the event’s music.

“I asked what [Chenarides] wanted and she said a lot of polka and upbeat songs, so I’ll be playing a lot of those types of songs,” Septak said. “She told me to keep it lively, and of course I’ll take requests of anything people have.”

Septak’s act also involves aspects of a variety show, including interaction with the audience and group dances.

For the Groundhog Day event, though, Septak will showcase his polka tunes.

“The polkas I generally do are the more popular ones: The bear girl, the Pennsylvania polka,” Septak said. “I do songs that aren’t polkas per-se but they

have a polka feel to it. I even do a few Beatles songs in my act.”

Septak has played the accordion since he was a child, though he only began playing to crowds after playing on-air on WJAS’ Bill Cardille Show. Septak currently works at WBVP and WMBA radio in Beaver Falls, Pa., where he serves as the news director.

Chenarides said that the Campus Activity Board is fully prepared for either of Punxsutawney Phil’s conclusions, with plans to decorate the lobby of Lawrence Hall with both spring and winter themes.

CAB has planned the event for about 200 people to show up and booked the celebration on a Thursday night to make the party more casual and inviting.

“You can stop by and relax, it’s not too strenuous,” Chenarides said.

Iain Oldman idoldma@pointpark.edu.

Operations VP discusses Playhouse Students bring concerns to USG about expired drinks for sale in newly renovated Point Café from USG page 1 “I personally talked to Treasurer [Amedea] Baldoni about it, and we had a discussion,” King said.

However, after attempts to remedy the problem, it continued, leading to her censure

by King. The legislative body then voted to approve this 6-4 anonymously.

Bodon said that this censure is “making a point that USG is a professional organization.”

“By censuring Amedea [Baldoni, we are] keeping to our oath and constitution,” Bodon said.

During the meeting, a student concern regarding the Point Café caught attention as expired bottles of soda were currently shelved.

Recording Secretary Davion Heron addressed the problem after a constituent, who was to address this to USG, left the meeting early.

“The café was selling drinks that were expired from November,” Heron said.

Baldoni also received pictures of the expired soda bottles, also posted on a Point Park class page. The Globe took photo evidence of this occurrence.

Dean of Students Keith Paylo said he will have a meeting with CulinArt regarding this issue.

Also at the meeting, Vice President of Operations Chris Hill outlined to USG the current update to the Pittsburgh Playhouse.

The library in the University Center will be extended to the basement of the new Playhouse, bringing a lounge area for students.

Calling it the “biggest project” going on at the university, this basement will have study and collaborative spaces for students to utilize. Inside the Playhouse, a new café will be opened as well.

It will also be restoring a facade from the historic Goettman Building in the new Adaptive Theater.

“We try to preserve some of the buildings we had to dis-

mantle,” Hill said.

This theater will be 56 ft. by 43 ft. where different types of productions can be held at while the main stage will be 40 ft. wide by 22 ft. tall.

The basement will open in fall 2017 while the Playhouse will open in fall 2018.

In addition, USG deactivated several clubs and organizations on campus, two weeks after deactivating six others.

The Club, Fashion, Hispanic Heritage, Point Chic, Point Park Fashion club and Ultimate Frisbee Organization were all deemed inactive by the legislative body.

Per Murria, records for these organizations will stay for three years. To reactivate, one must speak to Student Involvement Assistant Coordinator Kate Shipley or Murria himself. USG can move to reactivate the club thereafter.

Disclosure: Sabrina Bodon is the Globe’s online editor

Alex Grubbs aagrubb@pointpark.edu.

SENIORS: RECEIVE AN ALUMNI DISCOUNT WHEN YOU EARN YOUR GRADUATE DEGREE AT POINT PARK! DAYS • EVENINGS • SATURDAYS • ONLINE DOCTORATES • Clinical-Community Psychology • Community Engagement

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND INTELLIGENCE • Criminal Justice Administration Intelligence and Global Security

• Leadership and Administration

EDUCATION

MASTER’S

• Adult Learning and Training (online only) Curriculum and Instruction

ARTS AND SCIENCES

Educational Administration

• Clinical-Community Psychology • Engineering Management • Environmental Studies

• Secondary Education Leading to PA Certification in Grades 7-12 Special Education Leading to PA Certification in Prekindergarten-Grade 8

BUSINESS

Special Education Leading to PA Certification in Grades 7-12

• Health Care Administration and Management (online only)

School Principal Certificate

• Leadership M.B.A.H (7 tracks) • M.B.A. in Global Management and Administration

COMMUNICATION Communication Technology

PERFORMING ARTS • Writing for the Screen and Stage Also available online H Option available to earn this M.A. and M.B.A. concurrently

• Media CommunicationH

Learn more and apply:

PointPark.edu/GradDegrees

Note: Alumni discount is not applicable for online degrees.

FEATURES

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

3

Annual drag show shines spotlight on acceptance

By Dara Collins Staff Writer

Students time traveled back to the 1990s as Pikachu and Avril Lavigne lookalikes took the stage.

Point Park’s second drag show was held in the Lawrence Hall ballroom on Jan. 24. Point Park invited Bambi Deerest, Dixie Surewood, Blade Matthews, Divauna Diore, Cindy Crotchford and Miss V to perform to a variety of 1990s hits and pop culture references.

“It’s cool that we actually have a school that’s putting on a drag show and having queens that aren’t typical queens,” Deerest said. “We’re kind of alternative, we’re kind of fun, we’re all types. It’s not just like pretty pageant stuff.

The fact that Point Park is having that and allowing that is really cool.”

Deerest and Surewood are no strangers to the campus. Deerest enrolled at Point Park as a musical theatre student in the Conservatory of Performing Arts. Surewood attended the university for two years as an education student.

“There are a lot of good memories here,” Surewood said. “I always liked this place because you can just do what you wanted and no one

looks at you weird because everyone just accepts it.”

According to Deerest, drag culture was not as accepted in the past, but the crowd seemed more in touch with the culture during this performance.

“It’s definitely come a long way and I’m excited that the student body might be more progressive than it was then,” Deerest said.

“It makes me have a good memory of college, and I’m always happy to come back.”

The queens took turns performing for the crowd.

Students filled in the rows of chairs and gathered around the stage to dance and sing along. Christina Aguilera’s “Candy Man,” Ciara’s “1, 2 Step” and a Disney medley were among the songs played for the performance. Two audience members were also selected by Deerest and Surewood to go head-to-head in a drag race and lip-syncing contest.

