The Globe Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE:

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Point Park students attempt to win trip to Europe with Red Bull

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Johanna Wharran discusses diversity among new Barbie dolls

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Senior players honored during university basketball games

Wednesday, Februar y 17, 2016

USG Senator resigns

By Josh Croup Editor-in-Chief

A United Student Government (USG) senator has resigned after violating the Code of Ethics outlined in the USG constitution.

Freshman sports, arts and entertainment management (SAEM) major Brennen Burke submitted his resignation to USG last week after sources say he was taken by ambulance to a local hospital from a Feb. 6 party in Oakland.

“I honestly cannot tell anyone why I did that,” Burke said in a phone interview Sunday. “I don’t remember anything from that night whatsoever.

I remember walking into the house, lying down in a chair, watching some people play beer pong, and that’s it.

Then I woke up at the hospital at like four in the morning.”

Members of USG, including freshman senator representing the School of Arts and Sciences Amedea Baldoni, were made aware of Burke’s actions the next day.

Baldoni said she received complaints from students about Burke’s conduct at the party and notified USG President Blaine King.

USG called an emergency meet-

RESIGNATION page 2

Issue 6

SAEM students manage high school artists for WYEP ‘Reimagination’ compilation CD

By Alexander Popichak Co-News Editor

Point Park’s sports, arts and entertainment management program (SAEM) has teamed up with WYEPFM’s youth media project Reimagine Media to assist in the creation and

promotion of its “Reimagination” CD. The CD is a compilation album comprising of 10 tracks from teenage musicians in the Pittsburgh area.

Previously, the CD was created directly by public radio station WYEP, but Reimagine Media program directors hope that Point Park’s

involvement will add a missing piece to the program – providing artists with marketing support once their songs have been recorded.

“Point Park has their sports, arts and entertainment management

REIMAGINATION page 3

School of Communication’s Drone Remains Grounded Amidst Evolving Federal Regulations By: Matt Nemeth For The Globe

When Point Park’s School of Communication purchased a drone aircraft in 2014, the head of the photography program believed it was a pioneering move that would push his students’ education to the forefront of media industry innovation.

Two years later, the drone remains grounded after a ruling that decided its use would be for commercial purposes, despite Point Park University’s status as a non-profit organization under federal law and its intent as strictly an educational tool.

Point Park’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Amy McCall, declined to be interviewed about the matter, but did confirm in an email on Feb. 4 that, “at this time, any use of a drone by the university

DRONE page 3

photo by Matt Nemeth

Purchased by the School of Communication in 2014, the DJI Phantom drone has since been kept grounded amid evolving federal requirements. Associate Professor of Photography and Photojournalism, Chris Rolinson, plans to meet these requirements in the near future so that students may eventually be able to benefit from its advanced technology.

Job fair brings more than 60 employers to campus Documentary highlights

By Iain Oldman Staff Writer

Last Tuesday, over 200 students from six universities filed into the Point Park Student Center gym to meet with potential employers.

The Spring Internship and Job Fair, hosted by the sports, arts and entertainment management (SAEM) department, the Office of Alumni Relations and the Career Development Center, took place on the fifth floor of the Student Center and ran for over three hours.

Four separate panels were hosted over the course of the fair. The topics of the panels covered social media, sports, diversity in the workplace and a live entertainment and venue panel.

Speakers from the event included executives from the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers organizations, the Direc-

tor of Booking for CONSOL Energy Center, the Social Media Manager at WPXI-TV and the Senior Director of Advocacy for Race and Gender Equality at YWCA Greater Pittsburgh.

Over 200 students pre-registered for the event, though many attended the event as walk-ins. Elsie Boucek, Career Counselor for the School of Communication, said students from surrounding universities attended.

Students from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, Seton Hill University, Penn State Greater Allegheny and Thiel College were invited to attend the event.

In addition, 67 employers registered for the event on Handshake, a career networking and recruiting site centered for students. Notable companies at the event included the

FAIR page 2

photo by Gracey Evans

Mike Cerchario, Education Professor Manager at the Pittsburgh CLO, talks to Robert Berger, freshman multimedia major, about upcoming internship opportunities. Over sixty employers attended the job and internships last Tuesday, Feb. 9 in the Student Center Gym.

Afghanistan photographers By: Autumn Barszczowski For The Globe

The reality of the plight and opportunity photojournalists face covering the lives of citizens in Afghanistan was featured Feb. 9 in the JVH Auditorium.

The event, hosted by the School of Communication and the Honors Program, invited students as well as professionals to watch and discuss the significance of the documentary “Frame By Frame.”

“I think it will inspire young photojournalists and photographers to go out into their own neighborhood, and any boundaries and barriers that you might think are there are nothing compared to this film,” said Jasmine Goldband, a Point Park alumna and photographer at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The film featured a few Afghanistan photojournalists and their everyday lives. Students were able to learn about what each of those photojournalists focus on from conflict to the lives of Afghanistan women, and the importance of having this focus in the photojournalists’ careers.

Goldband hoped that the film would inspire them to learn about life outside of the United States after witnessing day-to-day life in Afghanistan.

Chris Rolinson introduced Goldband to an audience filled with not only students, but professional photographers as well as photojournalists and she shared her thoughts on her pre-screening of the film with Honors Student Organization (HSO) Director Helen Fallon and another co-worker.

The documentary gave those

in attendance a chance to witness day-to-day life in Afghanistan for photojournalists and the difficulties that these people had to overcome, including the hoops photojournalist Farzana Wahidy had to jump through in order to get her story on the women burn victims found in her country.

Without other media sources to report, these photojournalists are the ones who have to document what is happening in their country, including the conflict coverage of a bombing that won Massoud Hossaini a Pulitzer Prize.

Photojournalist Renee Rosensteel discussed afterward her own experience in Afghanistan and the struggles of being a foreigner, including how obvious it was that she was an outsider in the country. She told a story of how she tried to fit in by wearing a scarf on her head, but she wrapped it so terribly that even male Afghanistan natives were walking up to her to fix it.

Fallon had been the one to discover this documentary among emails about journalism, and she was immediately fascinated with the trailer. After she read about it, she had intended to show it to her Journalism 101 class in the fall, but believed that the film should be viewed by more than just a small crowd.

In order to bring the screening to Point Park, she helped to pay the $250 licensing fee for the movie along with the honors program because she believed that students should be learning outside of the classroom and that the fee for the movie was worth the learning experience.

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DOCUMENTARY page 2

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

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Career Development USG President King promises quick resolve emphasizes professional from RESIGNATION page 1 ing Feb. 7 to discuss the actions of the senator.

USG President Pro Tempore, Shayna Mendez, said the meeting was called to sort through the evening’s events, which included reports of the senator directing racial slurs toward others at the party, some of whom were students.

Mendez said USG does not tolerate this type of behavior and the topic of impeachment was brought up at the meeting.

“We were concerned about the hospital trip, but we didn’t know the full extent as to why he ended up in the hospital,” Mendez said after Monday’s USG meeting. “It all came out later on that he had gone to this party, had gotten severely intoxicated, and in his severely intoxicated state, he was spouting racial slurs.”

If USG decided to have an impeachment hearing, both sides would have one week to gather facts and testimony. Burke decided to forgo an impeachment trial and submitted his resignation letter the following day.