Before Crotchford took the stage, Deerest introduced the queen as “the definition of drag in 2017”.

“Everybody’s different,” said Crotchford. “We’re all different body shapes, sizes and weight. Boobs are bigger, hair is bigger, white, black, whatever. It’s drag. I

Trevor Kirby | The Globe

Divauna Diore dances around a chair during her performance at the drag show Wednesday, Jan. 25 in the Lawrence Hall Ballroom. The second annual event was organized by the Campus Activities Board. am more comfortable in my skin, so that’s who I am.”

Deerest agreed that drag culture allowed her to be who she wanted to be.

“I was always stuck playing roles that I looked like,” Deerest said. “They wouldn’t let me transform into something. Then I found drag, and drag was my way of being every character that I wanted to be all at once.”

Olivia Barger, a close friend to Deerest, who has been dubbed her “unofficial assistant,” gave some insight to the personalities behind all of the makeup and costumes.

“It’s definitely crazy and there’s never a dull moment,” said Barger.

“They’re just really funny, really nice and very humble. They look out for everybody.”

If any student missed the drag show on campus, Deerest, Surewood and Crotchford perform at Blue Moon in Lawrenceville every Wednesday. They also have themed shows on Saturdays, according to Surewood.

Dara Collins dmcolli@pointpark.edu

Hand-in-Hand Alliance links students together

Disability services expands inclusiveness, widens community

By Kelsey Wolfe Copy Editor

What had originally begun as an internship for Hannah Hepler has turned into a full-fledged program that is working to provide a smooth transition into college for students with disabilities.

The Hand-in-Hand Alliance, a program offered through Point Park’s Disability Services, is partnering new students that register with disabilities to mentors who have shown significant achievement on campus.

Hepler, a junior psy-

chology major and a resident educator on campus, worked with the Center for Student Success to help create the program. She views the Hand-in-Hand Alliance as a necessity on Point Park’s campus.

“Point Park preaches a lot about inclusion,” He-

20% Student

Discount 339 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 www.shabsgrill.com Phone: (412)281-8111

pler said in an interview on Saturday. “I believe that having everyone included and having a home on this campus is very important.”

Director of Disability Services Matt Berwick said that the Center for Student Success wanted to find a way to integrate students with disabilities into the Point Park community.

“We’re creating friendships,” Berwick said. “We’re creating those matches so that these students are successful. That’s the main goal behind the program.”

Students in the program are mainly those who are considered to be on the autism spectrum, though there are some with social anxiety as well.

There are currently six students with mentors through the Handin-Hand Alliance.

Mentors serve as a “translator” between the student and the staff at the Center for Student Success.

Mentees meet weekly with their mentors to discuss how their lives are going, both academically and socially, and to bring to the table any problems they are having.

“We were looking to find a way to support these students by using their peers and providing them with what would be

Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am - 6pm Saturday: 11am-3pm Sunday: Closed

considered a more typical college experience,” Molly McClelland, the director for the Center for Student Success, said in a phone interview on Saturday.

McClelland said that one of the goals of Handin-Hand Alliance was to create good experience for both mentees and mentors. Over the course of the program, she has witnessed growth from both the student mentoring and the one who is being mentored.

Throughout her time with a program, Hepler said that she has witnessed a significant change in her mentees’ abilities. By making connections with them and giving simple encouragement, she says they have improved in terms of their organization, academic and social skills.

Disability services is looking to expand the program over time, including more people into their mentee group. The plan is to make Hand-in-Hand Alliance more inclusive by integrating those who feel alienated or excluded on campus into the group. “[Hand-in-Hand Alliance] could make a lot of students who feel intimidated by college or those that feel Point Park only caters to a certain type of people feel a part of the campus and that they matter,” Hepler said.

Students that are interested in getting involved with the Hand-in-Hand Alliance can contact McClelland at mmcclelland@ pointpark.edu or Hepler at hsheple@pointpark.edu to apply.

Kelsey Wolfe kjwolfe@pointpark.edu.

4

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

FEATURES

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

Alumnus makes comeback on Pittsburgh Public Theater stage

By Francesca Dabecco For the Globe

Just a few blocks away from where he began his college acting classes in 1998, Point Park alumnus Chad Bender is taking the O’Reilly Theater stage for Pittsburgh Public Theater’s production of “Twelfth Night,” a comedic play by William Shakespeare.

Running from Jan. 26 – Feb. 26, this production is a “colorful, romantic, funny play… perfect for gloomy winter days,” according to Pittsburgh Public Theater Communication Manager Margie Romero. “Twelfth Night” is directed by Public’s Producing Director Ted Pappas.

When Bender, 36 of Lock Haven, Pa., auditioned for the role of Curio in the spring, he did not expect to have sheet music in his production lines, but he was thrilled to put his piano skills on stage.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to use that talent in a production,” Bender said, explaining that he has been playing the piano since he was 13.

While Shakespeare originally wrote “Twelfth Night” for the Elizabethan Court, Pappas sets his production during pre-World War I, with original jazz music composed by Michael Moricz. On stage, the songs are sung by Feste (Mitchell Jarvis), with Valentine (Andrew Miller)

on guitar and Curio (Bender) on piano.

The play follows the story of Viola, a girl who survives a shipwreck, but gets herself into a whole new wave of problems. As she cross dresses in order to serve the Duke, complications arise when her twin brother shows up, looking exactly like her. Meanwhile, the Duke is madly in love with Countess Olivia, and “Viola’s gender disguise leads to an outrageously out-of-whack love triangle among the three,” according to a press release from Pittsburgh Public Theater.

Bender, a former acting major who graduated in 2002, is enthusiastic about being back in Downtown Pittsburgh for “Twelfth Night” and is equally a fan as he is a member of the production.

“I’m excited for the audience to see all of the great actors we have casted in the production,” Bender said. “It is a real life-affirming production. It leaves you happy and curious about life’s possibilities.”

This inspiring sentiment presented in the play was casted into Bender’s own life as well. “Twelfth Night is Bender’s first production after a seven-year break from the theatre. Before this, his last role was with the Pittsburgh Playhouse’s production of “Mother of Courage” in 2009.

“I think reflecting on my

time at Point Park inspired me to return to theatre,” Bender said.