“Some things might have been said,” Burke said. “I’m not really 100 percent sure of what I said. I don’t remember anything. I mean, if I did say anything, I didn’t mean anything that I said because I was under the influence.”

According to USG sources, the incident was reported to and handled

by Point Park Student Life.

Burke said he is changing his actions going forward.

“I want to try and change my attitude,” Burke said. “I do realize this wasn’t my only mistake. I did make mistakes in the past, but this was the biggest one that I have made. I’m not blaming anyone else for the decisions I made on Saturday night -- those were totally on my own. I’m not blaming anyone. I can only blame myself

for what happened that night.”

Mendez said USG had previous discussions with Burke about his conduct with other students.

“He’s very strongly opinionated,” Mendez said. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but the way he presented his opinions and the way he dealt with other students’ opinions were less-than favorable. As a USG senator, you have to learn how to present your opinion in a way that won’t offend people. But this one instance was something that could not be tolerated at all.”

Burke said he is changing his habits and wants to make things right.

He said he has started to go back to church, attends weekly meetings of The Body Christian Fellowship and has a new job with ELF Entertainment, where he agreed to frequent alcohol and drug testing.

The freshman is still eligible to run in future USG elections.

“I’m trying to branch out to try to find my place and try to get better before I get back to USG,” Burke said.

“It might not be next semester; it may be junior year. I just want to try and get better for myself.”

King said after Monday’s USG meeting that the group worked quickly to take care of the situation.

“We try to take care of everything as professionally as possible,” King said. “We want everything to be taken care of quickly and in the right manner so there are no issues that can further the problem. We took appropriate action, went through every option, and when it came down to it, the senator resigned.”

Josh Croup can be reached at jdcroup@pointpark.edu.

USG opens discussion on shuttle routes to East Liberty grocers USG

By Sabrina Bodon USG Beat Writer

Point Park’s student government has taken on the task of investigating the need and routes of special shuttles following the meeting with Chris Hill, Vice President of Operations, last week.

In years past, a shuttle would transport students from the University to the East Liberty and Shadyside sites of Trader Joe’s, Target and Whole Foods, rather than the Waterfront shuttle on Fridays and Sundays due to road construction.

To determine the need, the United Student Government (USG) decided to send the issue to the Student Concerns Committee, who would then create a survey to be distributed to the student body.

“How I imagine it, I would want [the survey] to see the routes that students want to go to,” said Davion Heron, chairman of the Student Concerns Committee and press recording secretary of USG. On the topic of whether both shuttles have the potential to be offered, Dean Keith Paylo put financial cost into perspective.

“Anything’s possible,” Paylo said.

“We just have to do a cost analysis of what that means. We have to find the cost of the shuttles and availability of the drivers.”

During the meeting, parliamentarian Charles Murria made a motion to censure freshman COPA representative Daniel Murphy on four counts of “blatant” violations of Robert’s Rules, the system of parliamentary procedure USG uses during meetings.

“Basically, [censuring] is a formal slap on the wrist saying, ‘you have vi-

olated a constitutional procedure,’” vice president Gabe Dubin said.

“It stands for 60 days, and if you get three censures in those 60 days, you are automatically impeached from USG,” Murria said.

As per USG’s constitution, the parliamentarian must step forward with the motion on behalf of the person who sought out the censure.

From there, members of USG must anonymously cast a vote of whether or not to put the accused on censure.

Prior to the vote, Senator Murphy had the chance to speak to the censure movement.

“I don’t doubt that the manner in which I present myself in the meetings and as a representative may be seen as eccentric or unorthodox,” Murphy said. “I would say when asked to change the way I behave in meetings, I have simmered down... I will treat this censure movement the same way.”

By a secret ballot, USG unanimously determined the censure would not be instilled on Murphy.

USG welcomed new member Kris Chandler as a sophomore representative for the Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

“I felt there was personal need, an importance, to get more involved in the university from which I acted upon by joining USG,” Chandler said.

By joining USG, Chandler plans to lend a hand and contribute to everything the group has done so far.

“I see all the work [they do] without the school, and I hear about all the stuff, and I’d love to be a part of that,” Chandler said.

Chandler is a screenwriting major with a minor in political science.

Sabrina Bodon can be reached at sbodon@pointpark.edu.

dress at career fair from FAIR page 1 Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Live Nation Entertainment, CBS Radio, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and Steel City Media. The sports organizations Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates’ B.U.C.S. Academy both had tables at the event.

“Having people from the sports teams is always good, because they’re busy and they have a lot of choices in schools that they can attend the job fairs for,” Boucek said. “I think one student was particularly excited because the Steelers were here.”

One employer said they keep returning to the biannual job fairs because of the students that Point Park University has produced.

“I know a lot of the majors here are people we’re looking for. Criminal justice majors, for example,” said Jason Brown, Western Regional Manager for Pennsylvania’s State Civil Service, at the event. Brown said the Service has had a table at the event since he started working for the Civil Service four years ago.

Brown himself is a Point Park graduate, and received his master’s degree from the university in criminal justice and public administration in 2006.

“There are good students coming out of Point Park, and hopefully they can find employment with our various agencies and encourage other students to do the same,” Brown said.

Students were provided with informational packets and a variety of tools to assist them in appearing more professional at the job fair, including ties and cosmetic tools. According to Boucek, getting students to dress in a professional manner is a recurring problem at the job fairs hosted by the Career Development Center.

“One of the hardest issues for us is helping students to understand professional dress,” Boucek said.

“There’s a whole trendy fashion thing that people are into, and trendy fashion isn’t necessarily professional attire, so we have to work with students in that regard.”

Several employers at the fair acknowledge that respectable dress is an important factor in determining a student’s professionalism as well.

“I think sometimes it is hard to find appropriate clothing, or dress for the room,” said Michael Baltzer, Recruitment Manager for Public Allies. “Of course, I’m in a t-shirt,” Baltzer said, laughing.

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Baltzer noted that the largest mistake students made was that they failed to introduce themselves. Boucek said the Career Center emphasizes that students do a resume review and practice an “elevator speech,” or a 30 second introductory speech to make a good first impression on employers.

“Students make the mistake of saying to the employer, ‘I need an internship; what do you have?’ It’s kind of a turn-off to the employers,” Boucek said.

Senior sports, arts and entertainment management major Danielle Mahl said she tried to prepare mentally for the event.

“I had some anxiety when I came in, but I relaxed as I went down the line and talked to more people,” Mahl said.

“It was very good practice for networking and I made really good connections with some of the employers.”

Mahl said she was working on touching up her resume and didn’t come to the event with any physical copies, though she said she talked to around 15 employers.

“I got all the contact info from people and signed up for email lists so I can send it to them.” Satisfied with the fair, Mahl said she spoke to an event planning and venue company, exactly the kind of employer she was seeking to interact with.

Boucek said she believes the entire event went over very well, and that there were few negative complaints from students or employers at the event.

“There was some criticism from a few students who commented they had to make a stick-on nametag,” Boucek said. “We had provided made nametags for pre-registered students in the past, but we’re also looking at cost cutting measures because the university has been in a bit of a budget crunch.”

Still, Boucek said the Career Development Center was pleased with the numbers at the event.

“I talked to some employers, and everyone seemed to be upbeat with their interactions,” Boucek said.

“One employer told me they were all out of everything. They had given away all of their announcements, flyers and business cards. That’s a positive thing.

T R U S T

Iain Oldman can be reached at idoldma@pointpark.edu.

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Communication department’s new drone commercial license currently up in the air from JUMP page 1 is not considered to be for a hobby or recreational purpose.”

In December 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US government agency responsible for regulating the country’s air traffic laws, began requiring the registration of drones for commercial and recreational use. In addition to registration, all drone operators that don’t meet special recreational and hobby exemption requirements must receive a flying certification.

Chris Rolinson, Associate Professor of Photography and Photojournalism, was not expecting such complications when he asked university officials if it was ok to purchase a drone during the spring 2014 semester.

“I asked one time and I got it, so I mean I didn’t have to push very hard,” Rolinson said.

Rolinson knew drone photography was surging in popularity and he believed it would be a good idea to initially train himself so that he could then teach his students to use them.

He never intended for the drone to be used for commercial purposes, but rather as a new tool for teaching.

“Shortly thereafter, the federal government put a moratorium on

using them for commercial purposes, and that got me into asking questions with the university,” said Rolinson. He inquired whether its use would qualify as a commercial operation even though the University is a non-profit organization. He was told that it was commercial and that the drone could not be used for student instruction.

The drone in question is a DJI Phantom. It has four propeller blades and a GoPro camera attached to the bottom by a gimbal. It is also relatively small, nearly 14-inches in length and weighing just over 2.5 pounds, keeping it within the FAA’s weight requirements. Rolinson occasionally flew the drone himself and, since its grounding, has kept it at his house.

The School of Communication was not the only area at Point Park to have to address the changing federal drone regulations. When Terry Shirk, the Cinema Arts Department’s Safety Coordinator, started his position in August 2015, he was tasked with updating the department’s student production handbook to include the FAA’s new drone regulations.

“Up to that point there was no section on drones,” said Shirk.

According to Shirk, physical copies of the updated handbook were made available to students in introductory

film classes since last December, while a digital version is available online. It lists many of the FAA’s current guidelines, requires that drones used for student productions must be registered with the FAA and instructs students to turn in a copy of that registration to the Safety Coordinator’s office.

Shirk believes the use of drones by the film students would not currently be considered commercial. He was not previously aware that the School of Communication owned a drone, but admits the difference in interpretation might have to do with ownership. The Cinema Arts Department does not currently own a drone, meaning the students that do use them must use their own.

Sophomore cinema production major, David Randolph, was able to borrow his friend’s drone last year while shooting his sophomore production project.

“When it comes down to the legality of it, I’m not one hundred percent sure how that works, but for my film it was really an absolutely beautiful shot,” Randolph said. He obtained permission from the owner of the private park he was filming in and from the safety coordinator.

“However,” said Randolph, “certain teachers after the fact said I prob-

SAEM, WYEP partnership to provide students with ‘case study’ in marketing and promotion from REIMAGINATION page 1 program, and they and the Reimagination program were acting independently of one another when we realized we were sort of shooting for the same goal,” Greg Joseph said at the WYEP Community Broadcast Center on Pittsburgh’s South Side Saturday.

Joseph is an adjunct SAEM professor at Point Park, a board member at WYEP and member of the Clarks, a Pittsburgh rock band.

“The students at Point Park were trying to get managerial experience, and the students with the Reimagination program, who are high school students, were trying to get playing experience. It was the synergies of those two that make up the industry that it is – the promotional side and the managerial side,” Joseph said.

WYEP’s youth media group Reimagine Media is comprised of several area high school students interested in music promotion and radio production. The Reimagination CD, in its third year, is the major annual effort by the group where students pick musicians for the CD and work closely with artists in the recording process.

“Reimagination, to me, is an opportunity for high school age students to get their first chance at working in a recording studio, to get their first chance at being on a CD or album project, possibly their first chance to get out in front of audiences and to learn about the business of music,” Joseph said. “I don’t think there’s any other way to streamline or learn the industry as quickly in this community, or any community for that matter, as what we do with this project.”

According to Matthew Spangler, director of community engagement and education at WYEP, SAEM students will enhance the ban’s’ experience, giving them a roadmap for future promotion.

“To break it down, there are a couple of different things happening,” Spangler said at the WYEP Community Broadcast Center Saturday. “There are about 60 [SAEM] students that will be breaking up into groups of six to team up with our musicians and act as their marketing team. The degree is in sports, arts and entertainment management, this is giving them a case study, an opportunity to try what they’re learning in school and do it in a real world environment.”

The case study, Spangler said, will be an exercise for SAEM students in marketing music acts from the start of the project to its completion.

“The [SAEM] students are going to be creating a press/media kit, taking headshots of the musicians, creating bios, helping them with social media and also creating the bios for the CD booklet,” Spangler said. “The hope is that the Point Park students will be directly involved with the CD packaging. Included with that, there are three workshops with three professors and adjunct professors from Point Park University: Greg Joseph, Ed Traversari and Amy Cooper all on various aspects of touring, booking shows, copyrights, songwriting issues and things like that.”

The first workshop session on songwriting and copyrighting work was held Saturday, Feb. 13 at the WYEP studios on the South Side. The second will take place Saturday, Feb. 20 in Point Park’s JVH Auditorium and will be an introduction to SAEM for artists, Reimagine Media students and SAEM students involved with the project. The third workshop will be held at Stage AE. Spangler said the partnership will add another dimension to a student’s experience in the SAEM program.

“One thing that I’ve realized just in any career is that you need real world experience – you need internships, you need to flex your muscle, if you will – you need to practice your skill. With this program, SAEM may go through the entire experience without directly managing somebody” Spangler said. “They go through some courses, they learn some things, maybe they’re part of a project that helps out with someone from Pioneer Records, but this gives them an opportunity to practice and to experiment so that when they do go out into the world looking for, perhaps bands to manage, they have a portfolio already.”

The program not only helps the artists chosen to be in the compilation, but also gives experience to the Reimagine students who act as junior producers on the project.

“I think without a doubt that the music industry is based on networking,” Alex Barcic, a junior at Fox Chapel High School said Saturday at the WYEP community broadcast center. “No matter what you’re in – if

you’re [on] the radio, whether you’re an artist, a songwriter, or you’re a producer or recording engineer – I think networking has such a huge role in going where you want to be, wherever it is. Just to get involved in this program is such a helpful thing, I think.”

According to Spangler, the program has been successful in starting teens in the direction. An artist from the first Reimagination CD, Grace Tandon who now goes by the stage name Daya, has gone on to produce the Top 40 hit “Hide Away.” Reimagine’s goal is to provide artists with a similar, if not better, starting point.

“There are kids that go from having written their first song to playing in front of hundreds of people at the [Three Rivers] Arts Festival, or [having] a press kit, or [having] air play,” Greg Joseph said. “Those steps to go from first song to getting on a big stage for most people take years and for this we really give them an opportunity.”

Alexander Popichak can be reached at apopic@pointpark.edu.

ably won’t be allowed to do that again.”

He believed drones generally wouldn’t be allowed for school related films unless special permission was granted, but admits that their might be some confusion within the department.

Because of the new federal restrictions, Rolinson is uncertain about the future of drone use at the School of Communication.