Now, as he is performing right in the heart of the Downtown Cultural District, Bender is taken back to his time at the university.

“Point Park was the only acting training I’ve had,” Bender said. “[The faculty and staff] prepared me for this career by teaching me how to audition, how to do my job when I get casted in a production and how to be respectful of the theater.”

Because the show is locally produced, it did not come as a surprise to Bender that he would also be working with another Point Park alum, 35-year-old Phill Madore, assistant stage manager at Pittsburgh Public Theater since December of 2015.

“I’ve worked all over since leaving school,” Madore said. “And every company I’ve worked at, I’ve worked with former Point Park students.

Even during his time as a student from 2001 to 2005, Madore was able to build his career professionally.

“The difference between Point Park and other schools is the amount of hands-on experience you get,” Madore said. “What I loved about it was that I was working with professional designers and directors at the Playhouse.

So when I left school, I was actually still working with the same people.”

PRIZES

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.

From on stage to off stage, both Bender and Madore share the same excitement for the show and timeless themes that live through Shakespeare’s play.

“The sets are gorgeous, the costumes are absolutely stunning and the lights are just phenomenal,” Madore said.

Bender explained that “the themes [Shakespeare] wrote about… love, adventure, companionship, the wonder of it all,” are still very relevant to today’s audience.

“It goes beyond just

theatrical entertainment because it evokes these feelings of fulfillment and adventure inside us,” Bender said. “Maybe after people leave the show, they will feel differently about their lives, too.”

“Twelfth Night” runs Jan. 26 through Feb. 26 at the O’Reilly Theatre located on Penn. Ave. Point Park students can purchase tickets at a discounted rate by called (412) 316-1600 or visiting ppt.org.

9 - 11 p.m.

Condom Carniva l Fe b r u a ry 7 t h St udent Center Gym

“Play games.

Win condoms.”

Francesca Dabecco fadabec@pointpark.edu.

OPINIONS

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

THE

GL BE’S POINT

Tuition increase an annual upset Last Monday during our layout meeting, as we do every week, the editorial board discussed which stories from our news section should be placed on our front page.

Nearly all of the section editors looking at the layout agreed that while the story on this year’s tuition hike was significant, editors unanimously agreed that it wasn’t front-page material.

The rationale? Another year, another tuition increase.

In recent years, college tuition has been on a steady increase at Point Park, as it has across the nation. This semester, the university announced tuition would be increased by 3.9% for the 2017-2018.

What that means for us as students is that if you’re not in COPA you’re paying an extra $1,080, and if you’re in COPA, then you’re paying an extra $1,380.

These increases have become so regular that students – ourselves included as last week’s layout meeting demonstrated – have met these formal letters with indifference. Another year, another tuition increase.

But isn’t that sad? Students have ceased to question it, though we have been privately upset about it.

Our complacency with regards to the raise in tuition is an accepted fact, so much

so that we don’t ask why.

Where are these tuition increases coming from when we pay for our own books, our professors are in active collective bargaining (and have had a pay freeze as a result) and have been assured by administration that tuition dollars are not going towards paying off the $73 million Pittsburgh Playhouse or the $2.5 million Center for Media Innovation?

Students can’t afford the cost of attendance here, or anywhere, but raising that monetary bar for the most basic shot at earning a degree has become a ridiculous balancing act.

As discussed in previous editions of the Globe, financial aid is the largest draw on the university’s funding – doesn’t this mean we’re chasing our own tails and spinning ourselves into debt that helps no one?

We get that tuition will go up as the cost of living and educating students goes up, but as a student body we would appreciate some transparency from our administration beyond the national trend.

As students, we should not just stand back and take this. Our voices need to be heard and respected by our university administration.

The Point Park Globe globe@pointpark.edu.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

5

Heartbeat bill causes controversy The law’s flaws from a man’s perspective

By Kris Chandler For the Globe

As a man, I find it difficult to speak about abortion. Not only is it sensitive subject matter to begin with, but as someone who biologically cannot have children, the topic only gets dicier.

It’s a thin line to walk, a slippery slope of religiously swayed opinions, teetering sensitivities and cold-hard facts. But, as a political enthusiast and future politician who hopes to one day obtain a position in public office, I find it difficult to hold my tongue when so many Americans are brought to their heels by sloppy and insensitive policymaking.

Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Steve King (R-IA) introduced to Congress a federal version of the widely criticized and controversial “Heartbeat Bill.”

The bill, in its most basic definition, prohibits abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can occur roughly around six weeks into pregnancy.

On a state level, the bill has been introduced and voted on in eight states, most recently in Ohio. There the bill was voted on by both the House and Senate, but ultimately vetoed by Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R).

Currently, the federal version of the bill is being reviewed by Congress’ Judiciary Committee.

Despite anti-choice activists’ intrusive yearning to prevent women from deciding what is right for

themselves, one of the major controversies regarding the bill is the fact that many women are not even aware that they are pregnant by that six week mark. By the time they do become aware, it would already be too late for them to make such a life altering decision.

The bill also has the capability of strong-arming doctors by forcing them to look for a fetal heartbeat prior to allowing an abortion to occur. If one is detected, but not disclosed to the mother, or is simply blatantly ignored, the doctor can face criminal fines and/or time in prison.

It also must be mentioned that a fetal heartbeat is different than that of a fully developed fetus. Many supporters of the bill define a fetal heartbeat as being the indicator of life, thus needing to be protected; however, what they fail to realize is that the heart at that stage in pregnancy isn’t even a fully functioning organ equivalent to that of a fully developed fetus.

Not only is the “Heartbeat Bill” based off of ignorant ideas of how a woman’s pregnancy works, but it diminishes the opportunity women have to obtain an abortion by scaring off the doctors needed in order to administer one.

Apart from a woman’s ability to decide what is best for herself, the Supreme Court landmark decisions of Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey are also on the chopping block.

By law, due to the

precedents set by these two landmark cases, abortion is permissible up until the point where the fetus can potentially have the chance of surviving outside of the womb.

They also point out that the states themselves have the ultimate say in regards to abortion regulation.

Many individuals who support the “Heartbeat Bill” believe such decisions to have been unconstitutional and wish to use the purposed bill to establish a new precedent, which will one day ultimately ban abortion altogether.

There’s no doubt that life is a sacred thing. It’s beautifully flawed and undoubtedly a gift to cherish.