“Because of that licensing process I’m not certain that students are ever going to be able to got to SPS and say, ‘Hey, give me a drone.’”

However, he does have some hopes for what is to come. He plans to register the drone with the FAA soon and complete the necessary flying certification in the coming summer.

In an ideal scenario, Rolinson envisions a class dedicated to drone flying where students are educated on drone safety and laws, eventually receiving a certification.

“There’s a lot of potential for a lot of people to have a reason to know how to do it,” said Rolinson. “But, the regulation right now makes it so that it’s probably not the right thing to do at this moment.”

Matt Nemeth can be reached at mjnemet@pointpark.edu.

Documentary a snapshot of life as an Afghanistan reporter

from DOCUMENTARY page 1 “This documentary goes a long way towards explaining the status of journalism and photojournalism, in particular, in Afghanistan, and by that you can learn the history of Afghanistan,” Fallon said.

Jacqueline Roberts, a junior journalism major, said she enjoyed the movie, saying that it was an eye-opener for her. The documentary enhanced her perspective on the photography field, particularly in Afghanistan.

“I mostly learned that photojournalism isn’t just a field,” Roberts said.

“It’s something that you do because you want to tell a story.”

As for Matt Nemeth, a senior photography major, he believed the movie gave him a basic understanding of the field outside of the United States. It connected his experience here in the U.S. with the experiences of the Afghanistan photographers.

“One of my favorite parts of the film was the more humanistic aspect to it...it was the perfect way to show that these people’s lives are just like ours,” Nemeth said.

Autumn Barszczowski can be reached at adbarsz@pointpark.edu.

photo by Gracey Evans

Point Park School of Communication, The Honors Program and the student chapter of the National Press Photographers Association hosted a screening of the award winning documentary “Frame by Frame” last Tuesday night in the JVH. The documentary features photojournalists in Afghanistan and the trials and tribulations they endure on a daily basis.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

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Point Park students create video for Red Bull contest Energy drink becomes currency for adventurous students

By Eddie Trizzino Co-Features Editor

A caffeinated trio of Point Park students has created a video in an attempt to win the opportunity to travel across Europe using nothing but their wits and a handful of energy drinks.

Tyler Bogden, Angela D’Occhio and Ryan McMahon have entered Red Bull’s “Can You Make It?” challenge, where a group of three college students were to make a minute-long video showcasing their adventurous personalities, skills and their love of Red Bull, trying to win the chance to compete in a race across Europe, sponsored by the energy drink company.

“I know I speak for all of us when I say that we don’t want to see these years go by and pass up opportunities like this where all you need is a simple application and video,” D’Occhio, a junior acting major, said.

“We’re young and in the time in our lives where we don’t have anything holding us back, and it’s a time when this would just be an amazing thing to do,” said Bogden, a sophomore sports, arts and entertainment management (SAEM) major.

Thousands of other videos were entered, and 165 teams of three—18 teams, from each country— photo courtesy of Tyler Bogden will be chosen by voters on the contest’s website.

Angela D’Occhio, Tyler Bogden and Ryan McMahon each consider themselves best friends, even only after a Voting is now open and will continue until Mar. 7. short time knowing and working with each other. They are now entering a contest through Red Bull to win the chance to compete in a race across Europe.

“I think we have a pretty good shot,” D’Occhio and McMahon, a sophomore SAEM major, bonded over this experience. pushing the video through social media and even said in unison.

“Honestly, I can’t imagine going through this appeared on KDKA on Feb. 10.

Their video features the three students going “We woke up... with hundreds of messages around Pittsburgh handing out cans of Red Bull with anyone else,” McMahon said.

Bogden, McMahon and D’Occhio each said that about the video,” Bogden said. along the way, while showing off their personalithey just enjoy watching their creMcMahon said that he thinks of Pittsburgh as ties. D’Occhio also provided a voiation, and enjoyed that they have a very supportive city, and that the three will garceover for the video. themselves watched it “at least 500 ner votes through simple recognition.

“The video was supposed to to 600 times.”

“There’s something so powerful about how show who you are, what sets you “I’m just super proud of what this contest has succeeded in the past with human apart and how you can barter and we did, just the fact that we put it interaction,” D’Occhio said. “The fact that kids survive,” McMahon said. “You together and it ended up so good,” have succeeded in this contest just by asking anjust ‘gotta’ be a charmer.”

Bogden said. other human for help is amazing to me.”

Bogden said that much of the If their video gets enough The final winners of the race will win a free video was in-the-moment action, votes, Red Bull will fly them to three month trip around Europe for the entire which they used to their advanone of five starting points in Eu- summer. tage, such as getting a wide shot rope to begin the race on April 12.

“Being in Europe three months for free with of the city from an airplane, and The contestants have seven days you guys would be crazy,” Bogden said. himself getting a Red Bull tattoo. to reach the finish, and the only “Even if we lose, it’s good; I might not come “It was so unplanned and the rules are that they can only use back,” McMahon, thinking ahead to where he may guy was really excited to do it, Red Bull to barter and trade for be in Europe, said. and it was something that I probgoods and services and they can“I don’t care where we’d have to sleep. I don’t ably would have done eventually not use cell phones or even their care if I can’t shower. We are going to make it to anyway,” Bogden, who paid for own money, according to the the end,” D’Occhio, imagining what the trip would the tattoo with three cans of Red competition’s website. be like, said.

Bull, said. “We wanted to see how “I’ve never won anything like “I think even if worse comes to worse, we got far we could take it.” this before, and if this were to the chance to do it and I think we’ll put all of our“It’s just a bunch of kids on happen it would just be like whoa, selves into it and go into the rest wholeheartedly,” Redbull having fun in the city,” Angela D’Occhio it really does happen to people,” Bogden said.

McMahon said. “It’s exploring, Junior acting major McMahon said. energetic and adventurous.

Point Park University “I think if we actually get choThe three students haven’t sen we’ll be able to think more known each other for very long. about it, but our main goal right Bogden and McMahon met last Eddie Trizzino semester and D’Occhio, who is Bogden’s resident now is just getting people to vote for us,” D’Occan be reached at educator (RE), joined them in January to com- chio said. eatrizz@pointpark.edu To accomplish this goal, the three have been plete the line-up. Since then, they said they have all

“I know I speak for all of us when I say we don’t want to see these years go by and pass up opportunities like this where all you need is a simple application and video.”

Late Night Bingo to grant wishes for students

By Kristina Pacifico For the Globe

The Lawrence Hall multipurpose room is set to transform into a Disney fanatic’s dream Feb. 18 with the return of one of the most popular student events of the month -- Late Night Bingo.

“With the latest crazes of ‘Frozen’ and ‘Star Wars’ coming back out, the Disney brand name has been very big again,” said Jocelyn Hyrb, CAB’s Pioneer Series Coordinator, in an interview last Thursday. “We just figured it’s so loved by people.”

This will be the second Late Night Bingo event of the semester hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) as part of their Pioneer Series. Last month’s bingo event drew quite a crowd, making it one of the more well-attended events of the semester.

“Our big prize is a karaoke machine and we are putting along a ‘Frozen’ karaoke CD with it. We also have a stuffed ‘Lady and the Tramp’ plush paired with a Noodles & Company gift card because, you know, spaghetti,” Hyrb said. “There’s even a Disney princess sleeping bag, but

the rest will be a surprise.” science major, was also impressed Many students look forward to by last month’s large turnout. this month’s Late Night Bingo due “I had a lot of fun even though it to its prizes and socially competi- was so crowded. We had to sit on the tive atmosphere. floor,” Namey said last Wednesday “I kept losing and then final- in an interview at the Point Café. ly, I won,” Carlin Diachun, junior “There weren’t even enough chips, intelligence and so we took stickers national security from the CAB table major, said last and ripped them up to Wednesday in make our own chips.” an interview. “I To combat the came to find out problem of running you have to run out of bingo chips, up and be first at CAB has ordered the prize table.” more for this month’s Every binevent. The location go night attracts has also been quite a an overwhelming challenge for CAB’s amount of students, bingo events due to and Hyrb says that limited facilities. these bingo nights Mike Turk “We found that have gained a cult- Freshman Broadcast Journal- this [multipurpose ism major like following. room] location might “Last month Point Park university pose a problem with was the first time capacity,” Hyrb said.

I went, and I was impressed by how “I mean, we’ve never had to turn anymany people were there and how well one away, but it’s a very central locait was organized,” Mike Turk, fresh- tion so kids prefer this.” man broadcast journalism major, As to the reason why so many said in an interview last Wednesday students attend Late Night Bingo, in Lawrence Hall.

Namey thinks it’s because “college Max Namey, a freshman forensic kids love free stuff.”

“Last month was the first time I went, and I was impressed by how many people were there.”

“I think everyone at Point Park just wants to say, ‘I won Late Night Bingo,’” Hyrb said.

Kristina Pacifico can be reached at kmpacif@pointpark.edu.

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

FEATURES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

5

Point Park students to march for Bernie Sanders to attend the event. She is not new to political activism, having previously participated in the Co-Sports Editor 2015 anti-racism event “Mass March Against the In 2008, Hillary Clinton comfortably won Racist Wars at Home and Abroad” as well as the the Pennsylvania presidential primary against 2015 anti-rape event “Take Back the Night.” This a man offering bold progressive change named will be her first time voting, however.

“I used to think that young people should stay Barack Obama. Now, Clinton is running against a out of politics because it just wasn’t our place; we democratic socialist named Bernie Sanders, who weren’t adults yet,” Ortego said. “But then whenevis offering an even bolder progressive change. er I turned 18 and registered to vote, and now with Derek Morris and others are organizing a the election coming up, I think it’s very important.

“March for Bernie” from Oakland to Downtown I’ve never felt this strongly about politics before.” on Feb. 27, around two months prior to PennsylIt is primarily the socialist political message of vania’s presidential primary. Several Point Park Sanders’ campaign that really resonates with Ortego. students plan to attend.

“I like the way he talks.

I like how he appeals to “This race is not about Hillary Clinton,” said millennials, but not the way Hillary Clinton does,” one of the organizers, Greg Schaffer, via phone Ortego said.

The distillation of Clinton’s appeals interview Feb 13. “It’s about Bernie Sanders.” to millennials is her doing the “Whip/Nae Nae” There are over ten Point Park students plandance on The Ellen Degeneres Show, Ortego said, ning to attend the event out of the total of 1,300, giggling.

“He talks about what we want to hear: according to the event’s Facebook page. An adfree education, helping the people, making sure ditional 4,000 people are interested in going, the top one percent doesn’t hog all the money in many among them also Point Park students. our country, and he talks about The event is several hours long, ‘Black Lives Matter,’ which is with pre-registration beginning something really important to at 9:30. The event includes voter me.” registration, a rally, as well as a Another Point Park student march ending in Market Square. planning to attend is sophomore Morris, the creator of this theater major Maia Gilmour. event, has never been involved in “This is kind of the first time activism before.

I’ve been involved in politics at “I’m really surprised that this all,” Gilmour said.

“And I think exploded like it did,” Morris said. that says a lot about who Bernie “It’s a bit different for me.” is as a candidate because I was Over $1,600 has been raised never really interested in polito run the event so far. tics and I never really saw the “So many people have donatimportance of politics until I ed to me who I don’t even know,” heard what he had to say.”

Morris said. “I’m not even from For Gilmour, the other Pittsburgh. I live 30 to 45 minutes candidates for president just outside of the city.” can’t compete with Sanders.

He started the event because Maia Gilmour “He has the ability to recoghe saw a dearth of activism for the Sophomore Theater Major nize the hardships of all different Sanders campaign in Pittsburgh Point Park University types of people, not just people and is passionate about supporting like himself,” Gilmour said. the candidate, who he knew of beThese two Point Park stufore he decided to run for president. dents are within the demographic of Sanders “I just felt something… I just really think that supporters under attack by Gloria Steinem, a it’s time for us, together, to stand up, I really do,” well-known and lauded feminist writer and ache said. “I believe in his message.”

Schaffer, a University of Virginia graduate tivist who disparaged young women supporting who studied history and African-American studies, Sanders instead of Clinton on “Real Time with learned about Morris’ event through another group Bill Maher.”

“When you’re young, you’re thinking, ‘Where he is a part of called “Burgers for Bernie,” which are the boys?’ [and] the boys are with Bernie,” Schaffer said has contact with the national campaign.

Steinem said in an interview with Maher.

Schaffer has been involved with organizing Ortego and Gilmour were both aware of debate watch parties, distributing merchandise, this statement, and, suffice to say, were not scheduling, getting permits, outfitting events happy when they heard it. technologically, and more. Because of his experi“I got so mad after I read that,” said Orence, Schaffer felt he would be a big help to Mortego.

“To say that girls are only voting for Berris, who he had not met previously. nie Sanders because that’s how the boys are “Derek didn’t have experience in the same voting?

That’s not how you get young women way that our group does,” Schaffer said. “I wantto vote with you.” ed to make sure everything was done by the It’s not just that the statement is unlikely book.” to get young women to vote for Clinton that Sophomore psychology major Lauren Orupsets these two Sanders supporters. tego is one of the Point Park students planning

By Matt Petras

“This is kind of the first time I’ve been involved in politics at all and I think that says a lot about who Bernie is as a candidate...”

“I think that is very inaccurate, and I think it goes against a lot of the beliefs of feminism itself,” Gilmour said. “It’s suggesting that women don’t have the intelligence to choose a candidate and that they should just choose the female because ‘it’s their time.’”

Ortego added that she appreciates that Sanders’ is further to the left economically than Clinton, and Gilmour pointed out his honesty.

They both think he is more consistent as well.

It isn’t just young female Bernie Sanders supporters who are receiving gendered criticism, but males too. The term “Bernie Bro,” which describes sexist Sanders supporters, has become popular as the Sanders campaign has gained traction.

“I mean, there are millions of people involved in his campaign, so we’re talking about a lot of different people with different reasons for supporting this candidate. Are some of those people going to be sexist? Yeah,” said Schaffer. “Are they going to be people who are principally motivated by sexism? I don’t know, I think they’d probably support someone like Trump if that was the case.”

Sanders is a special guy for these supporters, not because they’re looking for boys or because they illicit sexist feelings toward Clinton, but because his message speaks to them.

“Bernie is a once-in-a-lifetime candidate,” Schaffer said.