But whether you’re religious or not, whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat or whether you’re a man or woman, your right to decide what is best for your life should never be challenged.

An individual’s health and ability to have the life they want is not akin to that of clay, only to be molded by those who think they know best.

The “Heartbeat Bill” is a long way from actually becoming law, but if or when that unfortunate day arrives the one thing we must never forget is that out of the ashes we have the capability to rise even stronger in order to fight for the rights we deserve.

Kris Chandler kjchand@pointpark.edu.

Why we need Trump’s border wall now The benefits this wall can create for both countries

By David Grande For the Globe

Now that “The Donald” has declared “we will build the wall” and authorized via his signature the start of the ground plan for the wall, it’s a good time to see how this can happen.

It’s estimated the wall, which has to cover 2,000 miles, could cost between $80 billion to $200 billion, depending upon whose estimate you accept. (Trump’s is the lower: NPR reported the higher dollar figure.)

Of course, the president is sure the “wall” will be paid for

by Mexico, despite the fact that Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has said “no way.”

So, it will be up to the U.S. taxpayer to foot the bill for this wall. Or, as the president says, “at least for now.”

However, have Trump’s advisors looked at how this wall can benefit the American economy? Or can they not get beyond just immigrants out of the country?

Let me advise you and them how to make this wall happen. First, the wall must look as close as possible to the Great Wall of China. It needs to be 30-feet wide in order to accommodate vehicles atop the wall.

It’s almost like having an Interstate border highway.

Plus, if the wall is wide enough, we can put all types of stores underneath all along the length of the wall, from community to community.

Minnesota may have the Mall of America, but the four Southwest states bordering this structure will have the “Mall of the Wall.”

Think about it. We can have shops, restaurants and even entertainment venues all along the wall. And these folks will be paying rent, which will help pay for the wall.

Even Ivanka can have a shop, selling her clothing and jewelry line. However, she would have to pay twice the rent of anyone else to offset the apparent conflict of interest in selling goods in the wall her fa-

ther ordered.

We could have “authentic” Mexican restaurants – not America’s version of Mexican, although Taco Bell is welcome to open numerous chains along the wall.

We would have to have border agents in those Mexican restaurants, however, given that the owners would be Mexican. You can’t have Mexicans crossing the center line in the restaurant to come into America. So a shuttle service would have to be arranged to get the food to the American side. Those border agents would have to be vigilant to make sure no drugs are smuggled into those Mexican taco shells.

Also, every community would be required to have either a high school, college or little league baseball teams create fields with a part of the wall included in the construction.

That way every player – from 6 to 22 – would have the opportunity of playing on Fenway Field West. Of course, if you hit a ball over the wall – much like

the movie “Sandlot” – it’s lost.

We should have Trump Hotels along the wall, too. Well, actually in the wall. It could be the longest hotel in the world.

And it would provide a place for tourists to stay when visiting the wall. You see, if it looks like the Great Wall of China, we can bill it as the Great Wall of America and list it among many of our great tourist attractions such as the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls.

We also need to have casinos in the wall. Just look at the money the Casinos in Pittsburgh give to the city each year – it’s in excess of $10 million. The wall casinos can be much longer, thus generating even more revenue. All these border states (California, New Mexico, Arizona and Texas) already have legalized gambling.

So you don’t even need Trump to sign an executive order.

And much like the Mall of America, the “Wall of America” needs to have its own theme park. Disney, King’s Island, Cedar Point, Sea World can all enter bids, although I person-

ally like King’s Island given our current political climate and as a tip of the cap to the man who built the wall: our first American King – Donald Trump the First.

As you can readily see the “Mall of the Wall” has the potential to be an economic boost to the four states on our border. You would be able to find insurance agencies, health care facilities, drug stores, shopping centers, boutiques, grocery chains, food chains, auto repair shops and even auto dealers occupying spaces in the wall.

To borrow a phrase from a classic movie: “Build it and they will come.”

David Grande is an assistant professor in the School of Communication where he teaches both print and broadcast writing classes.

He was a working journalist for 35 years, 19 of those with Gannett newspapers where he penned a periodic political satire column.

Professor David Grande dgrande@pointpark.edu.

Covering the world of Point Park University news since 1967

Point Park

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:

Advertising globeadvertising@pointpark.edu All ads must be approved by the university.

The deadline for ads is Friday at 5 p.m.

The Globe 201 Wood Street, Box 23 Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Story Ideas If you have a news, sports, opinions or feature story that you think the Globe can use, email globe@pointpark.edu.

Alexander Popichak, Editor-in-Chief Emily Bennett, Editor-Elect Autumn Barszczowski, Business Manager Dr. Steven Hallock, Faculty Adviser

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, Copy Editor 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 Morgan McCoy, Public Relations Coordinator Jonnah McClintock, Copy Editor Kayla Novak, Copy Editor Hannah O’Toole, Asst. Social Media Coordinator

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 Beth Turnbull, Co-Opinions Editor Hannah Walden, Copy Editor Kelsey Wolfe, Copy Editor

6

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

OPINIONS

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

Trump’s pipeline memorandum: his morals “lie” in his wallet

By Troy Patrick For the Globe

In the past week, President Donald Trump has certainly been sending a message to the American people, though what he intends that message to be, I am not sure.

Based on his list of memorandums and executive orders, it seems to me to be a message of his arrogance to a number of situations and people -- oil pipelines seeming to be the main topic of his concern.

He signed many memorandums helping to increase their production.

First he signed the Memorandum Regarding the Construction of American Pipelines, stating that all pipelines being constructed in the United States must be made with steel from within the United States.

This order is intended to speed up the process of getting started on projects such as roads, bridges, and, most importantly, pipelines, by pressing environmental safety precaution reviews for time.

It involves the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)

deciding what projects are considered high priority, which gives the illusion that environmental sectors are still very much involved.

The trouble is, there is no news as to the current state of the CEQ, given that its branch has been removed from the White House website.

Furthermore, this act leaves lots of room for mistakes and possible environmental detriment, however his intentions were clearly to assist him in fulfilling his next two memorandums.

Regarding the Construction of Keystone XL Pipeline and Regarding the Construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, both being extremely dangerous and inconsiderate of the environment, and Native American reservation treaties.