Matt Petras can be reached at mapetra@pointpark.edu.

Mardi Gras mini-golf gets subpar turnout Student attendance in the rough for first-time event

By Julian Kovacs

Staff Photographer

Joci Hyrb, the Pioneer Series Coordinator, was given the position to create an alternative event for Point Park students during the after hours on the weekends. She, along with Leah Sero and Louis Spanos, who are also CAB activity coordinators, want-

ed to create a fun, competitive, Mardi Gras-themed activity that helps bring out the fun and relieve stress in students – Mini-Golfing.

Even though the turnout wasn’t the biggest for a CAB event, they still managed to attract a good number of students who came and had fun with one another.

“We usually have at least over

photo by Julian Kovacs

Students wore masks while golfing to match the theme of Mardi Gras mini-golf.

This was the first CAB mini-golf event held this year.

50-60 people coming into our CAB events but they are usually during the weekdays,” Hyrb, explaining the lower than expected turnout for mini-golfing, said. “CAB wanted us to keep an alternative open all the time on every second Saturday night so we are becoming more creative in what activities we can provide.

“We wanted something extravagant and it was thrown out there,” Hyrb said while explaining the conception of midnight mini-golf.

“It was the same week as Mardi Gras, and we wanted students to feel like they were mini-golfing in the streets of New Orleans. Plus, we wanted an activity with some competition.

“We are very committed to the program. We want to provide students creative and diverse activities,” Spanos said while greeting students to the mini-golf games.

“We thought it was a classic and easy to theme,” Sero said.

Even though the weather was bad and the temperatures outside were well below freezing, it did not stop students from joining in the fun. The venue provided cupcakes and music students can dance to in case they get a hole in one.

Juliana Rossi and Kristi Che-

narides, both SAEM majors and roommates were having fun and enjoying themselves while wearing Mardi Gras masks.

“We want to have fun on campus,” Ross said.

Ross and Chenarides are under the age 21 and usually frequent the events. They feel they found a more convenient way to have a good time on a Saturday night.

CAB events provide options for students who are under the drinking age. They provide activities outside of the bar scene on the South Side or Oakland on Saturday nights.

Many students are also busy with classwork on weekdays.

Luke Griffo, along with a group of classmates and roommate, were having a good time with one another.

“I’m really enjoying playing minigolf,” Griffo said.

Julian Kovacs can be reached at jahorta@pointpark.edu.

6

OPINIONS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

The PC police is stamping on my speech, definitely

’S

POINT

By Laura Byko

LGBTQ+ inclusivity is key for Point Park community Valentine’s Day recently passed, with plentiful reminders of heteronormative sex and romance in movies and music consumed over the weekend in celebration. Commercialized hetero love is pretty boring; we here at The Globe are more interested in the love floating around among LGBTQ+ people.

The “Love Only Project” is a sweet, fun photography event that has given LGBTQ+ folk more representation during a time of year they sorely need it. The “Love Only Project” is focused on producing charming, lovable photos of LGBTQ+ people.

Sadly, a look through the project’s Facebook page reveals less Point Park involvement than years past. Before, Point Park students would get involved, snapping fun pictures, which is a good way to give attention to LGBTQ+ community.

Point Park has a large number of queer students (as well as professors), but so much more can always be done within the school to celebrate. Although some steps have been taken, such as the previously mentioned photography project, there should be more student and faculty upkeep on similar ideas like it around campus.

LGBTQ+ students may also need some backing support to maintain confidence about showing their colors in public. For some, this may not be an issue,

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

but others need to know that they will not be judged. Of course, some don’t want this kind of attention in the first place, but even so, they should still feel safe in being themselves on campus.

Perhaps venues and events hosted by and featuring LGBTQ+ artists should become more of an emphasis. The queer community at Point Park is full of diverse, expansive and brilliant artists, and venues should be afforded to showcase their talents.

Even in regards to the recent Condom Carnival, there was an abundance of representation for heterosexual and homosexual sex between two men, with condoms and lube easily accessible at nearly every table. However, there seemed to be only one table with dental dams and no one attending it for most of the event. The inclusion of dental dams is a good thing, but the underrepresentation is something we could work to avoid in the future.

With such a large LGBTQ+ community at Point Park, everything we can do to create an all inclusive environment is important.

The Globe can be reached at globe@pointpark.edu.

Co-Opinions Editor

You hear a lot these days about political correctness, especially on college campuses, and for good reason. Sometimes it feels like every time I voice my opinion, a whole crowd of naïve, babied college kids are trying to jump down my throat and say that I’m wrong.

Well, I’m not going to be silenced.

Nothing is gained by giving in to a stifling, militantly politically correct culture. That’s why I’m standing up for free speech. That’s why I refuse to stop saying that Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, was actually three children in a trench coat.

When I state my beliefs, as is my right as an American, people jump down my throat. They say things like, “That is factually, historically incorrect information. The term ‘politically incorrect’ means something else entirely.’”

But they can’t shut me down. I’ll get the truth out there. I know it can make people uncomfortable; I know that I’m controversial. But I also know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Calvin Coolidge is not, in fact, a singular man, but is rather three children cleverly disguised as a president.

Consider Coolidge’s nickname: Silent Cal. Coolidge was notoriously sparse with his words. This could be, as the prevailing wisdom would have you believe, because he was a reserved man who spoke carefully.

Or, it could be because it helped to keep his secret. A president made of three boys in a trench coat would obviously want to speak as little as possible to hide that the voice of the boy whose face is visible hasn’t changed yet.

Speaking rarely under the guise of being quirkily unforthcoming would be the perfect way to convince the public

that Coolidge was an actual person who was qualified to be president.

But when I make these points, people try to call the PC Police on me. I can practically hear the sirens wailing, the officers waiting to cuff me and take me to the PC Police Station, located in Whineville, USA. In this hypersensitive time in America, people say things to me like, “I think you fundamentally misunderstand what ‘politically incorrect’ means. It does not, in fact, refer to situations in which people do not think your facts about politics are correct. The idea of Calvin Coolidge being three boys in a trench coat is fun, sure, but it is inaccurate. You are not being persecuted. Please stop talking about this.”

They can’t stop me, though. I’ll continue to court controversy by exercising my First Amendment rights.

Consider that Coolidge only became president because Warren G. Harding died in office. Coolidge never wanted to be thrust into the spotlight. A great way to become largely forgotten by history is to become vice president. This was what the three children in the trench coat wanted, but their plans were thwarted

by Harding’s untimely death.

We can only imagine these children’s motivation, but market deregulation and a general enjoyment of chaos seem to be factors.

So come at me, college campus PC police. I’ll never stop talking about the truth about Calvin Coolidge, or that James A. Garfield was actually a broom wearing a very convincing beard.

Laura Byko can be reached at lobyko@pointpark.edu.

Racially diverse Barbies, step in the right direction

By Johanna Wharran Co-Opinions Editor

Impossibly thin, impossibly tall and not-so impossibly blonde; this is the image of the classic Barbie doll.

Barbie’s unrealistic, well, almost everything wasn’t the only problem she had, until Mattel, the parent company that produces Barbie, made some changes in the Barbie doll line up.