The Keystone XL Pipeline (KXLP) was rejected by former President Barack Obama for its potential environmental effects, but Trump is requesting TransCanada to resubmit the application so that he can approve it and continue on with construction.

The Keystone pipeline already carries Tar Sands Oil, which is dirty and re-

leases four to five times more carbon in its refinery process than other types of oil. The building of the KXLP would increase the use of this kind of oil in America.

The KXLP would also come close to, or pass, through five different tribal reservations putting their lands in danger and violating the treaties with them.

The KXLP is planning to endanger the Missouri River, Yellowstone, the Red Rivers and the Ogallala Aquifer, which provides one fourth of irrigation water for the U.S. Trump is making a very risky gamble of the health and security of the American People by continuing construction. The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a very similar situation.

In December, the US Army Corps of Engineers issued a memorandum denying an easement of the DAPL due to failure to fully consider the environmental impact.

Obama responded to this by requesting an environmental impact assessment. This new memorandum, issued by Trump, revoked Obama’s response

and requests the Corps of Engineers to retract their previous statements and get on with construction.

It’s also interesting to note that Trump might have alternative motives, considering the fact that he owned stock in Energy Transfer Partners, the company building the DAPL.

DA PL

A spokesperson stated that Trump had sold that stock, however, no documentation has been provided to prove that. Either way, Trump clearly has ties to this company. I find it incredibly hypocritical of President Trump to refuse providing documentation of things that may have an effect on the public opinion of him.

Regardless, both of these memorandums will

fulfill a history of the United States, breaking the ground for oil without regard to the environmental effects.

Trump is attempting to justify this by claiming these two projects are going to create mass amounts of jobs.

Some people are estimating 10,000 jobs or more.

But these are all temporary, only lasting a few years during the construction process. The actual number of permanent jobs that will be produced is closer to 50, and that’s being optimistic.

So it seems to me that Trump is using these two pipelines as a means to gain the approval of the American people by showing he is creating jobs and attempting to undo the legacy of Obama.

In reality, this is a complete façade covering the fact that he is showcasing his ignorance to the environment’s pivotal state, and his lack of concern for the American people’s health and water security.

Troy Patrick tspatri@pointpark.edu.

Waiting for your food: a lesson in patience

By Gracey Evans Sports Photo Editor

I think we can all agree that CulinArt is a better food service provider than Aramark. The people are nice, too.

One thing I seem to notice, especially in the dining hall, is the disrespect given to those who prepare and serve our food. Sometimes they feel that their work goes unappreciated by the students.

This is something I have experienced firsthand.

Once in a blue moon, I go to the dining hall because, after all, I do have a meal plan.

I really only go when this guy named Keyon is making the burgers.

They are extremely delicious and remind me of the

burgers my mom or I make at home.

If it isn’t Keyon making the burgers, I won’t eat them. On a Sunday around mid-January, my boyfriend and I went to the dining hall at the dinner rush.

All the burgers were gone, so he was making more.

While we waited patiently, he was telling us how people will come over and ask him how long the burgers will take.

Well, the next Tuesday after I got out of my class, I decided to go grab some dinner at the dining hall.

Again, I went during the dinner rush, and all I wanted was a burger. I go in and make sure Keyon is working.

Since it was the dinner rush, he had run out of cheeseburgers and was in the process of making more.

I waited patiently, like I always do, then someone came over and asks when the burgers would be done. He said they would be done in about three to four minutes.

I could tell she was impatient because she immediately said that she was on a time crunch and was wondering if she could get a burger now.

He said that it would still be a little red on the inside, and she kept questioning him about it like she “would die from eating it or something” as she had stated.

I’m standing there watching this in disbelief because I didn’t think that incidents like this ever occur.

He went on to finish making the burgers, cracking jokes as usual. I always remember to say thank you and tell him that he makes

the best burgers.

Honestly, this man is being nice enough to make good quality burgers for you every single day.

Keyon really does care about making the burgers fresh each night, even if it is at dinner rush. He even makes sure they don’t sit out for too long.

So next time, if there are no burgers and he is making them, just be patient and wait. I think that’s all he would want, and others around you would appreciate it as well.

Learn to be nice to each of the cooks and servers.

They are making sure you are well fed and don’t go crying to mommy and daddy about the school making you go hungry.

Although these CulinArt

workers are paid to be there, most of the cooks and servers still want to be there. Some people truly find joy in interacting with people on a daily basis, or they may just love to cook.

Regardless if you believe that each of the workers have a special role in getting you your food, you should still learn to have some respect.

Respect seems to be disappearing from our generation.

Each staff member deserves a thank you and maybe even a quick conversation to know that they are appreciated.

Moral of the story: wait for your food, and say thank you.

Gracey Evans glevans@pointpark.edu.

SPORTS

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

CROUP’S CORNER

By Josh Croup Sports Columnist

There’s still a chance...

Thank goodness January is over for the men’s basketball team.

It was rough, and the players all recognize that.

The team posted a 2-8 record in the first month of 2017 that included a 1-8 record in River States Conference (RSC) games.

The Pioneers stand at 7-15 overall and 4-8 in RSC play. They’re on the outside looking in on the RSC playoff picture, and enter the week two games behind Rio Grande for fourth place in the RSC East.

Only the top four teams from each division move on to the RSC Tournament. If Point Park doesn’t make up ground on Rio Grande in the next couple weeks, there will be no postseason.

January wasn’t pretty. Point Park picked up the second victory of the month Wednesday, an 87-85 non-conference win over Villa Maria College.

“It feels like we haven’t won all year,” several players said after the game.

Point Park went 18 days between wins that included a four-game losing streak. We can look back at January and at another weekend with a pair of losses, but the past is in the past.

There are five more RSC games left as we turn the calendar to February. Forget about January. It’s over. February is going to be tough, but it is manageable and possible to climb out of the rut the Pioneers have dug in order to reach the post season.

Point Park plays six games in February, which include five RSC games and a non-conference road game at Villa Maria.

The Pioneers have to win, and they’ll have to do it on the road if they want to leapfrog Rio Grande.

Rio Grande also has five RSC games in February. Both teams play the same opponents in the month, making for an interesting finish.

Point Park has a tough weekend on deck at home with games against No. 7 Indiana University East, and Ohio Christian. Both teams are ahead of Point Park in the RSC East, but the two combine for a 9-13 road record, leaving the door open for vulnerability.