Mattel is releasing a new line of dolls called “fashionistas.” According to Barbie’s official website the new line includes 4 body types, 7 skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hairstyles. Dolls will now come in a variety of ethnicities and sizes, while their clothes and over-all looks won’t remain so cookie-cutter perfect either.

Curvy, petite and tall are the new body types being introduced.

The original Barbie body type is still available and includes the new skin tones, eye colors and hairstyles.

In my experience, the most publicized and talked about change is the body type of each doll. Barbies have long been criticized for their impossible body type — giving young girls the idea they should strive to be like her, when in reality it’s unrealistic for masses of young girls to imagine they’ll all grow up supermodel thin.

Body positivity is a movement ant, is the introduction of new skin we should all get behind, and Barbie tones, eye colors and hairstyles. taking a step in that direction is a Growing up as a white girl with pretty big deal for young girls. blue eyes and brown hair, it wasn’t Dolls are not only playthings for hard to find a Barbie, or any other children, but also doll, that looked vessels for them like me. But for to project themany other skin colselves onto. Introor or hair texture, ducing more difinding a doll that verse dolls allows matches you isn’t young girls to play such an easy feat. with dolls more These girls aren’t closely resembling given the same opthemselves and portunity to projthe people they ect themselves on see around them, to their toys when rather than a doll they play, because whose looks are their dolls don’t unattainable. look like them.

The amount The Guardof diversity among ian gave a group the dolls is great of girls from ages for a first step at Johanna Wharran two to eight and a making them more Co-Opinions Editor, two-year-old boy relatable — there The Globe the new tall, curvy is even a new doll and petite Barbies that looks like me, to play with. The blue hair and all. children seemed To say the body types are realistic is to like the curvy dolls because they still a bit of a stretch, but bringing were stronger and easier to hold, representation to the bodies of real rather than their more realistic body women is doing more good than bad types. The skin and hair colors, howat this point. ever, did leave an impression.

The change I’ve heard much less Some of the children took a about, but is arguably more import- liking to the dolls that looked like

Introducing more diverse dolls allows young girls to play with dolls more closely resembling themselves and the people they see around them...

1967- The Globe board consists of Josh Croup and fellow editors. Opinion articles, 2016 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.

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Josh Croup, Editor-in-Chief Anthony Mendicino, Co-News Editor Alexander Popichak, Co-News Editor Karly Rivera, Co-Features Editor Eddie Trizzino, Co-Features Editor Johanna Wharran, Co-Opinions Editor Laura Byko, Co-Opinions Editor Michael Richter, Co-Sports Editor Matt Petras, Co-Sports Editor Dominique Hildebrand, News Photo Editor Chloe Jakiela, Features Photo Editor Liz Berie, Sports Photo Editor Julianne Griffith, Layout Editor Alex Grubbs, Co-Copy Desk Chief Emily Bennett, Co-Copy Desk Chief Kayla Novak, Copy Editor Carrie Reale, Copy Editor Beth Turnbull, Copy Editor Quinn Baumeister, Copy Editor Isabelle Opsitos, Copy Editor Dana Bohince, Online Editor

them, stating they sometimes like to play with dolls that look like them, as well as dolls that don’t.

Lela, 8, even said she thought the new dolls were more fun because they looked like real people she saw walking down the street.

The new sizes and skin colors of the dolls, as I said, are a step in the right direction, but the work is far from done. Barbie dolls are still lacking an equal mix of skin tones and hair types.

Most of the new dolls are still hyper-feminine representations of women. Only three of the new dolls are wearing pants, and only four have hair lengths above their shoulders. There is much more diversity among women that will hopefully be incorporated into Barbie in the future, but until then, we’re on the right path.

Johanna Wharran can be reached at jmwharr@pointpark.edu.

Gerri Tipton, Online Editor Sabrina Bodon, USG Beat Reporter Brianna Murray, Social Media Editor Alexa Yanyanin, Social Media Editor Emily Yount, Graphic Designer Arianna Khalil, Graphic Designer Maggie McCauley, Public Relations Coordinator Kariann Mano, Business Manager Iain Oldman, Staff Writer Dr. Steven Hallock, Faculty Adviser

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THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

SPORTS CROUP’S CORNER

By Josh Croup Sports Columnist

Seniors key in final stretch As frustrating as the season has been at times for the Point Park women’s basketball team, the Pioneers still have a shot at hosting a playoff game and making a run at the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) tournament championship.

Fifth-year head coach Tony Grenek told our Co-Sports Editor Michael Richter in last week’s Globe that his team doesn’t have what it takes to be successful.

“I don’t think we have the heart to succeed, to be honest with you,” Grenek said. “They’re a great bunch of kids. They’re nice. But they don’t want to be successful. They’re happy with the status quo, and it’s been frustrating. It’s been this way all season long.”

Those are harsh words, but Grenek is not one to downplay errors.

He sets the bar high and doesn’t like to settle for average.

That’s what you want and need out of a head coach – someone who holds players accountable and doesn’t accept less than their best.

The season has been frustrating at times. In Grenek’s five years at Point Park, the team hasn’t lost more games than as it has this year.

But when one takes into consideration what he had to work with entering the season, any normal observer would consider an 18-9, 11-4 KAIC record acceptable.

The starting five for Point Park at the beginning of the year consisted of mostly role players with no stars or standouts.

Last week, we saw what this team really can do when all cylinders are clicking.

After a rough 75-57 loss against Rio Grande, Point Park bounced back with two wins over subpar conference opponents in Carlow and Midway (Ky.).

Now, the two weren’t the best teams Point Park has played this season. But the 11-11 Carlow Celtics and 0-26 Midway Eagles gave Point Park

a chance to relax, have fun and shoot the lights out of the gym.

The Pioneers jumped out to a 17-4 lead in the first quarter against Carlow and won by 20 points. They then routed the winless Eagles 88-46 on senior night.

Senior night was fun to watch.

Again, Midway was 0-26. But the game still needed played and the players still had to make their shots.

Seniors Carly Corcoran, Alexa Xenakis, Leah Hurst and Briauna Brownfield all were in the starting lineup for Point Park.

The seniors shot out of the gate with back-to-back 3-pointers from Xenakis and Corcoran who, along with Hurst, camped out beyond the arc all night.

Xenakis and Corcoran finished with five triples each, and Hurst connected on three of her long-range attempts.

Point Park totaled 17 3-pointers on the night, the most in one game since Grenek took over as head coach.

To put that number in perspective, the Pioneers made 20 3-pointers in their last five conference games combined.

Those three seniors – Xenakis, Corcoran and Hurst - need to step up the most in the final two regular season games and into postseason play.

They know what it takes to win, they know the amount of effort required to survive and advance in the KIAC tournament and they know they only have a few games left together.

“They’re nice,” Grenek said about his team. “But they don’t want to be successful.”

Now it’s time for these seniors to lead the way and prove that they want to, and can be, successful.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

7

Indoor track and field teams in final stretch

By Liz Berie

Sports Photo Editor

With the indoor season nearing its end, multiple Point Park athletes are close to qualifying for nationals.

Sophomore jumper Jryi Davis and sophomore distance runner Katie Guarnaccia have already qualified for the national meet.

A total of seven records were broken at Saturday’s Baldwin Wallace mid-February meet on Friday. The men’s team placed 2nd of 15 teams at the meet and the women took 3rd of 15 teams.