Those two teams started Point Park’s four-game los-

ing streak earlier this month on their home courts. IU East topped Point Park 102-79, and Ohio Christian defeated the Pioneers the following afternoon, 128-72.

Rio Grande fell to IU East earlier this year, 92-62, but defeated Ohio Christian 7066 at home. The RedStorm host IU East Feb. 7 and travel to Ohio Christian Feb. 11.

Point Park travels to cross-town rival Carlow on Feb. 7 for a chance to sweep the season series against the 3-20 overall team. Carlow is 2-9 in conference play and below Point Park in the RSC East standings. Rio Grande ends its season at home against Carlow on Feb. 18.

West Virginia Tech also stands in the way of the two teams as their seasons come to an end. The Pioneers end their regular season schedule at West Virginia Tech, which earned a No. 22 national ranking last week, on Feb. 18. The Golden Bears, the top team in the RSC East with an 11-1 conference record, host Rio Grande Saturday.

The fifth RSC opponent for the two teams in February? Each other.

Point Park travels to Rio Grande Feb. 17 in the secondto-last RSC game of the season. The Pioneers steamrolled over the RedStorm 82-57 on Dec. 2 to start their RSC schedule.

Even if the Pioneers defeat Rio Grande in the rematch, they will have to win at least one of their other four RSC contests and rely on Rio Grande to lose its remaining four games.

Essentially, Rio Grande controls its own destiny to the post season. The Pioneers will have to beat teams that are better than them and teams that have destroyed them in previous matchups this year. They also have to hope Rio Grande breaks down and loses its remaining games.

So, long story short, the season isn’t over yet. But the Pioneers have to win and root hard against Rio Grande in the coming weeks.

“It’s not over until the fat lady sings,” the saying goes.

There’s still a chance.

But the lady is warming up in the wings.

Josh Croup jdcroup@pointpark.edu

WEEKLY SCOREBOARD: JAN. 24 - JAN. 30 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (17-8) (7-5 RSC) ASBURY (Ky.) 59, POINT PARK 46*........................................................ Jan. 27 ALICE LLOYD 76, POINT PARK 68*....................................................... Jan. 28 Next: Feb. 3 vs. No. 21 IU East*, Feb. 4 vs. Ohio Christian*

MEN’S BASKETBALL (7-15) (4-8 RSC) VILLA MARIA (N.Y.) 85, POINT PARK 87.............................................. Jan. 25 ASBURY (Ky.) 93, POINT PARK 87*........................................................ Jan. 27 ALICE LLOYD 72, POINT PARK 62*....................................................... Jan. 28 Next: Feb. 3 vs. No. 7 IU East*, Feb. 4 vs. Ohio Christian*

WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD SPIRE MIDWEST INDOOR OPEN.......................................................... Jan. 28 Mile: Anna Shields...4:52 (No. 1 time in NAIA, qualifies for nationals) Distance Medley: Guarnaccia, Olugbakinro, Celich, Shields...12:12

(Qualifies for nationals) Next: Feb. 3. @ YSU National Mid-Major Duals

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

7

McPhatter’s career-high day another entry in diverse, challenging career

By Josh Croup

Co-Sports Editor

Ja’Nia McPhatter gave her team a pep-talk in the locker room before Saturday afternoon’s game against Alice Lloyd College.

It was a “much-needed” speech that sophomore guard Kaitlyn Smith said the team needed to hear from its senior leader after losing four of its last five contests.

“It obviously talked herself up as well,” Smith said.

McPhatter led her team to a 76-68 victory over the Eagles behind a career-high 33 points, entering another chapter in her Point Park career book that is full of trials, triumph and leadership.

The senior guard and forward from New Castle, Pa. called the Pioneers’ recent struggles a funk that she knew the team could overcome.

She of all players knows how to overcome adversity.

McPhatter transferred to Point Park for the start of the 2012-13 season from La Roche College. She averaged nearly 15 points per game and almost nine rebounds per game to lead the Pioneers to a conference championship and trip to the national tournament.

That was all after recovering from a broken finger at La Roche. Prior to what would have been her junior season, McPhatter suffered a season-ending right ankle injury in a pre-season scrimmage.

She returned to the court in 2014-15 and was recognized as the conference’s Comeback Player of the Year, averaging 10.8 points per game and five rebounds per game. But three minutes into the final regular season game against Indiana University East, McPhatter went down with a knee injury that would sideline her for another year.

“She’s one of those players that never quits,” said Assistant Coach April Austin. “She still has the will and determination to get back on the court and perform the way she does.”

McPhatter didn’t quit on 2015-16, even though she had to sit out the season. The premed major returned to the Pioneers as an assistant coach alongside Austin. The season allowed her to work with Head Coach Tony Grenek, the same man who recruited her before she first committed to La Roche.

The 2015-16 Pioneers struggled and were a team that Grenek called “soft.”

“When we were down, you knew we weren’t coming back,” Grenek said. “[Basketball] really is not about winning or losing. It’s about playing your hardest at all times, whether you win or whether

you lose. I think that was frustrating for her to see.”

McPhatter groomed the young and challenged Pioneers with the ultimate goal of returning to play alongside her players the following year.

“It was hard,” McPhatter said. “I just kept my head up and used my experience and knowledge to help the girls. They’re around my age, so it’s easy to talk to them and get through to them. It was hard to watch, but I was glad that I was able to still be a part of it.”

Austin said the experience was valuable to McPhatter, who gained a different perspective of the Point Park women’s basketball program.

“She’s translated that over into her gameplay,” Austin said.

Grenek welcomed McPhatter to his coaching staff last season, and with open arms, welcomed her back to the court this season, ending her career the right way.

“She’s an unbelievable person,” Grenek said.

“The average human being wouldn’t even be on the basketball court right now. She’s the heart and soul of our team.”

McPhatter took over Saturday’s game against Alice Lloyd, scoring more points in a single game than any other player at Point Park under Grenek.

“She’s the heart and soul of our team.”

Tony Grenek Head Coach Women’s Basketball Smith began her Point Park career last year with McPhatter as her assistant coach. Now, as a teammate, Smith said the team still looks to McPhatter for guidance.

“She’s not afraid to take control when things start spiraling out of control,” Smith said. “She’s the first one to step up and say, ‘Hey, this is what we need to do and here’s how we need to get it done.’”

McPhatter’s performance Saturday topped her previous career-high of 28 points that came in her first season with the Pioneers on Nov. 30, 2012. The Pioneers defeated Indiana University Southeast 74-69 in the double-overtime affair, with McPhatter establishing career highs in rebounds (19) and free throws made (12).

She did not make a single three-pointer in that game. Saturday, she

Sam Robinson | Point Park Athletics

matched her career-best with four treys. She’s made 39 of her 128 shots from long range this season, both of which are by far more than any other previous season.

McPhatter said injuries have forced her to develop her shot from long range, turning her into an all-around player that Grenek can use in a variety of fashions.

“When she first came here, she was more catch and drive and she could get to the hoop on anybody,” Grenek said. “Now, she’s really hindered because of injury. She had to totally redevelop her game. That shows you what kind of person she is, what type of player she is and that she can step up and do the things that we need to win.”

McPhatter became the 14th player in the 37-year history of the Point Park women’s basketball program to score 1,000 points in her career on Jan. 21 against IU Southeast. She is currently leading the Pioneers in scoring and steals, making a strong case for a third all-conference honor.

Three reconstructive surgeries and two missed seasons later, the one goal remaining for McPhatter is to guide her teammates to a championship.

“Those are nice accomplishments, but I really just want the girls to come together and win a championship,” McPhatter said. “I really think we can. Some people have never won championships in their lives. I want them to have the opportunity, because I’ve had that experience. I want it more for the girls in my last year.”

Josh Croup jdcroup@pointpark.edu

MEN’S INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD SPIRE MIDWEST INDOOR OPEN.......................................................... Jan. 28 Shot Put: Chance Callahan...10.98 meters (school record) Triple Jump: Jryi Davis...14.29 meters (qualifies for nationals) 4x800m Relay: Bennett, Partika, Stephens, Marrow...8:00. (school record) Next: Feb. 3. @ YSU National Mid-Major Duals

COMPETITIVE CHEER HALO CLASSIC @ SIENA HEIGHTS (MICH.) UNIVERSITY............. Jan. 29 2nd of 3 teams Next: Feb. 5 @ Aquinas (Mich.) College

COMPETITIVE DANCE HALO CLASSIC @ SIENA HEIGHTS (MICH.) UNIVERSITY............. Jan. 29 2nd of 5 teams Next: Feb. 5 @ Aquinas (Mich.) College *River States Conference game

NOW OFFering Piercing

8

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

SPORTS

Playoff hopes fading as men fall to 2 games out

By Derek Malush For the Globe

After a little more than two and a half weeks of not tasting victory, the Point Park men’s basketball team snapped its four-game losing streak Wednesday night, holding off Villa Maria College for a 87-85 non-conference win at home.

The Pioneers were navigated to victory via the offensive clinic put on by sophomore guard Asim Pleas, who scored a career-high 29 points on 70 percent shooting from the field.

“He played hard,” head coach Gabe Bubon said following Pleas’ career-high performance. “It’s something we really needed from him.”

Point Park bagged the lead at halftime, 44-35, creating a nine bpoint deficit for Villa Maria behind Pleas’ 10 points and the team’s nine three-pointers.

However, it was a different beast in the second half for Villa Maria, which managed to pull two points within the first six minutes of play.

After not playing in the first half, junior guard Rushan Roberts came off the bench in the second half to score 10 points, drop three assists and come away with four steals in his 14 minutes of play.

With the Pioneers clinging to an 87-82 lead with 15 seconds to play, Villa Maria’s DaJuan Owens drained a three-pointer to pull within two points.

Roberts pulled through with late-game heroics when he stole the ball in the final seconds of the game to give Point Park its first win in the last five games.

“It’s all about how you finish”, Roberts said.

The Pioneers looked to make back-to-back wins for the first time since early December on Friday night as they matched up with Asbury (Ky.) University at their home court of Community College of Allegheny County South (CCAC).

The River State Conference (RSC) matchup was nip and tuck all the way through, as Point Park finished shooting 43 percent from the field, with Asbury shooting 44 percent from the floor. The two teams also each dropped an identical 14 total assists

and turned the ball over 10 times, as well as shooting just above 70 percent from the charity stripe.

However, it was Asbury who donned the halftime lead, 51-42.

“We don’t like playing from behind,” Bubon said of his halftime deficit. “Room for error is a lot less when you play from behind.”

The game, however, came down to turnovers.

With Point Park mounting back into it, only down 90-87 with less than 30 seconds to play, the late game surge saw its final demise.

Miscommunication led to the final Pioneer turnover, as the inbounds pass was overthrown and scooped up by an Asbury defender with only a few seconds left on the clock, sealing the victory for the visiting Eagles, 93-87.

“The team was down in the trenches,” said senior guard Art Christian. “We dug deep today, but it just wasn’t enough.”

Junior guard Gavin Rajahpillay led the charge for the Pioneers, finishing with 27 points on 53 percent shooting.

Roberts notched 17 points, and senior forward Jaylen Mann dropped 14 points and snatched eight rebounds.

Christian said the team has to avoid going down on the scoreboard early.

“It’s real crucial,” Christian said. “At times like this where we have to play harder than we did in the first half, that tires us out.”

“We had hoped to piggyback from the last win,” Bubon said. “We played well for about 39 minutes, and that’s just not good enough.”

The Pioneers returned to the floor the following afternoon to take on RSC opponent Alice Lloyd College with the hopes of ending a five-game RSC losing streak.

The Pioneers were down early in the first half, as they trailed 37-29 after the first 20 minutes and shot 22 percent from the floor.

The Pioneers finished the game tallying 23 personal fouls that led to 24 points at the free throw line on 75 percent shooting for the Eagles.

Alice Lloyd pulled away from the Pioneers in the second half, and led by 18 points, 56-38, five minutes into the second half.

Gracey Evans | The Globe

Sophomore Asim Pleas makes his way down the court against Villa Maria last Wednesday. Pleas scored 29 points in the 87-85 win.

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

Davis jumps to NAIA bid

By Robert Berger Co-Sports Editor

Gracey Evans | The Globe

Senior Lassana Konate drives for a layup against Villa Maria.

The Pioneers won 87-85.

The Pioneers fell to Alice Lloyd, 72-62, dropping to 4-8 in RSC play.

Pleas tallied 22 points on 50 percent shooting, giving him at least 20 points in three of his last four games.