The men’s 2x400 relay team highlighted the day by setting a school record time of 1 minute, 38.77 seconds.

Senior Eric Biggs, sophomore Theo Washington, and freshmen Desmond Marrow and Tyrone Robinson were the group to break the record.

“The level of competition is a lot higher than the past meets we’ve been to,” Biggs said. “I don’t really remember anybody doing poorly at the meet. I’m expecting a good meet out of everyone.”

Sophomore sprinter JaQuan Lavender finished second in the men’s 200-meter with his time of 23.41 seconds.

“Just a few months ago I had a strained hamstring that set me back, but I continued to fight through it,” Lavender said. “If anything, [the] obstacles I had overcome were being hurt and returning back strong.”

Since Davis is already in nationals for the triple jump, he has different expectations going into the Pioneers’ last meet at Kent State University this Saturday.

“The track can be a factor at times,” Davis said. “There are things that we have to overcome and this is one of them. I know that everybody is going to be performing their best at Kent State.”

For the women, the highlight of the night was the 2x400 meter dash after the Pioneers set a new school record. The sophomore team of Chereese Langley, Aneia Dutrieuille, Olukemi Olugbakinro and Amber Brown won the event with their time of 1 minute, 47.11 seconds.

Freshman mid-distance runner Madison Przicina is one Point Park athlete close to qualifying for nationals. Przicina set a team record in the 800-meter run with a time of 2 minutes, 25.86 seconds. She has high expectations for Saturday’s meet at Kent State.

“I’m nervous, but I feel like I do well under pressure and knowing that it’s the last chance to qualify for nationals,” Przicina said. “I feel like that’ll just motivate me that much more to go after it.”

Other records that were broken by the women include the 55-meter dash time of 7.39 seconds by freshman sprinter, hurdler and jumper Onon Kadimas, the 500-meter run time of 1:24.65 by Olugbakinro, the 1,000-meter run time of 3:18.07 by Guarnaccia, and the 55-meter hurtle dash time of 8.76 seconds by Kadima.

Point Park travels to Ohio this weekend for the Kent State Tune-Up. It is the last chance for athletes to qualify for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Indoor National Championship Meet held March 3-5 at Johnson City, Tenn.

Liz Berie can be reached at erberi@pointpark.edu.

Josh Croup can be reached at jdcroup@pointpark.edu.

Page 7 Photos courtesy of Liz Berie, Point Park Athletics

Sophomore sprinter Chereese Langley rushes to the finish line with sophomore sprinter Jahniah McAllister behind her to a dash.

Freshman shot putter Leah Sero recieved ninth place in the event with a throw at 10.39 meters during Friday, Feb. 12 at Baldwin Wallace.

Freshman mid-distance runner Desmond Marrow gives the baton to freshman sprinter and hurdler Bryan Partika in an attempt to qualify for nationals at Baldwin Wallace on Feb. 12.

8

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2016

SPORTS

THE GLOBE NEWSPAPER POINT PARK UNIVERSITY

Fun and threes fuel victory on senior night By: Michael Richter Co-Sports Editor

After dominating the winless Midway University, senior Point Park women’s basketball players Leah Hurst and Alexa Xenakis wrapped their arms around each other and did a small dance before leaving the court.

“Honestly, it was more fun than anything,” said Hurst. “We played for each other. It is a good memory to have.”

The Pioneers routed Midway 8846 during Senior Night at home on Feb. 11. With an 18-9 overall record and a 10-4 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) record, Point Park currently holds second place in the KIAC Colonial Division.

Midway limited Point Park to single-digit leads throughout the first quarter, as the Pioneers struggled to make shots early on. However, after the first quarter, the Pioneers offense turned up its efficiency.

In the first seven minutes of the second quarter, the Pioneers went on a 23-6 run, where forward Carly Forse scored 10 points. The Pioneers finished the half with a 16-point lead.

It’s raining threes In the second half, the Pioneers shot 47 percent from 3-point range — which allowed them to rack up 10 3-pointers in the final two quarters against Midway. Point Park scored 49 points in the second half. 61 percent of those points came from 3-point tries.

With the Pioneers consistently making baskets, Midway did not have any chance to make a comeback in the second half.

The Pioneers made 42.5 percent of their 3-point attempts. They made 17 3-point shots altogether, totaling

51 points. About 58 percent of Point on people’s faces,” Grenek said. “This Park’s points against Midway came was huge because we have been from 3-point attempts. struggling to make shots as of late.”

“We’re capable of getting hot,” said Point Park head coach Tony Honoring the seniors Grenek. “We have really good shootPrior to the Pioneers’ obliterers, and it was falling for us tonight.” ation of Midway, Point Park honPoint Park seniors Carly Corcor- ored its four senior players - Xean and Xenakis started off the game nakis, Hurst, Corcoran and Briauna with a pair of Brownfield.

3-pointers, The four playwhich foreers were introshadowed the duced individualrest of the game ly over the P.A. in against Midfront of the crowd way. Both seat CCAC South. niors made five Upon hear3-pointers vering their names sus Midway. called, each senior Corcoran met their parents accumulated all at the center of of her 15 points the court. on shots from All four playbeyond the arc. ers received loud Four of her applause from the five successcrowd, especially ful 3-point atXenakis. tempts occurred During an inin the fourth terview after the quarter. In adgame, Xenakis dition, she possaid that she Photo courtesy of Liz Berie, Point Park sessed the best thanked God for Athletics 3-point shootthe support of her Senior guard Alexa Xenakis scored a ing percentage family, who were season-high 21 points during a senior of the game - 71 in attendance. night victory against Midway on Feb. 11 percent.

Coupled with beat CCAC South.

F u e l e d ing able to play in by her strong front of her faminight from 3-point range, Xenakis ly, Xenakis’ fun with her teammates finished with 21 points – scoring the on the court made her senior night most points of the game. unforgettable.

“The threes kept us rolling,” “This is the best night I’ve ever said Xenakis. had,” Xenakis said.

Following the victory, Grenek With the regular season coming said that the Pioneers’ great night to a close, Xenakis reminisced about from 3-point range served as a confi- her time at Point Park and emphadence-booster for his team. sized the importance of her team “It was great to see a lot of smiles and teammates.

“It [the women’s basketball team] seriously meant everything,” Xenakis said. “Basketball is my whole life. I love every single one of my teammates. It is hard to imagine life without them and the team.”

In addition, Hurst referred to her teammates as sisters during a postgame interview.

Before coming to Point Park, Hurst played for Alderson Broaddus University. She felt unwelcome during her time with that team and transferred to Point Park. She wanted teammates with whom she could bond, which is what happened when she transferred.

“Everybody was so kind and open,” Hurst said. “I bonded immediately with a bunch of my teammates.”

Hurst stressed that the close-knit relationships with her teammates has meant a great deal to her.

“I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to be surrounded by on and off the court,” Hurst said. “That’s all you ever want in a team is to feel like a family. That’s what makes a team win close games and have fun together.”

Up next: The Pioneers play their last two regular season games on the road.

They play at IU Southeast on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m., and IU Kokomo on Feb. 20 at noon. If they win both of their final regular season games, they will be guaranteed to play at home in the opening round of the KIAC tournament on Feb. 24.

Michael Richter can be reached at mwricht@pointpark.edu.