Point Park shot 28 percent from the field in the loss and 15 percent from long range. Alice Lloyd shot 40 percent from both the floor and from beyond the arc.

“They played a lot like us,” Bubon said. “They go through spurts where they don’t score, so we knew it would pretty much be back and forth. We just didn’t finish the way we wanted to.”

Junior forward Fousseini Konate managed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. He blocked four shots in his 35 minutes of work to add to his team-leading 16 blocks.

Point Park will host its next two games as RSC play continues Friday and Saturday against Indiana University East and Ohio Christian.

Derek Malush dwmalus@pointpark.edu

The men’s and women’s indoor track and field team spent this past weekend in Geneva, Ohio qualifying more athletes to the national championship.

“This is probably the best the team has ever come back and I really only see everybody getting better,” junior runner Sean Hilverding said.

The Pioneers began the day in the women’s 4,000 meter distance medley relay.

Juniors Katie Guarnaccia and Olukemi Olugbakinro and sophomores Taylor Celich and Anna Shields represented the Pioneers. The team finished in 12 minutes, 12 seconds, placing second out of 14 teams, and securing a spot at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national championship meet in Johnson City, Tenn. March 2-4.

“The four of us really wanted to qualify and thought it would be amazing to run the event at nationals together,” Celich said. “It’s especially amazing for Olukemi and I, because this is our first time qualifying.”

Represented by sophomores Andre Bennett, Bryan Partika, Desmond Marrow and freshman Xavier Stephens, the Pioneers won the men’s 800 meter relay. The quartet finished with a time of 8 minutes, .09 seconds, just short of a national championship qualifying time. The team is still ranked ninth in the NAIA. Also on the track, junior Hilverding set a school record in the men’s 5,000 meter, finishing in 15 minutes, 34 seconds. Hilverding placed 11th overall and is now ranked eighth in the NAIA. In the women’s 3,000 meter, Shields and Guarnaccia placed fourth and 22nd re-

spectively out of 39 runners.

Shields finished with a time of 9 minutes, 58 seconds which placed her second in the NAIA rankings. Guarnaccia finished with a time of 10 minutes, 41 seconds.

Shields also competed in the women’s mile where she finished in 4 minutes, 52 seconds. This time placed Shields in the No. 1 spot in the NAIA. She qualified for the national championship mile event at the Pioneers previous meet at Youngstown State. Shields has qualified for nationals six times now.

“Shields is amazing and is one of the top in the NAIA,” said junior Jryi Davis.

“Overall, our team is really well-rounded now. Everyone is a fantastic athlete.”

Davis qualified for the national championship in the triple jump. He leaped 14.29 meters, a personal best. The leap also placed Davis first at SPIRE and secured him his second national qualification in two years.

“After (the YSU meet), I told myself I have the capability to qualify,” Davis said.

“I had a lot of support from the team since it was the last event it helped motivate me to be better.”

Also scoring a personal best on the field was sophomore Andre Lowery in the long jump. Lowery jumped 6.56 meters, good for sixth overall at the meet. Freshman Chance Callahan also threw a personal best in the shot put, throwing 10.98 meters. This beat his own previous school record in the event.

The Pioneers next will travel back to Youngstown State this weekend for the National Mid-Major Duals.

They will compete the following day at the Mt. Union Jim Wuske Invitational.

Robert Berger raberge@pointpark.edu

Women rebound Saturday for win after losing four of last five

By Mike Turk For the Globe

One week after surpassing 1,000 career points, senior Ja’Nia McPhatter had a career-high game that helped lift Point Park to a much-needed conference win Saturday afternoon after losing the previous night.

Point Park had an 8-1 home record this season entering the weekend. The Pioneers returned home Friday evening for their first game at Community College of Allegheny County South (CCAC) since Jan. 7 to face Asbury.

It was a low scoring River States Conference (RSC) affair as neither team shot very well. Asbury got the upper hand early and jumped out to a 21-9 lead over the Pioneers.

In the second quarter, Point Park was able to hold Asbury to nine points and only faced a seven-point deficit at the half.

In the third, the Pioneers were able to outscore Asbury 13-11 and only trailed 41-36 with 10 minutes to play.

Asbury opened the fourth quarter with a 14-6 run in the first five minutes to go up 5542. Point Park’s defense tightened up, and only allowed Asbury to make one basket in the last five minutes. The damage had been done, and Asbury held onto the win, 59-46.

It was the lowest point total this season for Point Park in a single game.

“A lot of teams in our situation want to fold up the season and look for Spring break,” said head coach Tony Grenek, “These kids aren’t that way.

They’re always working hard and they’re always listening and trying to do their best.”

Baylee Buleca recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds to go along with four blocks. McPhatter added 12 points and the Pioneers shot 18-for-64 (28 percent) from the field for the entire game.

The script was flipped the very next day against Alice Lloyd College at home.

McPhatter had one of the best games of her career. At halftime, the senior had 15 points and her team had a 31-25 lead.

McPhatter did not slow down going into the second half. She was scoring from long range, mid-range, and in the paint.

“She’s worked extremely hard all season to get where she’s at and it’s paying off,” assistant coach April Austin said.

Despite an impressive offensive showing, Alice Lloyd only trailed by six after the third quarter thanks to a 15-5 run, and the Eagles weren’t going away.

With 5:40 remaining in

the game, they were able to tie it up at 59. The Pioneers were able to pull away slightly on the ensuing possessions, thanks to a McPhatter post move down low, a free throw from Maryssa Agurs and a mid-range jumper from Kaityln Smith.

That helped Point Park to a 76-68 conference victory, its ninth home win of the season.

“It’s a relief [to be at home],” said freshman guard Baylie Mook, who scored 12 points off the bench against Alice Lloyd. “I hate being on the road. It’s great to be home.”

McPhatter finished the game with a career-high 33 points, shooting 10-for-17 from the field and 4-for-7 from long range.

“I was feeling my shots and the ball was dropping,” McPhatter said. “Everyone likes to make shots. No one likes to miss and I’m just glad they were dropping for me tonight.”

Point Park is now 17-8 overall this season and 7-5 in the RSC despite starting out 5-1 in conference play. The Pioneers are off until Friday night when they will return home for a grudge match against No. 21 Indiana University East, and Saturday against Ohio Christian.

Mike Turk mjturk@pointpark.edu